Glacier Express Scenic Rail Journey 2025

A true highlight of a holiday in Switzerland

Scenic views from the Glacier Express
Glacier Express in the Rhine Gorge
Glacier Express
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.

Read more about the Glacier Express experience in our blog.

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 2025

Holidays can also be enjoyed in reverse order

Our suggested two and multi centre itineraries can be changed to fit your requirements with higher grade hotels and upgraded rooms. Other route combinations are also available. Call us on 0800 619 1200.

Glacier Express in the Rhine Gorge 6 Day | Essential Glacier Express

A shorter scenic rail journey, perfect as an introduction to Glacier Express. You'll experience alpine views and stay in the historic towns of Brig and Chur. Also a great option during the winter.

From £1286 pp More details...
Glacier Express on the Solis Viaduct 8 Day | Supreme Glacier Express

Classic 8 hour Glacier Express journey across the Alps with the most glorious scenery en route, and lunch served at your seat. A day trip on the famous Bernina Express is also included.

From £1613 pp More details...
Glacier Express Excellence Class 8 Day | Glacier Express With Excellence Class

Travel in the exclusive Excellence Class across the Alps between Zermatt and St. Moritz. Includes window seats, VIP bar, 5 course lunch & wine, 4 star hotels and 1st class Bernina Express day trip.

From £2396 pp More details...
Alp GrĂĽm station Bernina Express with view of Piz Palue and the glacier 15 Day | Four Scenic Journeys & Top Resorts

Enjoy three stunning scenic rail journeys with time to explore the diverse regions around alpine St. Moritz, Montreux on the shore of Lake Geneva, and Interlaken and Jungfrau mountains.

From £2544 pp More details...
Bernina Express at Brusio Viaduct near Tirano 8 Day | Mini Grand Tour

Scenic journeys including the Glacier, Bernina, GoldenPass and Gotthard Panorama Express trains. Enjoy the full diversity of Switzerland with overnight stays in 6 delightful lakes & mountains resorts.

From £1579 pp More details...
Glacier Express near Andermatt 15 Day | Grand Scenic Train Tour

The ultimate scenic rail holiday! Experience famous journeys across Switzerland, with the opportunity to stay in and explore the sights of some of our favourite lakes and mountains resorts.

From £2671 pp More details...
Glacier Express near Andermatt in winter 11 Day | Winter And Spring Rail Tour

Switzerland is a land for all seasons, experience these special scenic journeys in their winter coating of snow, plus visits to the iconic winter resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz.

From £2086 pp More details...
GoldenPass Express 15 Day | Winter Grand Tour

An unforgettable fortnight spent in the magical Swiss winter lakes and mountains scenery! Journeys include the Glacier and Bernina Express and stays in no less than 6 scenic resorts.

From £2322 pp More details...
Holidays with the Glacier Express


 
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. Please note that the Glacier Express is now cashless. 

 
Excellence Class

You can now enjoy the premium 'Excellence Class' from Glacier Express. With comfortable, guaranteed window seats for the 20 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. The exclusive carriage has its own concierge, as well as tablets loaded with the Glacier Express 'Bordinfotainment'. 

Please take a look at this short video of the Excellence Class experience.

You will be well catered for as you enjoy your scenic journey!

  • Welcome drink from the VIP bar on arrival
  • Superb, seasonal 5 course meal with accompanying wines
  • Tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day
 
Glacier Express timetable

Please click here to see the latest Glacier Express timetables.

 
Glacier Express prices

We will include the cost of the Glacier Express in your tailor-made holiday quotation, including lunch on board and the seat reservation booking fee.

 
Connecting with other scenic rail journeys

We can create a multi-centre scenic rail holiday which combines the Glacier Express with other famous trains. 

From Chur or St. Moritz: travel on the Bernina Express to Lugano 

From Brig: travel on the Lötschberg Regio Express to Spiez/Interlaken or regional rail to Domodossola and Centovalli Line to Locarno

From Zermatt: regional rail to Montreux, with connection on the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken

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

Glacier Express

Highlights of the route

Route of the Glacier Express

Please click below to discover more about the beautiful sights you will see as you journey along the route of the wonderful Glacier Express

Planning your holiday 2025

Switzerland
Call 0800 619 1200
  • Decide where you would like to stay
  • Choose your scenic journeys
  • 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
  • How many nights in each resort
  • Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
  • 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
  • Plan visits with your Half Fare Card
Request your holiday quote

Glacier Express Video

Enjoy a short video of this famous scenic route