The Glacier Express is an unforgettable scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps. It’s a full day rail journey between two of Switzerland’s most popular destinations: Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The route passes through picturesque mountain landscapes, crossing 291 bridges and dipping through 91 tunnels along the way.
The special train cars have large panorama windows, where you can easily take in the breath-taking scenery from the comfort of your seat in all seasons.
Below I explain what to expect on the Glacier Express, how to book tickets, give tips for saving money, and provide sample itineraries.
Contents
- Glacier Express Quick Info 2025
- Where does the Glacier Express go?
- What you’ll see on the Glacier Express
- 5 Reasons to ride the Glacier Express
- Schedule for Glacier Express
- Cost of Glacier Express
- How to book seat reservations
- Seating & classes of service
- Food & beverage service
- Planning your Glacier Express itinerary
- Rail Packages
- Best alternatives to Glacier Express
- FAQ
Note: Prices, schedules, and terms and conditions may change without notice. Services may be delayed, changed or cancelled without notice. You are responsible for all bookings
Glacier Express Quick Info 2025
Route: Zermatt – Chur – St Moritz
Dates: year round except 12 Oct to 5 Dec 2025, limited schedule in winter
Train tickets: 2nd class from CHF 44 – CHF 159, depending on how far you travel
Discounts: free with Swiss Travel Pass & Saver Day Pass • 50% discount with Swiss Half Fare Card
Seat Reservations: CHF 49/person – www.glacierexpress.ch
Tour Packages: Glacier Express rail package – Get a 5% discount on your with our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN
Where does the Glacier Express go?
The Glacier Express train route connects Zermatt and St Moritz, covering a distance of about 291 kilometers (181 miles).
How long does the Glacier Express journey take?
The full Glacier Express journey from Zermatt to St Moritz takes about 8 hours. Despite it’s name, it is a slow train, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
Since the train makes a few stops along the way, you can book a shorter segment if you don’t want to spend all day on the train. We describe sample itineraries below.
What you’ll see on the Glacier Express
You don’t have to try hard or particularly pay attention to see many beautiful things while you ride the Glacier Express. But there are a few special sights to look out for. They usually announce particular items of interest over the intercom so you don’t miss it.
This maps shows the Glacier Express highlights I describe below.
1. Zermatt
The Glacier Express starts or ends in Zermatt. To get the full experience, make sure to also include in your itinerary a day or two in this beautiful destination so you can spend some quality time with the Matterhorn. See our suggestions for Zermatt.
2. Andermatt
The Glacier Express stops briefly in Andermatt, a charming village in a high mountain valley (see on map). You have a lovely view of this area as you ascend and descend either side of the valley.
3. Oberalp Pass
The Oberalp mountain pass is the highest post on the train line, reaching 2033m (see on map). At the top, you’ll pass by the Oberalpsee lake that you see here.
4. Rhine River Gorge
After the pass, the train follows the Rhine River down through the Surselva valley, with lovely forests surrounded by tall mountain peaks.
One of the nicest sections is the “Rheinschlucht” (aka Rhine Gorge) between Illanz and Reichenau, which has many beautiful and unique rock formations in the limestone cliffs.
5. Landwasser Viaduct
This famous arched bridge features on many social media videos. It’s located on the section between Chur and St Moritz, just north of Filsur (see location on map).
They will announce it before your arrival. Make sure to get ready with your camera as you approach the bridge. But honestly, it can be difficult to get the perfect pic as you pass over the bridge quickly and the windows can have an intense glare.
6. St Moritz
Many travelers start or end their Glacier Express ride in St Moritz. If you only have a little time here before moving on, we suggest a walk along the lake directly in front of the St Moritz train station, shown below. See suggested walking route.
If you can, we suggest adding a day or two to your St Moritz stay so you can visit some of the highlights in this region, like the Morteratsch glacier. See all our St Moritz suggestions.
