Traveling through the Alps by train is one of the most stunning ways to explore Europe’s greatest mountain range. The gentle sway of the tracks, the expansive window views of crystalline lakes, snow-covered mountains, and fairy tale villages all around make this mode of transportation feel ethereal. These railway routes are comfortable, eco-friendly, and impossibly picturesque, making them the ideal travel option to get up the mountains without the hassle of motoring. Here are five of the most scenic train routes that travel into the heart of the mountains and into the depths of alpine European culture.
Glacier Express Switzerland’s Most Recognized Scenic Rail
The most well-known train journey of them all is the Glacier Express, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz, two of the country’s most beloved resorts, in a scenic eight hours. It travels 291 bridges and 91 tunnels before reaching the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters and cuts through valleys, rivers and glaciers to showcase its varied topography.
It’s not about the destination but the journey; the train boasts panoramic windows and on-board dining, as it chugs along at a leisurely pace past quaint villages and amazing picturesque landscapes. Alps2Alps offers complementary transfer options for travelers looking to continue their Alpine adventure beyond the tracks, connecting seamlessly to nearby resorts and destinations. Whether you travel in winter or summer, the Glacier Express is perhaps one of the most cinematic in operation, representing the wonders of engineering and natural beauty through a filmmaker’s lens.
Bernina Express From Glaciers To Palms
From Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland to Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express boasts one of Europe’s biggest contrasts in a matter of four hours. Train travelers will experience both glaciers and palm trees when crossing UNESCO recognized travel between the two countries.
The train passes the Morteratsch Glacier and ascends up to Bernina Pass before descending through spiraling viaducts like Brusio Circular Viaduct in line with 19th century development. Travelers arrive in Tirano after an ice-cold welcome from Switzerland to Mediterranean temperatures of nearby Italy. This four hour excursion showcases the full range of emotional extremes of being in the Alps from crisp and cool to active and bustling life.
GoldenPass Line Lakes, Peaks, and Timeless Connection To Switzerland
The GoldenPass Line connects Montreux, a lakeside oasis, to Interlaken , an alpine village making this one of the most diverse scenic routes across Switzerland.
Over the course of several hours, train travelers pass by expansive vineyards, lakes gleaming in the sun and snow-capped peaks, ever-changing as they take in magnificent views that resemble postcards. Travelers switch between French-speaking regions to German-speaking regions to experience Switzerland’s diverse inhabitants; many stop along the way at Gstaad, a world-renowned ski resort tucked away in nature, to experience even more.
This is one journey where being on board is as welcoming as being disconnected from the rest of the world inside such plush accommodations.
Mont Blanc Express – France to Switzerland Under the Shadow of Europe’s Tallest Mountain
A smaller scenic train route that packs a punch is the Mont Blanc Express, which crosses from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France to Martigny, Switzerland. This train wanders through steep mountain slopes, deep valleys, and lush forests with Mont Blanc towering above as it leads to the tallest mountain in Europe.
When it crosses the Trient Gorge, it’s like something out of a dream. There are waterfalls crashing alongside the train tracks and glimpses of a far-off glacier in the distance. With stops in quaint mountain towns like Chamonix, it’s easy to weave a journey on this train with scheduled adventures like winter skiing and summer hiking. It is an ideal way to see the Alps on a more intimate level with changing perspectives exposing the dynamic character of this natural wonder.
Arlberg Line – Austria to Austria Through the Alps
The Arlberg Line connects Bludenz and Innsbruck is one of the most beautiful routes through the Alps. This train route takes passengers through the Tyrol Region and a series of tunnels and viaducts and is one of Europe’s most technically complicated rail systems since the end of the 19th century.
The train climbs up through scenic valleys until it passes by St. Anton am Arlberg one of Austria’s most popular ski towns before plunging into the Arlberg Tunnel (10 kilometers). This picturesque rail route captures the essence of what it means to be in an alpine region, punctuated by meticulous engineering and awe-inspiring natural beauty as it’s stunning in winter’s white snow and summer’s bright wildflowers.
Planning Your Scenic Train Journey Through the Alps
While planning your scenic alpine train journey involves a bit of effort, the payoff renders it more than worthwhile for comfortable travel and beautiful scenery. Reserving tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy winter and summer months, and the best seats accommodate panoramic views with large windows from floor to ceiling.
For those who would like to combine scenic journeys like the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, consider a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass for maximum accessibility. Pack lightly; dress in layers due to fluctuating temperatures between mountain peaks and valley towns; access to scenic rail stations requires minimal deviation from station to shared or private transfers like Alps2Alps Transfers to final destinations. When combining scenic rail adventures with efficient local transfers, it’s the best mix of adventure and hassle-free convenience.
