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The Glacier Express is an eight-hour panoramic train ride linking Zermatt and St. Moritz across 291 kilometers of the Swiss Alps. Every passenger needs both a valid rail ticket (or Swiss Travel Pass) and a paid seat reservation (CHF 54 in 1st and 2nd Class, or CHF 540 in Excellence Class).
What Is the Glacier Express and Why Is It Famous?
The Glacier Express made its first run on December 10, 1930. Locals call it the slowest express train in the world because it takes nearly eight hours to cover 291 kilometers across the Alps. The Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) and the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) run the service together.
Along the way, the train passes through 91 tunnels and crosses 291 bridges. It climbs to 2,033 meters at the Oberalp Pass and links two famous mountain towns: car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn and St. Moritz in the Engadine valley.
The eastern section uses the UNESCO World Heritage Albula Line, which includes the six-arched Landwasser Viaduct. Curved roof windows in every coach give wide views of peaks, gorges, and valleys. More than 250,000 passengers ride this route each year.
Route Map and Key Stops from Zermatt to St. Moritz
The full trip climbs from the deep valleys of Valais into Uri and across the high plateaus of Graubünden. The ride takes about 7 hours and 45 minutes from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
| Station. | Altitude. | Canton. | Key Sights and Transfer Notes. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt. | 1,604 m. | Valais. | Western end of the line. Car-free resort with Matterhorn views. |
| Brig. | 678 m. | Valais. | Main valley rail hub near Stockalper Palace with fast links to Bern and Milan. |
| Andermatt. | 1,444 m. | Uri. | Popular mid-route boarding stop where the steep rack-and-pinion climb begins. |
| Oberalp Pass. | 2,033 m. | Uri / Graubünden. | Highest point on the route beside Lake Toma, near the source of the Rhine. |
| Disentis/Mustér. | 1,142 m. | Graubünden. | Home to a Benedictine abbey founded in 720 AD; trains switch to RhB tracks here. |
| Ilanz. | 698 m. | Graubünden. | Entry point to the white limestone cliffs of the Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge). |
| Chur. | 585 m. | Graubünden. | Oldest town in Switzerland and the easiest transfer stop for direct trains to Zurich. |
| Filisur. | 1,032 m. | Graubünden. | Approach station for the 65-meter-high Landwasser Viaduct and cliff tunnel. |
| Bergün/Bravuogn. | 1,367 m. | Graubünden. | Engadine village with painted stone houses and the Albula Railway Museum. |
| St. Moritz. | 1,822 m. | Graubünden. | Eastern end of the line. High-alpine lake resort and two-time Winter Olympic host. |
If eight hours on one train feels too long, you can ride a shorter section. Over 30% of riders book partial trips. The 4.5-hour stretch between Andermatt and St. Moritz covers the Oberalp Pass, the Rhine Gorge, and the Landwasser Viaduct.
2026 Operating Dates and Daily Timetable
The Glacier Express runs during two main seasons. In 2026, trains run daily from January 5 to October 11, and again for the winter season from December 12 to December 24 (continuing into 2027). The line closes for annual track maintenance from October 12 to December 11.
During the summer season (May 2 to October 10, 2026), two direct trains run in each direction every day. Check live times on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) before your trip:
| Direction. | Departure Time. | Arrival Time. | Total Time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zermatt to St. Moritz (Train 1). | 08:52. | 16:37. | 7h 45m. |
| Zermatt to St. Moritz (Train 2). | 09:52. | 17:37. | 7h 45m. |
| St. Moritz to Zermatt (Train 1). | 08:02. | 16:00. | 7h 58m. |
| St. Moritz to Zermatt (Train 2). | 09:02. | 17:00. | 7h 58m. |
Each season changes the look of the Alps. Summer (June to August) brings green pastures and long daylight hours. Winter (December to April) covers the Oberalp Pass and Engadine lakes in deep snow. Spring (May) and Autumn (September to October) bring quieter coaches and golden larch trees in Graubünden.
Second Class vs First Class vs Excellence Class
The Glacier Express offers three seating tiers. Every class has large curved windows and at-seat meal service.
Second Class: Best Value for Pass Holders
Second Class uses a 2-2 seat layout around shared four-person and two-person tables. Coaches include power sockets, USB charging ports, free Wi-Fi, and fold-out tables. Over 60% of passengers ride in Second Class because the window size is the same as First Class.
First Class: Extra Space and Quiet Coaches
First Class uses a wider 2-1 seat layout with more legroom and single window seats across the aisle. Solo travelers and couples often pick the single-row side for quiet views and easier aisle access. A First Class ticket costs about 40% to 50% more than Second Class.
