Overview
The RE4/RE24 is a regional service operated by RhB that connects two important transport hubs in the Alpine region of Switzerland. Running between Scuol-Tarasp in the east and Landquart in the west, this train offers travellers a direct link through some of the country's most dramatic mountain terrain. For anyone moving between the Engadin valley and the broader Swiss rail network, this service is the practical spine of the region.
What makes this journey distinctive is not speed—regional trains never prioritise that—but the landscape itself. The route descends from high Alpine terrain into lower valleys, revealing the geology and settlement patterns of the region as you travel. It is a working train for locals and visitors alike, neither entirely rural nor entirely urban in character.
This guide covers how to plan your journey, where to sit for the best views, and what to expect on the journey itself. All specific timetables and fares must be confirmed directly with RhB, as these change seasonally and by date.
Key facts
| From | Scuol-Tarasp |
|---|---|
| To | Landquart |
| Operator | RhB |
The route and landscape
The RE4/RE24 runs from Scuol-Tarasp to Landquart, a journey that takes you through the transition zones between high mountain valleys and lower Alpine terrain. Scuol-Tarasp sits at the eastern end of the Engadin, a significant valley with its own character and rail connections. Landquart, to the west, is a junction station where this service meets the broader Swiss rail network and other onward services.
Between these two points, the train descends gradually, passing through a landscape shaped by valleys, forests, and the permanent features of Alpine settlement. You will see settlements at various altitudes and the evidence of how people have built communities in steep terrain. The journey is long enough to feel like genuine travel rather than a quick hop, but not so long that it becomes fatiguing.
The character of the route changes noticeably as you progress westward. The terrain opens and closes; forests give way to clearings; the scale of the valleys shifts. This is not a sight-seeing train with named highlights every five minutes, but rather a journey where the landscape provides a continuous, evolving backdrop. Much of what you see depends on which side of the train you occupy and the time of day you travel.
Planning your journey: timetable and booking
Services on the RE4/RE24 operate throughout the year, but frequency and timing vary considerably by season. Winter services differ from summer; weekday patterns differ from weekend. Because of this variation, checking the operator's timetable directly is not optional—it is essential. RhB publishes its timetables online and through its customer channels, and you should consult these before making any commitment to travel.
Booking is straightforward. You can reserve a seat in advance through RhB's booking system, or you may be able to board without a prior reservation depending on how busy the service is at that moment. Again, this varies by season and date. Contact RhB directly or check their website for current booking options and any conditions that apply to your chosen date.
The service is a regional train, which means it stops at a number of stations between the start and end points. This allows both passengers to join and leave at intermediate points, and also means the journey time reflects these stops rather than representing a direct express run. Travellers should allow adequate time when planning onward connections, particularly at Landquart if you are changing trains.
Where to sit: making the most of the landscape
The RE4/RE24 is equipped with standard regional train seating. Windows are large enough to give you a genuine view of the landscape rather than mere glimpses. However, the best visual experience depends on which side of the train you choose and the time of day.
As a general principle, the sun's angle changes throughout the day and through the seasons. If you travel early in the day during winter, light will come from a different direction than if you travel in mid-afternoon during summer. The valleys the train passes through run in various directions, so the 'sunny side' of the train varies depending on your position along the route. For this reason, there is no single perfect side to sit on for the entire journey. If panoramic views are important to you, try to check the route's orientation before boarding and position yourself accordingly. Alternatively, move seats during the journey—nothing prevents this on a regional train.
Window seats are obviously preferable to aisle seats if views matter to you. If you are booking in advance, try to request a window seat facing in the direction of travel, which psychologically feels more natural than travelling backwards.
What to expect during the journey
A regional train journey is different from a high-speed or express service. The pace is measured. The train stops frequently, which means both audible and physical pauses in the journey. These are normal and expected; they are part of what makes a regional service functional for the communities it serves.
The train itself will have clear markings indicating first-class and standard-class areas. First-class seating offers more spacious arrangements and often includes features such as power sockets and better sight-lines from the seats. Standard-class seating is simpler but entirely functional and offers the same external views. Which class you choose depends on your budget and how important additional space is to you for the journey duration.
Onboard catering on a regional service is usually limited. You may find a small buffet or shop, or you may not. The journey is long enough that many travellers bring their own food and drink. If catering is important to you, check with RhB about what is available on your specific service before boarding. The train is typically not crowded outside peak hours, which means finding a seat is usually straightforward.
The rhythm of a regional train—the gentle acceleration, the stops, the views developing gradually—is part of the experience rather than something to endure. Many travellers find regional journeys restful precisely because they do not demand your constant attention.
Travelling at different times of year
The experience of this journey changes significantly across the seasons. Summer brings full daylight and clear views of high terrain, with the landscape at its most open. Snow may still be visible on higher elevations, but the lower valleys are green and active. This is when the journey feels most expansive.
Winter transforms the journey entirely. Snow covers higher elevations and often the route itself, turning the landscape into something more austere and sculptural. Views may be reduced by weather, but the stark geometry of snow-covered slopes and forests creates a different kind of beauty. Winter daylight is also limited, so traveller's must expect shorter sight-lines and the possibility of overcast conditions.
