Planning guide · 2026
Glacier Express.
The practical version: what the journey actually is, how to book it, what it costs and the details worth knowing before you spend eight hours crossing the Swiss Alps.
The essential point
A Glacier Express booking needs two things: a valid rail ticket for your route and class, plus a compulsory seat reservation. A Swiss Travel Pass can cover the train fare, but it does not remove the reservation charge.
Route
Zermatt ↔ St. Moritz
Journey
About 8 hours
Distance
291 km
Bridges
291
Tunnels
91
Highest point
Oberalp Pass · 2,033 m
Glacier Express in winter
Photographed by Libby on the Glacier Express in winter.
The journey
What the Glacier Express actually is
The Glacier Express is a panoramic train linking Zermatt and St. Moritz across 291 kilometres of the Swiss Alps. The full journey takes about eight hours, crosses 291 bridges and runs through 91 tunnels.
It is deliberately slow. The point is the scenery rather than speed: high mountain passes, deep valleys, the Rhine Gorge, the Albula railway and the Landwasser Viaduct all form part of the route.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn
The western end of the route starts in car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn before following the Matter Valley towards Brig.
Andermatt & Oberalp Pass
The train climbs through the central Alps and reaches the highest point of the journey at the Oberalp Pass, 2,033 metres above sea level.
Rhine Gorge
Between the mountains and Chur, the route runs through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon.
Landwasser Viaduct
One of the most recognisable moments comes on the Albula Line, where the train crosses the 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct and disappears directly into a tunnel.
Albula Line & Engadin
The final section towards St. Moritz uses the UNESCO-listed Albula railway, with viaducts, spiral tunnels and the Engadin landscape beyond.
2026 timetable
When it runs
The main 2026 summer timetable runs from 2 May to 10 October 2026. There is no Glacier Express service from 11 October to 4 December 2026. Multiple services operate on the full route during the summer period, but exact departures depend on your date and direction.
For journeys from December onwards, reservations are released from mid-October. Always check the official timetable again immediately before booking because operating dates and train times can change.
Booking windows
- 1st & 2nd class seat reservation
- Up to 93 days before travel
- Rail ticket
- Up to 180 days before travel
- Excellence Class
- Reservations released for the wider timetable period; a 1st-class ticket is still required
How to book
Do it in this order
01
Choose your route and class
You can book the full Zermatt–St. