Trains to Switzerland
Travel by train to Switzerland and you’ll find much more than offshore banking and skiing. Beyond the stereotypes, Swiss city and country life comes into its own against a stunning Alpine backdrop. More
With three-fifths of Switzerland covered by mountains, it should come as no surprise that December to mid-April sees thousands of adventurous tourists descend on the Alps for skiing, snowboarding and general frosty fun. When the snow melts and the last of the après-skiers depart, it gives way to one of Europe’s best kept secrets – the Alps in Spring and Summer.
Few places are better for exploring the great outdoors than Switzerland. And life in the mountains is enviable in its simplicity. By contrast, Swiss cities defy a reputation for seriousness with a bold art scene and outrageous night life. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway to Lake Geneva, a dip in a thermal pool, or even a ride on a fondue tram (yes, really) Switzerland has some surprises up its sleeve.
From the UK, you'll arrive into Paris Gare du Nord via Eurostar before choosing between a number of options for onward travel. The TGV connects Paris directly to Geneva, Zurich, and Berne meaning the entire journey from London St. Pancras can be done in fewer than 8 hours. Sharing borders with four European neighbours, Switzerland is also well connected internationally. There are direct trains daily between Berne and Berlin, and incredibly it's just two and half hours from Zurich to Milano Centrale.
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Geneva
The best cuckoo clocks, the most expensive penknives, and home to the world's biggest water fountain, Genevans don’t do things by halves. Cruise on the lake, climb a mountain or visit a particle accelerator - Geneva is an ideal place to relax, explore and geek out. If particle physics and clock-mastery don’t do it for you, fear not, Geneva offers many more tempting delights.
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Berne
A clandestine capital city, Berne is the least-known of Switzerland's cities. Outshone by its pinstriped cousins, Berne often remains in the shadows. But this UNESCO World Heritage site has more to it than first meets the eye. With an open-air bear park and chocolate factories galore, the Swiss capital, complete with child-eating monster, is full of surprises.
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Zurich
Though undeniably a finance capital, it's not all business time and serious bankers in Zurich, which has more to do than you can shake a stick at. Boasting a beautiful old town, lakeside thermal bathing and an abundance of clock manufacturers, this fantastic Swiss city under the watchful eye of the Alps, is easily reached by train.