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Explore Switzerland Independently
See Switzerland’s spectacular scenery on an iconic train in 2026

Switzerland Independent Rail Tours

Experience Switzerland's epic landscapes, iconic railways and indulgent cuisine your way. If you're craving the simplicity of a curated itinerary with the freedom of unescorted travel, our independent tours offer the perfect blend of flexibility and ease.

Each of our 12 trips feature travel on Switzerland's legendary trains, immersive tours and plenty of free time. You're free to tailor your vacation, choosing from hand-picked hotels, excursions, tours and add-ons. With travel, transfers and accommodations included, you can explore on your own terms, knowing we've taken care of the rest.

Explore our Top Independent Vacations in Switzerland

Matterhorn, Zermatt
4.4 stars(70 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
6 days from
$2,195 pp
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Landwasser Viaduct Glacier Express
Save $200pp
4.5 stars(87 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
11 days from
$3,395 pp $3,195 pp
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Jungfrau Railway
Save $200pp
4.4 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
8 days from
$2,695 pp $2,495 pp
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Flexible, Unescorted Travel Designed Around You

Your Vacation, Your choice

Unique Holidays

Unique Holidays

With travel and accommodations covered, the rest is up to you.

Destination Experts

Destination Experts

Showcasing the world through unforgettable experiences

Price Promise

Price Promise

Everything in your itinerary is included in the price

What is an Independent Rail Vacation?

Our completely flexible tours give you the freedom to choose how you want to travel and how you want to experience your trip. These tours are unescorted, so you have the scope to travel at your own pace and to enjoy your trip independently, while still having a framework to guide you. Get ready to travel your way and delight in the beauty of a journey that's all yours.

  • Decide to travel by air or rail to and from your destination.
  • Choose your hotels from 3, 4 or 5 star.
  • Pick your class of rail travel experience.
  • Select from a range of handpicked excursions to enhance your vacation.
  • Extend your stay in any of our carefully selected hotels.
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12 results matching: Independent Train Tours in Switzerland

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Matterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, ZermattMatterhorn, Zermatt
4.4 stars(70 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Uncover otherworldly mountain scenes from charming resort towns and some of the world's most scenic railways on this unforgettable vacation in Switzerland. After arriving in Zürich, stay in two scenic bases in the Alps: the car-free village of Zermatt and the lakeside gem of St. Moritz. Enjoy an unforgettable perspective on the Matterhorn from...

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6 days from
$2,195 pp
per person
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Landwasser Viaduct Glacier ExpressLandwasser Viaduct Glacier ExpressLandwasser Viaduct Glacier ExpressLandwasser Viaduct Glacier ExpressLandwasser Viaduct Glacier Express
Save $200pp
4.5 stars(87 reviews)
Independent
2027AprMayJunJulAugSep
Independent

Discover the diverse regions of Switzerland on this 11-day vacation. This trip, which takes you on a variety of Swiss rail lines, is a train lover's dream. Filled with twists and turns along rivers and mountainsides, you can relax and enjoy stunning views only available via rail. You'll view stunning landscapes such as the Bernese Oberland,...

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Save $200pp
11 days from
$3,395 pp $3,195 pp
per person
View Details
Jungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau RailwayJungfrau Railway
Save $200pp
4.4 stars(23 reviews)
Independent
2027JanFebMarAprMay...
Independent

Soaring snow-clad peaks frame charming cities steeped in history, and sprawling valleys lead to crystalline glacier-fed lakes in stunning Switzerland. Sit back and relax as these elements are brought to life aboard some of the world's most famous rail lines, including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, on this independent journey. The...

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Save $200pp
8 days from
$2,695 pp $2,495 pp
per person
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Bernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In WinterBernina Express In Winter
Save $200pp
4.9 stars(11 reviews)
Independent
2026Dec
2027JanFebMarApr
Independent

The very best sites and attractions of Switzerland lie ahead on this incredible wintertime journey. You will enjoy a look at the lands from all angles as you cruise the beautiful waters of Lake Lucerne and ascend some of the region's most iconic mountains, including Mt. Rigi and Mt. Schilthorn. You will experience historic cities, resort towns,...

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Save $200pp
11 days from
$3,395 pp $3,195 pp
per person
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Swiss Alps in Grindelwald, SwitzerlandSwiss Alps in Grindelwald, SwitzerlandSwiss Alps in Grindelwald, SwitzerlandSwiss Alps in Grindelwald, SwitzerlandSwiss Alps in Grindelwald, Switzerland
Independent
2026Oct
Independent

Some of the world's most impressive panoramas beckon on this expedition through Switzerland. Lucerne, Lugano, Zermatt and the Bernese Oberland are highlighted as you travel through the country aboard fantastic scenic rail lines, such as the Gotthard Panorama Express, which travels to Lugano, and the Centovalli Railway for a journey through the...

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9 days from
$3,395 pp
per person
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InterlakenInterlakenInterlakenInterlakenInterlaken
Independent
2026OctNovDec
Independent

More than two weeks of dramatic alpine scenery, charming destinations and remarkable rail adventures beckon on this independent trip to Switzerland. With an included Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; complimentary admission to 500-plus museums; select mountain rail excursions; and a 50% discount on many other...

