Express Glacier | Rates, Schedules and Information [2023] | holidays to Switzerland (2023)

The Glacier Express train (orGletscherexpressin German) is considered one of the most beautiful Swiss railway routes in the country.

Often referred to as the "World's Slowest Express Train", this Swiss Alpine train runs between St. Moritz and Zermatt, passing through some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland, including mountains, streams, impressive rock formations and, if you are traveling in the colder months, lots of snow.

A Glacier Express tour is often a highlight for many travelers to Switzerland.

Everything you need to know about the Glacier Express train

If you're thinking of taking the Swiss Glacier Express during your trip to Switzerland, this is the perfect guide for you.

In this guide, I cover everything you need to know about traveling on the Glacier train, including the route of the Glacier Express Switzerland, the price of the Glacier Express Switzerland (including Swiss passes that include train travel) and where to buy your tickets.

We also provide step-by-step instructions for booking a seat on the Glacier Express.

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Quick summary of Glacier Express rates

From Prices based on 2nd class, low season for the entire journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa (exclusive day tour option, which only includes the Glacier Express ride between Chur and Brig).

*Eurail Pass must include Switzerland

Find out more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card atThis article.

The Glacier Express Route

The Glacier Express runs between the two great Swiss mountain resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt and takes you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden.

During the nearly 8-hour journey, passengers are rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Switzerland, including crossing 291 bridges and passing through an impressive 91 tunnels.

While the journey can take an entire day, it's best to think of the journey in stages.

You have the option of completing all stages in one day or over several days, giving you time to explore the many Glacier Express stops along the route.

Below is a brief overview of each section:

Zermatt para Brig

The Glacier Express Switzerland train journey starts in AlpendorfZermatt, which lies at the end of the alpine valley, just below the world-famous Matterhorn.

Zermatt is a beautiful, car-free mountain village that sits at an altitude of 1,605 meters above sea level and offers fantastic views of the Matterhorn.

The Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to the city of Visp. On this part of the journey, wait between narrow sections with huge rock walls that rise to a height of around 4,000 meters.

The train then descends 651 meters towards the town of Brig, where it makes its first stop.

For this part of the journey, either the left or right side of the train offers stunning views.

Brig para Andermatt

From the town of Brig, the train crosses the Rhône and winds through the upper Rhône valley. The train soon arrives in Oberwald at an altitude of 1,366 meters.

The train then travels through the Furka Tunnel. This tunnel is 15.4 kilometers long and is at an altitude of 1,550 meters at its highest point.

After the tunnel, the train takes a relatively flat route to Andermatt, the second stop.

For this part of the journey, either the left or right side of the train offers stunning views.

Andermatt near Chur

From Andermatt, the train goes uphill over the Oberalp Pass. The route reaches an altitude of 2,033 meters - the highest point of the entire route. From November to April, expect the area to be covered in snow.

The train then makes a long descent along the Rhine Valley. In this section, you'll pass through the Rhine Gorge, where the river is carved into the rocks. The gorge is a breathtaking gorge, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

The area is surrounded by cliffs several hundred meters high and the region is covered in forest and teeming with wildlife.

You then arrive at Chur, which at 585 meters is the lowest elevation on the train journey. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the largest city on the Glacier Express route.

On this stretch, the train stops at Disentis and Chur.

For the best views, it is recommended to sit on the left side of the train for this section.

Chur para St Moritz

This section of the Glacier Express route is also covered by the Bernina Express route. In this section, the train travels in the direction of Reichenau, followed by Thusis and Tiefencastel in the Domleschg valley. This area is known for its castles and ruins.

The train continues through the narrow valley before reaching the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct.

It isLandwasser viaductis an impressive single lane limestone viaduct 136 meters long and 65 meters high with six arches (each arch spans approximately 20 meters) crossing the Landwasser between Schmitten and Filisur.

After Filisur, the train travels 1789 meters to the Albula tunnel in several spiral curves. The tunnel takes you even higher into the Upper Engadine before reaching the final destination ofSaint Moritz.

St. Moritz is one of the trendiest Alpine towns in all of Switzerland. This is where the rich and famous vacation. It is not only known as a first-class ski area, but also an excellent starting point for hikes,thermal baths, fine dining and luxury shopping.

In this section, the train makes stops in Tiefencastel, Filisur, Samedan and St. Moritz.

There is also the option to disembark at Filisur and take a connecting train to Davos in the east.

For the best views, it's recommended to sit on the right side of the train for this section.

Glacier Express timetable

Glacier Express runs year-round, except for a short period from late October to mid-December when it does not run.

During the winter months (December 10, 2022 to May 12, 2023), the Glacier Express departs Zermatt at 8:52 am and arrives in St. As of April 6, 2023, there will be an additional service one hour later.

The train also runs in the opposite direction (St. Moritz to Zermatt) from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Moritz at 8:51 am and arriving in Zermatt at 5:10 pm. Beginning April 6, 2023, an additional train will depart from St. Moritz at 9:50 am and will arrive in Zermatt at 6:10 pm.

Please note: Excellence Class is not available for first services from March 27 to April 14, 2023.

During the summer months (May 13 to October 15, 2023) the entire route will be served twice a day. These trains leave Zermatt at 8:52 am and 9:52 am and arrive in St. Moritz at 4:37 pm and 5:37 pm.

