5 Most Scenic Train Rides in the Swiss Alps to Book Now

The most beautiful scenic train rides in Switzerland are the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, the GoldenPass Express, the Gotthard Panorama Express, and the Jungfrau Railway. These routes offer unparalleled views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and alpine lakes, best enjoyed with a pre-booked seat and a reliable data connection. To ensure you can navigate the stations and share your photos in real-time, consider a dedicated travel eSIM before you depart.## 5 Most Scenic Train Rides in the Swiss AlpsSwitzerland is a country built for rail travel. While the standard SBB trains are efficient and punctual, the specialized panoramic trains are designed specifically for sightseeing, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and slower speeds to allow for photography.### 1. The Glacier Express: The "Slowest Express Train"Connecting the two world-famous mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz, the Glacier Express is perhaps the most iconic train journey in the world. Over the course of approximately eight hours, the train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels. The highlight for many is the crossing of the Landwasser Viaduct, where the train curves directly into a tunnel on a high stone bridge. If you are starting your journey in the shadow of the Matterhorn, be sure to check out our Zermatt Switzerland Travel Guide: Matterhorn and Beyond for tips on what to do before boarding.### 2. The Bernina Express: From Glaciers to PalmsThe Bernina Express offers a dramatic contrast in scenery as it travels from Chur or St. Moritz down to Tirano in Italy. This route is a UNESCO World Heritage site and includes the famous Brusio spiral viaduct, where the train completes a 360-degree turn to manage the elevation change. Because this route crosses into Italy, travelers often continue their journey south. If you find yourself heading toward Rome afterward, our Trastevere Rome Food Guide: Where to Eat Like a Local is an essential companion for your Italian leg.### 3. The GoldenPass Express: Montreux to InterlakenThe GoldenPass Express connects the French-speaking Riviera of Lake Geneva with the Bernese Oberland. This route is famous for its "Belle Époque" carriages that resemble the Orient Express. The journey takes you through the vineyards of Lavaux, through the mountain passes of Gstaad, and down into the turquoise waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. It is a favorite for those using a Eurail pass, though a reservation is still recommended for the panoramic cars.### 4. The Gotthard Panorama Express: Rail and WaterThis unique journey combines a boat trip with a train ride. You start with a paddle steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne before boarding a panoramic train in Flüelen. The train then climbs through the old Gotthard tunnel toward the Mediterranean-style landscape of Ticino, ending in Lugano. It is a fantastic way to see the transition from the rugged central Alps to the palm trees of the south.### 5. The Jungfrau Railway: Top of EuropeWhile shorter than the other "Express" routes, the Jungfrau Railway is a feat of engineering. It climbs from Kleine Scheidegg through the Eiger and Mönch mountains to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. The view from the Sphinx Observatory at the top provides a 360-degree panorama of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps.## Connectivity in the Swiss Alps: Staying OnlineWhile the views are timeless, your travel logistics shouldn't be. Navigating Swiss rail stations, checking live platform changes on the SBB app, and staying in touch with family requires a steady internet connection. While many Swiss trains offer free Wi-Fi, it is often restricted to station areas or requires a local phone number for SMS authentication, which can be a hurdle for international travelers.### Why a Swiss eSIM Beats International RoamingFor American travelers, the temptation to use a $10/day international pass from a home carrier is strong. However, these costs add up quickly over a multi-country European tour. EuroHop eSIM provides a more cost-effective alternative by offering local data rates without the daily surcharge. One single QR code from EuroHop eSIM covers over 30 countries, including Switzerland and the United Kingdom, making it ideal for those on a Eurail adventure. When you see plans, you will find options that utilize the Sunrise and Salt networks, both of which provide extensive 5G coverage throughout the Swiss valleys and even on many high-altitude rail segments.### Choosing the Right Data PlanWhen selecting a plan, consider your usage. If you are primarily using Google Maps, WhatsApp for calls, and checking train schedules, a 3GB or 5GB plan for 30 days is usually sufficient. For those who plan to upload high-resolution videos of the Landwasser Viaduct to social media, larger 20GB or 50GB plans are available. These are data-only plans, meaning they do not come with a local phone number, but they fully support data-based communication apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Telegram. If you run out of data while exploring the mountains, top-ups are easily available through the user portal.## Comparing the Top Swiss Scenic Routes| Route | Start / End | Duration | Best Feature ||-------|-------------|----------|--------------|| Glacier Express | Zermatt to St. Moritz | 8 Hours | Landwasser Viaduct || Bernina Express | Chur to Tirano | 4 Hours | UNESCO Spiral Viaduct || GoldenPass | Montreux to Interlaken | 3 Hours | Belle Époque Style || Gotthard Panorama | Lucerne to Lugano | 5.5 Hours | Boat & Train Combo || Jungfrau Railway | Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch | 35 Mins | Highest Station in Europe |## How to Install Your EuroHop eSIMSetting up your connection is straightforward and should ideally be done before you land at Zurich or Geneva airport. First, you should check your phone's compatibility to ensure it supports eSIM technology. Most iPhones from the XR/11 onwards and many recent Android devices are ready to go.### Installation Steps for iPhone1. Go to Settings > Cellular.2. Tap Add eSIM.3. Select Use QR Code and scan the code provided by EuroHop.4. Label the new plan as "Travel" or "Switzerland".5. Set your Cellular Data to use this new plan, but keep your primary line for SMS if needed (be aware of roaming charges on your primary line).### Installation Steps for Android1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.3. Scan the QR code.4. Once downloaded, ensure the eSIM is toggled to "On" and selected for mobile data.For more detailed troubleshooting, you can follow the how to install guide. Once active, the eSIM will automatically search for the strongest available signal from Sunrise or Salt. In deep tunnels or very remote high-alpine peaks, signal may drop momentarily, but coverage is generally excellent along the main rail corridors.## Connectivity Realities: Cities vs. MountainsIn cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Bern, you can expect blazing fast 5G speeds. In the rural Alps, coverage remains surprisingly robust due to Switzerland's high investment in infrastructure. However, the thick stone walls of old mountain hotels or deep rail tunnels can sometimes block signals. Having a local eSIM ensures you are prioritized on the local network compared to roaming users who are often throttled or have lower priority. Before you head out, see plans to find the data package that fits your itinerary.## The bottom lineThe Swiss Alps are best experienced by rail, but the complexity of reservations and schedules requires a reliable data connection. By choosing a EuroHop eSIM, you bypass expensive daily roaming fees and enjoy seamless 5G connectivity across Switzerland and the rest of Europe. Whether you are climbing to the Top of Europe or spiraling down the Bernina Pass, staying connected ensures your journey is as smooth as the Swiss rail system itself.