Hop aboard the Glacier Express, the world’s most beautiful AND slowest express scenic train! Because why rush through the Swiss Alps when you can take a leisurely 8-hour joyride, ogling at snow-capped peaks, quaint villages, and those picture-perfect valleys?

Read on you want to learn more about Glacier Express, its route, prices (AT HUGE DISCOUNTS!), how to buy your tickets, the best season to take the train, dining options onboard, and tips for traveling on the Glacier Express.

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JUST TELL ME QUICK: Is the Glacier Express Worth It?

For those who just want quick answers to the above question….my answer is a resounding YES, but depending on specific circumstances.

if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, the Eurail or Interrail pass, then going on the Glacier Express ride is a no-brainer, because the base fare (which takes up the bulk of the cost) is already covered, and you only need to pay the reservation fee of 39CHF, which means a whooping discount of 152CHF in 2nd class or 268CHF in 1st class!

Additionally, the Glacier Express will certainly be worth it for train enthusiasts, who will find the experience especially memorable, given the stunning views and unique journey.

However, if you are short on time, or especially going out of the way JUST for this train ride, then this the full-day trip on the Glacier Express might not be the best choice. Families traveling with children below 6 may also find the long journey uncomfortable and might not be suitable.

A better alternative for those with limited time or traveling with children is the shorter 4-hour Bernina Express ride. The Bernina Express offers a comparable experience to the Glacier Express, with breathtaking Alpine views and comfortable onboard services. This option allows travellers to enjoy a memorable Swiss train journey without committing to a full day of travel.

I hope this answers, but please read on the rest of the post for a more comprehensive guide!

What is the Glacier Express?

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train journey through the Swiss Alps that offers breathtaking views of Switzerland’s mountains, valleys, and glaciers. The train journey takes around eight hours, covering 291 km from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The train passes through 91 tunnels, crosses 291 bridges, and reaches an altitude of 2,033 meters above sea level. The Glacier Express is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Watch the Vlog on Youtube!

The Route

The full Glacier Express route can be broken down into 4 distinct sections.

Section 1: Zermatt to Brig

Our journey begins in the charming town of Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn. As the train departed at 9.52am, it slowly chugs its way through the lush Matter Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and quaint hamlets. In no time, you’ll arrive in Brig, a historic town with lovely cobblestone streets and charming architecture.

Section 2: Brig to Andermatt

Next up, the train ascends the Furka Pass, showcasing breathtaking panoramas of the Swiss Alps as we climb higher and higher. As it approaches Andermatt, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain setting the stage for the picturesque village nestled in the Urseren Valley. It’s a stunning introduction to the high-altitude beauty of Switzerland!

Section 3: Andermatt to Chur

The Glacier Express conquers the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the Glacier Express route, before descending into the Rhine Gorge – also known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.”. This dramatic stretch of the journey offers awe-inspiring views of deep ravines, towering cliffs, and the swirling waters of the Rhine River.

Soon we reach Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland.

Section 4: Chur to St. Moritz

We embark on the final leg of our journey from Chur to St. Moritz. As the train winds its way through the Albula Valley, we are treated to even more iconic and spectacular Alpine scenery, including the impressive Landwasser Viaduct and its iconic arched bridge. At about 4.20pm, we reached the final destination, the glitzy resort town of St. Moritz. As we hopped off our train, we’re left with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural beauty that we’ve witnessed throughout our Glacier Express adventure.

The most beautiful section, if I had to choose, would be the journey from Andermatt to Chur as the train conquers the mighty Oberalp Pass at an altitude of 2,033m above sea levels. You’ll be treated to scenery of snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers so white, it’s like Mother Nature decided to show off her best work on this very stretch of the journey!

Now, let’s talk about the least beautiful (or boring) part – if there is such a thing! While it’s hard to say any part of the Glacier Express route is truly “least beautiful”… some travellers might find the section between Chur and Filisur slightly less awe-inspiring. Though it still offers lovely landscapes and charming villages, for me, it didn’t have that same dramatic Alpine effect as other parts of the journey.

How much does it cost to take the Glacier Express?

I know this is always super confusing for travellers, but the cost of traveling on the Glacier Express would very much depend on the type of ticket you purchase and the season.

Basically, the price of the Glacier Express tickets consist of 1)the base fare and 2) the seat reservation fee.

The full priced one-way ticket from Zermatt to St. Moritz costs around CHF 152 for second class and CHF 268 for first class. This price is FIXED, regardless of the time of your booking.

