Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass includes most major scenic train rides in Switzerland. The pass covers the journey fare for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, and Luzern-Interlaken Express. However, seat reservations (typically CHF 10-49) are mandatory on premium panoramic trains and must be booked separately.
Purchase your Swiss Travel Pass: Get your Swiss Travel Pass here for unlimited travel on trains, buses, boats, and access to 500+ museums across Switzerland.
Contents
- What’s Included with the Swiss Travel Pass
- 5 Scenic Train Rides Included
- Seat Reservation Costs & Requirements
- How to Book Your Journey
- Additional Benefits Beyond Trains
- Money-Saving Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Does the Swiss Travel Pass Include in 2026?
The Swiss Travel Pass is a comprehensive travel ticket designed for international visitors exploring Switzerland. Available in 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive day options, the pass provides:
- Unlimited train travel on the entire Swiss rail network, including premium scenic routes
- Unlimited bus and tram access in 90+ Swiss cities
- Unlimited boat travel on Swiss lakes
- Free museum entry to 500+ museums nationwide
- Mountain railway discounts up to 50% on select peaks like Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, and Titlis
- Free travel for children ages 6-15 when traveling with a parent (Swiss Family Card)
Important: While the pass covers the base fare for panoramic trains, mandatory seat reservations cost extra (CHF 10-49 depending on the route).
Book your Swiss Travel Pass now to unlock unlimited Swiss adventures.
5 Scenic Train Rides Fully Covered by the Swiss Travel Pass
Here are the most spectacular panoramic train journeys included with your pass:
1. Glacier Express: Zermatt to St. Moritz (8 Hours)
Route: Zermatt – Andermatt – St. Moritz/Davos
Duration: 8 hours
Distance: 291 km
Swiss Travel Pass: Included (base fare)
Seat reservation: Mandatory, CHF 49 (summer), CHF 39 (winter)
The Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most iconic scenic train, nicknamed “the slowest express train in the world.” This legendary journey connects two of Switzerland’s most exclusive alpine resorts while traversing 91 tunnels and 291 bridges, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct.
What you’ll see: The Oberalp Pass (highest point at 2,033 meters), Rhine Gorge (the “Swiss Grand Canyon”), snow-capped peaks, glacial valleys, and traditional mountain villages.
Best time to travel: Year-round beauty. Winter offers snow-covered landscapes, while summer showcases lush green meadows and wildflowers.
Pro tip: Book window seats early for unobstructed views. The train features panoramic windows extending into the roof for maximum visibility.
Reserve your Glacier Express seat with Swiss Travel Pass
2. Bernina Express: Chur to Tirano, Italy (4 Hours)
Route: Chur/St. Moritz – Pontresina – Poschiavo – Tirano (Italy)
Duration: 4 hours (Chur to Tirano), 2.5 hours (St. Moritz to Tirano)
Swiss Travel Pass: Included
Seat reservation: Mandatory, CHF 14
The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage railway that dramatically descends from glacial peaks to Mediterranean palm trees. This engineering masterpiece crosses 196 bridges and winds through 55 tunnels without using cog wheels despite the steep gradients.
Iconic landmarks:
- Brusio Circular Viaduct – a stunning 360-degree spiral bridge
- Ospizio Bernina – highest railway station (2,253 meters)
- Morteratsch Glacier views
- Dramatic descent into Tirano with palm trees and Italian architecture
Extension option: The Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano is also included with the Swiss Travel Pass (reservation required, CHF 12).
Photography tip: Sit on the right side when traveling south (Chur to Tirano) for the best Brusio Viaduct photos.
Book your Bernina Express tickets
3. GoldenPass Express: Montreux to Interlaken (3 Hours)
Route: Montreux – Gstaad – Zweisimmen – Spiez – Interlaken
Duration: 3 hours
Swiss Travel Pass: Included (standard coaches)
Seat reservation: Recommended for panoramic coaches (CHF 20), mandatory for Prestige Class (CHF 41)
The GoldenPass Express (launched December 2022) offers Switzerland’s most diverse landscape journey, connecting French-speaking Lake Geneva with German-speaking Central Switzerland. The new direct connection eliminates the previous required transfer in Zweisimmen.
