Switzerland is renowned for its stunning mountains, picturesque villages, and stunning lakes. One of the finest ways to experience all this beauty is on a train. What is even better? You can begin your scenic train journey immediately upon arrival at a Swiss airport. Whether you are landing in Zurich, Geneva, or Basel, there are scenic train journeys around each airport that allow you to plunge immediately into the wonder of the Swiss landscape.
In this guide, you will get to explore the best scenic train rides Switzerland airport, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy stunning views without needing to rent a car. These routes offer relaxing rides, dramatic scenery, and a peaceful start to your Swiss journey.
Switzerland boasts one of the finest train networks in the world. It's efficient, clean, and punctual. Trains link all the major cities, airports, and even tiny villages way up in the Alps. And to top it off, Swiss train windows are big and clear—ideal for taking in the view.
Beginning your trip with a scenic train ride from a Switzerland airport allows you to bypass driving stress and immediately enter sightseeing. It's also environmentally friendly and comfortable and enables you to unwind as you watch nature pass by your window.
The largest airport in Switzerland is Zurich Airport and it has a connection to the Swiss Federal Railway (SBB) station under the airport. This allows you to disembark from your flight and board a train in a matter of minutes.
This route is ideal if you prefer a combination of city character and lake scenery. The train from Zurich Airport to Lucerne is only slightly more than an hour and provides soft glimpses of green fields, villages, and Lake Lucerne in the distance.
Lucerne itself is a good starting point for visiting Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, both providing more scenic train rides. This is one of the simplest trains from Zurich to start your Swiss adventure.
This train ride goes deep into the center of the Alps. After transferring to Zurich Hauptbahnhof, the journey to Chur goes by the lovely Walensee Lake and through mountain valleys. From Chur, you can even ride the renowned Glacier Express—a top-tier scenic rail ride through white-topped peaks and steep gorges.
If you're seeking out legendary Swiss rail vistas, this line should be at the very top of your itinerary.
Geneva Airport is near the French border and has direct train links from the airport station (Geneva-Aéroport). Below are some of the finest scenic train journeys you can make from this center.
This brief and breezy ride around Lake Geneva is one of Switzerland's most serene. The train follows the lakeshore, offering unobstructed glimpses of water and faraway Alps. You'll also have a view of the Lavaux vineyards, a World Heritage area.
Montreux is known for its jazz festival, promenade along the lake, and as the departure point for further adventures in the Alps. It is one of the finest trains from Geneva for vineyard and lake vistas.
If you prefer a longer, more adventurous trip, catch a train from Geneva to Zermatt. You'll have to change trains in Visp, but the ride is smooth and satisfying. Along the way, you'll have views of rivers, woods, and rugged mountain cliffs.
Zermatt is where the Matterhorn awaits, and once there, ride the Gornergrat Railway—yet another breathtaking airport scenic rail that takes you high into the Alps.
Basel-Mulhouse Airport is a bit special since it serves three nations—Switzerland, France, and Germany. While there is no train station within the airport itself, you can take a brief bus ride (around 20 minutes) to Basel SBB, Switzerland's central railway station for the area.
This trip leads you from urban living into the heart of the Bernese Oberland, where some of Switzerland's most iconic peaks reside. You'll drive through rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and tiny villages along the way.
Interlaken is located between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and is ringed by massive mountains such as the Eiger and Jungfrau. This is quintessential Swiss train travel and a great ride for beginners.
This is another gorgeous train journey that's just a shade under two hours. Departing Basel behind, the country opens up onto fields, rivers, and wooded lands before delivering you to the shores of Lake Lucerne. This is an easy, peaceful, and beautifully scenic ride—is exactly what you need if you want a leisurely travel day following a prolonged flight.
Switzerland has a couple of well-known scenic railways famous globally. Some of these can be accessed shortly after landing at the airport.
The Glacier Express travels between St. Moritz and Zermatt, and you can reach it easily from either Zurich or Geneva. This is one of the most popular scenic train journeys from Switzerland airports. It passes over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and climbs up the 2,000-meter-high Oberalp Pass.
This multicolored route goes from Chur to Tirano (Italy) and is accessible by transfer from Zurich Airport. You'll witness glaciers, stone bridges, alpine forests, and Mediterranean-style villages—all in one ride.
From Geneva or Zurich, take a trip to Lucerne or Interlaken, then board the GoldenPass Line headed towards Montreux. The train goes through green meadows, snowy mountains, and old towns, giving you an unforgettable Swiss rail view experience.
Here are some tips regarding scenic train rides:
If you're traveling alone, with someone on a romantic getaway, or on vacation as a family, these train rides are unique. They also allow you to travel in comfort, especially for people who want a peaceful and relaxing journey. Even business travelers can fit in a short scenic route during their downtime.
You do not need to book ahead for long periods or spend a fortune. With most routes beginning at airport-linked railway stations, the experience is convenient and hassle-free. Train rides through Switzerland airports are one of the simplest ways to discover the nation's natural charms as soon as you land.
Switzerland is a paradise for train travelers. From the moment you step into the country by air, the journey begins—lakes, mountains, vineyards, and glaciers are all within the reach of a train journey. Zurich, Geneva, and Basel are all strategically located for easy access to unforgettable scenery, so you can indulge in the country's charm in the most relaxed way possible.
So the next time you set foot in Switzerland, skip the rental car and experience Swiss travel by train ticket instead and enjoy the ride. There's no better way to experience those legendary Swiss rail views than while seated comfortably on a train.
This content was created by AI