The Alps are criss-crossed by practical train lines that serve the valleys, and others, more scenic in nature, that open onto dreamlike landscapes and sites. While every local TER line offers grand panoramas, this article explores the most spectacular tourist routes — the ones that climb the mountainsides to deliver a truly unique travel experience, in France, in Switzerland and beyond.
Legendary lines around Mont Blanc (France / Switzerland)
At the heart of the Alps, the Mont-Blanc massif is served by historic train lines offering breathtaking views over the peaks and glaciers.
The Mont-Blanc Express
A genuine link between France and Switzerland, the Mont-Blanc Express connects Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet (accessible by direct TGV from Paris or Lyon) to Martigny (CH). This panoramic rack railway serves the whole of the Chamonix valley, including Les Houches, Chamonix and Argentière. More than just a scenic route, it’s a practical way to get around — free for holders of a guest card — allowing you to explore the valley and reach activities without a car.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway (TMB)
The Mont-Blanc Tramway is the highest rack railway in France. Also departing from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, it climbs the flanks of the Mont-Blanc massif to reach the Nid d’Aigle at 2,372 metres altitude, facing the Bionnassay glacier. In winter, it serves the Les Houches ski area. In summer, it’s the favoured starting point for mountaineers and hikers.
The Montenvers Train – Mer de Glace
From central Chamonix, this little red train with its retro look climbs the slopes of the Mont-Blanc massif to reach the Montenvers site in 20 minutes. Arriving at 1,913 metres, the view over the Mer de Glace — France’s largest glacier — is striking. Once there, a visit to the Ice Cave and the Glaciorium completes this unique experience.
Getting to ski resorts by train
Did you know that many ski resorts in the Alps are easily accessible by train? By combining a TGV with a shuttle (or funicular), you can reach the slopes with complete peace of mind. Winter or summer, it’s the easy choice!
- Les Arcs (Arc 1600): direct TGV from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, then a funicular (7 minutes).
- Saint-Gervais: direct TGV from Paris or Lyon, then a gondola and shuttles link all the villages and the ski resort.
- Chamonix: TGV to Saint-Gervais, then the Mont-Blanc Express
- Briançon – Serre Chevalier: TER from Marseille and Aix, or a night train from Paris.
- Other resorts such as Alpe d’Huez, Avoriaz or Valloire are linked to stations by shuttle at weekends.
➡️ To find out more, here are the most accessible ski resorts by train.
Trains in the French Alps: from the Vercors to the Mediterranean
The French rail network also holds some real gems, combining regional transport with exceptional scenery.
The Grenoble – Gap – Briançon Line
This TER line is one of the most beautiful in France. It connects the Northern Alps (Isère) to the Southern Alps (Hautes-Alpes). Setting off from Grenoble, the train climbs through the Trièves, crosses the Col de la Croix-Haute (1,176m), then descends towards Veynes-Dévoluy before climbing again towards Gap and Briançon. A spectacular route serving wild massifs such as the Vercors and the Dévoluy.
The Train des Pignes (Nice ↔ Digne-les-Bains)
To discover the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, nothing beats the Train des Pignes. Over 151km, this historic line follows the Var valley up from Nice, stopping in perched villages such as Entrevaux. In summer, a genuine steam train runs along part of the route for a truly immersive experience.
How to Get to the Alps by TGV?
Thanks to the high-speed train, the stations of Grenoble, Annecy, Chambéry and Lyon are only around 3 hours from Paris. From these gateway towns, a dense network of regional trains (TER) and shuttles takes you into the heart of the mountains. Several TGV stations let you avoid changing trains altogether: Saint-Gervais, Sallanches, Annecy, Chambéry, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Aime-La Plagne, La Chambre, Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and Modane.
The train de la Mure, Matheysine’s tourist line
The little red train of La Mure returned to service in 2021, after around a decade out of action following a landslide. In the 19th century, this train linked La Mure to the region’s anthracite mines. It was the world’s first electric line to run on direct current. Over a 40-minute journey from La Mure, south of Grenoble, this tourist train crosses the Matheysine, then overlooks the Drac valley and Lake Monteynard. On the way back, you can visit the “La Mine Image” museum to learn more about two centuries of mining history through an unusual exhibition trail.
Panoramic lines in Switzerland: railway excellence
Switzerland is the world reference point for mountain trains. Its railway routes are engineering feats designed purely for spectacle.
The Bernina Express (Switzerland ↔ Italy)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bernina Express line is one of the most spectacular crossings of the Alps. This bright red train links Chur or Saint-Moritz in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy. It crosses the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres altitude (with no rack railway needed!) and passes over the spiral viaduct at Brusio, offering breathtaking scenery.
The Glacier Express
Nicknamed “the slowest train in the world”, the Glacier Express links Zermatt (at the foot of the Matterhorn) to Saint-Moritz in almost 8 hours. The journey itself is the destination. The train crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, offering an unbroken view of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges and unspoilt valleys across the Swiss Alps.
Switzerland has numerous mountain railway lines, many of which climb up to ski resorts. At Interlaken, the Jungfrau railway reaches the highest railway station in Europe, at 3,454 metres altitude. At Zermatt, several funiculars — including the Gornergrat Bahn — take visitors up to 3,089 metres altitude, facing the majestic Matterhorn.
Beyond: alpine Europe by train
The Alps stretch across eight countries. France and Switzerland are essential stops, but Italy, Austria, Germany and Slovenia also offer magnificent railway routes.
- In Italy: discover the Dolomites by arriving at Bolzano (Bozen) station, or skirt Lake Como on the line linking Milan to Tirano.
- In Austria and Germany: trains departing from Munich (DE) or Innsbruck (AT) plunge you into the heart of the Bavarian Alps and the Tyrol.
- In Slovenia: don’t miss the Bohinj line, a spectacular journey from Jesenice that takes you to the gates of Triglav National Park and the famous Lake Bled, a jewel of the Julian Alps.