Overview
The RE13/RE1/R1 is not a train that shouts about itself, and that's rather the point. It slips out of Landquart, on the main Swiss rail network, and heads up into Rhaetian Railway territory, where the tracks narrow and the landscape starts doing the talking. By the time you reach Filisur, you've had a proper preview of the Graubünden Alps without needing to book anything more elaborate than a regional train.
This is the workhorse route that feeds passengers towards some of the most celebrated railway scenery in Switzerland, but it deserves attention in its own right. It's used by commuters, hikers, skiers and rail enthusiasts alike, which gives it an unpretentious, lived-in character quite different from the more curated tourist trains that share parts of this network.
Think of it as the sensible, satisfying warm-up act: less filming, more living. If you want to understand how this corner of Switzerland actually connects together, this is the service that shows you.
Key facts
| From | Landquart |
|---|---|
| To | Filisur |
| Operator | RhB |
The route: Landquart to Filisur
Landquart marks the point where the RhB network begins, as standard-gauge Swiss trains hand over to the narrower Rhaetian Railway tracks. From here, the RE13/RE1/R1 climbs steadily into the Prättigau and then into the wider Albula region, with the terrain shifting from valley floor to steeper, more dramatic slopes as you go.
The character of the landscape changes noticeably along the way: broad, cultivated valley at the start, gradually narrowing and rising into classic Alpine terrain by the time you approach Filisur. It's a journey that rewards patience — the scenery builds rather than announces itself all at once.
Filisur itself is a small but important railway junction, known to many as a staging point for onward Albula line connections. Arriving here by this service feels like a natural, unforced way to reach the mountains, rather than a manufactured tourist experience.
Timetable & how to book
Services on this route vary according to the season, with adjustments typically made around winter and summer travel patterns in the region. Because of this, you should never assume a fixed frequency or journey time — always check current departures directly with RhB before travelling.
Booking is generally straightforward for a regional service of this kind, and in many cases can be done on the day, though it's worth checking RhB's own booking channels for the latest guidance, especially if you're travelling at a busy time of year or connecting onward to other RhB routes.
Fares & classes
As with most RhB regional services, you can typically expect a choice between standard and first class. First class generally offers a quieter, more comfortable environment with more generous seating and a slightly calmer atmosphere, which can be worth considering if you're travelling with luggage or simply want more space to enjoy the views.
Standard class is perfectly comfortable for this journey and is what most regular travellers and day-trippers use. Neither class fundamentally changes the experience of the scenery — the windows are the real draw here — but first class does add a layer of comfort for those who prefer it.
For exact fare information, always check directly with RhB, as pricing structures and any applicable passes or regional travel cards can affect what you pay.
Which side to sit / best views
On a route like this, where the valley walls and mountain views shift depending on the direction of travel, it's generally worth choosing a seat by the window rather than fixating on a specific side — the landscape rewards attention on both sides at different points.
That said, many travellers find that sitting on the side facing away from the sun (depending on time of day) makes it easier to see the scenery clearly without glare. If photography is your priority, arriving early enough to choose your seat freely, rather than relying on assigned seating, can make a real difference.
Onboard experience
Regional RhB trains of this kind are generally set up with practicality in mind, but that doesn't mean the experience is dull. Windows are usually generously sized, which suits the surrounding scenery well, and the ride is smooth and unhurried compared to faster main-line services.
Don't expect an elaborate dining car experience on a route of this nature; onboard catering, where available, tends to be simple rather than extensive. Many travellers bring their own snacks or drinks, treating the journey as a scenic interlude rather than a destination in itself.
The overall atmosphere is relaxed and functional — a mix of locals going about their day and visitors clearly enjoying the view, which gives the journey an authentic, unforced feel.
Best season
This is a route that transforms with the seasons. In winter, snow-covered slopes and crisp light give the journey a hushed, dramatic quality, and it's popular with skiers heading further into the RhB network. In spring and early summer, the valleys turn green and the contrast between lush lower slopes and higher peaks becomes more pronounced.
Autumn brings its own appeal, with changing colours adding warmth to the landscape before winter sets in. Whatever time of year you travel, it's worth checking seasonal timetable variations with RhB in advance, since services can differ notably between summer and winter schedules.
Alternatives & onward connections
Filisur is a useful hub for onward travel, particularly for those continuing onto other parts of the RhB network, including routes that head further into the high Alpine sections of Graubünden. It's a sensible point to break your journey or switch onto a different line depending on your final destination.
If you're looking for alternatives to this specific service, other RhB regional trains cover overlapping sections of this network, so it's worth checking RhB's full timetable to see whether a different connection better suits your plans, especially if you're aiming to link up with a particular onward route.
A short history and context
The Rhaetian Railway has long been central to opening up this part of Graubünden, transforming what were once remote mountain communities into places reachable by rail throughout the year. Services like the RE13/RE1/R1 continue that tradition in a quiet, practical way, forming the backbone of regional travel rather than existing purely for visitors.
Over time, the network has evolved from a vital transport lifeline for local communities into something that also draws international attention for its engineering and scenery. This regional service represents the everyday, functional side of that story — the trains that keep the region connected, season after season, rather than the headline-grabbing showpieces.
Common questions
- Do I need to reserve a seat in advance?
- For a regional service of this kind, advance seat reservation isn't always necessary, but it's worth checking with RhB directly, particularly during busier seasonal periods.
- Which side of the train has the best views?
- There's no single 'best' side throughout the journey, as the scenery shifts along the route. Choosing any window seat should give you a strong sense of the changing landscape.
- Is there food available on board?
- Catering tends to be simple rather than extensive on regional services like this one, so many travellers bring their own refreshments.
- Can I connect onward from Filisur to other mountain routes?
- Yes, Filisur functions as a useful junction for onward RhB connections. Check current timetables with RhB to plan your onward journey.
- Does the timetable change with the seasons?
- Yes, services can vary between summer and winter schedules, so always confirm current departure times directly with RhB before travelling.
On the map
Sources & method
- OpenStreetMap route=train (ODbL) — route
See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.