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Slow travel by rail·Europe-wide
Panoramic Train Routes
Experience Europe's most spectacular scenery from the comfort of panoramic train carriages
Five journeys, two countries.
Each route opens a different window onto Europe's landscapes and cultures — choose your journey and let the scenery unfold.
Switzerland
3 routes · Alpine grand tour
St. Moritz → Zermatt
Glacier Express
St. Moritz to Zermatt via the Oberalp Pass
Journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt through the Swiss Alps on this legendary 8-hour scenic train ride. Cross 291 bridges and pass through 91 tunnels while enjoying panoramic views of mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and dramatic gorges.
8 hours291 km8 stations
Explore RouteSlowest express
Chur → Tirano
Bernina Express
UNESCO World Heritage Railway
Experience one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world from Chur through the Swiss Alps to Tirano, Italy. Cross the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, climb to the Bernina Pass at 2,253m, and descend through alpine meadows and Italian vineyards. This UNESCO-listed route features dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking mountain scenery.
4 hours122 km11 stations
Explore RouteUNESCO
Interlaken → Montreux
GoldenPass Express
From Alpine Lakes to the Swiss Riviera
Travel from Interlaken through the Bernese Oberland to the shores of Lake Geneva. This stunning journey passes through charming mountain villages, the luxury resort of Gstaad, and descends to the Mediterranean-style climate of Montreux.
3h 15min115 km13 stations
Explore RouteBelle Époque
Spain
2 routes · Green Atlantic coast
Bilbao → León
La Robla Railway
Historic Journey Through Northern Spain
Experience northern Spain on this historic narrow-gauge railway from Bilbao to León. Pass through medieval towns, coal mining heritage sites, and stops along the famous Camino de Santiago. A unique journey through mountains, valleys, and historic Spanish villages.
6-7 hours334 km8 stations
Explore RouteHeritage line
Bilbao → Santiago de Compostela
Costa Verde Express
Luxury Train Along Spain's Green Coast
Travel in luxury along Spain's stunning northern coast from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. This all-inclusive journey features elegant accommodations, gourmet dining, and guided excursions to coastal villages, medieval towns, and the Picos de Europa mountains.
6 days~1,000 km14 stations
Explore RouteAll-inclusive
Field notes
Tips for panoramic train travel.
Five things our rail correspondents wish every traveller knew before stepping on board their first scenic route.
- 01Book seat reservations in advance — panoramic trains sell out weeks ahead in peak season
- 02Check which side of the train offers the best views for your direction of travel before boarding
- 03Morning departures often have cleaner light and fewer clouds over mountain passes
- 04Rail passes (Interrail, Eurail) cover the base fare on most routes — reservations are extra
- 05Combine a panoramic route with a night train for a seamless multi-day rail itinerary
Common questions
Asked & answered.
- Europe's top panoramic train routes include the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the FEVE railway along Spain's northern coast, and scenic routes through Norway's fjords. These trains feature large panoramic windows and pass through dramatic mountain, coastal, and valley landscapes that you can't see from a car or plane.
- Reservation requirements vary by route. The Bernina Express and Glacier Express in Switzerland require seat reservations, which can sell out weeks in advance during summer. Spain's FEVE trains and many regional scenic routes allow walk-on travel with a standard rail ticket. Check each route's requirements and book early for peak season (June–September).
- Most panoramic train routes accept Eurail and Interrail passes, though some require a supplementary reservation fee. The Bernina Express, for example, accepts rail passes but charges a separate panoramic seat reservation. Regional scenic trains in Spain, Germany, and Austria generally accept passes without supplements. Always verify pass validity for your specific route.
- Summer (June–September) offers the longest days and clearest views, making it the most popular season. However, autumn (October) brings spectacular foliage colours, and winter transforms Alpine routes into snow-covered wonderlands. Spring (April–May) offers blooming meadows and fewer crowds. Each season provides a completely different visual experience.