5 Reasons to ride the Glacier Express
Is the Glacier Express worth it? While many Switzerland train rides have beautiful scenery, the Glacier Express is a special experience. Here are a few great reasons to include Glacier Express in your itinerary:
1. Train lovers
If you are a train enthusiast, the Glacier Express is the most well-known and popular train route in Switzerland. If you search for “most beautiful train rides in the world,” the Glacier Express is usually one of the top results.
2. Non-hikers & limited mobility
If you don’t like hiking or can’t hike for any reason, the Glacier Express is a great way to see a lot of the Swiss alps without strenuous activity.
The Glacier Express can accommodate wheelchair users (with an accessible toilet) and their staff is available to assist with board. Learn more about accessible travel on Glacier Express.
See also our favorite no-hike mountain viewpoints around Switzerland.
3. Zermatt is on your itinerary
If you are planning to visit Zermatt, it’s easy to fit the Glacier Express into your itinerary. It’s particularly a good option for people traveling between the following destinations:
- Zurich – Zermatt: regular train Zurich-Chur, Glacier Express Chur-Zermatt
- Zermatt – St Moritz: full Glacier Express route
- Zermatt – Lucerne: Glacier Express Zermatt-Andermatt, regular train Andermatt-Lucerne
4. Luxury experience
The Glacier Express is the only train in Switzerland with “Excellence Class” which includes deluxe comfort and perks like an exclusive bar, concierge host, and secured luggage transport. It also includes a premium catering service with a starter plate with champagne, five-course meal with a glass of wine, and afternoon tea service.
5. Slow travel
The Glacier Express is a great choice if you prefer a leisurely journey, rather than an efficient connection between destinations. Since it’s a direct train, you don’t have to bother with rushed connections. The train trip serves as your activity for the day, rather than hurrying to your next city and doing something there.
Save 5% on your Glacier Express Excellence Class rail package with our promo code: AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN
6 Reasons NOT to ride the Glacier Express
Although we love the Glacier Express, there are a few good reasons to skip it.
1. You need to travel quickly
Remember that the Glacier Express is not the most efficient or convenient connection. It travels at a slower pace and only runs a few times a day. If you need a faster connection, you should take a different route.
For example, from Zurich to Zermatt, the fastest route is via Bern & Visp, total travel time about 3h30. This connection runs hourly all day, and you don’t need to book in advance.
In contrast, if you use the Glacier Express, the total travel time is about 8 hours.
2. You are traveling with children
If you have trouble entertaining your kids on a flight or long car drive, the Glacier Express is not much different. There is nothing to do on the Glacier Express except sit and watch the scenery go by. Unlike other intercity trains, the Glacier Express does not have a family car with a playroom.
Children will get quickly bored and end up spending a lot of the journey playing on their digital devices. Parents will end up spending most of their time trying to keep their children entertained and quiet, so as not to bother other passengers.
If you are traveling with children, we think you will enjoy your time more if you fill you days with full activity trails in the alps.
3. Booking last minute
Since the Glacier Express requires advance booking and sells out quickly, it is very difficult to book last minute tickets on this train. If you do manage to get tickets, you may not get a window seat or be able to sit next to your travel companions.
If you are making plans a few weeks before your trip, don’t be disappointed. There are many beautiful train routes in Switzerland that don’t require advance booking, like the Lucerne-Interlaken Express.
4. You want flexibility
If you want any flexibility in your schedule to account for poor weather or glitches in your travel plans, the Glacier Express is a not a good fit.
Since you have to reserve seats in advance (no refunds) and plan your whole itinerary around this train journey, there’s really no way to change these elements without huge disruptions to your travel plans.
For example, if you miss a connecting train or sleep through your alarm or a storm disrupts service between destinations, you could miss your Glacier Express departure and have no easy way to get to your next destination. The domino effect on the rest of your itinerary could be severe. Travel insurance could be helpful in such situations.
5. Limited time in Switzerland
Although the Glacier Express train ride only takes one day, the experience really requires 3 days of your itinerary. You need to be in Zermatt (or St Moritz) the day before the journey. Then after 6-8 hours on the Glacier Express, most travelers prefer to stay overnight rather than get on another train ride somewhere else.
So unless you are planning to spend time in Zermatt and Chur/St Moritz on both ends of the train ride, the Glacier Express can be awkward to fit into your itinerary. But see our sample itineraries of ideas how to make it work.
6. Tight budget
If you are traveling on a tight budget, there are many less expensive scenic train rides and fun activities in Switzerland. You do not need to ride the Glacier Express to have the full Swiss experience. In our opinion, we think you’ll actually have more fun on the trail, which can be very affordable.
See our budget tips for Switzerland travel.
Schedule for Glacier Express
Summer Timetable
During summer season (5 May to 12 Oct 2024), the Glacier Express runs four times a day in each direction.
Below is the 2024 Glacier Express timetable for summer season. See current timetables.
Direct trains for the full journey run twice a day. At other times, you must take a regional train for one section and change to the Glacier Express in either Chur or Brig.
During winter season (mid Dec to early May), the schedule is reduced with only one or two trains per day in each direction. Check current schedule.
Note: Glacier Express timetables may change without notice and can be disrupted due to weather conditions. Check traffic updates on GlacierExpress.ch.
Cost of Glacier Express
The Glacier Express requires a seat reservation, which costs CHF 49/person.
In addition, you must have a train ticket or travel pass that covers the journey. The price of the Glacier Express train ticket can range from CHF 44 – CHF 742 depending on:
- how far you ride
- class of service
- discounts for travel passes, special train tickets and children
In addition, you will need to budget for meals on the train, travel to reach the Glacier Express boarding stations, as well as possible overnights at the start and end of the long journey.
Sample prices (2025)
Here are some sample prices for one adult full fare Glacier Express train ticket – 1st or 2nd class ticket plus a seat reservation.
| Route | 2nd Class | 1st Class | Seat Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt to St Moritz | CHF 159 | CHF 272 | CHF 49 (Excellence Class CHF 490) |
| Zermatt to Chur | CHF 124 | CHF 212 | CHF 49 |
| Chur to St Moritz | CHF 44 | CHF 75 | CHF 44 |
| Chur to Andermatt | CHF 53 | CHF 90.40 | CHF 44 |
| St Moritz to Brig | CHF 119 | CHF 204 | CHF 49 |
| Andermatt to Zermatt | CHF 77 | CHF 131 | CHF 44 |
*Based on 2025 prices, which may change without notice. See current prices.
Swiss Travel Pass and Glacier Express
The Glacier Express train ticket is free with the Swiss Travel Pass and several other rail passes like Eurail Global Pass and Interrail if they are validated for Switzerland.
With these passes, you only need to book the Glacier Express seat reservation.
When you purchase the seat reservation, you can select your reduction when adding passengers, as shown below. Then you only pay for the seat reservation, not the train ticket.
Saver Day Pass
A Saver Day Pass is a ticket for unlimited travel on public transport throughout Switzerland for one day, including the Glacier Express train ticket.
With a Saver Day Pass, you only need to purchase the Glacier Express seat reservation.
You can purchase a Saver Day Pass up to 6 months in advance, the price varying based on demand. You can pay as low as CHF 52, or with a Swiss Half Fare Card, as low as CHF 29.
For locals: the same applies to a GA Travelcard and other day passes like the SBB Day Pass for Half Fare travelcard, Gemeinde Day Pass, and promotional SBB day passes through local vendors.
Swiss Half Fare Card discount
The train ticket is discounted 50% discount with a Swiss Half Card. The lowest price ticket will usually be a Saver Day Pass, with the Half Fare Card discount applied.
Non-residents can buy a 1-Month Swiss Half Fare Card for their trip. Swiss residents can buy a 1-Year Half Fare Card instead.
Children tickets for Glacier Express
To travel on the Glacier Express, children aged 6-15 need a seat reservation and train ticket.
For children aged 6-15, you can purchase a SBB Day Pass Children for CHF 19 (CHF 33 for 1st class), which is valid as a train ticket for the Glacier Express. If you have Swiss Travel Pass Family Card or SBB Junior Card, the child does not need a train ticket, only a seat reservation.