On top of the base fare, there is also the seat reservation fee, which differs according to season.

Between low season from 10 December 2022 and 12 May 2023, the seat reservation fee is 39CHF. For the high season from 13 May 2023 to 15 Oct 2023, it costs more at 49CHF.

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the Interrail or the Eurail pass, you DO NOT need to pay for the base fare as it is already covered by your train pass. You will only need to pay for the seat reservation fee.

To give you concrete examples: the cost of a Glacier Express ticket can look like this:

1st class low season: 268+39CHF= 307CHF (153.50CHF with Half-Fare Card)
2nd class low season: 152+39CHF= 191CHF (95.50CHF with Half-Fare Card)
1st class low season: 268+49= 317CHF (153.50CHF with Half-Fare Card)
2nd class high season: 152+49= 201CHF (100.50CHF with Half-Fare Card)

If you need more help with deciding whether to get the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half-Fare card, you can read more about my Swiss Travel Pass Guide here.

How to Buy Tickets for the Glacier Express

Here’s some exciting news for eager kiasu travellers! While the Glacier Express tickets go on sale just two months before your intended travel date, you can snag your perfect seat by reserving it up to three months in advance. So, even though you can’t purchase the tickets just yet, you can lock in your cozy spot on this fantastic journey way ahead of time!

Here’s how you can buy your Glacier Express tickets on the official website.

Visit the official Glacier Express website: Navigate to the Glacier Express website at https://www.glacierexpress.ch/

Step 1: Click on “Booking”. You can Choose between “Glacier Express Classic”, “Service Excellence Class” or “Ticket only” (Reservation already booked).

Step 2: Select your travel route, the date you would like to travel on the Glacier Express and the travel class. You can choose your departure and destination stations from the drop-down menus.

The next page will bring you to the calendar which will display the number of available seats on your day selected, and three days before and after your selected day.

Step 4: Indicate the number of adults and children traveling. At this stage the full price (base fare and seat reservation fee) is reflected, but if you have any relevant rail passes, you can add that in the next step and the final payable amount will be shown.

Step 5: Choose your preferred departure time: Select the departure time that best suits your schedule.

Step 6: The train layout will show and you can select the available seats (marked in green). There is no information on the driving direction at this point, so it’s all down to luck whether you are sitting on the side with the better views!

Step 7: Enter your name and birthdate. Then at the ‘Reduction’ dropdown, select the right rail pass option that you have (or choose only seat reservation). The reduced ticket prices will then be shown.

Note that during your point of ticket purchase for the Glacier Express, you DO NOT NEED to have the rail pass already bought, this can be done so at a later date.You just need to ensure that by the day you board the Glacier Express, you have the right pass purchased.

Step 8: If you want to include any additional meal options, make your selections here. However you can also do so during the day itself when you have more information on the menu so I suggest no need to pre-book anything at this stage.

Step 8: Review your booking, and proceed to payment.

Step 9: Check your email: After completing your booking, you will receive a confirmation email with your ticket(s) and other important information about your journey.

Making a Seat Reservation only

If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail or Interrail pass, you are only required to make a seat reservation for the Glacier Express. You can make your seat reservation here if you are planning the route from St Moritz to Zermatt or vice versa. For other start and end points, you can do so on the official website.

1st class or 2nd class: Which is Better?

Now, you might be wondering… “What’s the difference between 1st class and 2nd class on the Glacier Express, and is it worth the extra moolah for that 1st class upgrade?”

In 1st class, you’ll be treated to a more spacious seating arrangement with a 2-1 configuration. This means two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other.

You will have an arm rest, and a bit more elbow room and aisle space to stretch out and enjoy those stunning Alpine views. Plus, if you’re a couple or a solo travellers. no need to share tables with awkward strangers who come onboard later, you can just choose sitting opposite each other and enjoy some privacy.

Now, let’s talk about 2nd class. Over here, we’ve got a 2-2 configuration, meaning two seats on either side of the aisle.

So, what remains the same? Well, both classes enjoy access to the dining car, the same remarkable panoramas, and the warm hospitality of the Glacier Express staff. Honestly, the main difference is just a smidgen of extra space in 1st class!

Now for the million-dollar question: Is it worth splurging on that 1st class upgrade?

To be frank, it might not be necessary to shell out the extra cash. While it’s true that 1st class offers a tad more space, the 2nd class experience is still marvellous. If you are intending to get just a single 1st class upgrade for the Glacier Express, I don’t recommend that as I’m not sure if it’s worth that extra 116CHF just for that difference in seat configuration!