Highlights along the route:
- Lavaux UNESCO vineyard terraces on Lake Geneva
- Luxury resort town of Gstaad
- Simmental Valley with traditional chalets
- Lake Thun with castle views
- Arrival in Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz
Special feature: The new trains feature adjustable-axle technology allowing travel on different track gauges without changing trains.
Best seats: First class panoramic windows offer superior views. Book the Prestige Class for VIP lounge access and exclusive observation areas.
4. Gotthard Panorama Express: Lucerne to Lugano (5.5 Hours Total)
Route: Lucerne (boat) → Flüelen (train) → Bellinzona → Lugano
Duration: 5.5 hours (2 hours boat + 3.5 hours train)
Swiss Travel Pass: Included (both boat and train)
Seat reservation: Mandatory for panoramic train, CHF 16
The Gotthard Panorama Express combines Switzerland’s most scenic boat cruise with a historic mountain railway journey. This unique experience tells the story of the Gotthard route, once the most important north-south connection through the Alps.
Journey breakdown:
- Boat segment (Lucerne to Flüelen): 2-hour cruise across Lake Lucerne (also called Lake of the Four Cantons), passing mountains where William Tell’s legend originated
- Train segment (Flüelen to Lugano): Journey through the historic Gotthard Pass route, including spiral tunnels and the original 1882 railway line
What makes it special: Experience the contrast between German-speaking Central Switzerland and Italian-speaking Ticino in one day.
Seasonal note: Boat service operates April through October. During winter months, take the regular panoramic train from Lucerne.
Booking tip: Reserve both boat and train segments. Boats can fill up on sunny summer weekends.
5. Luzern-Interlaken Express (2 Hours)
Route: Lucerne – Sarnen – Giswil – Meiringen – Interlaken
Duration: 2 hours
Swiss Travel Pass: Included
Seat reservation: Optional (recommended during peak season)
Part of the GoldenPass panoramic route, this segment connects two of Switzerland’s most visited destinations. The journey showcases pristine mountain lakes, dramatic waterfalls, and the gateway to the Jungfrau region.
Route highlights:
- Lake Lucerne shoreline views
- Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern
- Brünig Pass at 1,008 meters elevation
- Aare Gorge near Meiringen (birthplace of meringue dessert)
- Arrival in Interlaken, base for Jungfraujoch excursions
Flexibility advantage: No mandatory reservation means you can hop on any departing train, perfect for spontaneous travelers.
Seat Reservation Costs & Requirements for Panoramic Trains
While your Swiss Travel Pass covers the base train fare, panoramic trains require separate seat reservations. Here’s the complete cost breakdown for 2026:
| Scenic Train | Reservation Status | Cost (1st Class) | Cost (2nd Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier Express | Mandatory | CHF 49 (summer) / CHF 39 (winter) | CHF 49 (summer) / CHF 39 (winter) |
| Bernina Express | Mandatory | CHF 14 | CHF 14 |
| Bernina Express Bus | Mandatory | CHF 12 | CHF 12 |
| Gotthard Panorama Express | Mandatory | CHF 16 | CHF 16 |
| GoldenPass Express (standard) | Optional | Free | Free |
| GoldenPass Express (panoramic) | Recommended | CHF 20 | CHF 20 |
| GoldenPass Prestige Class | Mandatory | CHF 41 | N/A |
| Luzern-Interlaken Express | Optional | Free | Free |
Why reservations matter: These panoramic trains have limited capacity and sell out weeks in advance during peak season (July-August, December-January). Reservations guarantee your seat and preferred time slot.
Money-saving insight: Even with reservation fees, the Swiss Travel Pass saves significant money compared to individual tickets. A single Glacier Express ticket without a pass costs CHF 152+ one-way.