Children under 6 do not need a train ticket, but require a seat reservation if you want them to have a seat. Babies and toddlers can travel for free if they sit on a parents lap for the entire journey. But because it’s such a long journey, they highly recommend you still reserve a seat for children under 6.
Children regardless of age, pay the same price for the Glacier Express seat reservation as adults: CHF 49.
Note: For Excellence class, all passengers need a seat reservation, including children under 6. But honestly, Excellence Class is not suitable for small children.
Refunds
GlacierExpress.ch does not offer refunds on seat reservations or train tickets purchased through their site.
SBB.ch offers refunds on full fare train tickets, with some restrictions. They do not refund discounted train tickets or day passes. See SBB refund policy.
However, the Glacier Express Rail Packages do offer free cancellation up to 31 days before your trip, which include a refund on the seat reservation and train ticket. You can also purchase the FLEX Option insurance for CHF 49/person, which lets you cancel up to 3 days before your trip. (Not applicable to Excellence Class)
Get a 5% discount on your Glacier Express rail package with our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN
How to book seat reservations
You can book the Glacier Express seat reservation on GlacierExpress.ch, with or without the train ticket.
The seat reservation for 1st and 2nd class can be booked up to 93 days in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the date you want, a window seat, and sit together with your group.
In 2024, a seat reservation costs CHF 49/person for all passengers, regardless of class of service. The reservation is discounted slightly if you are not traveling the full distance, like Chur to St Moritz.
Excellence Class requires a supplement of CHF 490 (2025 price) and a 1st class train ticket. Excellence Class can be booked a year in advance, but it sells out immediately. You can sometimes find openings via Switzerland Travel Centre.
Which side of the train is better
It doesn’t matter because you cannot see the direction of travel when booking seats for the Glacier Express. So just book a window seat and hope for the best.
But to answer the question, most prefer the right side of the train when traveling from Zermatt or left side when traveling from St Moritz.
But note that in Chur, the train orientation is reversed because the train pulls in and out of the station. And when traveling from Chur to St Moritz, you’ll want to be on the right side to see the Landwasser Viadukt. If you aren’t on that side, you can stand up and walk to a window to take your pictures.
Seating & classes of service
All of the train carriages on the Glacier Express have big panorama windows and comfortable seats with dining tables. Here are the differences between classes.
2nd class on Glacier Express
In 2nd class, there are four seats across with an aisle in the middle.
People tend to book seats facing each other next to the window. So if you book later, you’ll probably be left with the non-window seats. It’s still a great view, but a little harder to take pictures.
1st class on Glacier Express
In first class, there are three seats across with an aisle in the middle. So less non-window seats. The seats are a little bigger and a little more comfortable than 2nd class.
Excellence Class on Glacier Express
You get a deluxe experience with the Glacier Express Excellence Class, which includes a guaranteed window seat in an exclusive carriage. The seats are larger than 1st class, with only one seat on each side next to the window.
This class also includes exclusive bar access, concierge host, and secured luggage transport. The premium catering service includes a starter plate with champagne, five-course meal with a glass of wine, and afternoon tea service.
Excellence Class requires a 1st class ticket, seat reservation and Excellence Class supplement of CHF 470. If you love train travel and are ready to splurge, the Glacier Express might the right place to do it.
Despite the high price, Excellence Class sells out quickly. Excellence Class is only available on one train per day and not available during most of the winter season.
Note: Excellence Class is not recommended for children.
Storing luggage
Every carriage on the Glacier Express has luggage racks near the entrances. Small bags and hand luggage can be stored between the backs of the seats or near your feet.
This train does not have a porter, so you are responsible for loading and unloading your own luggage.
The Swiss Federal Railways offer a variety of luggage transport services, but it does not arrive the same day.
Food & beverage service
The Glacier Express has a restaurant on board, but it works differently than the “Bistro” car on other Swiss trains.
On the Glacier Express, you need to order your food in advance of your journey. Then your food is served directly to your seat, where you have a table.
You can order a set multi-course meal or a la carte dishes. They have vegetarian options and a kids menu. If you are on the early train, they offer breakfast options. See the current menu.