HOWEVER, if you’re talking about riding 1st class on the Glacier Express by getting the 1st class Swiss Travel Pass (or Eurail/Interail Pass) for your entire duration Switzerland, then I definitely recommend that. Although more expensive, spending a little bit more for a long travel duration (e.g. 10-14 days) and having that extra space will make your multiple inter-city trips significantly more comfortable, without the need to squeeze with crowds during peak periods on regular trains.

Glacier Express: Excellence Class

Now: the crème de la crème of train travel: the Glacier Express Excellence Class! This luxurious experience is newly introduced in 2021 and is here to make you feel like royalty as you glide through the Swiss Alps. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be treated to a starter plate with welcome champagne, because nothing says “luxury” like sipping on bubbly while admiring the Alpine scenery. The plush, comfy leather seats are arranged in a stylish lounge setting, giving you ample space to stretch out and soak up the views. And let’s not forget the five-course gourmet meal and free flow soft drinks, juice and coffee, because traveling in style demands dining in style, too!

But all this opulence comes at a pretty steep price, at a jaw-dropping 728CHF for a full-fare ticket! So, is it worth shelling out the big bucks for Excellence Class? Well, at least for me: No. Unless you’re celebrating a special occasion, like your 50th wedding anniversary or a birthday. After all, the Swiss Alps are just as breathtaking from the “regular” seats, and who says you can’t bring your own gourmet snacks and feel fancy in a more budget-friendly way?

Which side is better to sit on the Glacier Express?

Ah, the great debate of which side to sit on the Glacier Express – a question that has puzzled travellers to no end!

Now, if you’re traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, many seasoned passengers swear by the left side for the best views. But, as with all things in life, there’s a twist! The Glacier Express is quite the sneaky train, and it doesn’t provide seat direction information. Why so? Well, that’s because the train changes direction mid-point during the journey at Chur.

We were sitting on the right side of the train (from Zermatt to Chur) with the single column seat configuration, which switched to the left (from Chur to St Moritz).

In terms of the sceneries from Andermatt onwards to the Oberalp Pass, I felt that there was no significant difference, as both sides had equally stunning views of the glaciers. But for the leg after Disentis and down towards Chur,I felt that the other side definitely had better views of the the Landvasser Viaduct as well as the towns and villages down, whereas I saw more rocks and trees on my side.

Best Season to Take the Glacier Express

The Glacier Express operates throughout the year, and each season offers a unique experience. However, in my opinion the best time to take the Glacier Express is during the winter months, from December to March, because that’s when you get to witness the true magical GLACIER experience as the train passes through snow-covered landscapes!

Otherwise, if you choose to go during the summer months from June to September, the weather is still usually pleasant, and the scenery is stunning with wildflowers in bloom, and the mountains covered in greenery.

Take note that the Glacier Express trains do not run between mid October and mid December each year.

Dining Options Onboard

For those looking to indulge in a delicious meal while marveling at the Swiss Alps, the Glacier Express provides a myriad of dining options: from a single dish of the day, to a full 5 course set meal.

We had the three-course meal deal which costs 49CHF. Before you start exclaiming “YIKES, so expensive paying almost 50CHF!” let’s put things into perspective: Swiss lunch prices can make your wallet tremble in fear, with an average meal at a restaurant easily costing 30-40CHF per person.

So in fact, spending just 49 CHF for a three-course meal onboard the Glacier Express is not that bad, especially when you factor in the million-dollar views you’re getting along the way. It’s like dining at a fancy restaurant, but instead of a stuffy dining room, you’re surrounded by the beauty of the Swiss Alps!

Lunch began with a warm and comforting tomato soup.

Next up, a meatloaf with mashed potatoes and peas – though, truth be told, my taste buds weren’t exactly doing cartwheels over this one.

Finishing off with a delightful chocolate cake.

Now, a word of caution: If you’re a picky eater, the fixed menus might not be your cup of tea (or bowl of tomato soup, if you will). With limited options, you may find yourself longing for a bit more variety. But the a-la-carte options are not exactly cheap either, between 25-30CHF.

For budget-conscious travellers, fear not! There’s a solution that won’t leave you hungry: you can bring your own food onboard! So, pack your favorite snacks, sandwiches, or even a gourmet picnic, and you can still enjoy a tasty meal while taking in those jaw-dropping Alpine views.

Glacier Express or the Bernina Express: Which is better?