On the other hand, trains depart from St. Moritz at 8:51 am and 9:48 am and arrive in Zermatt at 5:10 pm and 6:10 pm.

The Excellence class is only available for the previous service (both ways).

Click hereto view the Glacier Express 2023 calendar.

Glacier Express winter vacation

From October 16 to December 9, 2023, no Glacier Express trains will operate.

Lessons available on Glacier Express Switzerland

There are three different class options available on the Glacier Express Swiss Alps train, including 2^ndclass 1^stClass and Excellence Class (this class is only available on selected services).

Regardless of the class booked, you can count on the following facilities on board:

• Panoramic window to the roof of the car.
• Route information – in 1^ste 2^ndThis is done through headphones.
• Air conditioning.
• Food and drinks can be served at your seat.
• Access to an onboard restaurant and bar.

The main differences between 1^stclass and 2^ndClass is space. Second-class carriages have a 2- and 2-seat configuration, while 1^stClass carriages have 2 seats on one side and 1 seat on the other side. It can also be quieter in 1st class due to fewer passengers.

But if you really want to let off some steam, the brand new Excellence Class is another option - it takes 1^stclass to a whole new level.

This is what awaits you in the Glacier Express Excellence Class car:

• Only one seat per window - so everyone has a window seat.
• Spacious and luxurious lounge seating.
• Five-course lunch with wines.
• Snacks throughout the day as well as afternoon tea.
• Tablet com Bordinfotainment.
• Luggage compartment with lock.
• Personal concierge to answer your questions and provide information along the way.
• Limited to 20 passengers per car.
• Private bar area.

Glacier Express Price

The ticket price for the Glacier Express varies depending on the section of the route, but for the entire journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express costs CHF 152 for 2 people^ndclass and CHF 268 for 1st class^stclass and class of excellence.

Yes, you read that correctly, the 1^stClass and Glacier Express Excellence Class are the same fares - however the fare difference is due to seat reservation - see below for details.

Read more about Switzerland's fantastic rail network atThis article.

Bilhetes Glacier Express e passes Swiss Rail

Under the following circumstances, the Glacier Express train in Switzerland is fully included or there are discounts:

• With a Swiss Half Fare Card, you can get half-price tickets on the Glacier Express –Click here to buy the Half-Fare Travelcard.
  
• The costs of the Glacier Express train are fully covered if you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Pass that covers Switzerland –Click here to buy a Swiss Travel Pass|Click here to buy an Interrail pass.
  
• If a child is traveling with a parent who has a Junior or Family Card, the child travels free.

Please note that regardless of your pass (including children)Seat reservation is mandatory- See below.

Where to buy Swiss Glacier Express train tickets

If you don't already have a Swiss Travel Pass (you canbuy one here) or do not intend to purchase a ticket, you can purchase tickets for the Glacier Express online.Click here to buy your ticket.

Glacier Express Seat Reservationfees

Unlike most other Swiss trains, all passengers (including children) on the Glacier Express must reserve a seat in advance. Seat reservation for the entire journey costs CHF 39 for 2 people^ndlow season class and CHF 49 for 1^stclass in high season.

A seat reservation for Excellence Class costs CHF 470, regardless of season.

The only exception to seat reservations are children under 6 years of age who are traveling in 1st or 2nd class and do not need their own seat.

When can you make seat reservations on the Glacier Express?

Glacier Express seat reservations can be made for travel within the next 2 months. Due to the popularity of this train, it is recommended that you make your seat reservation as early as possible.

How to make a Glacier Express Seat Reservation

The best way to reserve a seat on the Glacier Express is online by following the instructions below.

Step 1

Visite aGlacier-Express-Websiteand select the booking option in the lower left corner.

step 2

Select the service you want to travel with. In most cases, this is the Classic Glacier Express option shown on the left.

stage 3

Enter your departure and arrival station, date of travel and preferred travel class. Then click Next.

Step 4

Enter the number of passengers and select the service (schedule) you wish to travel with. At this point, you can ignore the prices shown in the blue box at the top right.

step 5

Select the seats you wish to reserve. (Available seats are in light green.) Then click Next.

step 6

Add the name and date of birth of all travelers. If you only want to buy a seat reservation because you already have (or will have) a valid reservation.swiss passport, select Reservation Only from the drop-down menu in the Discount field.

if you have oneHalf fare travel card, select the appropriate option and if you do not have a travel document and want to purchase your ticket and seat reservation, select None.

The corresponding seat reservation fee and/or fare is now displayed in the blue box in the upper right corner.

You can now proceed to the next page to complete your payment details.

You will receive a confirmation email from Glacier Express with your seat reservation details. You must print out seat reservations to show the onboard ticket inspector.

Please note: seat reservations are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Glacier Express day trips

If you prefer to take a day trip with a private guide on the Glacier Express, you can check the prices by clicking on the links below:

• Glacier Express Day Trip from Bern
• Glacier Express Day Trip from Lucerne
• Glacier Express Day Trip from Zurich

Conclusion

I hope you found this Glacier Express guide useful and can now book your Glacier Express train journey with peace of mind.

Enjoy your journey on the slowest express train in the world.

🇨🇭Don't forget - the Glacier Express fare is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.Get yours here!

Podcast

Learn more about the Glacier Express on our podcast (approx. 1:59 pm). Click the green arrow below to listen.

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