Alpine Express - The Most Scenic train journeys in Switzerland
First-class scenic routes for tour groups and independent travelers
Four distinctive routes, a boundless panorama. Whether along the historic Gotthard mountain route, past rolling hills, or along sparkling shores: Operating under the name “Alpine Express Lines,” the Voralpen-Express, the Treno Gottardo, the Alpenrhein-Express, and the Interregio Aare Linth bring Switzerland’s most beautiful routes to life with Premium Seat Reservation.
Route Network of the Alpine Express Lines
Alpine Express St. Gallen–Lucerne
The Alpine Express from St. Gallen to Lucerne – known as the Voralpen-Express IR32 – takes passengers through a landscape that is perfect for relaxed travel. Gentle hills, sparkling lakes, and the striking silhouette of the Rigi characterize the route, as do historic towns and their rich traditions. Each stage offers ever-changing views of the Pre-Alpine landscape.
Route: St. Gallen–Rapperswil–Lucerne
Travel times:
St. Gallen–Lucerne: 2 hours 16 minutes
Rapperswil–Lucerne: 1 hour 25 minutes
Alpine Express St. Gallen–Lucerne IR32 Schedule
Alpine Express Treno Gottardo
The Alpine Express Treno Gottardo IR26/46, with its unique Gotthard panoramic route, is one of the most impressive train journeys in Switzerland. From the urban centers of Basel, Lucerne, and Zurich, the route winds through Alpine landscapes and regions rich in tradition all the way to the Mediterranean-like canton of Ticino. Along the way, striking viaducts, mountain valleys, and sunny riverside landscapes alternate. The result is a travel experience that brings Switzerland’s cultural and scenic diversity to life in a special way.
Route: Zurich/Basel/Lucerne–Bellinzona/Locarno
Travel times:
Basel–Locarno: 4 hours 23 minutes
Zurich–Locarno: 3 hours 22 minutes
Lucerne–Locarno: 3 hours 9 minutes
Alpine Express Treno Gottardo IR26/46 Schedule
Alpine Express Bern–Zurich–Chur
The Alpine Express from Bern via Zurich to Chur – known as the Aare Linth IR35 – connects some of Switzerland’s most distinctive landscapes and cultural regions. From the capital, Bern, through the urban center of Zurich to the Alpine city of Chur, the journey takes you through a succession of medieval old towns, river landscapes, and vast plains. Along the way, passengers gain insights into Switzerland’s cultural life, history, and everyday life.
Route: Bern–Zurich–Chur
Travel times:
Bern–Chur: 3 hours 10 minutes
Zurich–Chur: 1 hour 36 minutes
Alpine Express Zurich–Bern–Chur IR35 Schedule
Alpine Express St. Gallen–Chur
The journey on the Alpine Express from St. Gallen to Chur—operating as the Alpenrhein-Express IR13—takes you through unspoiled landscapes, historic villages, and one of Switzerland’s most important wine regions. Between Lake Constance and the canton of Graubünden, gentle vineyard-covered slopes, historic towns, and sweeping views define the character of the route. Attractions such as Werdenberg Castle and the village of Heididorf invite you to discover and enjoy Eastern Switzerland at your own pace.
Route: St. Gallen–Chur
Travel times:
St. Gallen–Chur: 1 hour 23 minutes
Fahrplan Alpine Express St. Gallen–Chur IR13
Premium Comfort On Board
Sit back, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee from the bistro, and marvel at the fascinating views during the ride.
Bistro Zone
There are two Bistro Zones on the train, each equipped with drinks and snack vending machines for self-service. Payment can be made in cash (Swiss francs or euros) or by contactless debit or credit card. You can also pay using Twint, Apple Pay and Amex.
Light and Space
The modern, copper-coloured Traverso low-floor multiple units impress with their large windows, bright interiors, an outstanding 1st-class section and spacious 2nd-class compartments. All seats are fitted with power sockets so you can charge your smartphone at any time.
Family Compartment
A lovingly designed family compartment featuring hidden-object pictures depicting the four seasons is available for families. Young passengers can spread their toys out on the large tables. The exciting ‘Zugpferdli’ travel guide, complete with puzzles, colouring pages and coloured pencils, is available free of charge from the on-board staff.
Booking for individual travellers
Make the journey an unforgettable experience for your customers. With our Premium Seat Reservation, an exclusive travel experience is guaranteed.
Prices
2nd Class CHF 20.– 1st Class CHF 30.–
Places are limited: on each train, only the best seats in each class are available – a magnificent view is guaranteed. Included are:
Seat reservation
1 coffee, tea or hot chocolate from the bistro area
High-quality audio guide in German and English
Premium Seats can be booked from mid-October via Agent Client or the Alturos reseller booking system. Please contact us for more information on registration and terms and conditions.
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Group bookings
With the Alpine Express services, groups can travel comfortably and in a well-organised manner throughout Switzerland. Personalised advice supports tour operators right from the planning stage and ensures everything runs smoothly. Attractive group rates and early seat reservations ensure a smooth and relaxed travel experience.
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Images
Showcase our trains to their best advantage in your catalogues and digital channels. High-resolution images of our routes and fleet are available for direct download below.
Use of the images is free of charge for promotional and editorial purposes relating to Südostbahn trains.
Please include the copyright notice, which is specified directly in the file name, when publishing the images.