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15 days from
$4,595 pp
per person
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Lake ComoLake ComoLake ComoLake ComoLake Como
4.4 stars(16 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
Independent

From Alpine peaks to glacier-fed lakes and beloved cities that exemplify cultural nuances, this journey delves into the wonders of Switzerland and Italy. There is no shortage of beauty to behold as you explore Switzerland from thought-provoking bases in Zürich, Chur, and Lugano and then cross the border into Italy, settling aside beautiful Lake...

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11 days from
$4,195 pp
per person
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Pilatus Mountain Peak and Lucerne LakePilatus Mountain Peak and Lucerne LakePilatus Mountain Peak and Lucerne LakePilatus Mountain Peak and Lucerne LakePilatus Mountain Peak and Lucerne Lake
4.0 stars(5 reviews)
Independent
2026OctNovDec
Independent

Embark on an immersive rail journey that explores the sights and gastronomic delights of three Swiss giants: Zürich, Lucerne, and Montreux. Enjoy travel aboard some of the country's most well-regarded train lines and all-encompassing excursions that showcase the best of each city. Imagine the adventures to come as you arrive in Zürich, a modern...

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7 days from
$2,795 pp
per person
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4.4 stars(6 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
Independent

Journey through the breathtaking Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland, on this seven day escape. Discover the charming city of Lucerne, nestled amidst the Swiss Alps and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise across its serene lake. Experience a first-class journey aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, traversing dramatic landscapes to Lugano. Your adventure...

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7 days from
$2,395 pp
per person
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Lauterbrunnen ValleyLauterbrunnen ValleyLauterbrunnen ValleyLauterbrunnen ValleyLauterbrunnen Valley
4.5 stars(8 reviews)
Independent
2026Oct
Independent

Embark on a journey through the sky, soaking in the colorful and often rugged terrain of the Swiss Alps from atop soaring mountain peaks. The Schilthorn, Jungfrau, Brienzer Rothorn, and Harder Kulm are just a sampling of the summits that welcome you to this breathtaking country. Travel aboard heritage cog railways, well-designed local trains, and...

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7 days from
$3,495 pp
per person
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InterlakenInterlakenInterlakenInterlakenInterlaken
Independent
Independent

 More than two weeks of snowy alpine scenery, charming destinations and remarkable rail adventures beckon on this independent trip to Switzerland. With an included Swiss Travel Pass providing unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat; complimentary admission to 500-plus museums; select mountain rail excursions; and a 50% discount on many other...

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LuxuryLuxury
Independent
Independent

Travel through inspiring mountain ranges and view glassy lakes and rivers of ice, on the world-famous Glacier Express in ultimate style aboard the exclusive Excellence Class carriage. Stay in the upmarket alpine resort towns of St Moritz and Zermatt, nestled beneath the iconic Matterhorn. Experience slow travel at its best on this journey through...

5 days from
$3,260 pp
per person
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Our customers love our Independent Train Tours tours
Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express
10/Sep
Kathleen Malerba
5 stars
“Excellent views and service
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
28/Aug
PAUL HENRY CURTIS
5 stars
“All the hotels were great and the trains amazing - exactly to the minute and super clean. The scenery is breathtaking and the trains are a wonderful way to see it. It was all we hoped for and more.
Collected by Trustpilot
Montreux & Lucerne: Chocolate, Cheese & Wine
29/Jun
DEBORAH LAWRENCE
5 stars
“We did the "independent" travel option. Small learning curve with train travel and understanding the train tickets that were issued to us. Be prepared for the unexpected during train travel, as our first train of our adventure broke down and we had to evacuate with all passengers and carry/drag...
Collected by Trustpilot
Peaks of Switzerland featuring Schilthorn & Jungfrau
17 Oct 2025
PATRICIA A ROHRBERG
5 stars
“We had an awesome time, thank your team for working with us on getting all of the itinerary and train passages so timely.
Collected by Trustpilot
Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland
14 Jan 2025
JOSEPH JONES
5 stars
“Magnificent
Collected by Trustpilot
Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter
30 Apr 2024
Chris M
5 stars
“For context, we live in New Zealand and booked to do this trip in March 2020, but Covid got in the way. We thought that was it, we'd never get to go. We were given a credit by Vacations By Rail (VBR) as many other companies did. Then,...
Collected by Trustpilot
Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail
8/Jul
SHARON GRINNELL
4 stars
“The trip itself was incredible. We loved the accommodations and pre-planned activities. However, communication was subpar. There is no way to directly communicate with the people who book the aspects of the trip. We did not even know that our trip hadn't fully processed until a few days before we...
Collected by Trustpilot
Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express
12 Jul 2025
GEOFFREY JAMES HACKMAN
4 stars
“We found the use of the rail pass very easy, especially after getting advice from an SBB (Swiss Rail) agent to download the SBB App--something I would advise strongly for any others doing this trip without a guide! It made planning much easier than it might have been with...
Collected by Trustpilot
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