Overview

© Bychykhin_Olexandr

PLEASE NOTE: You can't book the scenic Glacier Express journey on our site at the moment. We do, however, sell tickets on the same beautiful route, between Zermatt and St. Moritz, but for travel on board a normal passenger train. Fewer frills but just as many thrills.

The scenic Glacier Express is a year-round, narrow-gauge Swiss train, run in cooperation between Rhaetian Railway and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn. Air conditioned, modern and spacious observation cars with large panoramic windows make the Glacier Express a wonderful journey through some of Switzerland’s finest mountain scenery. There are three services daily in summer and one in winter running between Zermatt and St. Moritz. This really is a train for all seasons.

The iconic red-and-white Glacier Express takes about 8 hrs for the full run between Zermatt and St Moritz. You’ll pass through Alpine landscapes from the foot of the Matterhorn in the Valais region of Switzerland through Graubünden and on to the Engadine region. Highlights include the ascent to the route’s highest point, the Oberalp Pass, and the descent down into the Rhine Gorge via Disentis.

Practical information

© Swiss Travel System, 2017, Fotograf: Daniel Ammann

Before you board

You can board the Glacier Express any time before the train’s departure time. Stewards are on hand to guide you to your seat and check your lunch reservation.

Onboard

The Glacier Express’ catering staff come through the train with a trolley service offering snacks, sweets and drinks.

The Glacier Express Panorama Bar, located in the middle of the train, is open outside the midday period (when the staff are busy serving lunch). Choose between a selection of beers, juices and spirits. You can also order snacks and sandwiches to be served at your seat.

If there’s no restaurant car on your train, you can order a freshly-prepared meal which will be served at your seat. Opt for a three-course meal or the dish of the day. Prior reservation for meals is obligatory. The staff also takes orders for snacks and drinks throughout the journey.

Booking and printing options

Glacier Express tickets are open for bookings 90 days in advance.

A Glacier Express seat reservation is obligatory and is included in the price of your ticket.

Get the lowest prices on normal passenger trains between Zermatt and St Moritz by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell out quickly.

Classes of service

The scenic trains branded Glacier Express provide three classes of service: Standard Class First Class and Excellence Class. Note, we will soon be selling Glacier Express trains on our website, but until then, you can only book this through their website, However, we do sell tickets on the same beautiful route, between Zermatt and St. Moritz, for travel onboard a normal passenger train.

Glacier Express Excellence Class

A Glacier Express Excellence Class ticket guarantees you a window seat with superb panoramic views. This ticket also includes a five course menu and an aperitif, exclusive access to the Glacier Express bar and a concierge service.

Glacier Express First Class

First Class seating areas on the Glacier Express have a very spacious and airy feel, with plenty of staff on hand to handle queries. There are some tables with just two seats, while others offer seating for four.

Glacier Express Standard Class

Standard Class seating on the Glacier Express is in groups of four comfortable seats around a table. Every seat offers panoramic views. Luggage may be stored in the space between each back-to-back pair of seats and at the end of each carriage. A commentary about sites along the route is available in six languages through the audio system at your seat.

Featured journeys

• Zermatt to St. Moritz from $154.95