Glacier Express
Premium 8-hour panoramic train journey across the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz -- 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, 2,033 metres
Scenic pace (~35 km/h average)
Not available
Audio guide with over-ear headphones for hearing impaired. PDF transcripts available. Contact Glacier Express for wheelchair accessibility.
Domestic Switzerland: Zermatt (Valais) to St. Moritz (Graubuenden), crossing 3 cantons.
About Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is a premium panoramic train journey of approximately 8 hours between the alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. Operated by Glacier Express AG -- a joint venture of the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) -- the train crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels while traversing three Swiss cantons: Valais, Uri, and Graubuenden. The highest point is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres above sea level.
Three travel classes range from 2nd class (2+2 panoramic seating) through 1st class (2+1 configuration with solo window seats) to the Excellence Class -- limited to 20 passengers with guaranteed window seats, a 5-course lunch with wines, afternoon tea, a personal concierge, and a private bar area. All classes feature panoramic windows extending to the roof and a multilingual audio guide.
Key scenic highlights include the Rhine Gorge (known as the Swiss Grand Canyon), the Oberalp Pass summit, the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur (shared with the Bernina Express route), and views of glaciers and alpine villages throughout the journey. At-seat meal service is available in all classes, and a bar car offers refreshments with views of the Landwasser Viaduct.
Glacier Express departures are available on EuroTrain. Search Zermatt to St. Moritz (or any intermediate station pair such as Chur to Zermatt) to find panoramic departures alongside regular regional trains on the same route -- a budget-friendly alternative without panoramic windows or at-seat dining.
Elevation Profile
Train Types
Glacier Express Panoramic
Premium panoramic carriages with floor-to-ceiling windows, air conditioning, and at-seat dining service. Audio guide in 8 languages via headphones. Seat reservation mandatory. 1-2 daily departures depending on season.
Key features: Panoramic ceiling windows, at-seat dining, audio guide in 8 languages, Excellence Class (20 seats, 5-course lunch)
Regional Alternative (Same Route)
Regular RhB and MGB regional trains cover the same route but require multiple changes (typically at Brig, Andermatt or Disentis, and Chur). No panoramic windows, no audio guide, no at-seat dining. No reservation required and significantly cheaper -- a practical option for budget travellers.
Key features: No reservation needed, much cheaper, multiple changes required
Travel Classes
2nd Class
2+2 configuration
- โPanoramic windows extending to the roof
- โ2+2 seat configuration
- โMultilingual audio guide via headphones (8 languages, free)
- โAt-seat meal ordering from onboard menu
- โBar car accessible
1st Class
2+1 configuration
- โPanoramic windows extending to the roof
- โ2+1 seat configuration (solo window seats available)
- โMore legroom and quieter carriage
- โMultilingual audio guide via headphones (8 languages, free)
- โAt-seat meal ordering from onboard menu
- โBar car accessible
Excellence Class
1 seat per window, max 20 passengers
- โGuaranteed window seat -- 1 seat per window, max 20 passengers
- โSpacious lounge-style seating
- โ5-course lunch with accompanying wines included
- โSnacks throughout the day and afternoon tea
- โTablet with Bordinfotainment
- โPersonal concierge on board
- โPrivate bar area
- โLockable luggage compartment
- โRequires 1st class ticket + Excellence surcharge (CHF 540)
Popular Glacier Express Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Luggage racks at the end of each carriage for medium and large suitcases. No overhead racks due to panoramic window design. Pack light -- space is limited.
- โขDogs are NOT allowed on the Glacier Express due to onboard gastronomy hygiene regulations. Guide dogs with proper documentation are the only exception.
Bicycles are not permitted on the Glacier Express. To transport a bicycle on the same route, use regular RhB/MGB regional trains.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
How to Search on EuroTrain
Search Zermatt to St. Moritz (full route, ~8 hours) or any intermediate station pair like Chur to Zermatt or Brig to St. Moritz on EuroTrain. Glacier Express panoramic trains appear alongside regular regional trains. Look for services taking approximately 8 hours for the full route.
Seat Reservation Is Mandatory
You cannot board the Glacier Express without a reservation. Reservations cost CHF 54 per person (1st or 2nd class) or CHF 540 for Excellence Class. Book as early as possible -- reservations open 93 days before travel and window seats in summer sell out quickly.
Swiss Travel Pass Saves Significantly
The Swiss Travel Pass covers the entire Glacier Express ticket -- you only pay the mandatory reservation (CHF 54). Without a pass, a full-price 2nd class ticket is CHF 159 plus the CHF 54 reservation. A Saver Day Pass from CHF 52 is another budget option.
