Glacier Express Travel Guide

What is the Glacier Express?

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train operated jointly by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) and the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). It runs daily between Zermatt and St. Moritz — or Davos during part of the year — crossing three Alpine passes and passing through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe.

Despite being called an "express," it is famously one of the slowest long-distance trains in the world. The 8-hour journey is entirely intentional: the route winds through narrow valleys, over high viaducts, and through mountain tunnels at a pace designed for scenery, not speed. The train crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and reaches a maximum altitude of 2,033 m at the Oberalp Pass.

The Route, Section by Section

Zermatt → Andermatt (Morning)

The journey begins in Zermatt, the car-free village beneath the Matterhorn. As the train climbs out of the valley, the iconic pyramid of the Matterhorn appears behind you — look back for the best view in the first few minutes. The train follows the Matter Valley north through Visp, then turns east into the Rhône Valley and climbs steeply toward Brig. From Brig, the route enters the Goms valley — a high, wide alpine plateau lined with traditional wooden villages and, in winter, completely blanketed in snow. The train passes through Fiesch, home to the Aletsch Glacier (the largest in the Alps), before ascending to the Furka Base Tunnel and emerging near Andermatt, a crossroads village beneath the Gotthard massif.

Andermatt → Disentis (Midday — the Oberalp Pass)

This is the highest section of the journey. From Andermatt the train climbs to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m — the highest point on the route — where the landscape is bare, windswept, and extraordinary in its starkness. In winter this section is particularly dramatic, with the train cutting through walls of snow. After the pass, the train descends into the Vorderrhein valley and arrives at Disentis/Mustér, a small town with a Benedictine monastery visible from the train.

Disentis → Chur → St. Moritz (Afternoon)

From Disentis, the RhB takes over and the train continues through the Rhine gorge — the so-called Swiss Grand Canyon — a dramatic stretch of steep rocky walls carved by the Rhine River. This section between Ilanz and Reichenau is one of the lesser-discussed highlights of the route. After Chur (the oldest city in Switzerland), the train climbs the Albula line via spiral tunnels and stone viaducts — the same UNESCO-listed section used by the Bernina Express — before arriving at St. Moritz in the late afternoon.

Key Stops Along the Way

• Zermatt — Car-free alpine village, base of the Matterhorn. Worth arriving a day early to explore.
• Visp — Connection point for trains to the Jungfrau region (Interlaken direction).
• Fiesch — Gateway to the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. A cable car ascends to the viewpoint at Fiescheralp.
• Andermatt — A charming mountain village and ski resort. Stop here if you want to explore the Gotthard area.
• Oberalp Pass (2,033 m) — The highest point, no station stop but a slow passage through open alpine terrain.
• Disentis/Mustér — Quiet Romansh-speaking town with a historic monastery. A good overnight stop if splitting the journey over two days.
• Chur — Switzerland's oldest city. The old town is within walking distance of the station.
• St. Moritz — One of the world's most famous ski resorts. The frozen lake, the Engadine valley, and the town itself reward an extended stay.

Which Side to Sit On

For the Zermatt → St. Moritz direction:

• Left side: Better views of the Matterhorn at departure, and the Rhine gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon) in the afternoon.
• Right side: Better for the Goms valley and the approach to the Oberalp Pass.

As with the Bernina Express, the panoramic cars have large windows that extend into the roof, so both sides offer excellent views. The main difference is in specific moments — it is worth researching the exact kilometre-points if you want to photograph a particular landmark.

Dining on Board

Unlike the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express has a full dining car — one of its distinctive features. A three-course lunch is served at your seat, and the train is well-known for its tilted wine glasses, designed to compensate for the steep gradients on the route. Meal service is typically available at midday and the menu changes seasonally.

Whether a meal is included in your booking depends on your ticket or tour package — check the conditions of your specific experience. On some packages it is included; on others it is an add-on or can be purchased on board.

Best Time to Travel

• Summer (June–September): The most popular season. Green valleys, wildflower meadows, and clear skies. The Aletsch Glacier is most visible. Seats fill up quickly — book well in advance.
• Autumn (October–November): Golden larches in the upper valleys, fewer crowds. The light in October is often exceptional for photography.
• Winter (December–March): The Goms valley and Oberalp Pass are at their most dramatic, deep in snow. The train operates year-round but some weather delays are possible on the higher sections.
• Spring (April–May): Quietest period. Snow still present at altitude while valleys are greening. Good availability and competitive prices.

Practical Information

Tickets & Reservations

A seat reservation is mandatory for the Glacier Express panoramic cars. If you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail/Interrail pass, these cover the base fare but the reservation supplement must be arranged through whoever issued your pass — check with your ticket provider for the correct process.

Getting to the Starting Points

• Zermatt — Reachable by train from Visp or Täsch (no private cars allowed in Zermatt). Visp has direct connections from Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, and Zurich.
• St. Moritz — Reachable from Zurich via Chur (about 3.5 h). It is also the starting point of the Bernina Express heading south toward Italy.

One Way or Return?

Because the journey takes a full day in each direction, most travellers do it one-way and travel back by a different route (e.g. via Zurich by InterCity train). A popular multi-day itinerary combines the Glacier Express one way with the Bernina Express the other, using St. Moritz as the meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

ℹ️ Several answers below depend on your specific ticket or tour package. Always check the conditions of your booking before travelling.