Planning a week on Swiss rails can be overwhelming. This guide presents a practical, scenic and efficient 7-day Swiss itinerary that follows the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and highlights must-see stops, travel tips, and how to make the most of Swiss travel passes.
Overview: Why choose the Grand Train Tour
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland links iconic panoramic routes, historic towns and alpine vistas into a single loop ideal for a week in Switzerland by train. Trains like the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and regional panoramics turn transit into the centerpiece of the trip. With this route you’ll experience varied landscapes without long, stressful transfers.
Planning your 7-day Swiss itinerary
Start by selecting a base for arrival (Zurich, Geneva or Basel). Allow time for travel to and from airports, then build your seven days around one long scenic day and several shorter regional legs. Prioritize what matters — high alpine views, lakefront towns, or cultural hubs — and factor in time for walking and local food.
Day-by-day sample route
The following day-by-day plan follows the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland pattern while keeping rail travel comfortable and varied.
Day 1: Arrival and Zurich to Lucerne
Arrive in Zurich, take a direct train to Lucerne and stroll the Altstadt. Lucerne is compact with a waterfront promenade, Kapellbrücke and good restaurants for an easy first evening.
Day 2: Lucerne to Interlaken via Brünig
Board the regional train through the Brünig Pass to Interlaken. Stop at viewpoints, ride a funicular if time allows, and enjoy the lakeside scenery of Thun or Brienz.
Day 3: Jungfrau region day trip
Spend a full day exploring the Jungfrau region. Grindelwald or Wengen each make great bases for excursions to Kleine Scheidegg or Jungfraujoch. Return to Interlaken for the night.
Day 4: Interlaken to Zermatt (Glacier Express option)
Travel southwest toward Visp and change for Zermatt. This alpine town is car-free and dominated by the Matterhorn. Consider reserving a seat on panoramic routes early in the season.
Day 5: Zermatt to St. Moritz on Glacier Express
One of the most scenic full-day rides in Switzerland, the Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz with dramatic passes and valleys. Book reservations ahead and enjoy the panoramic carriage.
Day 6: Bernina Express to Lugano
Take the Bernina Express (or regional connections) down to Tirano and continue to Lugano for a change of scenery: Mediterranean-influenced lakeside ambience and relaxed piazzas.
Day 7: Return to Zurich or Geneva
Use a final rail leg to return to your departure city. If your schedule allows, stop in Bellinzona or Lucerne for last-minute sightseeing and local shopping.
Tickets, passes and smart booking
For this route the Swiss Travel Pass simplifies journeys by covering many trains, buses and boats. If you prefer point-to-point tickets, compare costs for the Glacier Express and Bernina Express reservations. For detailed itineraries and pass options, see provider information and booking windows.
To learn more about the Grand Train Tour and to book segment reservations, visit this official tour page: Read more.
For a direct comparison of pass types and validity, check the Swiss travel passes overview here: Swiss travel passes.
Packing, timing and practical tips
- Pack layers: alpine weather changes quickly, even in summer.
- Book panoramic and long-distance seat reservations early, especially for Glacier Express and Bernina Express.
- Download timetables and station maps offline, and check mountain railway schedules separately.
- Allow flexible time for hikes, local markets and unexpected photo stops.
Where to save time and where to linger
Shorten connections between Lucerne and Interlaken if you prefer more time in the mountains, or linger in Lugano and Zermatt for relaxed exploration. Prioritize one or two long scenic rail journeys and avoid trying to do all panoramic trains in a single week.
Q&A
Q:
A typical Swiss travel rhythm is early starts for long scenic days and relaxed afternoons for town visits. If you want to minimize transfers, focus on one region like the Bernese Oberland or the Engadine with day trips outward.
Q:
A Swiss Travel Pass often provides the best value for a week of varied rail travel, covering many routes and local transport. Make reservations for special panoramic trains even if the pass covers the route.
Conclusion
Use this framework to customize the final pacing and highlights of your 7-day Swiss itinerary. Whether you favor alpine panoramas, lakeside towns, or cultural stops, the Grand Train Tour structure makes a week in Switzerland by train both feasible and memorable. With careful reservations and the right travel pass, you can spend more time enjoying views and fewer moments worrying about logistics.
Tip: Book popular panoramic trains well in advance, travel light on regional trains, and leave room for serendipity—the best memories often come from unplanned stops.