If you’ve ever dreamt of crossing the Alps without the stress of switchbacks or the blur of a car window, Treno Gottardo is your best choice. This panoramic train doesn’t just connect the north and south of Switzerland—it stitches together centuries of culture, jaw-dropping landscapes, and postcard-perfect towns, all in under five hours. You’re not just riding a train. You’re riding through the soul of Switzerland.
The Treno Gottardo glides along the historic Gotthard panoramic route, a rail line carved deep into the alpine backbone of the country. You can hop aboard in Zürich, Basel, or Lucerne and journey all the way to sun-drenched Locarno, Switzerland’s southern gem where palms sway and lakefront piazzas feel more Italian Riviera than Alpine retreat. And while the destination delivers, the ride is what travelers remember.
This isn’t your average commuter train. Think sweeping panoramic windows, uninterrupted views of glittering lakes, pine-lined valleys, and villages where time seems to stand still. The route crosses three climate zones in just a few hours, shifting from snowy peaks and Gothic towers to palm trees and pastel facades. You’ll pass the famous baroque Church of Wassen, visible from three different angles as the train spirals through mountain tunnels, and the majestic castles of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site perched above the valley floor.
Onboard, the Treno Gottardo pairs comfort with charm. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, there’s space to stretch out, sip something from the two bistro zones, or let kids roam freely in the dedicated family area. For those with a Swiss Travel Pass or GA travelcard, the ride is already included—making it one of the easiest ways to cover serious ground without compromising on style or serenity.
From Lucerne to Locarno, it’s just over three hours. Zürich to Locarno? Three hours and 19 minutes. Coming from Basel, the longest stretch clocks in at four hours and 21 minutes—but with this much beauty framed by panoramic glass, you’ll wish it lasted longer.
You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to fall for Treno Gottardo. You just need to be curious, open-eyed, and ready to slow down and see Switzerland for what it really is—layered, timeless, and best experienced at track level.