You can order drinks spontaneously through the journey, including coffee, soft drinks, juice, beer, and wine.
You are also welcome to bring your own food and picnic on the train.
Planning your Glacier Express itinerary
Sample Glacier Express journeys
Since it’s a long one-way journey, the Glacier Express is best as a transfer between destinations, like Zermatt and St Moritz, with at least one overnight at both ends of the trip. Here are a few ideas:
From Interlaken/Jungfrau Region
Ride a regular train from Interlaken Ost to Brig (1h11). Then ride the Glacier Express to to St Moritz (6h19). Or Brig to to Chur (4h07), then regular train to Zurich (1h15).
From Zürich
Ride a regular train Zurich to Chur (1h15). Then board the Glacier Express to Zermatt (about 6h30) or St Moritz (2h03).
From Lucerne
Ride regular trains from Lucerne to Andermatt (1h50, one or two transfers). Then ride Glacier Express to St Moritz (4h43) or to Zermatt (3h)
From Geneva/Montreux
Ride regular a train to Brig (2h33 or 1h03). Then ride Glacier Express to St Moritz (6h19).
When to ride the Glacier Express
The Glacier Express runs most of the year, except for a maintenance break from mid October to mid December.
For a classic Swiss summer look with green meadows, you should travel between June through August. May can also be pretty, but there are reduced services in the mountains, so don’t plan to hike at any of the destinations.
For a snowy, wintery landscape, best to visit from mid December to early March.
Our least favorite times are late March thru April when the snow is starting to melt and trees are still bare. The Glacier Express is closed for a maintenance break from mid October to mid December.
Check current schedule.
Rail Packages
If you are feeling overwhelmed, the easiest way to book the Glacier Express is through a Rail Package, like the Glacier Express Classic or Grand Tour of Switzerland.
Instead of booking elements separately, these multi-day packages include your train tickets, seat reservations, and hotels at each destination, all in one transaction.
During booking, you can customize the trip, adding mountain excursions, upgrading or downgrading hotels, or staying longer in certain destinations. You can also add cancellation insurance for peace of mind.
Use our promo code AFFSWISSFAMILYFUN to get a 5% discount when booking a rail package through Switzerland Travel Centre, official partner of Switzerland Tourism.
Best alternatives to Glacier Express
If the Glacier Express is sold out for your desired dates or doesn’t fit your budget, don’t worry!
There are so many beautiful train journeys around Switzerland that don’t require reservations and are much easier to fit into your itinerary.
Here are some of the other scenic journeys we suggest:
Lucern-Interlaken Express
This beautiful train is a two hour journey between Lucerne and Interlaken, passing many
If you are traveling from Zurich to Interlaken, it’s faster to take the direct train that travels via Bern (2h). But it’s much prettier to travel via Lucerne.
Bernina Express
Both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express trains travel from Chur south towards , through the beautiful Viamala and Abula regions towards St Moritz.
After exiting a long tunnel under the Abula pass, the Glacier Express turns west, going directly to St Moritz. The Bernina Express instead continues southward, traveling two more hours through beautiful mountainous region to the border of Italy.
There are many options if you want to also do the Bernina Express. Here are a couple ideas:
- In Chur, get off the Glacier Express and switch to the Bernina Express train. You could do an overnight in Chur to break up the long train journey.
- Ride the Glacier Express to St Moritz and overnight there. Then join the Bernina Express the following day.
FAQ
Can I do the Glacier Express as a day trip and end back at the same hotel?
No. The Glacier Express is full day journey, over 8 hours from Zermatt to St Moritz. If you wanted to ride back to your starting point, it would need to be on the following day. It’s much better to use the Glacier Express to transfer to a new destination.
Can I ride the Glacier Express in winter?
Yes. The Glacier Express runs year round. In winter, this is a great way to remain warm and comfortable indoors but still enjoy the beauty of the Swiss mountains.
Can I bring my dog on the Glacier Express?
No, unfortunately dogs are not welcome on the Glacier Express. However, you can bring dogs on most other Swiss trains. Learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Glacier Express tickets, please contact info@glacierexpress.ch.