How to Book Your Swiss Scenic Train Journey in 2026
Follow these steps to secure your panoramic train experience:
Step 1: Purchase Your Swiss Travel Pass
Buy your pass before arriving in Switzerland for the best rates. Available durations: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 consecutive days.
Step 2: Make Seat Reservations
Book panoramic train reservations through these official channels:
- Official Swiss Railways website: sbb.ch (accepts international credit cards)
- Glacier Express: glacierexpress.ch
- Bernina Express: rhb.ch
- At railway stations: Book at any Swiss train station counter upon arrival
Booking timeline: Reservations open 90 days in advance. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer travel, 6-8 weeks for winter holidays.
Step 3: Download the SBB Mobile App
The official Swiss Railways app (SBB Mobile) provides:
- Real-time train schedules and platform information
- Digital version of your Swiss Travel Pass
- Journey planning with connection times
- Service disruption alerts
Step 4: Plan Your Route
Connect multiple scenic trains for the ultimate Swiss rail experience. Popular multi-day itineraries include:
- 3-day loop: Zurich → Lucerne (Gotthard Panorama Express) → Lugano → St. Moritz (Bernina Express) → Chur → Zurich
- 5-day Grand Tour: Geneva → Montreux (GoldenPass Express) → Interlaken → Lucerne → St. Moritz (Glacier Express) → Zermatt
Swiss Travel Pass Benefits Beyond Scenic Trains
Your pass unlocks far more than panoramic railways:
Free Mountain Railway Access
Included without additional cost:
- Rigi – “Queen of the Mountains” (Central Switzerland)
- Stanserhorn – with the world’s first double-decker open-top cable car
- Stoos – world’s steepest funicular railway
50% Discount on Premium Mountain Excursions
Half-price access to:
- Jungfraujoch – “Top of Europe” (normally CHF 247, save CHF 123.50)
- Matterhorn Glacier Paradise – highest cable car station in Europe
- Mount Titlis – with the world’s first rotating cable car
- Schilthorn – featured in James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
- Pilatus – cogwheel railway with 48% gradient
Savings example: A 6-day pass (CHF 404) pays for itself with just one Jungfraujoch visit plus a few train journeys.
Urban Transportation
Unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metro systems in 90+ cities including:
- Zurich trams and buses
- Geneva public transport
- Basel trams
- Bern buses
- Lucerne transit
Lake Cruises
Complimentary boat trips on Switzerland’s stunning lakes:
- Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
- Lake Lucerne
- Lake Zurich
- Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
- Lake Lugano
Museum Access
Free entry to 500+ museums nationwide, including:
- Swiss Transport Museum (Lucerne)
- Olympic Museum (Lausanne)
- Kunstmuseum Basel (Fine Arts Museum)
- Swiss National Museum (Zurich)
Swiss Family Card
Children ages 6-15 travel free when accompanied by at least one parent with a valid Swiss Travel Pass. Request the free Swiss Family Card when purchasing your pass.
10 Money-Saving Tips for Swiss Travel Pass Users
- Calculate your break-even point: The pass becomes worthwhile if you’re taking 2+ long-distance journeys. Use the SBB.ch route planner to compare individual ticket costs.
- Choose the right duration: Don’t overbuy. A 4-day pass for a 7-day trip works if you concentrate travel days and explore cities on non-pass days.
- Travel in shoulder season: May-June and September-October offer lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds, maximizing your pass value.
- Book accommodation near train stations: Save on taxis and local transport with stations that connect directly to major hotels.
- Use the half-price mountain discount strategically: Visit expensive peaks like Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise to maximize savings.
- Combine boat and train journeys: Multi-modal days (like the Gotthard Panorama Express) give you more value per day.
- Pack food for scenic trains: The Glacier Express has onboard dining, but bringing snacks saves CHF 20-40 per person.
