Switzerland by Train: The Exact 5-Day Scenic Route Using the Glacier Express and Bernina Express (With Ticket Prices)
There are scenic train rides — and then there’s Switzerland in summer, where glaciers sparkle above wildflower meadows and the sun lingers past 9:30pm. If you want the most efficient, jaw-dropping way to see the Swiss Alps without renting a car, this is the exact 5-day route I recommend.
This itinerary combines the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, two of Europe’s most famous panoramic trains, with smart overnight stops so you’re not just staring through glass for five straight days.
Key Takeaways
- Full 5-day route from Lucerne to Tirano costs ~$320–$420 in train tickets with a Swiss Travel Pass.
- Glacier Express: 8 hours, 291 km, seat reservation CHF 49 (~€50) in summer 2026.
- Bernina Express: 4 hours, 144 km, reservation CHF 28 (~€29).
- Best season: June–September for green valleys and full service schedules.
- Book tickets at sbb.ch and reserve panoramic seats early.
Overview: The Exact 5-Day Scenic Route
Day 1: Lucerne → Interlaken (GoldenPass route)
Day 2: Interlaken → Zermatt
Day 3: Glacier Express: Zermatt → St. Moritz
Day 4: St. Moritz → Tirano (Bernina Express) → Overnight in Pontresina/St. Moritz
Day 5: St. Moritz → Zurich
Total rail distance: approx. 650+ km across alpine passes, 291 bridges, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct.
Day 1: Lucerne to Interlaken (GoldenPass Line Warm-Up)
Start in Lucerne. It’s compact, walkable, and 1 hour from Zurich Airport by direct train (CHF 30 / ~€31, 1h). Taxi: CHF 250+, 50 min. Train wins.
Take the Lucerne–Interlaken Express (part of the GoldenPass route). Travel time: 1h 50m. Standard 2nd class: CHF 36 (~€37) without a pass.
You’ll pass turquoise Lake Lungern and climb the Brünig Pass. Sit on the right side leaving Lucerne for better lake views.
Where to Stay (Interlaken)
Hotel Interlaken — from CHF 220/night in summer.
Balmers Hostel — dorm beds from CHF 55.
Switzerland isn’t cheap. Compared to average European summer rentals (see our breakdown of Europe’s most expensive holiday rental markets in 2026), Switzerland sits near the top — but the infrastructure justifies it.
Dinner Tip
Skip touristy menus on Höheweg. Go to Hüsi Bierhaus for sausages and local beer (CHF 28–35 per person).
Day 2: Interlaken to Zermatt (Into Matterhorn Country)
Travel time: ~2h 15m via Spiez and Visp. Standard fare: CHF 75 (~€77). With a Swiss Travel Pass (4 days): CHF 295 (~€305) — this usually pays off by Day 3.
Zermatt is car-free. You’ll transfer to a small electric shuttle train for the final stretch.
In summer 2026, hiking season is fully open from mid-June onward. Snow still caps the Matterhorn, but trails below 2,500m are clear.
Optional Splurge: Gornergrat Railway
33 minutes to 3,089m elevation. Return ticket: CHF 132 (~€136). With Swiss Travel Pass: 50% off.
Expensive? Yes. But you get direct Matterhorn views without a 5-hour hike.
Where to Eat
Restaurant Schäferstube — order the lamb (CHF 45). Skip generic pizza spots near the station.
Day 3: Glacier Express (Zermatt → St. Moritz)
This is the main event.
Distance: 291 km
Duration: 7h 45m to 8h
Bridges: 291
Tunnels: 91
Summer 2026 reservation fee: CHF 49 (2nd class) on top of your ticket or rail pass.
Without pass: approx. CHF 159 (~€165).
With Swiss Travel Pass: only the reservation fee.
What You’ll See
- Oberalp Pass (2,033m)
- Rhine Gorge (the “Swiss Grand Canyon”)
- Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur
Sit on the right side leaving Zermatt; left side after Chur for the best Rhine Gorge views.
Food Onboard
Three-course lunch: CHF 49–69. It’s decent but not Michelin-level.
Budget tip: Bring picnic supplies from Coop supermarket (~CHF 15 vs CHF 60 onboard).