Spring and autumn represent transitions. Spring brings the gradual greening of lower valleys while snow still dominates higher terrain—a landscape of contrasts. Autumn offers clarity of light and the changing colours of forests and vegetation. Both seasons are mild for travel and often less crowded than summer. The operator's timetable will show any seasonal variations in service frequency.
Travel classes: comfort and practicality
The RE4/RE24 offers both first-class and standard-class travel. The differences are physical and practical rather than merely nominal. First-class seating provides wider spacing between seats, which translates to more legroom and a less crowded experience. The seats themselves are typically upholstered in a more durable fabric and positioned to give better views from the window. Armrests between seats in first-class are often individual, giving you a clearer boundary of your own space.
Standard-class seating is closer-packed and simpler in finish, but perfectly adequate for a journey of this length. If you are travelling alone or with one other person, standard-class is entirely comfortable. If you are a tall person or value significant personal space, first-class is worth the additional cost. Both classes share the same windows and the same route, so the landscape views are equivalent.
Travellers with luggage will find that first-class often has designated storage areas that are less congested than standard-class. If you are carrying a large backpack or multiple bags, first-class can make boarding and settling in less fussy. Again, check with RhB about what is included with each class, as provisions vary slightly by service.
Connections at Landquart and beyond
Landquart is a junction station, meaning it is a point where multiple rail services meet and connect. Arriving at Landquart on the RE4/RE24, you have options for continuing your journey on other RhB services and Swiss rail network services. The connections available depend on your destination and the time of day.
If you are changing trains at Landquart, allow adequate time to exit the train, collect any luggage, and locate your connecting service. Regional stations are usually well-signed and straightforward, but if you are unfamiliar with the layout, arriving a few minutes early gives you space to orient yourself. Check the departure times of your connecting service with the operator before booking to ensure a feasible connection.
The broader Swiss rail network is accessible from Landquart, which means onward travel to other parts of Switzerland is possible. Landquart functions as a gateway between the mountain regions served by RhB and the larger Swiss network—this is one reason why the RE4/RE24 exists as a service.
Context: the service and the region
The RhB (Rhaetian Railway) network developed to serve the Alpine regions of eastern Switzerland, connecting valleys and communities that would otherwise be isolated. The RE4/RE24 is part of this longer history of regional rail infrastructure. It represents the continuity of rail transport as a practical means of movement through terrain where roads would be less efficient or less practical.
Regional services like the RE4/RE24 are not heritage trains or tourist attractions, though they are certainly used by visitors. They are working infrastructure designed to move people efficiently between communities and larger transport hubs. The fact that the journey is scenic is a happy byproduct of geography rather than the service's primary purpose. Understanding this context—that you are using functional, everyday transport—shapes how you approach the journey and what to expect from it.
Practical advice for your journey
Bring a timetable or have one downloaded to your phone before boarding. Regional services follow published schedules, and knowing when the train will arrive at your destination or at connection points reduces anxiety during the journey.
Consider bringing your own food and drink, as onboard catering availability is limited. A basic sandwich and a bottle of water will carry you comfortably through this journey.
If you are travelling in winter, dress warmly even though the train will be heated. Stations can be cold, and the psychological experience of watching snow-covered landscape is enhanced if you are physically comfortable.
Arrive at Scuol-Tarasp station with adequate time before departure, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the station layout. Regional stations are smaller and less frantic than larger hubs, but boarding procedures are still time-specific.
If you have mobility questions or accessibility needs, contact RhB directly before your journey. They can advise on what is available on your specific service.
Common questions
- Do I need to book in advance, or can I just turn up and board?
- This depends on the specific date and season. Services vary in frequency and capacity throughout the year. Booking in advance is recommended and is possible through RhB's system. However, some services may have availability for walk-on passengers. Check RhB's current booking options before travelling to understand what applies to your chosen date.
- How long does the journey take?
- Journey times vary depending on which specific service you are travelling on, as different trains may make different numbers of stops. RhB's timetable will show the departure and arrival times for your chosen service. Allow additional time when planning connections at Landquart.
- What is the difference between RE4 and RE24?
- Both designations refer to services on this route. The specific differences—whether one runs on certain days or stops at different stations—are determined by RhB's current operating schedule. Check the operator's timetable to understand which service suits your needs.
- Is the journey uncomfortable or too slow?
- The pace is measured, not express. Regional trains are designed for practical transport rather than speed. Many travellers find the rhythm restful. Comfort depends partly on your choice of class (first or standard) and partly on the journey duration, which is not excessive. If you value comfort, first-class is worth considering.
- What should I do if I need to change trains at Landquart?
- Check your connecting service's departure time before boarding. Allow adequate time to exit the train and locate your connection—stations are usually clearly signed. If you are unfamiliar with Landquart's layout, arriving a few minutes early gives you space to orient yourself. RhB staff at the station can also help with directions if needed.
On the map
Sources & method
- OpenStreetMap route=train (ODbL) — route
See our methodology for how Head Your Way sources and reviews travel data.