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Beyond Canada · Europe
Glacier Express
Zermatt → St. Moritz
Switzerland's slowest express — 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
Route
Zermatt → St. Moritz
Duration
8 hours
Best season
Year-round
From
From $180
Style
Panoramic day train
Switzerland's slowest express runs eight hours from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. Panoramic glass roofs, GPS-triggered audio commentary in seven languages and a hot lunch served at your seat by red-jacketed stewards.
The journey
Day by day.
08:52
Zermatt departure
Leave the Matterhorn village by cogwheel descent through the Mattertal.
10:30
Brig and the Rhône valley
Cross to the standard-gauge Matterhorn-Gotthard line for the eastward run.
12:30
Oberalp Pass · 2,033 m
The high point of the day — lunch is timed to coincide with the pass.
14:00
Rhine Gorge
The 'Swiss Grand Canyon' between Disentis and Chur.
17:10
St. Moritz
Final descent into the Engadine and the Bernina interchange.
On board
What to expect.
- 1st and 2nd class panoramic carriages; Excellence Class has a champagne reception and dedicated concierge.
- Lunch is pre-ordered when you book — Swiss classics, included in Excellence.
- The Glacier Express is a once-daily scheduled service, not a tourist train — booking is essential in summer.
Insider tips
Call it like a local.
- 01Sit on the south (right) side leaving Zermatt for the best valley views.
- 02Bring layers — the panoramic glass amplifies sun and the air conditioning is aggressive.
- 03Pair with the Bernina Express the next day from St. Moritz to Tirano for the full alpine crossing.
FAQs
Glacier Express, answered.
How much does the Glacier Express cost?+
From roughly CHF 159 in 2nd class (with seat reservation) to CHF 470+ in Excellence Class.
Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid?+
Yes — pass holders pay only the seat-reservation supplement (CHF 49–69 depending on season).
Can I do it in winter?+
Yes — the Glacier Express runs year-round and the snowy Oberalp crossing is arguably the best time to go.
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