Booking Strategy
- Buy Swiss Travel Pass at sbb.ch.
- Reserve Glacier Express seat separately at glacierexpress.ch.
- Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for July/August.
Pro tip: Download the SBB Mobile app. Platform changes are common, and Swiss trains leave exactly on time — not “Mediterranean on time.”
Day 4: Bernina Express (St. Moritz → Tirano)
Shorter but more dramatic than the Glacier Express.
Duration: 4h 15m
Distance: 144 km
Highest point: 2,253m (Ospizio Bernina)
Reservation fee (summer): CHF 28 (~€29). Standard ticket without pass: CHF 66 (~€68).
You descend from glaciers to palm trees in Italy. It’s surreal.
Must-See Moments
- Morteratsch Glacier views
- Brusio Circular Viaduct
- Lago Bianco at the summit
Tirano is in Italy. Grab lunch at Ristorante Bernina — fresh pasta for €18. Swiss equivalent would cost CHF 35+.
Return to St. Moritz on a regional train (no panoramic windows, but covered by pass).
Day 5: St. Moritz to Zurich
Travel time: 3h 20m via Chur.
Standard fare: CHF 88 (~€90).
If you have time, stop in Chur (Switzerland’s oldest town). Old Town is 10 minutes from the station.
Arrive in Zurich by mid-afternoon. Swim in Lake Zurich — locals do.
Ticket Costs Breakdown (2026)
| Item | Without Pass | With 4-Day Swiss Travel Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Lucerne → Interlaken | CHF 36 | Included |
| Interlaken → Zermatt | CHF 75 | Included |
| Glacier Express | CHF 159 + 49 reservation | CHF 49 reservation |
| Bernina Express | CHF 66 + 28 reservation | CHF 28 reservation |
| St. Moritz → Zurich | CHF 88 | Included |
| Total | ~CHF 501 (~€515) | CHF 295 pass + 77 reservations = CHF 372 (~€382) |
Verdict: The Swiss Travel Pass saves ~CHF 130 on this exact route.
Summer 2026 Practical Tips
- Peak season: Mid-June to mid-September. Book Glacier Express 1–2 months ahead.
- Seat selection: Avoid seats directly over bogies (less smooth ride).
- Weather apps: Use live radar — alpine storms build fast in July afternoons.
- Travel insurance: Swiss medical costs are high. See our guide on what coverage limits actually matter in 2026.
- Luggage: Pack light. Overhead racks are limited on panoramic trains.
Daylight in June and July lasts until around 9:30pm, giving you time to explore after arrival. August is busiest; September offers fewer crowds and clearer air.
Is It Worth It?
Driving the same route would take roughly 9–10 hours total over multiple days, excluding mountain passes. Rental car in summer: CHF 120/day + fuel.
Train lets you stare at glaciers through panoramic windows while someone else handles 91 tunnels.
For scenery-to-effort ratio, this 5-day route is hard to beat anywhere in Europe.
If you’re planning a summer Alps trip, book your seats, download SBB Mobile, and block five slow-travel days. Switzerland by train isn’t cheap — but it delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the 5-day Switzerland scenic train route cost?
Expect CHF 372 (~€382) with a 4-day Swiss Travel Pass plus seat reservations, or around CHF 500+ without a pass. Accommodation and food are extra.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for the Glacier and Bernina Express?
Yes for this itinerary. You save roughly CHF 130 and gain flexibility on regional trains, plus museum entries in cities like Zurich and Lucerne.
What’s the best month to ride the Glacier Express?
June and September offer the best balance of green landscapes and fewer crowds. July–August has peak alpine scenery but higher demand and fuller trains.
Can you do Glacier Express and Bernina Express in one trip?
Absolutely. Zermatt → St. Moritz (Glacier Express) followed by St. Moritz → Tirano (Bernina Express) is the classic combo and works perfectly over 2–3 days.
About the Author: redactor
Travel writer and founder of Discover Travel (distratech.com) — a blog covering travel, food & drink, and technology. With 250+ articles spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, I help travelers discover alternative destinations, hidden gems, and budget-friendly tips backed by real experience and data. Whether it's the best street food in Bangkok, Easter celebrations across Europe, or scenic train routes — I write to inspire smarter, more authentic travel.