Environmental Advantages of Train Travel
When it comes to reducing your carbon footprint, nothing reduces it more than a train over driving or flying. The less carbon expelled and the better for the environment. Traveling by train through the Alps is one of the most sustainable ways to see the region. Some alpine countries boast nearly 100% renewable energy for their trains (much of Europe does) and Switzerland and Austria are known for their trains with relatively low energy and pollution costs for comfortable, reliable, safe travel.
When you journey using the Bernina or Glacier Express, you become part of a sustainable movement towards protecting precious alpine environments and it allows you to enjoy the incredible scenery without having to worry about driving on narrow switchbacks. Sometimes it’s not about how quickly you can get to your destination, but about enjoying the journey along the way.
Savoring the Train Experience Making It Your Own
To appreciate the scene, slow down and pay attention. Make sure you sit on the correct side of the train for maximum visibility. Sit on the left side going east on the Glacier Express to appreciate the best views of the lakes and valleys, for example. Don’t be shy to bring a camera but take a moment away from snapping pictures to just stare out of the window.
Once aboard, there’s often a food service so treat yourself to a glass of wine from Switzerland and some coffee as you take in the sights. If you’re bound for ski resorts Zermatt, Davos or St. Moritz, check when they will be waiting for your arrival transfer so you can time your train travel appropriately. The more time you allow yourself in the Alps, the better because it’s not about speed; it’s about appreciation.
Wherever You Go, Train and Resort Travel Are Connected
One of the best things about traveling through the Alps by train is its proximity to many major rail lines that operate directly to some of the most renowned ski resorts. For example, the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express run directly to Zermatt, St. Moritz and Davos, allowing you to jump from your seat to the slopes in under ten minutes. Not to mention, train runs from Geneva to Zermatt with an intermediary stop in Visp provide easy transitions with beautiful scenery along the way.
In fact, many resorts offer shuttle or Alps2Alps Transfers from nearby stations, which means that even the more remote destinations like Megève or Morzine are not out of reach. Thus, with resort travel connected to your train journey, you have access not only to on-the-mountain excursions but also to time spent exploring the train routes.
Lesser-known Train Routes in the Alps
However, it’s not just express lines that connect travelers across the scenic mountains and valleys of the Alps. There are plenty of smaller journeys that offer incredible views and adventures worthy enough of rail exploration. For example, Switzerland’s Lötschberg Line is a connecting ride between Bern and Brig with lush valleys and half-century-old tunnels; France’s Train des Pignes runs between Nice and Digne-les-Bains for those looking for more coastal travels away from ski resorts.
Austria’s Zillertalbahn is a narrow gauge railway running between Jenbach and Mayrhofen for more local connections along rural Tyrol. Thus, while these journeys may be less express and known about, they offer their charm with intimacy; fewer travelers means more authentic experiences where local life can be observed with quieter views and travel experience.
Train Travel is the Future of Traveling through the Alps
Ultimately, with a focus on sustainability for the future of tourism like never before, exploring the Alps through train travel is set to become the new normal. With expanding rail lines between and within countries and electric-powered trains with incredible accommodations, travel by rail within the Alps both prevents environmental degradation while also exposing travelers to some of the most beautiful views in the world.
Meanwhile, with Switzerland, Austria, and Italy investing heavily in high-speed and regional trains, access will only get better and better. But as many successful trips await travelers soon, it’s not just about speed or time sensitivity; it’s about connection. Travelers haven’t come this far by train only to rush their journey; they’re in it for nature, the local offerings and everything in between by scenic views that render time nearly irrelevant. In an age where it’s all about beating time, time waits for no man, the joys of traveling by train through the Alps reminds us that there is beauty in slowness.
The Perfect Photo Op The Ultimate in Photography and a Window Seat
If you’re a photographer or simply a lover of nature, there may be no better way to travel than by train through the Alpine region. Every turn in the tracks exposes postcard views from icy waterfalls to steep gorges to little chalets nestled at the foot of gigantic peaks, and the valleys are where it’s at, so be sure to book a seat on that side whenever possible. The Glacier Express runs close with Bernina Express, known for its panoramic experience.
Bring your camera with the wide-angle lens or panoramas on your phone for those expansive views. Best to catch the light early in the morning or late in the day for ultimate snow vs. rock contrast. But don’t spend the entire trip looking through a lens; some things need to be experienced with your own two eyes, like crossing the Landwasser Viaduct or seeing the Matterhorn peek over a valley from far away.
The Best Travel Experience Trains in the Alps Is Everything You Could Hope For and More
No matter which direction you travel within the Alps, taking the train is just as much an experience as it is a form of transportation as if you’ve traveled to another world. From the snowy peaks of the Glacier Express route to the sunlit descent into Italy on Bernina, it’s easy to see why train travel is a must within the area.
Whether looking for stunning winter vistas or summer meadows filled with flowers in all directions, there’s something perfectly alluring about experiencing the Alps by train that no car ride or plane can compare. After all, there’s nothing like sitting back and enjoying the views as they come ever changing because it’s a road made just for you!
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