--- title: "Glacier Express Guide: Route, Classes & Tickets" description: "The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz: route, eight-hour timing, Excellence Class, reservations, which direction to ride and whether it is worth it." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/glacier-express-guide" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124NK981S6X16R15MDYQ.Ctb1YMKW_Z2ev3I2.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Glacier Express Guide: Route, Classes, Tickets and Tips [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Glacier Express Guide: Route, Classes, Tickets and Tips The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz: route, eight-hour timing, Excellence Class, reservations, which direction to ride and whether it is worth it. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read ![Lugano, Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](/_astro/01M5J4124NK981S6X16R15MDYQ.Ctb1YMKW_1F45Nm.webp) The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, and the name is half a joke. It takes about eight hours to cross the Swiss Alps from Zermatt to St. Moritz, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, and nobody on board wants it to go faster. We book this train for our travelers almost every week from May to October, and regularly in winter. Here is what we tell them before they ride it. ## The route The Glacier Express links two car-free or car-light mountain resorts: Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, and St. Moritz, in the Engadin valley. Some departures run to or from Davos instead of St. Moritz. The main stretches, from west to east: - **Zermatt to Brig:** down the Matter valley, with steep slopes, waterfalls and small Valais villages. - **Brig to Andermatt:** up the Goms valley along the young Rhône, past wooden villages and meadows. - **The Oberalp Pass:** the highest point of the route at 2,033 m (6,670 ft), often snowy well into June. This is the moment most people stand up with their phones. - **Disentis to Chur:** through the Rhine Gorge, a canyon of white limestone cliffs sometimes called the Swiss Grand Canyon. - **Chur to St. Moritz:** the Albula line, part of a UNESCO World Heritage railway, with spiral tunnels and the Landwasser Viaduct, the curved stone bridge that runs straight into a cliff. The views change every 20 minutes, which is why eight hours goes faster than you expect. ## Duration and timetable The full journey takes roughly eight hours. In summer there are several departures a day in each direction, and fewer in winter. The train pauses for several weeks in late fall for maintenance before the winter season starts. You do not have to ride the whole line. Popular shorter sections: - **Chur to St. Moritz** (about two hours): the Albula line and the Landwasser Viaduct, the most dramatic engineering. - **Andermatt to Chur:** the Oberalp Pass and the Rhine Gorge. - **Zermatt to Andermatt:** the Valais side, useful if you continue to Lucerne. ## Classes: second, first and Excellence All Glacier Express cars have panoramic windows that curve up into the roof. The difference between classes is space, comfort and service. - **Second class:** four seats around a table, comfortable and fully panoramic. A good choice outside July and August. - **First class:** two seats on one side of the table and one on the other, more legroom, quieter cars. Our default for most travelers, since the day is long. - **Excellence Class:** one car per train, with every seat at the window, a lounge bar, a dedicated host and a multi-course meal with wine pairings served through the day. It adds a supplement of several hundred francs per person on top of a first-class ticket, and seats are limited. In first and second class, you can order a hot lunch served at your seat, or bring your own picnic. We pre-order lunch for our travelers so it arrives without fuss. **Is Excellence Class worth it?** For a honeymoon, a milestone birthday or travelers who will spend the day in conversation over good food, yes. For travelers who want to watch the scenery and stretch their legs, first class is already excellent and the money is better spent on a special hotel night in Zermatt or St. Moritz. ## Tickets and reservations You need two things: a **ticket** and a **seat reservation**. The reservation is mandatory on every Glacier Express train. - **With a Swiss Travel Pass:** the ticket is covered, and you only pay the reservation, CHF 54 per person in 2026, one flat price all year. - **Without a pass:** you pay the full fare plus the reservation. A Half Fare Card halves the ticket part. - **Excellence Class:** you need a first-class ticket or pass plus the Excellence supplement. Our [Swiss Travel Pass calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/swiss-travel-pass-calculator) shows whether the pass, a Half Fare Card or single tickets costs less for your whole route. **When to book:** for June to September, book as soon as reservations open for your date. Summer trains sell out months ahead, especially first class and Excellence. We hold seats for our travelers the day the booking window opens, and we recommend setting your Switzerland dates at least five months ahead for a summer trip. ## Which direction? Both directions show the same landscapes. The difference is how you structure the trip around them. **Zermatt to St. Moritz (eastbound)** is our usual choice. You spend two nights in Zermatt first, ride the Gornergrat, then save the Albula line and the Landwasser Viaduct for the afternoon, as the grand finale. From St. Moritz, you