Glacier Express

• Seat reservation is mandatory for the Glacier Express and requires an additional reservation fee.
• Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or a Eurail Pass valid in Switzerland only need to pay the reservation fee.
• To travel in 1st Class or Excellence Class with a 2nd Class Swiss Travel Pass, purchase a class upgrade at Zermatt Station in addition to the reservation fee.

• Bookings open 93 days before departure.
• Book at least 4 weeks in advance (earlier for summer travel).
• Book through Federal Vacation as soon as reservations open for the best availability. If unsuccessful, you'll receive a full refund.
• No Glacier Express Service: Oct 11 – Dec 4, 2026

2026 Glacier Express Timetable

• The Glacier Express offers three travel classes: 2nd Class, 1st Class, and the highest level of comfort, Excellence Class.

• Wooden interior with large windows for a bright and comfortable 8-hour journey.
• Power outlets in every class to charge your phone and camera.
• Panoramic windows plus open windows for clear, reflection-free photos of the Alps.

• Free audio guide with headphones in multiple languages, including Chinese.

   

• Opened in 1930, jointly operated by RhB & MGB.
• A world-famous scenic train through the Swiss Alps.

• The Glacier Express connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, passing through the Swiss Alps, glacial landscapes, and UNESCO World Heritage railway sections.

• The Glacier Express runs from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing eastern (Graubünden) and southern Switzerland (Valais) in about 8 hours. The route passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, showcasing iconic Alpine engineering and scenery.

  • Zermatt (Start) – A car-free mountain resort at the foot of the Matterhorn, surrounded by 4,000-meter peaks and known for its breathtaking alpine views.
     
  • Filisur – Main transport hub in Valais and the gateway to the Swiss Alps.
     

  • Brig – A historic Alpine town and key transport hub, known for Stockalper Castle and its connection to the Simplon Pass and international rail routes.

  • Andermatt – A mountain town in the heart of the Alps, surrounded by high mountain passes, popular for skiing, hiking, and year-round alpine experiences.

  • Chur – Switzerland’s oldest city and the capital of Graubünden, serving as an important gateway to eastern alpine regions.

  • St. Moritz (End) – A world-class alpine resort famous for its lakes, winter sports, and luxury travel, with renowned hotels and fine dining.

     

• Zermatt → St. Moritz

   

  • Rhône Valley
    A magnificent Alpine valley with vineyards, green hills, and charming Swiss villages.

     

  • Furka Base Tunnel
    15.4 km railway tunnel through the Alps, enabling year-round service.

     

  • Oberalp Pass
    Highest point of the route (2,033 m), with snowy views in winter.

     

  • Rhine Gorge
    Known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” featuring dramatic white cliffs and a turquoise river, best enjoyed by train, hiking, cycling, or boat.

     

  • Landwasser Viaduct – The most iconic stone viaduct on the UNESCO-listed Albula Railway. The train curves directly into a tunnel, creating one of Switzerland’s most famous railway views.

     

  • Albula Line
    A 62-km UNESCO World Heritage railway connecting Thusis and St. Moritz. Renowned for its spiral tunnels, stone viaducts, and spectacular Alpine scenery, the line climbs over 1,000 meters without rack rails, making it a masterpiece of Swiss railway engineering.

• Spring (Mar–May) | Snowmelt & Fresh Greenery

  • As the snow melts, the valleys come to life. White peaks and fresh greenery create the Alps’ most vibrant spring scenery.

     

• Summer (Jun–Aug) | Lush Alpine Landscapes

  • Green alpine meadows, crystal-clear valleys, and dramatic gorges showcase the Alps at their most spectacular.

     

• Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Golden Alpine Forests

  • Golden and crimson hillsides transform the landscape, making autumn the Alps’ most romantic season.

     

• Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snowy Alpine Wonderland
  • Snow-covered peaks, peaceful valleys, and charming villages create a magical winter landscape, like traveling through a fairy-tale wonderland.

• Can I book the Glacier Express by section?
  • Yes. The route can be divided into sections : Zermatt → Brig → Andermatt → Chur → St. Moritz

  • Full journey: approx. 8 hours. Some sections can be booked separately, subject to availability.

     

• Can I choose my seat?
  • You may request preferences (window seat / facing seats) through GoByTrain.

  • Final seat assignment depends on availability.

     

• Is the 8-hour journey suitable for seniors and children?
  • The full journey offers stunning Alpine views with comfortable seats and onboard toilets. 
  • For a more relaxed trip, we recommend shorter scenic sections:
    Andermatt ⇄ St. Moritz or Zermatt ⇄ Andermatt
    Travel time: approx. 3–5 hours.
    (Subject to availability.)