Glacier Express Switzerland (2026): The World’s Slowest Express Train

The Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most iconic panoramic train journey, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz in an unforgettable 8-hour ride through the Swiss Alps. Known as the “world’s slowest express train,” it covers just 291 kilometres while crossing 291 bridges, passing through 91 tunnels, and climbing to the 2,033-metre Oberalp Pass.

The Swiss often joke that it’s called an “express” despite averaging only 36 km/h, but that’s exactly the point. The Glacier Express isn’t about speed; it’s about soaking in some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world through panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel immersed in the Alps themselves.

So, is the Glacier Express worth the time and money? For most travellers, the answer is a definite yes, especially if you’re planning a Switzerland tour package and want to experience one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Quick Facts: Glacier Express at a Glance

Detail	Info
Route	Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz (or Davos on some services)
Distance	291 km
Duration	~8 hours
Bridges	291
Tunnels	91
Highest Point	Oberalp Pass, 2,033 m
Operating Season	Early May to mid-October (summer); December to late February (winter)
2026 Shutdown	11 October – 4 December 2026 — no services
2nd Class Ticket (full route)	From CHF 153 (approx. ₹14,750)
1st Class Ticket (full route)	From CHF 245 (approx. ₹23,600)
Excellence Class (full route)	From CHF 480 (approx. ₹46,300)
Seat Reservation Fee	CHF 49–54(~₹6,000 – ₹6,600) per person (mandatory for all classes)
Swiss Travel Pass	Full fare covered; reservation fee still applies
Best Booking Lead Time	2–3 months ahead for summer; 4–6 weeks for winter

Glacier Express Route: Zermatt to St. Moritz

The Glacier Express route covers 291 kilometres across three Swiss cantons – Valais, Uri, and Graubünden, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz in about 8 hours. 

Zermatt to Visp (1 hour)

The journey begins in Zermatt, with the train climbing through the Mattertal Valley using rack-and-pinion railway technology on steep gradients. As the train leaves Zermatt, passengers get final views of the Matterhorn before entering deep Alpine gorge scenery.

Visp to Brig to Andermatt (2 hours)

From Visp and Brig, the Glacier Express travels through the Rhône Valley and the scenic Goms region, known for its traditional Swiss wooden villages and mountain meadows. The route gradually climbs toward Andermatt, one of Switzerland’s key Alpine rail hubs.

Furka Base Tunnel

Rather than crossing the exposed Furka Pass (which is only open in summer), the Glacier Express passes through the 15.4 km Furka Base Tunnel, the longest metre-gauge railway tunnel in the world. On the other side, you emerge into the Canton of Uri.

Andermatt to Disentis (1.5 hours) – The Highlight Section

This is widely considered the highlight of the Glacier Express route. The train climbs to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres, the highest point of the journey, surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery. During summer, travellers can spot hiking trails and Lake Toma, the source of the Rhine River, while winter transforms the region into a snowy mountain landscape.

Disentis to Chur (1 hour) – The Rhine Gorge

Between Disentis and Chur, the Glacier Express passes through the Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” This narrow limestone canyon, carved by the Rhine River, offers a completely different landscape compared to the open Alpine passes earlier in the journey.

Chur to Filisur (1 hour) – The Landwasser Viaduct

After Chur, the train enters the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway network. The most famous landmark here is the Landwasser Viaduct near Filisur, a 65-metre-high curved stone bridge that leads directly into a mountain tunnel and is one of the most photographed spots on the Glacier Express route.

Filisur to St. Moritz (1 hour) – The Albula Line

The final stretch follows the scenic Albula Line through spiral tunnels, mountain valleys, and stone viaducts before reaching St. Moritz. This UNESCO World Heritage railway section is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Switzerland.

Complete Station Guide

Station	Elevation	Key Attractions
Zermatt	1,604m	Matterhorn views, alpine village
Visp	658m	Valley transit hub
Brig	678m	Historic town, Simplon route
Andermatt	678m	Alpine village, mountain theatre
Oberalp Pass	1,447m	Highest point, glacier views
Disentis/Mustér	2,033m	The Rhine Gorge begins
Chur	585m	Oldest Swiss city
St. Moritz	1,775m	Luxury resort, Engadin lakes

Glacier Express Train Classes: Which Class Should You Book?

The Glacier Express offers three travel classes – 2nd Class, 1st Class, and Excellence Class. All classes feature the same panoramic Alpine views, but the difference comes down to seating space, dining experience, and overall comfort.

Glacier Express 2nd Class 

2nd Class is the most popular and budget-friendly way to experience the Glacier Express. The coaches feature large panoramic windows, comfortable 2+2 seating, and table arrangements ideal for couples, families, and groups. Passengers can order meals directly to their seats, including 2-course, 3-course, or 4-course options. For most travellers visiting Switzerland, 2nd Class offers the best balance between comfort, views, and price.

Glacier Express 1st Class 

1st Class offers a quieter and more spacious experience with a 2+1 seating layout, giving passengers larger seats and more legroom. Solo travellers especially prefer 1st Class because individual window seats are available on one side of the carriage. While the scenery is exactly the same as 2nd Class, the extra comfort and reduced crowding make it a good upgrade for longer journeys across the Swiss Alps.

Glacier Express Excellence Class 

Excellence Class is the luxury option on the Glacier Express and is available only on selected departures. The coach features exclusive 1+1 seating, ensuring every passenger gets a guaranteed window seat with uninterrupted panoramic views. The experience includes a 5-course gourmet meal, wine pairing, champagne, snacks, and access to a private cocktail bar. Excellence Class reservations sell out quickly during summer and peak Switzerland travel seasons, so booking several months in advance is highly recommended.

Which Glacier Express Class Is Best?