can continue on the Bernina Express to Tirano in Italy, then by bus to Lugano. **St. Moritz to Zermatt (westbound)** works well if you arrive from Italy or from Zurich via Chur, and want to end the trip in front of the Matterhorn. It fits travelers flying out of Geneva, which is about three and a half hours by train from Zermatt. Seat side matters less than people think. The line twists constantly through spirals and curves, so both sides of the car get their share of viaducts, gorges and peaks, and the roof windows show the summits from either seat. ## Is the Glacier Express worth it? For most of our travelers, yes, with conditions. It is worth it if: - You like trains, or simply like watching landscapes change. - You can give it a full day without other plans. - You want to link Zermatt and the Engadin, which you would cross anyway. It is less worth it if: - You get restless after three hours seated. Ride a section instead, or take regional trains on the same tracks. - Your trip is only five or six days. The day is better spent in one region. - You mainly want photos. The panoramic glass reflects. Many regional trains on the Albula line still have windows that open, which photographers prefer. ## Combining Zermatt, the Glacier Express and St. Moritz Here is the structure we use most often: - **Two nights in Zermatt:** the Gornergrat in the morning for the Matterhorn, a walk down through the hamlets, dinner in the village. Read our [comparison of Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat and the Schilthorn](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/jungfraujoch-vs-gornergrat-vs-schilthorn) to choose your summit. - **The Glacier Express** in first class, with lunch at your seat. - **One or two nights in St. Moritz:** a lake walk, the Engadin villages, or a day trip to the Diavolezza or Muottas Muragl viewpoints. - **The Bernina Express** to Tirano, over the 2,253 m Bernina Pass and the spiral viaduct of Brusio, then on to Lugano or Lake Como. Zermatt is car-free, and luggage space on board is limited. We use Swiss luggage forwarding so your suitcases travel from hotel to hotel while you carry a daypack. It is one of the small details that change the day. ## Pace and season: when to ride it The advice we give most often about this train is about pace. Ride it on a rest day in the middle of your trip, not the day after you land. Jet lag and eight hours of gentle rocking do not mix well, and you will sleep through the Rhine Gorge. Our second tip is about season. Everyone pictures the Glacier Express in July, but our designers' favorite runs are in early June, with snow still on the Oberalp and meadows in flower below it, and in January, when the whole line is white. Winter seats are easier to get and the reservation costs less. And if you love the line, do not ride the whole of it twice. Take the Glacier Express one way, then come back on the regional trains through other valleys. Switzerland has no shortage of beautiful tracks. ## Trips built around the Glacier Express The Glacier Express is the centerpiece of [Legendary Swiss Trains](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains), seven days with the GoldenPass, Gornergrat and Bernina Express, and of [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate), which adds Lavaux, Gruyères and Jungfraujoch. Both fit our [10-day Switzerland itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland/10-days) if you want to shorten or stretch them. See all our [train trips](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/trips/train), or download our [Europe by train guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/guides/europe-by-train) for the wider picture. If you are arriving from France, read [Paris to Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/paris-to-switzerland-by-train), and check [the best time to visit Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-switzerland) before fixing dates. Send us your dates and [one of our travel designers](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip) will check Glacier Express availability, hold your seats and draw a custom version of this route within 48 hours. More guides: [Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/swiss-trains) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Trips for this guide - [![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_2ePJvK.webp)**Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days**From €2,199 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![From Switzerland to Italy : medieval towns, outdoor fun and italian riviera](/_astro/01M5J4124QMGRZKA4DGVWAAVSG.CZhi2FDY_ZKyIQy.webp)**Switzerland to Italy by Train: Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como in 14 Days**From €5,499 · 14 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/from-switzerland-to-italy-medieval-towns-outdoor-fun-and-italian-riviera) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Glacier Express? The full journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes about eight hours, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, with the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m as its highest point. You can also ride shorter sections, such as Chur to St. Moritz on the Albula line, which takes about two hours. ### Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Glacier Express? The pass covers the ticket, but not the mandatory seat reservation, which cost CHF 54 per person in 2026, one flat price all year. Excellence Class requires a first-class ticket or pass plus a separate supplement of several hundred francs per person. ### Is Excellence Class on the Glacier Express worth it? For a honeymoon, a milestone celebration or travelers who enjoy a long gourmet meal, yes: every seat is at the window and the service runs all day. For travelers mainly there for the scenery, first class is already excellent, and the difference is better spent on a special hotel night. ### Which direction is best on the Glacier Express? Both show the same scenery. We usually recommend Zermatt to St. Moritz, after two nights in Zermatt, so the Albula line and the Landwasser Viaduct come as the finale and you can continue on the Bernina Express to Italy. Westbound suits travelers ending their trip in Zermatt or flying home from Geneva. