Glacier Express
Transportation service · Andermatt ·
Panoramic train journey through dramatic Swiss Alps with gourmet meals
Panoramic train journey through dramatic Swiss Alps with gourmet meals
"Celebrated as the ‘slowest express train in the world,’ this 180-mile journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz pairs efficient Swiss rail comfort with jaw-dropping Alpine scenery, especially in winter when small villages, valleys, and forests feel like riding through a snow globe. In just eight hours you traverse the Swiss Alps through panoramic windows and skylights that stretch to the ceiling; in good winters, meter-high snow walls rise near Zermatt, St. Moritz, and on the Oberalp Pass, and on sunny days the bright blue sky contrasts beautifully with glistening white snow for that Polar Express magic. Service runs most of the year (pausing from mid-October to early December), with options to embark or disembark at Brig, Andermatt, Chur, or Filisur. Second and first class bring roomy seats, Wi-Fi, power outlets, lowerable windows, headsets for the audio guide, and preordered meals, while seating layouts differ; Excellence Class turns it into a 20-guest salon with leather window seats in pairs, a welcome desk with optional luggage handoff, Champagne and an aperitif platter on boarding, a personal well-being concierge, tablets with headphones for the guide, a seasonal five-course menu with drinks included, and exclusive access to the Glacier Bar. Reservations are mandatory and sell out in peak summer and winter; for the full route, fares are about $198 in second class or about $339 in first/excellence, plus reservation fees of about $67 in first/second and roughly $672 in Excellence, with tickets available up to 180 days out and seat reservations up to 93 days (Excellence anytime); even Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail, Interrail, or GA holders must reserve seats for an extra fee. On board, cushioned seats with armrests keep the ride comfortable, and the best photos come with a polarizing filter or from the entry-door windows that can be lowered; bring a camera and sunglasses. Meals are cooked on board with regional, seasonal ingredients and wines from Valais and Graubünden; you can preorder in second and first, buy snacks and drinks, bring your own, and in Excellence Class enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, and afternoon tea." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"If you want to maximize winter magic, I recommend the Glacier Express: it connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, traverses some of the most beautiful sites in the central Swiss Alps, and offers onboard perks like panoramic viewing windows and three-course meals." - Caitlin Morton
"Taking eight hours between Zermatt and St. Moritz, I discovered why the Glacier Express is called the slowest express: the journey offers up-close views of the Matterhorn, Piz Bernina, and the Rhine Gorge, and booking Excellence Class means Champagne at your seat followed by a six-course meal with wine pairings." - Todd Plummer
"I recommend the Glacier Express for a classic Swiss winter journey: the eight-hour ride between Zermatt and St. Moritz passes over 290 bridges and offers panoramic views of the Oberalp Pass and Matterhorn while guests enjoy included three-course meals." - Matt Ortile
"A plush railroad experience offering a full eight-hour journey that covers 180 scenic miles between Zermatt and St. Moritz, providing uninterrupted alpine views and a classic way to see Switzerland's mountains and valleys from the comfort of a luxurious carriage." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines