Intro

The gentle side of Switzerland: It’s not all 4000-metre mountains and deep ravines. On the Voralpen-Express, visitors discover a different kind of Switzerland – undulating hills, picturesque villages and lovely orchards.

Voralpen-Express is the most appealing way to travel between Eastern and Central Switzerland. Starting from Eastern Switzerland’s urban centre of St. Gallen, whose Abbey district is a UNESCO world heritage site, the train traverses the 99 metre high Sitter viaduct and the rolling landscape of “Toggenburg”. Passing by Rapperswil and the impressive upland moor near Rothenthurm, the journey ends after a little over two hours in historic Lucerne on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Facts

Route: St. Gallen – Wattwil – Rapperswil – Arth Goldau – Luzern
Distance: 125 km
Duration: 2 h 15 min

Excursion tips

St. Gallen and surrounding area
  • Abbey district and Abbey library
  • Säntis – one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Switzerland at 2505 m a.s.l.
  • Appenzell region – tradition is important between Bodensee and Säntis
Rapperswil and surrounding area
  • Rapperswil castle
  • Lake Zurich Navigation – 2 steamboats and 12 motor boats regularly navigate Lake Zurich
Lucerne
  • Lion’s Monument – in memorial of Swiss citizens who died in 1792 during the French Revolution
  • Lake Lucerne boat tours
  • Landscape and Animal Park Goldau – refuge for stags, wolves, lynxes and other wild animals

Food & Beverages

Each Voralpen-Express train has a bistro coach with catering services.

Timetable

All Voralpen-Express connections here

Ticket

This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard.
Book Swiss Travel System tickets

Offers

Book here

Reservations

No seat reservation possible – free seating.

Discover the surroundings

Overview

Hint

Overview
Lucerne
Lucerne – Lake Lucerne
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Travel information: Lucerne

  • Lucerne Guided hike on the Pilatus with barbecue experience

    On a day trip from Lucerne, you take the cable car up to Pilatus with a guide and hike up to... from CHF 190
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2025 - 16.10.2025

    Learn more about Guided hike on the Pilatus with barbecue experience
  • Lucerne Sea Kayak Tour Lucerne

    During the two-hour canoe tour, you will experience the city of Lucerne from the lake. You paddle... from CHF 115
    Offer details


    valid: 01.06.2025 - 26.10.2025

    Learn more about Sea Kayak Tour Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Hidden Gems" Lucerne private e-bike tour

    On the electric cargo bike tour, you and your private group discover the surroundings of Lucerne.... from CHF 950
    Offer details


    valid: 26.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about "Hidden Gems" Lucerne private e-bike tour
  • Lucerne Lucerne City Tour

    Take part in an entertaining and informative city tour. Visit world-famous attractions in Lucerne. from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 26.04.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about Lucerne City Tour
  • Lucerne "Fondue Tuk" - city tour with the Tuk Tuk in Lucerne

    You will experience your city tour while enjoying a good cheese fondue. Your tuk tuk driver is also... from CHF 335
    Offer details


    valid: 25.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about "Fondue Tuk" - city tour with the Tuk Tuk in Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Cyber Punk" virtual reality game in Lucerne

    With the virtual reality game "Cyber Punk" you play an action game in Lucerne. You become a virtual... from CHF 109
    Offer details


    valid: 26.04.2025 - 23.04.2026

    Learn more about "Cyber Punk" virtual reality game in Lucerne
  • Lucerne Day program movie theater Museum of Transport Lucerne

    With this ticket in the XXL movie theater of the Museum of Transport Lucerne, you will experience... from CHF 18
    Offer details


    valid: 25.04.2025 - 24.04.2026

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  • Lucerne Photography course blue hour evening in Lucerne

    From dusk into darkness: Learn everything you need to know about photographing the blue hour. Guided... from CHF 249
    Offer details


    valid: 27.04.2025 - 30.04.2025

    Learn more about Photography course blue hour evening in Lucerne