Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is Switzerland's most famous panoramic train, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz across the Swiss Alps in about 8 hours. The 291 km journey crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, climbing to the 2,033 m Oberalp Pass and passing the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct in Graubünden. The service is jointly operated by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and the Rhaetian Railway. Seat reservations are mandatory. The Glacier Express is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass,with only the seat reservation fee payable. Looking for another UNESCO World Heritage railway journey? Explore the Bernina Express, which travels across the spectacular Bernina route. Many travellers also combine the Glacier Express with a stay in Zermatt to experience the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise,Europe's highest cable car station.

Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz / DavosZermatt ↔ St. Moritz / Davos

Route

Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz / Davos

Duration

~7.5 - 8 hours

Best Time to Travel

Year-round (winter for snow landscapes, summer for greenery) • No Glacier Express: 11 Oct 2026 - 4 Dec 2026

Frequency

1-3 trains daily

Highlights

  • Landwasser Viaduct - six-arch curved viaduct in Graubünden
  • Oberalp Pass - highest point of the journey at 2,033 m
  • Rhine Gorge - Switzerland's "Grand Canyon"
  • 291 bridges and 91 tunnels across the full route
  • Excellence Class option with 5-course menu and concierge

Reservation Details

  • Required (CHF 54-60 depending on season)
  • Seat reservation available from 93 days before the date of travel.

Travel Tip: Sit on the right side when travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz for the best views of the Rhine Gorge.

Glacier Express FAQs

Is the Glacier Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes - the full route from Zermatt to St. Moritz is covered. You pay only the seat reservation fee, which starts at CHF 54 in 2nd class.
How long does the Glacier Express take?
The full journey takes about 8 hours, covering 291 km between Zermatt and St. Moritz across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
Do I need to book the Glacier Express in advance?
Yes - seat reservations are mandatory and sell out 1-3 months ahead in peak summer (July-August) and Christmas/New Year periods.
What's the difference between Excellence Class and First Class?
Excellence Class adds a guaranteed window seat, a 5-course menu, paired wines, a concierge service and access to the Excellence Bar. First Class is a panoramic-window seat with optional meal service.
Can I do part of the Glacier Express route instead of the full 8 hours?
Yes - popular shorter segments are Zermatt-Brig (1.5 hrs) or Chur-St. Moritz (2 hrs). The full route includes the most scenic sections so most travelers choose end-to-end.