Hop aboard the Glacier Express, the world’s most beautiful AND slowest express scenic train! Because why rush through the Swiss Alps when you can take a leisurely 8-hour joyride, ogling at snow-capped peaks, quaint villages, and those picture-perfect valleys?

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train journey through the Swiss Alps that offers breathtaking views of Switzerland’s mountains, valleys, and glaciers. The train journey takes around eight hours, covering 291 km from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The train passes through 91 tunnels, crosses 291 bridges, and reaches an altitude of 2,033 meters above sea level. The Glacier Express is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The full Glacier Express route can be broken down into 4 distinct sections: St Moritz to Andermatt, Andermatt to Chur, Chur to Brig, and Brig to Zermatt. For the purpose of this itinerary, we will end at Chur as it is closer to Zurich (1 hour away), but if you choose to take all the way to your to St Moritz, that is possible too. The only difference is that starting from Chur means you will miss out on the Landwasser Viaduct.

Note:If you end your trip at St Moritz, you can either take the train back to Zurich (3 hours away), or stay overnight at St Moritz.

Key tips for the Glacier Express:

• Between low season from 10 December to 12 May, the seat reservation fee is 39CHF. For the high season from 13 May 2023 to 15 Oct 2023, it costs more at 49CHF.

• If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the Interrail or the Eurail pass, you DO NOT need to pay for the base fare as it is already covered by your train pass. You will only need to pay for the seat reservation fee.

• If you are travelling with the Half-Fare card, consider getting the Saver Day Pass for this trip and then topping up with the seat reservation.

• If you have a second class train pass, but would like to travel on First Class on the Glacier Express, you NEED to purchase the seat upgrade (this is different from the seat reservation). You can do that using the SBB app, or simply purchase it at any ticket counter before your trip.

• You can book your seat reservation 3 months in advance.

• You can have your meal onboard, but if you prefer to bring your own food to save cost that's okay too!

• I discourage you to take the Glacier Express if you trip is in the summer months from June to August, because it will just be greenery and no snow and it is extremely hot inside the paranomic glass carriage.

• I do not recommend the Glacier Express if you are travelling with young toddlers as the ride is very long. Consider the shorter Bernina Express instead.

• The best time to take the Glacier Express is if you trip is from December to February. Autumn in late October and November is particularly beautiful with the yellow fall foliage, and you will be able to catch some snow sceneries at the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the ride.

For more detailed guide on the Glacier Express you need to check out my comprehensive guide

I also have a vlog on my Youtube channel for those who need more visuals!