• Choose 2nd Class for the best value and classic Glacier Express experience.
• Choose 1st Class for extra space, quieter coaches, and better seating comfort.
• Choose Excellence Class if you want a luxury train journey and a premium dining experience in Switzerland.

Glacier Express Ticket Prices 

Full-Price Tickets

Class	Full Route (Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz)
2nd Class	From CHF 153 (₹14,750)
1st Class	From CHF 245 (₹23,600)
Excellence Class	From CHF 480 (₹46,300)

Prices are for the full route between Zermatt and St. Moritz and are similar in both directions.

Glacier Express with Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass fully covers the Glacier Express base ticket fare in both 1st and 2nd Class. Travellers only need to pay the mandatory seat reservation fee. For travellers planning multiple train journeys in Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is often the most cost-effective option and can significantly reduce overall transportation costs during a Switzerland trip.

Glacier Express with Swiss Half-Fare Card

The Swiss Half Fare Card costs around CHF 120(₹11,500) and gives travellers 50% off Glacier Express ticket prices.

With the Half-Fare Card:

• 2nd Class Glacier Express tickets reduce to around CHF 76–80(₹7,300–₹7,700)
• After adding seat reservation fees, the total cost becomes approximately CHF 130–135(₹12,000–₹13,000) per person

This option works well for travellers taking only a few train journeys in Switzerland.

Glacier Express with SBB Saver Day Pass

The SBB Saver Day Pass is often the cheapest way to experience the Glacier Express without a Swiss Travel Pass.

Approximate Cost

• Saver Day Pass: ₹2,800–₹6,700
• Seat Reservation Fee: ₹4,700–₹5,200

Depending on availability and booking date, the total Glacier Express cost can be as low as ₹8,000–₹12,000 per person.

How to Book Glacier Express Tickets (2026)

Booking the Glacier Express is a 2-step process: seat reservation & train ticket.

1. Reserve your seat first on the official Glacier Express website. Reservations open up to 93 days in advance for 1st and 2nd Class, while Excellence Class can be booked for the full timetable period.
2. Buy your train ticket separately through SBB, Swiss railway stations, or a travel agent. If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, you only need the seat reservation.
3. Pre-order meals online during booking to get better pricing and guaranteed meal availability onboard.
4. Book 2–3 months early for summer travel (May–September), as Glacier Express tickets sell out quickly during peak Switzerland travel season.

Important 2026 Update: The Glacier Express will not operate between 11 October and 4 December 2026.

Glacier Express Tips: Best Seats & Travel Advice

• Both directions are scenic – Zermatt to St. Moritz and vice versa offer equally stunning views.
• Best side for Landwasser Viaduct – Sit on the left when travelling from Zermatt → St. Moritz.
• Don’t overthink seat sides – Panoramic windows provide great views from almost every seat.
• Dress in layers – The coach can get warm in the sunlight and cold near the Oberalp Pass.
• Carry snacks and water – Onboard food is good but expensive by Swiss standards.
• Avoid sleeping during key sections – Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass, and the approach to St. Moritz are the highlights.

Glacier Express vs Other Scenic Trains in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s best panoramic train journeys. While the Glacier Express is the most famous, each scenic train offers a different experience.

Scenic Train Route	Duration	Main Highlights	Swiss Travel Pass Coverage
Glacier Express (Zermatt → St. Moritz)	8 Hours	Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge, Landwasser Viaduct	Covered + reservation fee
Bernina Express	4 Hours	Glaciers, Bernina Pass, Brusio Spiral Viaduct	Covered + reservation fee
Gotthard Panorama Express	4 Hours	Lake Lucerne cruise + mountain views	Covered + reservation fee
GoldenPass Express	5 Hours	Lake Geneva, Swiss villages, Lake Thun	Fully covered

Which Scenic Train Is Best in Switzerland?

Choose:

• Glacier Express for the most iconic all-day Swiss Alps experience.
• Bernina Express for glaciers and dramatic mountain landscapes.
• GoldenPass Express for lakes, villages, and classic Swiss countryside views.
• Gotthard Panorama Express for a mix of boat cruise and scenic rail travel.

For travellers planning a Switzerland package, combining the Glacier Express and Bernina Express with an overnight stay in St. Moritz is considered one of the best scenic rail itineraries in Europe.

Is the Glacier Express Worth It?

Yes, for most travellers, the Glacier Express is absolutely worth it. It’s one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland, offering unmatched views of the Swiss Alps, Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass, and the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

While the journey takes 8 hours, the experience feels less like transport and more like a moving panoramic tour through Switzerland. If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, the value becomes even better since you only pay the seat reservation fee. For travellers planning a Switzerland holiday package, the Glacier Express is easily one of the country’s most unforgettable experiences.

FAQs – Glacier Express Switzerland

Is seat reservation mandatory on the Glacier Express?

Yes. All passengers must book a seat reservation separately, even if they have a Swiss Travel Pass or other rail pass.

How much is the Glacier Express seat reservation fee?

The reservation fee usually costs around CHF 49–54 (approximately ₹4,700–₹5,200) per person.

Can you do the Glacier Express as a day trip?

Yes, but only one-way. The full Glacier Express journey takes around 8 hours between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Which is better – Glacier Express in summer or winter?

Both seasons are beautiful. Summer offers green valleys and hiking views, while winter brings snowy mountain landscapes and frozen Alpine scenery.

Can you board the Glacier Express from intermediate stations?

Yes. You can board or exit at stations like Andermatt, Chur, Disentis, Visp, and Filisur.

Is the Glacier Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the base ticket fare, but seat reservation charges must still be paid separately.

When does the Glacier Express not operate?

The Glacier Express will not run between 11 October and 4 December 2026.