Sigh…the classic Swiss train conundrum: Glacier Express or Bernina Express? It’s like trying to deicide between a luxurious Swiss chocolate and a heavenly Swiss cheese – both are undeniably delightful,so how to choose!?

Ultimately, it really depends on your budget and itinerary, but here’s spelling out the route differences and some other factors for you to consider.

First, the Glacier Express is a much longer eight-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz, whizzing through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges. That gives you plenty of time to admire the views, snap photos, there’s only so much ooohs and ahhs you can squeal, and at most 512gb on your iPhone for you to spam photos before it starts to get boring…!

Scenic highlights of the Glacier Express route include the Oberalp Pass, the Rhine Gorge (the “Swiss Grand Canyon”), and the Landwasser Viaduct. With such a diverse array of stunning sights, the Glacier Express promises a visual feast from start to finish.

Now, let’s talk about the Bernina Express. This four-hour journey may be shorter than its Glacier counterpart, but still packs a serious scenic punch!

First of all, it passes by the same UNESCO Heritage Albula railway route as the Glacier Express. Meaning to saythat you won’t miss the classic views of the Landvasser Viaduct.

And even though it doesn’t go up to the lofty Oberalp pass, it does pass through the lower but equally stunning Bernina Pass and the Ospizio Bernina, which offers breathtaking views of glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. So if you’re after the snow-sceneries, you’re definitely any worse off by choosing the Bernina Express.

And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: the famous Brusio Circular Viaduct, the spiral architectural masterpiece on the Bernina line!

Now THAT’S an added bonus not available on the Glacier Express! And in my opinion, given the lower price, and more scenic sites to marvel at, that already makes the Bernina Express well-worth it!

So…which train is the champion of Swiss scenic travel? Well,If you are on a longer itinerary (10 to 12 days in Switzerland), holders of the Swiss Travel Pass and want to indulge in an all-day Alpine extravaganza, the Glacier Express might be your ticket to ride. If you are also planning to include Zermatt in your itinerary, then taking the Glacier Express also makes a smoother transition to the mountain village.

However, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler or simply just short on time, the Bernina Express will be your fast track to Alpine bliss – it’s like getting the best of the Swiss Alps on a speed date. Finally, it is also more suitable for travellers heading neighbouring Italy, since it ends at Tirano, which is 2 hours away from Milan. If you are thinking of heading to the Swiss southern canton of Ticino (which I can’t recommend enough!!!), the transfer bus from TIrano will also bring you directly to Lugano.

You can read my Bernina Express guide written back in 2020 for a full review.

Final Tips for Traveling on the Glacier Express

1. Book your tickets in advance to secure a seat and avoid disappointment: The Glacier Express is a popular journey, so booking early ensures you’ll get a seat on your preferred travel date. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the heartbreak of missing out on this incredible experience!
2. Wear comfortable clothing: Given the exceptionally long train ride, dressing in comfy clothes and shoes is key and will ensure you can fully enjoy the ride during this full-day adventure. It can get very hot inside the carriage, so make sure you apply sunscreen, keep those sunglasses on, and you dress in layers so that you can take off your outer clothing when it gets too warm.
3. Download the Glacier Express app to learn all things related to the route, stops, and highlights of the journey. Stay informed and impress your fellow passengers with your newfound expertise!
4. Consider staying overnight: If you want to savour the Glacier Express experience and not feel like you’re in a rush, stay overnight near or at the stop you are boarding, alighting the Glacier Express This allows you to explore the charming Swiss villages and take your time soaking in the breathtaking scenery. Note that staying overnight is also a MUST if you are taking the earliest 8.52am train, since it is nearly impossible for you to reach Zermatt or St Moritz from any other cities in other cantons e.g. Lucerne, Zurich, Geneva.
5. While people commonly take the full ride from Zermatt to St Moritz, you can actually choose to hop on/off at any of the following Glacier Express stops: Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur and Samedan! So don’t feel like you have to force yourself to start or end your trip in either stops, instead choose the stop that works best for your itinerary.
6. For budget-conscious travellers coming during peak season, you can consider alighting/ hopping at Brig, Filisur and Samedan where you can find much lower accommodation prices (as compared to St Morit and Zermatt). You won’t miss out on the best sceneries (which is between Andermatt and Disentis by hopping on/alighting at these stops.

I hope you find this comprehensive guide to the Glacier Express helpful! Leave me a comment down below if you have any further questions on the Glacier Express.

Bon voyage and enjoy the ride!

Love, Ollie

This post was written in collaboration with the Glacier Express. All opinions are my own.