Budget Alternative: Regular Trains
Regional RhB and MGB trains cover the same route at a fraction of the cost, with no reservation required. You will need to change trains several times and you lose panoramic windows and at-seat dining, but the mountain scenery through standard windows is still impressive.
Combine with Bernina Express
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express both stop at Chur and St. Moritz. Ride the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz, then take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy -- two of Europe's greatest train journeys in two days.
No Dogs Allowed
Dogs are not permitted on the Glacier Express. If travelling with a pet, consider using regular RhB/MGB regional trains on the same route, where dogs are allowed with a valid dog ticket.
Seasonal Service -- Plan Ahead
The Glacier Express does not run from mid-October to early December each year (2026 shutdown: 11 October - 4 December). Summer season (May-October) has 2 daily departures. Winter season has 1-2 daily departures. Excellence Class is unavailable 9-27 March 2026.
Greener Than Flying
Swiss rail runs largely on hydroelectric power. The Glacier Express journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz by train is one of the most sustainable ways to experience the Swiss Alps, producing a fraction of the CO2 of a comparable road or air journey.
Combine with the Bernina Express
The Glacier Express and Bernina Express both stop at Chur and St. Moritz. After your Glacier Express journey, continue on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz or Chur to Tirano, Italy โ from alpine peaks to Mediterranean palm trees.
View Bernina Express โFrequently Asked Questions about Glacier Express
The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, a journey of approximately 8 hours covering 291 km. The train crosses 3 Swiss cantons (Valais, Uri, Graubuenden), passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, and reaches the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. Key stops include Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, and Chur.
Yes, a seat reservation is mandatory and must be booked in advance. Reservations cost CHF 54 per person for 1st or 2nd class, or CHF 540 for Excellence Class. Without a reservation you cannot board. Reservations open 93 days before the travel date.
All three classes have panoramic ceiling windows. 2nd class has 2+2 seating. 1st class has 2+1 seating with solo window seats and more legroom. Excellence Class is limited to 20 passengers per carriage with guaranteed window seats, a 5-course lunch with wines, afternoon tea, a personal concierge, and a private bar. Excellence requires a 1st class ticket plus a CHF 540 surcharge.
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the full Glacier Express ticket -- you only need to pay the mandatory seat reservation (CHF 54 for 1st or 2nd class). Interrail and Eurail passes are also valid with the reservation supplement. The Swiss Half Fare Card gives 50% off the ticket but the full reservation fee still applies.
Yes. Regular RhB and MGB regional trains run the same route. You will need to change trains several times and there are no panoramic ceiling windows, audio guide, or at-seat dining. However, no reservation is required, fares are significantly lower, and the mountain views through standard windows remain impressive.
Yes. Both trains stop at Chur and St. Moritz. A popular itinerary is to take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, spend a night, then ride the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, Italy. This combines two of Europe's greatest panoramic train journeys.
Key highlights include the Rhine Gorge (the Swiss Grand Canyon) between Chur and Disentis, the Oberalp Pass summit at 2,033 metres, the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur (65m high, 6 arches), views of glaciers and alpine villages, and the descent through the Mattertal Valley toward Zermatt with views of the surrounding peaks.
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Glacier Express due to onboard gastronomy hygiene regulations. Guide dogs with proper documentation are the only exception. If you are travelling with a dog, you can use regular RhB and MGB regional trains on the same route, where dogs are allowed with a valid dog ticket.
The Glacier Express runs from early January to mid-October, with an annual shutdown from mid-October to early December for maintenance. In 2026, the shutdown is 11 October to 4 December. Summer season (May-October) offers 2 daily departures. Winter season offers 1-2 daily departures.
Yes. At-seat meal service is available in all classes -- you can order from a menu and food is served at your seat. A bar car offers refreshments. In Excellence Class, a 5-course lunch with wines, snacks, and afternoon tea are all included. In 1st and 2nd class, meals are available for purchase.
Fares depend on route length and class. For the full Zermatt-St. Moritz route: 2nd class is CHF 159 + CHF 54 reservation = CHF 213 total; 1st class is CHF 272 + CHF 54 = CHF 326; Excellence Class is CHF 272 + CHF 540 = CHF 812. With a Swiss Travel Pass, you only pay the reservation fee. A Saver Day Pass (from CHF 52) plus reservation is the best budget option. Search your route on EuroTrain for current availability.
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