Glacier Express
The world's most famous slow train -- an 8-hour panoramic journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the Oberalp Pass at 2,033m
55 km/h
Free WiFi and multilingual audio guide via headphones (8 languages). Digital InfoT(r)ainment system with live route map
Wheelchair-accessible coaches available. Contact Glacier Express Railservice (+41 81 288 65 65 or info@glacierexpress.ch) for special assistance
Domestic Switzerland only: Zermatt (Valais) to St. Moritz (Graubuenden) via Andermatt and Chur
About Glacier Express
The Glacier Express is the world's most famous scenic train, connecting the two iconic Swiss Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz on an unforgettable 8-hour panoramic journey. Often called 'the slowest express train in the world', it crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and reaches a summit of 2,033m at the Oberalp Pass -- all while passengers enjoy gourmet dining served at their seats.
The route traverses some of Switzerland's most dramatic landscapes: the Rhine Gorge (known as the Swiss Grand Canyon), the Landwasser Viaduct, lush green valleys, wild mountain rivers, and snow-capped peaks. The journey has been running since the 1930s, though the fleet is regularly modernised with state-of-the-art panoramic coaches featuring floor-to-ceiling windows.
Three travel classes are available: 2nd Class and 1st Class in panoramic coaches, plus the exclusive Excellence Class limited to just 20 passengers with 1+1 seating, a private bar, dedicated concierge, and a multi-course gourmet meal included. Seat reservations are mandatory for all passengers on every Glacier Express service.
Train Types
Panoramic Coach (1st & 2nd Class)
Modern coaches with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, air conditioning, free WiFi, USB charging, and multilingual audio guide. Trolley service and multi-course lunch available at your seat.
Key features: Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows, at-seat gourmet dining
Excellence Class
Ultra-premium single coach limited to 20 passengers. 1+1 face-to-face seating guaranteeing window seats. Includes dedicated concierge, exclusive bar, 5-7 course gourmet meal, and complimentary beverages. Available on trains 902/903 only.
Key features: Limited to 20 passengers, private bar, 5-7 course meal included
Travel Classes
Excellence Class
Ultra-premium coach limited to 20 passengers with 1+1 window seating, dedicated concierge team, exclusive onboard bar, 5-7 course gourmet meal, and complimentary beverages throughout the journey.
- ✓Limited to 20 passengers per coach
- ✓1+1 face-to-face window seating on both sides
- ✓Dedicated concierge team (white-glove service)
- ✓Exclusive onboard bar
- ✓5-7 course gourmet meal included
- ✓Complimentary beverages throughout journey
- ✓Requires 1st class ticket + Excellence supplement (CHF 540)
1st Class
Panoramic seating with 1+2 configuration offering single seats on one side, floor-to-ceiling windows, free WiFi, USB charging, and multilingual audio guide. Multi-course lunch available at your seat.
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows
- ✓1+2 seating (one side has single seats)
- ✓More spacious and quieter than 2nd class
- ✓Free WiFi and USB charging
- ✓Multilingual audio guide
- ✓2-4 course lunch available to order at seat
2nd Class
Panoramic seating with 2+2 configuration, identical views to 1st class. Includes free WiFi, USB charging, multilingual audio guide, and at-seat dining options.
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows (identical views)
- ✓2+2 seating configuration
- ✓Free WiFi and USB charging
- ✓Multilingual audio guide
- ✓2-4 course lunch available to order at seat
- ✓Best value for the scenic experience
Popular Glacier Express Routes on EuroTrain
Luggage Policy
Hand luggage permitted, luggage racks available but space is limited. Baggage delivery service available for large items.
- •Standard hand luggage recommended; space is limited on panoramic coaches
- •Luggage racks available in each carriage
- •Baggage delivery service available for large luggage (book through SBB)
- •Bicycles not permitted on Glacier Express
- •Dogs not allowed (guide dogs exempt with documentation)
Bicycles are not permitted on the Glacier Express. To cycle the route, use regular regional trains on the same line which have bike spaces.
Source: Carrier website
Booking Tips
Book Reservations Early
The Glacier Express sells out fast, especially in summer. Reservations open 93 days ahead for 1st/2nd class. Excellence Class can be booked for the entire timetable period (up to 11 months ahead).
Swiss Travel Pass Savings
Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free -- you only pay the seat reservation (CHF 54 for 1st/2nd class, CHF 540 for Excellence Class including meal).
Pre-Order Lunch
Pre-order lunch when booking your reservation for the best dining experience -- 2, 3, or 4-course meals served on real china at your seat.
Annual Maintenance Break
The train does not run from mid-October to early December each year (annual maintenance break). Plan your trip accordingly.
Best Photo Opportunities
The Rhine Gorge section and Landwasser Viaduct are the highlight moments -- have your camera ready between Chur and Filisur.
Frequently Asked Questions about Glacier Express
The full journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa) takes approximately 8 hours. You can also travel shorter sections -- for example, Zermatt to Chur takes about 5.5 hours.
Yes, seat reservations are mandatory for all passengers on all Glacier Express trains, including children. The reservation fee is CHF 54 per person for 1st or 2nd class (2026 prices). Excellence Class costs CHF 540 including the gourmet meal.
Excellence Class is an ultra-premium coach limited to 20 passengers. You get 1+1 window seating, a dedicated concierge with white-glove service, an exclusive onboard bar, and a 5-7 course gourmet meal with complimentary beverages. It requires a 1st class ticket plus the Excellence supplement.
Yes, both Eurail/Interrail passes and Swiss Travel Pass are valid. You only need to pay the mandatory seat reservation supplement. For Excellence Class, you need a 1st class pass plus the Excellence reservation fee.
Yes, multi-course lunches (2, 3, or 4 courses) are served at your seat on real china with proper cutlery. You can pre-order when booking or order on the day. Staff also come through with a trolley selling snacks, drinks, tea, and coffee. You may also bring your own food and drinks.
The Glacier Express operates year-round except for an annual maintenance break from mid-October to early December. In summer (May-October), there are 2 daily services. In winter, 1-2 services run depending on the period.
Both classes have identical panoramic windows and views. 1st class offers more legroom with 1+2 seating (guaranteeing some single seats) and quieter carriages. 2nd class has 2+2 seating. Both include WiFi, USB charging, and the audio guide.
Yes, wheelchair-accessible coaches are available. Contact Glacier Express Railservice at +41 81 288 65 65 or info@glacierexpress.ch in advance to arrange accessible seating and boarding assistance.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Glacier Express due to onboard gastronomy hygiene regulations. Guide dogs with proper documentation are the only exception. This is different from most other Swiss trains.
Not on the Glacier Express itself, as your seat is reserved for the full journey. However, you can travel the same route on regular regional trains (included with Swiss Travel Pass) and stop wherever you like -- Andermatt, Disentis, and the Rhine Gorge are popular stops.
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