In Switzerland, there’s a train that takes its time. It doesn’t hurry, it pauses for lunch, and even serves wine in a glass with a tilted stem. The Glacier Express isn’t just a way to get from one place to another; it’s a chance to relax for a whole day while the Alps pass by outside your window. If you’re trying to figure out the Glacier Express route, ticket prices, or the best time to book, this guide will make it easy. We’ve gathered the latest information directly from the official operator, so you can plan your holiday with confidence rather than relying on outdated blog posts. By the end, you’ll know which class is right for you, the best time to go, and the little details that make the journey special.
What Exactly Is the Glacier Express?
The Glacier Express is a scenic train that travels across southern Switzerland. Operated by Glacier Express AG, it links two of the country’s best-known mountain resorts. The train features large windows so you can enjoy the views.
- It travels between Zermatt, which sits at the base of the Matterhorn, and St. Moritz in the Engadin region.
- The journey covers 291 kilometres and takes about eight hours.
- Along the way, the train crosses 291 bridges, goes through 91 tunnels, and reaches its highest point at the Oberalp Pass, 2,033 metres above sea level.
The "Slowest Express Train" Story
The nickname is genuine and comes from affection. Here, "Express" means a direct route with few stops, not a fast one. The Glacier Express train travels at about 24 miles per hour, and that slow pace is intentional. This journey is not about getting somewhere quickly, but about watching Switzerland pass by. One detail everyone remembers is the special tilting glass on board, with a slanted stem so your wine stays put on steep slopes and through spiral tunnels. When drinks started to tip, old train guards would call out "Tournez les verres!", which means "Turn the glasses!" in French. This quirky tradition even attracted international press coverage, and you can still buy one of these glasses as a souvenir.
What Is the Full Glacier Express Route?
The Glacier Express route runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz in both directions. You can ride the entire route or choose just a section. You can board the train at Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, or Chur.
The Four Scenery Sections Worth Watching For
The Glacier Express in Switzerland changes along the way, so it’s useful to know what to expect.
Section | What to look for |
Zermatt to Brig | The Matter valley, glimpses of the Bis Glacier about ten minutes out of Zermatt, tight gorges |
Brig to Andermatt | The sunny Goms valley, wooden chalets, the climb towards the pass |
Oberalp Pass | The highest point at 2,033 metres, a lighthouse marking the source of the Rhine |
Disentis to St. Moritz | The Rhine Gorge (Switzerland's "Grand Canyon"), the Landwasser Viaduct, UNESCO-listed Albula line |
The Landwasser Viaduct is the highlight of the route. This 65-metre-high stone bridge curves right into a tunnel in the cliff. Make sure you sit on the right side and get your camera ready before you reach Filisur.
What Is the Glacier Express Schedule and Timetable?
The Glacier Express runs more often in summer than in winter. Here is the official 2026 summer timetable for trains from Zermatt to St. Moritz, valid from 2 May to 10 October 2026.
Departure Zermatt | Arrival St. Moritz |
07.52 | Change at relevant stops |
08.52 | 16.37 |
09.52 | 17.37 |
Trains travel in both directions, and there is a separate afternoon service for the Chur to St. Moritz route. In winter, the Glacier Express runs less often, so be sure to check the official timetable for your date before booking.
When the Train Does Not Run
Many travellers miss this important detail. The Glacier Express will not run from 11 October to 4 December 2026 due to maintenance. If you plan to visit Switzerland during this time, the panoramic train will not be available, but regular local trains still travel the same route in sections.
How Much Do Glacier Express Tickets Cost?
Your total fare always includes two parts: the ticket for your distance and a required seat reservation. Below are the official 2026 full fares for popular routes, listed in Swiss francs.
Section | 2nd class | 1st class |
St. Moritz to Zermatt (full route) | CHF 159 | CHF 272 |
Chur to Zermatt | CHF 124 | CHF 212 |
St. Moritz to Brig | CHF 119 | CHF 204 |
Brig to Zermatt | CHF 40 | CHF 68 |
What the Seat Reservation Actually Covers
For the Glacier Express, seat reservations cost CHF 54 per person in both 1st and 2nd class, and CHF 540 in Excellence Class. This fee is required for everyone and is separate from your ticket price. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, or Interrail pass, your base fare is already covered, but you still need to pay for the reservation. As a general reference, the full second-class fare of CHF 159 is about 15,000 to 16,000 rupees at current exchange rates. Please note that rates can change, so use this as an estimate.
Which Class Should You Book?
No matter which class you choose, everyone sees the same scenery through the same panoramic windows. The main differences are in comfort, food, and space.
Feature | 2nd Class | 1st Class | Excellence Class |
Seats | 2+2 layout | Wider, 2+1 layout | Reclining lounge seats, guaranteed window |
Food | Order at seat | Order at seat | 5-course menu, champagne, Glacier Bar |
Reservation | CHF 54 | CHF 54 | CHF 540 (1st class ticket required) |
Capacity | Standard | Standard | Only 20 passengers |
Second class is actually great, and it’s where most travellers choose to sit. First class gives you more space. Excellence Class is a special experience, with a concierge, a welcome platter, and a gold compass that slowly turns above the bar.
How Do You Book the Glacier Express?
The easiest way to handle the Glacier Express booking is through the official operator's website, where you can buy your ticket and make your reservation at the same time.
- You can buy tickets up to 180 days before your travel date.
- Reservations for standard 1st and 2nd class seats open 93 days before departure.
- Excellence Class tickets are available for booking throughout the entire timetable period.
- You can pre-order meals for 1st and 2nd class when you check out.
When To Make Your Glacier Express Reservation
Summer departures, especially in July and August, often sell out on popular dates. It's a good idea to book your Glacier Express reservation several weeks in advance. Excellence Class has only 20 seats and sells out the fastest. Winter is usually quieter, but the snowy scenery is still very popular, so try not to wait until the last week to book.
Tribe Tips For A Better Glacier Express Journey
- Choose your seat carefully. If you are travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the best views of the Rhine Gorge and viaducts depend on where you sit, so ask about seat orientation when booking.
- Pack light for your holiday. Skis, golf bags, and other large items are not allowed on board, so consider using a luggage-forwarding service for bigger bags.
- Think about splitting your journey. If eight hours seems too long, especially with children, you can ride a scenic part like Chur to Zermatt instead of the whole route.
- Order your meal ahead of time. Since the kitchen makes dishes fresh on board, pre-ordering helps you avoid missing the best views while waiting for your food.
Is the Glacier Express Worth It?
Not many train journeys live up to their reputation like this one. The Glacier Express isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about taking a day to relax and watch the Matterhorn, the Rhine Gorge, and the Oberalp Pass come into view, one after another. If you’re on your honeymoon, travelling with family, or visiting Switzerland for the first time, the scenery is what makes the holiday special.
Planning the holiday can be tricky. You need to choose the best season, class, and route to match your travel style, and fit it into your Switzerland itinerary. That’s where a Holiday Tribe advisor can help. We create holiday packages focused on experiences like this, including hotels in Zermatt and St. Moritz, transfers, and sightseeing. This way, the famous train ride becomes a smooth part of your holiday, not a stressful booking. You can also start planning with our AI travel planner and then fine-tune the details with one of our advisors.