- Travel first class only if worthwhile: First class passes cost 62% more. Second class on Swiss trains is comfortable and spacious.
- Skip optional reservations on quiet routes: The Luzern-Interlaken Express rarely requires advance booking except on summer weekends.
- Stay connected affordably: Get an eSIM like Yesim or Saily for mobile data to access the SBB app and share your journey on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swiss Travel Pass & Scenic Trains
Does the Swiss Travel Pass include the Glacier Express?
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass fully covers the Glacier Express train fare from Zermatt to St. Moritz or Davos. However, seat reservations are mandatory and cost CHF 49 (summer) or CHF 39 (winter) per person. The reservation fee is the same for both first and second class.
Is the Bernina Express free with Swiss Travel Pass?
The train fare for the Bernina Express is included with the Swiss Travel Pass. You only pay the mandatory seat reservation fee of CHF 14. The Bernina Express Bus from Tirano to Lugano is also covered by the pass with a CHF 12 reservation fee.
How much does the Swiss Travel Pass cost in 2026?
Swiss Travel Pass prices for 2026 (2nd class): 3 days – CHF 272, 4 days – CHF 332, 6 days – CHF 404, 8 days – CHF 458, 15 days – CHF 544. First class passes cost approximately 62% more. Children 6-15 travel free with the Swiss Family Card when accompanied by a parent.
Do I need to reserve seats on all scenic trains?
Seat reservations are mandatory on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express. They are recommended but optional on the GoldenPass Express standard coaches and Luzern-Interlaken Express. Book reservations 4-8 weeks in advance during peak seasons (July-August, December-January).
Can I use the Swiss Travel Pass for Jungfraujoch?
The Swiss Travel Pass provides a 50% discount on the Jungfraujoch railway (not fully included). The discounted round-trip costs approximately CHF 123 (normally CHF 247). The pass covers trains to Interlaken Ost and Grindelwald/Lauterbrunnen, where you transfer to the Jungfrau Railway.
Which is better: Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card?
The Swiss Travel Pass is better for tourists taking multiple train journeys over 3-15 days, offering unlimited travel plus museum entry and boat trips. The Half Fare Card (CHF 120/month) suits longer stays or trips with minimal travel days. Calculate your planned routes: if they exceed the pass cost, the Swiss Travel Pass provides better value and convenience.
What’s the best 3-day itinerary with the Swiss Travel Pass?
Recommended 3-day itinerary: Day 1 – Zurich to Lucerne, explore the city and take Mount Rigi (included). Day 2 – Gotthard Panorama Express from Lucerne to Lugano via boat and train. Day 3 – Lugano to St. Moritz, then Bernina Express to Tirano and back. This maximizes scenic routes and covers different regions of Switzerland.
Can I buy Swiss Travel Pass at the airport?
Yes, Swiss Travel Passes are available at Zurich, Geneva, and Basel airports at the Swiss Railways (SBB) ticket counters. However, buying online before your trip often provides better rates and eliminates queuing time. The pass activates on your chosen start date and must be validated before first use.
Plan Your 2026 Swiss Scenic Train Adventure Today
Switzerland’s scenic train network offers some of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys, and the Swiss Travel Pass makes experiencing them remarkably simple and cost-effective. From the glacial heights of the Glacier Express to the Mediterranean warmth of the Bernina Express, your Swiss adventure awaits.
Your next steps:
- Purchase your Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited access to trains, boats, buses, and museums
- Book mandatory seat reservations for your chosen panoramic routes 4-8 weeks in advance
- Download the SBB Mobile app for real-time schedules and journey planning
- Pack your camera and prepare for unforgettable alpine vistas
The Swiss Travel Pass isn’t just a ticket—it’s your key to discovering Switzerland’s legendary landscapes, charming cities, and mountain peaks at your own pace. With unlimited travel across the country’s extensive network, every journey becomes an adventure worth taking.
Ready to embark on your Swiss rail journey?
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