Chur to Zermatt by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €89
Route Overview: Chur to Zermatt
The Glacier Express is billed as the slowest express train in the world, taking 6.5 hours to travel just 180 km from Chur to Zermatt through the heart of the Swiss Alps. This deliberate pace allows passengers to fully absorb some of Europe's most dramatic mountain scenery from purpose-built panoramic carriages with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The route crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels and climbs over the 2,033-metre Oberalp Pass. Highlights include the Rhine Gorge (nicknamed the Swiss Grand Canyon), the Landwasser Viaduct, and the final descent into the car-free village of Zermatt beneath the iconic Matterhorn.
The Glacier Express runs 1-2 times daily depending on the season, with a mandatory seat reservation of CHF 54. A three-course lunch is served at your seat, and the Excellence Class offers a once-in-a-lifetime luxury alpine dining experience.
How Long Is the Chur to Zermatt Train?
The direct Glacier Express / Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn from Chur to Zermatt takes approximately 6h 30min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Chur to Zermatt Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €89 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Chur to Zermatt?
Up to 1/day trains operate daily on the Chur to Zermatt route.
Train Operator
Glacier Express / Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
Direct high-speed service · 6h 30min max
Which Stations Serve the Chur to Zermatt Route?
Chur Bahnhof
- Connected to SBB mainline from Zurich (1h 15min)
- Glacier Express departs from platform clearly signed
Zermatt Bahnhof
- Car-free village — electric taxis and hotel shuttles only
- Direct views of the Matterhorn from the village
What Classes Are Available on Chur to Zermatt Trains?
2nd Class Panoramic
- Panoramic windows
- Individual audio guide in 8 languages
- Power outlets
- Optional three-course lunch service
- Complimentary Glacier Express souvenir
1st Class Panoramic
- Wider seats with extra legroom
- Panoramic windows
- Individual audio guide
- Power outlets at every seat
- Optional three-course lunch service
- Complimentary souvenir
Excellence Class
- Only 20 seats per train
- Glass roof panoramic windows
- 7-course gourmet meal included
- Unlimited drinks from personal bar
- Dedicated concierge
- Swarovski crystal souvenir glass
- Window-side individual seating
How to Book the Chur to Zermatt Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class Panoramic class. Prices shown are mandatory seat reservation fees. A valid Swiss rail ticket or rail pass is also required.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Chur to Zermatt Trains?
Seat Reservation Mandatory
The Glacier Express requires a mandatory seat reservation of CHF 54 per person (1st or 2nd class). Excellence Class costs CHF 540 per person and includes a 7-course gourmet meal.
Lunch on Board
A three-course lunch is served at your seat (not included in the reservation fee). Pre-order when booking or choose from the menu on board. The tilted wine glass is an iconic Glacier Express souvenir.
Seasonal Service
The Glacier Express operates from early December to mid-October. It does not run from mid-October to early December. Summer has 2 daily departures; winter has 1.
Booking Window
Reservations for 1st and 2nd class open 93 days before departure. Excellence Class can be booked up to 11 months ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions: Chur to Zermatt
The Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. The full St. Moritz to Zermatt journey takes about 7 hours 30 minutes, with Chur being a midway boarding point.
The mandatory seat reservation costs CHF 54 per person for 1st or 2nd class. You also need a valid rail ticket or Swiss Travel Pass. Excellence Class reservations cost CHF 540 and include a 7-course meal, personal concierge and premium bar service.
No. You can travel the same route using regular regional trains with a change at Andermatt or Brig. This takes slightly longer but does not require a seat reservation and allows you to hop on and off at intermediate stops.
Excellence Class is a premium offering with only 20 seats per train. It includes panoramic windows with a glass roof, a 7-course gourmet meal, unlimited drinks from a dedicated bar, a personal concierge, and a Swarovski crystal souvenir glass.
No. The seat reservation does not include food. A three-course lunch can be pre-ordered or selected from the on-board menu. Prices for the lunch service start at approximately CHF 43.