Seat Reservations for Scenic Swiss Trains
When traveling on Switzerland’s scenic trains, seat reservation rules depend on the train and the type of coach you choose. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what’s required.
Glacier Express
Routes: Zermatt – Brig – Andermatt – Disentis – Chur – St. Moritz (single panoramic route, bookable in full or partial sectors)
- Seat reservation: Required for all customers.
- Your booking always includes a seat reservation when needed.
- You cannot board this train without a reservation.
Bernina Express
Routes: Chur → St. Moritz → Pontresina → Alp Grüm → Poschiavo → Tirano
Panoramic coaches (the large window trains):
- Reservation: Required
- Must be booked in addition to your ticket if not already included.
Regular (non-panoramic) coaches:
- Reservation: Not required
- You can travel freely with a valid ticket—no seat booking needed.
Tip: Choose panoramic coaches for the full scenic experience, but regular coaches are a flexible, reservation-free option.
Golden Pass Line
Routes: Montreux → Zweisimmen → Interlaken → Lucerne
- 2nd Class: Reservation optional
- 1st Class: Reservation optional (recommended in busy periods)
- VIP seats: Reservation required
Golden Pass Express (premium panoramic train):
- 2nd Class: Reservation optional (recommended in peak season)
- 1st Class: Reservation optional (recommended in peak season)
- Prestige Class: Reservation required
Luzern–Interlaken Express
Routes: Lucerne → Interlaken Ost
- 2nd Class: Reservation optional (recommended in peak season)
- 1st Class: Reservation optional (recommended in peak season)
Key Things to Remember
- Some trains (like the Glacier Express) always require a reservation.
- Panoramic coaches usually require seat reservations.
- Standard coaches often don’t require reservations—just hop on with your ticket.
- Premium seats (VIP, Prestige, etc.) always require a reservation