The Most Scenic Rail Routes in the Alps

If you’ve ever wanted to see the Alps without rushing through them, taking the train is your best move. You sit back, watch the peaks rise around you, and feel the landscape shift from lakes to cliffs to snowy ridges. You don’t need to worry about mountain roads or weather. You just enjoy the ride. Each route here gives you a clear view of the region’s character, whether you prefer bright valleys or dramatic passes. Pick one, plan your timing, and let the scenery do the rest.

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland

You hear a lot about this line, and it earns every bit of the attention. You travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz while watching long valleys, deep gorges, and quiet villages pass by. The train moves slowly enough for you to take in every turn. You cross famous bridges, roll past wide glaciers, and see peaks that look almost close enough to touch. The whole ride feels steady and unhurried, which helps you enjoy each stretch without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Bernina Express, Switzerland to Italy

This route takes you over one of the highest rail passes in Europe, and you can feel the shift as you climb. Ice fields give way to open meadows, and the color of the landscape changes with every few minutes of travel. You pass bright lakes, spiral viaducts, and villages that appear suddenly between bends. The descent into Italy feels almost unreal as the cool Alpine light turns warmer and softer. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you arrive.

3. Mont Blanc Express, France to Switzerland

You move through one of the most dramatic corners of the Alps on this line. The route dips through steep forests, edges along sharp cliffs, and offers clear views of the Mont Blanc massif. You can watch waterfalls drop from high ridges and catch quick glimpses of glaciers tucked between peaks. The journey is short enough for a day trip yet packed with scenery that feels bigger than the distance covered. It’s a great choice if you want a strong mix of ease and excitement.

4. GoldenPass Line, Switzerland

This ride carries you from lakeside towns into rolling hills and then higher into the mountains. The scenery changes so steadily that you never feel a break in the flow. You watch vineyards slide past, then dark forests, then bright Alpine meadows. The views stay wide and open, giving you plenty to take in without crowding your senses. It’s an easy route for first time visitors because the shifts in landscape feel smooth and pleasant from start to finish.

5. Arlberg Line, Austria

This historic line takes you across western Austria and gives you clear views of deep valleys and rugged ridges. You pass old market towns, long tunnels, and stretches where the mountains rise sharply on both sides. The whole trip feels grounded and real, with scenery that changes often but always keeps a sense of calm. It’s a strong choice if you want Alpine views without the high altitude extremes or heavy tourist traffic you find on other routes.

6. Gornergrat Railway, Switzerland

You climb steadily out of Zermatt until the Matterhorn appears in full view, and that moment alone makes the ride worth it. The train moves high enough for you to see glaciers spread across the peaks around you. The landscape feels open and crisp, and the air changes as you rise. The trip is shorter than the big cross country routes, but the payoff is huge. You get clear, uninterrupted mountain views that feel almost like a reward for the climb.

7. Semmering Railway, Austria

This line is one of the earliest mountain railways in Europe, and you can feel the classic character in every part of the trip. You cross graceful viaducts, pass forests that seem to fold into the hills, and watch small villages appear between long curves. The scenery isn’t extreme, but it’s steady and calming, with enough variation to keep you looking out the window the whole way. It’s a great pick if you want a quieter Alpine experience without sharp climbs.