A panoramic trip through the heart of Switzerland on board the world's slowest express train
St. Moritz - Chur - Brig - Zermatt
It takes just under 8 hours for the Glacier Express to complete its journey, as you relax in comfort in modern 1st or 2nd class panoramic carriages. The train winds its way up to over 2,000m at the Oberalp Pass, through the unspoilt natural beauty of a landscape of glaciers, ancient forests, rushing mountain streams and valleys, travelling through 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges. The historic section between Thusis and St. Moritz is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Line. You can discover more by clicking here.
The journey can be enjoyed from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa, or you could try the shorter section (4 hours) between Brig and Chur.
Dining on the Glacier Express is a leisurely experience, enjoyed whilst the ever changing scenery slowly passes by the huge windows. Your pre-booked lunch, which is freshly prepared for you in the galley, is served at your seat.
Make your holiday one to remember with a journey on the Glacier Express
Speak to our team today to find out how you can combine your holiday with a breathtaking ride on the renowned Glacier Express
Get your holiday quotation today
Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Glacier Express suggested holidays
Holidays can be enjoyed in reverse order and extendedOur suggested two and multi centre itineraries can be changed to fit your own requirements with higher grade hotels, upgraded rooms and additional centres. Other combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.
8 Days Mini Grand Tour Of Switzerland
A special highlights of Switzerland itinerary for lovers of rail travel, with 4 fabulous scenic rail journeys. Stay in delightful lakes and mountains resorts with beautiful views.
12 Day Scenic Highlights Tour Of Switzerland
This special tour takes you to some of Switzerland's best lakes and mountains locations. Includes 3 wonderful scenic rail journeys and stays in Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt and Chur.
17 Day Grand Tour Of Switzerland
The ultimate scenic rail holiday! Experience five famous journeys across Switzerland, with the opportunity to stay in and explore the sights of seven of our favourite lakes and mountains resorts.
5 days Brig and Chur
A shorter scenic rail journey, perfect as an introduction to the famous Glacier Express. You'll experience alpine views as you cross the mountains and stay in the historic towns of Brig and Chur.
8 Days Arosa And Spiez
Three contrasting scenic rail journeys - the Arosa Line, Glacier Express and Lötschberg Line - connect your stay in idyllic alpine Arosa with Spiez on the shore of Lake Thun.
8 days Zermatt and St. Moritz
This itinerary offers the classic Glacier Express combination of mountain resorts. The full journey across the Alps takes around 8 hours, with the most glorious scenery en route.
8 days St. Moritz, Andermatt and Lucerne
A holiday which includes some of the most beautiful scenic alpine journeys - the Glacier, Bernina and Gotthard Panorama Express trains - plus a ride on a steam train across the Furka Pass.
15 Days Klosters, Brig & Weggis
Staying in these resorts allows you to explore wonderful scenery from the high Alps to the serenity of Lake Lucerne. Rail journeys include the Glacier, Bernina and Luzern-Interlaken Express.
15 days winter Grand Tour
Unforgettable Swiss winter lakes and mountains scenery, with journeys including the Glacier, Bernina and Luzern-Interlaken Express trains and stays in no less than 5 scenic resorts.
Glacier Express in winter
The Glacier Express can be enjoyed throughout the year. If you would like to travel during the winter and experience the sight of snow on the Alps, we have a few recommendations to help you get the most from your holiday:
*Consider the shorter Brig-Chur journey (or vice versa) during the weeks with the shortest daylight hours. The 4 hour journey takes in fabulous views and lunch is still included. Both resorts are historic towns with plenty of sightseeing.
*Most Zermatt hotels have a 7 night restriction during the winter ski season. If you wish to stay for a shorter period, we can recommend staying in Brig instead. Zermatt is certainly worth a visit, which you can do as a day trip from Brig, even taking in the Gornergrat railway.
*St. Moritz-Brig is a good option for winter as the whole of the 6½ hour journey is completed in daylight.
*Why not pre-book a Bernina Express day trip during your stay in St. Moritz - you'll enjoy even more spectacular alpine scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage Line.
Your Glacier Express carriage
All panoramic viewing cars in both 1st and 2nd class are air conditioned and offer oversized windows which extend into the roof cove providing all round panoramic views. Along the route, the most important features are described via headphones in English.
First class carriages have 36 places: four-seats or two-seats, with tables either side of a central aisle.
Second class carriages have 48 places: four-seats with tables either side of a central aisle.
The Glacier Express is a non-smoking train.
On board services
Service staff will take your orders for drinks and lunch, which will all be served to you at your seat. There is also a small bistro with standing tables offering drinks and light snacks. You will find a selection of souvenirs available to buy and you can even send a postcard from the train.
NEW Excellence Class
You can now enjoy the premium 'Excellence Class' from Glacier Express. With comfortable, guaranteed window seats for all passengers, a dedicated check in desk and a VIP in-carriage bar, this is a fabulous way to enjoy the alpine journey during a special anniversary or birthday celebration.
You will be well catered for as you enjoy your scenic journey:
- Coffee, fruit juice, Champagne and brioche on arrival
- Apéritif and amuse bouche before lunch
- Superb, seasonal 5 course meal with accompanying wines
- Afternoon tea
Excellence Class is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays-Sundays, on the morning departures from Zermatt and St. Moritz. The full journey must be booked. Supplement from £295 per person in addition to 1st class prices.
Glacier Express costs
St. Moritz/Pontresina to Zermatt or vice versa: 2nd class from £65 per person or 1st class from £114 per person
Chur to Brig or vice versa: 2nd class from £35 per person or 1st class from £61 per person
Booking fee: from £28 per person winter, £37 spring, summer & autumn
Three course lunch on board: £38 per person.
Excellence Class supplements are in addition to the 1st class.
Prices are a guide and will vary according to itinerary. They are valid only with the Half Fare Card (included with your holiday).
Glacier Express blog
Have a read of our Glacier Express article for further inspiration!
Request your holiday quotation
Speak to our team today to find out more!
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com