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Destination Buzz: Planning a Switzerland train holiday in 2026? Here’s what to know about the Grand Train Tour
Switzerland’s Grand Train Tour celebrates 10 years in 2026, connecting scenic rail routes, Alpine landscapes, cities, lakes and vineyards across the country.
Switzerland and train travel have always made a rather good pair, but the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland takes that relationship several steps further. In 2026, the iconic rail itinerary celebrates 10 years of connecting some of the country’s most scenic routes, cities, lakes, vineyards and Alpine landscapes. The idea is refreshingly simple. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, let the train become part of the holiday. With panoramic windows, changing scenery and plenty of stops along the way, this is slow travel with one of the world’s best views!
What is the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland and how does it work?
The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland brings together Switzerland’s major panoramic rail experiences into one 1,280 km route, covering eight distinct sections across the country. It connects famous rail experiences such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Gotthard Panorama Express, while linking cities, lakeside towns, Alpine villages and historic regions along the way.
And this is where things get interesting for travellers who like a little freedom in their plans. You do not have to commit to the entire route in one go. The full loop works beautifully for a longer Swiss holiday, but individual sections can also be combined into shorter two- or three-day trips. You could spend one part of the trip taking in Alpine scenery, another passing through the vineyards of Lavaux, and later find yourself among the palm-lined promenades of Ticino. The scenery keeps changing, which is half the fun.
The tour also makes a strong case for letting the train do the driving, quite literally. There is no need to spend your holiday watching road signs or worrying about parking. You can sit back, look out of the window and watch Switzerland change from mountains and deep valleys to lakes, vineyards and city streets.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it for the Grand Train Tour?
If you are planning to cover several parts of Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass can make the trip much simpler. Instead of buying separate tickets for every train, bus and boat, one pass gives you access to much of the country’s public transport network.
What does the Swiss Travel Pass include?
The pass covers:
• Trains across Switzerland
• Public buses
• Boats
• Free entry to more than 500 museums
• Discounts of up to 50% on many mountain excursions
That last benefit can come in handy if your plans include mountain trips such as Mount Pilatus or Titlis, where transport costs can quickly add up.
Do you need extra reservations for scenic trains?
This is the bit to remember before booking. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the standard train fare, but premium panoramic services such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express require separate seat reservations.
The reservation fee is not included in the pass, so keep this extra cost in your holiday budget.
What about luggage?
Travelling by train is lovely until you are hauling a suitcase through three stations with a coffee in one hand. Thankfully, Swiss Federal Railways, or SBB, offers luggage transfer services.
Depending on the service selected, you can send your bags from station to station or from hotel to hotel. That means you can spend the day enjoying Switzerland without having to lug your suitcase along for the ride.
A decade of seeing Switzerland by rail
Ten years on, the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland makes a strong case for slowing things down. It brings together efficient public transport and some seriously good scenery, while giving travellers the freedom to build a trip around their own time and interests.
For 2026, that makes it an especially tempting option for anyone planning to see more than one Swiss city or region. Pick the full loop, choose a few sections or build your own mix of panoramic trains and overnight stays. The best part may simply be that, in Switzerland, getting from A to B can be one of the nicest parts of the holiday.
*With information from Switzerland Tourism.
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