A panoramic trip through the heart of Switzerland on board the world's slowest express train
St. Moritz - Chur - Brig - Zermatt
It takes just under 8 hours for the Glacier Express to complete its journey, as you relax in comfort in modern 1st or 2nd class panoramic carriages. The train winds its way up to over 2,000m at the Oberalp Pass, through the unspoilt natural beauty of a landscape of glaciers, ancient forests, rushing mountain streams and valleys, travelling through 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges. The historic section between Thusis and St. Moritz is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Line. You can discover more by clicking here.
The journey can be enjoyed from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa, or you could try the shorter section (4 hours) between Brig and Chur.
Dining on the Glacier Express is a leisurely experience, enjoyed whilst the ever changing scenery slowly passes by the huge windows. Your pre-booked lunch, which is freshly prepared for you in the galley, is served at your seat.
Read more about the Glacier Express experience in our blog.
Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the glacier express
Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned glacier express
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Holidays with the Glacier Express
Glacier Express in winter
The Glacier Express can be enjoyed throughout the year. If you would like to travel during the winter and experience the sight of snow on the Alps, we have a few recommendations to help you get the most from your holiday:
*Consider the shorter Brig-Chur journey (or vice versa) during the weeks with the shortest daylight hours. The 4 hour journey takes in fabulous views and lunch is still included. Both resorts are historic towns with plenty of sightseeing.
*Most Zermatt hotels have a 7 night restriction during the winter ski season. If you wish to stay for a shorter period, we can recommend staying in Brig instead. Zermatt is certainly worth a visit, which you can do as a day trip from Brig, even taking in the Gornergrat railway.
*St. Moritz-Brig is a good option for winter as the whole of the 6½ hour journey is completed in daylight.
*Why not pre-book a Bernina Express day trip during your stay in St. Moritz - you'll enjoy even more spectacular alpine scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Line.
Your Glacier Express carriage
All panoramic viewing cars in both 1st and 2nd class are air conditioned and offer oversized windows which extend into the roof cove providing all round panoramic views. Along the route, the most important features are described via headphones in English.
First class carriages have 36 places: four-seats or two-seats, with tables either side of a central aisle.
Second class carriages have 48 places: four-seats with tables either side of a central aisle.
The Glacier Express is a non-smoking train.
On board services
Service staff will take your orders for drinks and lunch, which will all be served to you at your seat. There is also a small bistro with standing tables offering drinks and light snacks. You will find a selection of souvenirs available to buy and you can even send a postcard from the train. Please note that the Glacier Express is now cashless.
Excellence Class
You can now enjoy the premium 'Excellence Class' from Glacier Express. With comfortable, guaranteed window seats for the 20 passengers, a dedicated check in desk and a VIP in-carriage bar, this is a fabulous way to enjoy the alpine journey during a special anniversary or birthday celebration. The exclusive carriage has its own concierge, as well as tablets loaded with the Glacier Express 'Bordinfotainment'.
Please take a look at this short video of the Excellence Class experience.
You will be well catered for as you enjoy your scenic journey!
- Welcome drink from the VIP bar on arrival
- Superb, seasonal 5 course meal with accompanying wines
- Tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day
Glacier Express timetable
Please click here to see the latest Glacier Express timetables.
Glacier Express prices
We will include the cost of the Glacier Express in your tailor-made holiday quotation, including lunch on board and the seat reservation booking fee.
Connecting with other scenic rail journeys
We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Glacier Express with other famous trains.
From Chur or St. Moritz: travel on the Bernina Express to Lugano
From Brig: travel on the Lötschberg Regio Express to Spiez/Interlaken or regional rail to Domodossola and Centovalli Line to Locarno
From Zermatt: regional rail to Montreux, with connection on the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken
Request your holiday quotation
Speak to our team today to find out more!
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com