Transalpin EuroCity: One of Europe’s Most Scenic Trains
One of the most underrated scenic trains in Europe is the Transalpin EuroCity, which links Zurich with Graz along the spine of the Alps.
Scenic trains in Europe
When people think of scenic trains in Europe, famous Swiss services like the Bernina Express or Glacier Express often come to mind.
These trains arguably rank among the most scenic in Europe, but there are a few other services that could rival them in terms of stunning scenery.
One of these is the EuroCity ‘Transalpin’, which happens to be one of my favourites.

View from the Transalpin EuroCity train as it winds though an Alpine valley. ©AndyBTravels
The Transalpin Eurocity train
The Transalpin EuroCity is a daily service that connects Zurich in Switzerland with Graz in Austria, traversing the spine of the Alps.
In the direction from Zurich to Graz, the Transalpin EuroCity has the designated train number EC163, while on the return journey from Graz to Zurich, it carries the number EC164.
The train is jointly operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), typically featuring a mix of both Austrian and Swiss rolling stock.
What truly sets the Transalpin EuroCity apart is the presence of a Swiss 1st class panorama coach and an Austrian dining car for the entire journey, making it an incredibly comfortable way to cross the Alps.

Destination shield of the Transalpin EuroCity train. ©AndyBTravels

Inside the Swiss first class panorama coach. ©AndyBTravels

The Austrian dining car. ©AndyBTravels
Scenery along the route
En route from Zurich to Graz, the Transalpin EuroCity makes stops in Buchs, Feldkirch, Innsbruck, Schwarzach-St. Veit, Bischofshofen, Leoben, and several other stations.
As soon as the train departs Zurich, you’ll be treated to pleasant views of Lake Zurich, soon followed by far more spectacular vistas of the rocky shores of Lake Walen (Walensee).
After briefly crossing Liechtenstein, the train enters Austria, where it traverses the Arlberg Pass between Feldkirch in the Austrian state of Vorarlberg and Innsbruck in Tyrol.
Needless to say, there is still plenty of mountain scenery for the remainder of the ride in Austria as the train travels through Tyrol and the heart of the Austrian state of Salzburg near Bischofshofen.
It’s a continuous stretch of beautiful views, and you’ll likely find yourself glued to the window for the more than nine-and-a-half hours it takes the train to complete its journey.
Tips for booking the Transalpin
The Transalpin EuroCity train is best booked through the website of the Austrian Railways.
To sit in the Swiss panorama coach on the Transalpin EuroCity, you’ll need a first class ticket or a firs class Eurail/Interrail Pass.
Although seat reservations aren’t compulsory, it’s advisable to make one, and if you travel in first class, remember that coach 309 is the panorama wagon.
When travelling from Zurich to Graz, it’s best to sit on the left-hand side of the train upon departure.
This way, you’ll have the best views of Lake Zurich and Lake Walen on your left-hand side, and when the train changes direction at Buchs, you’ll automatically be seated on the right-hand side for the best views of the majority of the Arlberg Pass.

Trautenfels Castle as seen from the train. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
Although several trains can claim to be among the most scenic in Europe, the Transalpin EuroCity, linking Zurich in Switzerland with Graz in Austria, is a strong contender.
You’ll have magnificent mountain views for almost the entire ride and can enjoy the comfort of the first-class panorama coach and the dining car when travelling from Zurich to Graz on this train.