Excellence Class: Guaranteed Window Seat and Full Meal
Excellence Class occupies one special coach with just 20 lounge chairs in a 1-1 layout. Every rider gets a guaranteed window seat, access to the Glacier Bar at the rear of the train, a welcome drink, and a five-course lunch with Swiss wine pairings. You also get a tablet with route notes and help from a dedicated concierge.
2026 Ticket Prices, Seat Fees, and Rail Passes
To board the Glacier Express, you need two separate items: a valid transport ticket for the route AND a mandatory seat reservation. Below are the standard 2026 fares in Swiss Francs (CHF):
| Ticket or Pass Item. | 2026 Price (CHF). | What It Covers. |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class Point-to-Point Ticket (Full Route). | CHF 159. | Base train fare between Zermatt and St. Moritz in 2nd Class. |
| First Class Point-to-Point Ticket (Full Route). | CHF 272. | Base train fare between Zermatt and St. Moritz in 1st Class. |
| Mandatory Seat Reservation (1st and 2nd Class). | CHF 54. | Required seat fee per person on top of any ticket or rail pass. |
| Excellence Class Seat and Service Package. | CHF 540. | Includes guaranteed window seat, 5-course meal, wine, and bar access (requires a 1st Class ticket or pass). |
| Swiss Travel Pass (3 Days, Second Class). | CHF 244. | Covers the full base fare; you only pay the CHF 54 seat fee. |
| Swiss Travel Pass (3 Days, First Class). | CHF 388. | Covers the 1st Class base fare; you only pay the CHF 54 seat fee. |
According to Switzerland Tourism, the Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, Interrail, and GA Travelcard cover the base fare in full. Pass holders only pay the CHF 54 seat reservation fee. Swiss Half Fare Card holders get 50% off the base ticket price plus the full CHF 54 seat fee.
5 Best Scenic Highlights and Which Side to Sit On
The train turns and reverses direction at major hubs like Brig and Chur, so both sides of the coach get great views. Here are the five top sights along the line:
- Goms Valley and Upper Rhône: Below Zermatt and Brig, the train follows the young Rhône River past dark wooden barns and views toward the Aletsch region. Sit on the right side going east.
- Climb to Oberalp Pass (2,033 m): Above Andermatt, cogwheel tracks pull the train up steep alpine switchbacks to snowfields and Lake Toma. Sit on the left side leaving Andermatt.
- Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta): Between Ilanz and Reichenau, the track winds along green river rapids beneath tall white limestone cliffs. Sit on the left side going east for the closest cliff views.
- Landwasser Viaduct: Just before Filisur, the train crosses six tall stone arches 65 meters above the valley and enters a vertical rock tunnel. Sit on the right side going east to look back across the curved bridge.
- Albula Loops and Engadine Lakes: Between Bergün and Preda, spiral tunnels lift the train without cogwheels before descending past Lake Silvaplana into St. Moritz.
How to Book and Pack for Your 2026 Train Ride
Seat reservations open 93 days before departure for First and Second Class, and 180 days ahead for Excellence Class on the official Glacier Express booking portal. For July, August, and late December trips, book your seat on the first day the window opens.
Because the train leaves early in the morning and arrives late in the afternoon, you should sleep in Zermatt or St. Moritz the night before and after your ride. Early booking helps you lock in reasonable mountain rates: compare Zermatt and St. Moritz hotels on Trip.com. If you still need international flights into Zurich or Geneva, check airfare deals on Aviasales.
Pack a light sweater, sunglasses for bright snow glare, and a water bottle. Store big suitcases on the luggage racks at the end of each coach and keep your camera, passport, and digital tickets in a small bag at your seat.
Compare this route with other Swiss trains in our Glacier Express routes and tips guide, our Bernina Express train guide, and our Switzerland first-timer guide for 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Glacier Express
Is the Glacier Express worth the price?
Yes, especially if you already hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card. For a CHF 54 seat fee, you get an eight-hour direct ride across three cantons in a panoramic coach with hot meals served at your table.
Which side of the Glacier Express has the best views?
When riding east from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the right side gives the best angle on the Landwasser Viaduct, while the left side faces the Rhine Gorge cliffs. Because the train reverses at Chur, both sides see major sights.
Can I bring my own food and drinks on the Glacier Express?
Yes, you can bring your own picnic food and non-alcoholic drinks in First and Second Class. You can also pre-order a three-course lunch (around CHF 54) or order single dishes and Swiss wine from the onboard kitchen.
How far in advance can I reserve Glacier Express seats?
First and Second Class seat reservations open 93 days before your travel date. Excellence Class reservations open 180 days in advance and often sell out within days for summer dates.
Is the Glacier Express accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, First Class coaches include wheelchair spaces and an accessible restroom, and station staff provide boarding ramps. Contact the Glacier Express service desk or SBB Handicap at least 48 hours before departure to arrange boarding help.
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