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_1szWel.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) Six nights by train from Interlaken to Lucerne, with the GoldenPass, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, in 4-star hotels beside each station. For first-time visitors who want the big views without a car. From **€2,199** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ![From Switzerland to Italy : medieval towns, outdoor fun and italian riviera](/_astro/01M5J4124QMGRZKA4DGVWAAVSG.CZhi2FDY_Z1wOw8X.webp) 14 days / 13 nights ### [Switzerland to Italy by Train: Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como in 14 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/from-switzerland-to-italy-medieval-towns-outdoor-fun-and-italian-riviera) Thirteen nights from Zurich to Milan by train: Rhine Falls, kayaking on Lake Brienz, the Schilthorn, a via ferrata, Rigi, Lugano, Lake Como and the Borromean Islands. Central 3-star hotels; an active trip with full days. From **€5,499** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Lucerne 2](/_astro/01M5J4124FV0NDJM68AX2V6K08.BBevgpTQ_2aG6B0.webp) Switzerland ### [Switzerland in May: Green Valleys, Waterfalls and Reopening Lifts](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-may) Switzerland in May 2027: the reopening calendar for lifts, trains and passes, real rainfall and temperatures by region, holiday weekends and trip ideas. ![Climbing, Chamonix Adventure Week: Rafting, Aiguille du Midi & Annecy in 7 Days](/_astro/01M5J4124K0D5R5Z4JFYEDYP28.C9-BDmK-_Z1Hcgpr.webp) France ### [Geneva to Chamonix: Train, Shuttle or Private Driver](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/geneva-to-chamonix) Geneva to Chamonix in 1 h 15 min by road or 2 h 30 min by train: shuttle, bus and driver prices for 2026, the Mont-Blanc Express, guest card and step-free tips. ![Mürren via ferrata, Switzerland to Italy by Train: Alps, Lucerne & Lake Como in 14 Days](/_astro/01M5J4124K0FQ7ZEW6DPWAN21A.irLE_upM_2tmrrh.webp) Switzerland ### [Switzerland in July: Festivals, Heat and Every Mountain Open](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-july) Switzerland in July 2027: Montreux Jazz, Paléo and other festival dates, real temperatures by region, storms, crowds at the summits and where to swim. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. Free and without obligation. ## Contact Plan a tailor-made trip in Europe with Mobee International: https://tally.so/r/nWplRv — e-mail contact@mobeeinternational.com — phone +33 4 26 30 36 82 (Europe) or +1 607 354 8896 (US). ## Données structurées ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TravelAgency", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization", "name": "Mobee International", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "logo": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/images/brand/mobee-international.png", "description": "Mobee International is a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in France: tailor-made trips and packages in France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Belgium, designed by local travel experts for travelers, travel agencies and tour operators.", "telephone": "+33426303682", "email": "contact@mobeeinternational.com", "areaServed": [ "US", "CA", "FR", "CH", "DE", "IT", "BE" ], "knowsLanguage": "en", "legalName": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.kimkim.com/o/mobee-international", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobee-international", "https://www.instagram.com/mobeeinternational/", "https://www.youtube.com/@MobeeInternational", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mobeeinternational.com" ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+16073548896", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+33426303682", "areaServed": "FR", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "French", "Spanish" ] } ], "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#website", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "name": "Mobee International", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "Glacier Express Guide: Route, Classes, Tickets and Tips", "description": "The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz: route, eight-hour timing, Excellence Class, reservations, which direction to ride and whether it is worth it.", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/glacier-express-guide", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Valentine Julien", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien#person", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-10-20T00:00:00.000Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z", "image": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124NK981S6X16R15MDYQ.Ctb1YMKW_Z2ev3I2.jpg", "inLanguage": "en" } ] } ```