It is marketed as “The Slowest Express Train in the World.” And honestly, you will be glad it’s slow.
The Glacier Express is an 8-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It connects the two most famous mountain resorts: Zermatt (home of the Matterhorn) and St. Moritz (the glitzy ski town).
Through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, this train offers floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that make you feel like you are flying through the mountains.
Here is your complete guide to booking the ultimate Swiss experience.
The Route: 8 Hours of Magic
The train runs daily, year-round.
- Start: Zermatt (Valais).
- End: St. Moritz (Graubünden).
- Duration: Approx. 7.5 to 8 hours.
- Highlights:
- The Oberalp Pass: The highest point (2,033m).
- The Rhine Gorge: Known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.”
- Landwasser Viaduct: The iconic curved bridge (shared with the Bernina Express).
The Classes: 2nd, 1st, or Excellence?
1. 2nd Class (Standard)
- Layout: 2 seats – Aisle – 2 seats.
- Windows: Still huge panoramic windows extending into the roof.
- Food: You can order the “Dish of the Day” served at your seat.
- Verdict: Perfectly fine, but can feel a bit crowded if full.
2. 1st Class (More Space)
- Layout: 2 seats – Aisle – 1 seat.
- Perks: More legroom, fewer people, quieter.
- Verdict: Worth the upgrade for couples who want a 2-seater table or solo travelers wanting a single seat.
3. Excellence Class (The Ultra-Luxury)
This is the bucket-list experience introduced recently.
- Guaranteed Window Seat: Every seat is a window seat (1-1 layout).
- The Service: Includes a 5-course meal with accompanying wines, afternoon tea, snacks, and a dedicated concierge.
- The Price: A reservation supplement of CHF 420 (approx $470) on top of a 1st Class ticket!
- Verdict: Only for special occasions (honeymoons, anniversaries). It is pure luxury.
The “Meal at Your Seat” Experience
One of the best parts of the Glacier Express is the food. It is cooked fresh on board (not microwaved!).
- Dish of the Day: Usually a meat dish with vegetables (~CHF 35).
- 3-Course Menu: Salad/Soup, Main, Dessert (~CHF 49).
- Reservation: You must pre-order your meal when booking your ticket online, or hope there is enough left on the day (risky).
Prices & Reservations (Important!)
You need two things to board:
- A Ticket: Valid for the route (Zermatt-St.Moritz).
- Cost: Approx CHF 150 (2nd Class) / CHF 270 (1st Class).
- Passes: Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail cover the ticket price 100%!
- A Seat Reservation: Mandatory for EVERYONE (even pass holders).
- Cost: CHF 49 (Summer) / CHF 39 (Winter).
- Excellence Class: CHF 420.
Summary
The Glacier Express is not just transportation; it is a full-day event.
- If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, it is a no-brainer (just pay the ~CHF 49 reservation).
- If you are on a budget, take the regional trains (read our guide on that here).
- If you want to feel like royalty, book Excellence Class.
Book now: Reservations open 93 days in advance and sell out instantly in summer. Check GetYourGuide for tour packages or the official GEX site.
