Discovering the Alpine Wonders Aboard Switzerland’s Glacier Express

In recent years, traveling by train has made a major comeback. Train lovers will happily tell you that trains are their preferred method of travel because hopping aboard a train allows one to sit back, relax, and take in gorgeous scenery without worrying about traffic, parking, or flight delays. Switzerland’s Glacier Express is celebrated among train enthusiasts for allowing travelers to view some of the world’s most striking alpine landscapes in comfort and style.

The Glacier Express travels at the glacial pace of 24 mph, allowing travelers to enjoy Switzerland’s towering mountains, quaint alpine villages, and winding rivers. Every passenger has access to free Wi-Fi and a power strip, ensuring that your cell phone is fully charged, connected to the internet, and ready to document your picturesque journey through the Swiss Alps.

The terrain may be rugged, but the Glacier Express glides along as though the tracks are made of soft clouds. It passes over nearly 300 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Neither rain, snow, nor fog can cause the Glacier Express to come to a halt, as Swiss train operators take great pride in soldiering on during challenging weather.

The Glacier Express winds through the gorgeous alpine villages of St. Moritz, Chur, and Zermatt—all of which are known for their superior hiking, skiing, shopping, and dining. Chur’s charming Old Town is ideal for a leisurely stroll and is also home to an expansive shopping center, a great place to stock up on souvenirs and unique holiday gifts.

The town of Zermatt is situated in the shadow of the Matterhorn. No photograph can fully capture the grandeur of this iconic mountain peak. A stop in Zermatt to admire the Matterhorn’s stately triangular peak is an absolute must when riding the Glacier Express.

The Glacier Express offers one of the best views of the Rhine Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland.” It descends into a deep ravine, offering travelers a stunning view of the Rhine River, dramatic rock formations, and verdant evergreen trees. In winter, the Rhine Gorge transforms into a winter wonderland, blanketed with sparkling white snow and jagged icicles.

The steepest portion of the route is the Oberalp Pass, over 6,700 feet above sea level. If you love heights, the Oberalp Pass will give you the sensation of heading straight for the clouds. If heights are not your thing, you might want to avert your eyes and listen to your favorite playlist or podcast until the train arrives at a lower elevation.

The Glacier Express travels over several viaducts, which are engineering marvels. The Landwasser Viaduct, over 200 feet tall and nearly 470 feet long, amazes travelers with its slim yet sturdy curves. It’s incredible that such a delicate-looking structure can withstand constant onslaughts of snow, ice, and wind.

In addition to offering unsurpassed views of some of Europe’s most gorgeous Alpine landscapes, the Glacier Express provides plenty of amenities. Travelers can opt for a first-class ticket, which includes gourmet snacks, Champagne, a five-course meal with wine pairings, and fancy tea service. Even with a coach ticket, you’ll have access to comfortable plush seats and large windows offering stunning views of breathtaking mountain scenery. An à la carte menu is available for ordering food and drinks if the sweeping beauty of the Swiss Alps induces the munchies.

If you’re searching for a relaxing getaway to breathe fresh mountain air and enjoy verdant alpine forests in summer, or an action-packed winter vacation with skiing, snowshoeing, and holiday shopping, a Glacier Express ticket should top your list of things to do in Switzerland. The Swiss Alps are celebrated for their stunning scenery, curative air, and calming atmosphere. Gazing out the window and relaxing in a plush seat aboard the Glacier Express is the ideal way to fully appreciate the majesty of the Swiss Alps.

UnusualPlaces Field Notes

Location

Glacier Express route between Zermatt and St. Moritz via the Swiss Alps; multiple boarding stations.

Access

Travel requires a valid rail ticket and a separate, mandatory seat reservation for each passenger. The operator lists stops between Zermatt and St. Moritz; some services do not call at every intermediate station. Check the chosen train’s timetable.

Admission

The operator’s full-route 2nd-class example is CHF 213 one way: a CHF 54 mandatory seat reservation plus a ticket priced up to CHF 159. Swiss travel cards can cover the ticket on eligible journeys, but a separate reservation is still required. Fares can change.

Time needed

The operator’s summer 2026 timetable shows one full-route service leaving Zermatt at 07:52 and reaching St. Moritz at 16:37 (8 hours 45 minutes). Other trains and seasons have different times.

Best season

The operator’s 2026 summer schedule runs May 2–October 10. The train does not run October 11–December 4, 2026; winter dates and departures should be checked on the current operator timetable.

Opening hours

The published 2026 summer timetable runs May 2–October 10. No Glacier Express service runs October 11–December 4, 2026; the operator publishes separate seasonal timetables and updates service notices online.

Facts checked

2026-09-29

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