From Lucerne to St. Gallen connecting with Interlaken, Montreux, Locarno and Lugano
The Pre-Alpine Express - also known as the Voralpen Express - offers a unique trip between Eastern and Central Switzerland. Leaving behind the traffic-free Old Town of St. Gallen with its world famous Abbey Library, the train crosses over the Sitter Viaduct - at 99m high the highest railway bridge in Switzerland - then into neighbouring Canton Appenzell with its distinctive landscape and the impressive Alpstein massif. Rolling hills and pristine villages pass by your panorama windows as the train winds its way through the idyllic Toggenburg area with the peaks of the Churfirsten range adorning the backdrop. Next stop is Rapperswil with its attractive Old Town and views across Lake Zurich before the journey continues across the moorland countryside on the way to Lucerne.
This journey is a delight and can be taken from Lucerne or St. Gallen as a return day trip. Alternatively, it can be used as a connection for a two or multi centre holiday, combining St. Gallen and Lucerne with the Bernese Oberland or Montreux with the Luzern-Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Line. You can also connect with Gotthard Panorama Express which takes you by lake steamer and rail to the southern Ticino resorts of Locarno and Lugano.
Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the Pre Alpine Express
Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned Pre Alpine Express
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Pre-Alpine Express suggested holidays 2023
Holidays can be enjoyed in reverse orderOur suggested two and multi centre itineraries can also be changed to fit your requirements with higher grade hotels and upgraded rooms. Other combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.
15 Day | Grand Scenic Train Tour
The ultimate scenic rail holiday! Experience famous journeys across Switzerland, with the opportunity to stay in and explore the sights of some of our favourite lakes and mountains resorts.
From £2222 pp
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Holidays with the Pre-Alpine Express
Pre-Alpine Express details
The Pre-Alpine Express operates several services per day, throughout the year. The journey time between Lucerne and St. Gallen is 2¼ hours.
Please note that the panoramic windows are available only in 1st class carriages.
Pre-Alpine Express prices
Seat reservations are not possible.
St. Gallen to Lucerne or vice versa 2nd class 25 Sfrs per person, 1st class 45 Sfrs per person
Prices are a guide and will vary according to itinerary. They are valid only with the Half Fare Card (included with your holiday).
Connecting with other scenic rail journeys
We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Pre-Alpine Express with other famous trains.
From Lucerne: travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken, or the Gotthard Panorama Express to Lugano
Request your holiday quotation
Speak to our team today to find out more!
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com