Glacier Express - Timetables (2024)

FAQs

How many times a day does the Glacier Express run? ›

There are one or two daily Glacier Expresses in each direction in winter, more in summer.

Winter travel on the Glacier Express offers a unique and magical experience, with snow-covered landscapes and cosy interiors. In fact, some people even consider winter to be the best time to take the journey, as the snow adds an extra layer of enchantment.

The Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express. At a height of 2,033m above sea level, you get possibly the most breathtaking view of the journey. If you're travelling in the winter months, expect the landscape to be topped with stunning snow. It's glorious in any season!

The train takes around eight hours to travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, covering a distance of 180 miles. But the leisurely pace is part of the charm, as it allows you to take in the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace.

How many stops does the Glacier Express have and can you hop on and off? You can board the Glacier Express at either end. There are stops en route at Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur and Samedan, and you can hop off or on at any of them.

Excellence Class A rail journey through the Swiss Alps has never been so luxurious. In the Excellence Class we guarantee you a window seat and a superb panoramic view while travelling across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels between St. Moritz and Zermatt.

Moritz, the right side of the train provides the most stunning views. Of course, if you're going in the opposite direction, the views flip.

A trip on the Glacier Express is also a culinary highlight. Our dishes are prepared with great care in the on-board kitchen in the middle of the train. Enjoy regional specialities whilst the Alpine panorama unfolds outside. All dishes are freshly prepared with care on board and served directly at your seat.

We highly recommend Excellence Class. We also recommend traveling in the shoulder season when there are fewer travelers, so you can move around on board — to escape the beating sun in the panorama cars. The Glacier Express has one wheelchair-accessible compartment in first class and accessible bathroom.

What is the difference between Glacier Express Classic and Excellence? ›

The major difference is that unlike First Class, which has double seats on one side and a single seat on the other side of the aisle, Excellence Class has a single window seat on each side. So there's more space and more legroom.

The Glacier Express is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Be sure to reserve your seat early, as it fills up quickly.

The Glacier Express - known as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World' (and arguably the most scenic) - connects the mountain resort towns of Matterhorn adjacent to Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps.

We also recommend that you do not bring more than 1 additional piece of baggage in addition to your hand luggage. Group travellers: SBB group baggage “Door to door” offer (for groups of 10 or more): For groups, we recommend the SBB Service, which is available for groups of 10 or more.

The Bernina Express takes out top spot for the best views, because the variety of landscapes is so impressive for a reasonably short train journey. The Glacier Express is still stunning of course, but if you want to get the best views for your time and money, the Bernina Express comes first!

A ride on the Glacier Express is anything but fast. The 290-kilometer trip through the Swiss Alps takes over 8 hours, essentially an entire transatlantic flight within tiny landlocked Switzerland.

A: If you're traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the right side of the train provides the most stunning views. Of course, if you're going in the opposite direction, the views flip. We estimate about 85% of the most picturesque sights are on the right side.

The lowest possible Glacier Express price with a Swiss Half Fare Card is CHF 78 in 2nd class, CHF 98 in 1st class, and CHF 519 in Excellence Class. The above price is based on: a discounted Saver Day Pass at the lowest possible fare (from CHF 29 for 2nd class, from CHF 49 for 1st class and Excellence Class)