Südostbahn
The Südostbahn is one of Switzerland’s leading railway companies. It operates regional and long-distance services across German-speaking and southern Switzerland. Its Alpine Express routes connect some of the country’s most scenic regions, taking travellers well beyond the usual tourist trail.
With the Südostbahn’s Alpine Express services, you can offer your customers attractive rail journeys along some of Switzerland’s most impressive routes. The connections combine comfortable travel with strong tourism appeal: the Alpine Express St. Gallen–Lucerne links Eastern Switzerland with Central Switzerland through varied panoramic landscapes; the Treno Gottardo runs over the legendary Gotthard panorama route into Ticino; the Alpine Rhine opens up the Alpine scenery between St. Gallen and Chur; and the Zurich–Chur route impresses with picturesque lake and river landscapes.
The modern copper-colored, low-floor multiple units of the Traverso type stand for contemporary travel at a high standard. Large windows, a bright and harmoniously designed interior, an especially comfortable first class, and spacious second-class compartments create a first-class travel experience. Power outlets at every seat and two bistro zones with drink and snack vending machines further enhance the high level of comfort on every journey.
Alpine Express – St. Gallen-Luzern (Voralpen-Express)
The most scenic route between central and eastern Switzerland runs hourly between St. Gallen and Luzern. Starting in the UNESCO World Heritage city of St. Gallen, the route leads across the country’s highest railway viaduct and through the rolling hills of Toggenburg. After crossing the Rapperswil causeway and Switzerland’s largest upland moor, the journey concludes in Luzern, the heart of Central Switzerland.
Highlights
– UNESCO Abbey District of St. Gallen
– old town and castle of Rapperswil
– Rothenthurm raised bog
– several lakes including Lake Zurich and Lake Lucerne
– Lucerne with Chapel Bridge
Alpine Express – Treno Gottardo
The Treno Gottardo runs every hour, alternating between services from Zurich and from Basel via Lucerne to Locarno. This leisurely ride promises impressive views of rugged mountain faces and deep blue lakes. A particular highlight is the passage through the helical tunnels on the Gotthard north ramp, where the famous Wassen church appears from three different perspectives. As the train heads south, a Mediterranean flair comes alive with the sight of palm trees and elegant villas, marking the seamless transition from the majestic Alps to the sun-drenched landscapes of the south.
Highlights
– Zurich or Lucerne
– Lake Uri
– Gotthard panorama route
– Lake Maggiore
– UNESCO forts of Bellinzona
– Ascona–Locarno
Alpine Express – St. Gallen–Chur (Alpenrhein-Express)
This route runs hourly between St. Gallen and Chur. Along the way, it serves regional centres and popular tourist destinations such as Rorschach, Sargans, Bad Ragaz and Landquart. Large panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of Lake Constance, the Rhine Valley, the mountain ranges of Liechtenstein, the Alpstein and Sardona massifs, the Rhine, and numerous castles and palaces.
Highlights
– Alpine Rhine
– Werdenberg Castle
– Bündner Herrschaft wine region
– Chur – Switzerland’s oldest town
Alpine Express – Zürich–Chur (Aare Linth)
The most scenic route between cities, countryside and rivers connects Bern, Zurich and Chur. Travelling through regions with distinctive landscapes and traditions, it offers countless opportunities for exploration and discovery.
Highlights
– UNESCO-listed old town of Bern
– Zurich & Lake Zurich
– Lake Walensee
– Bündner Herrschaft wine region
– Chur
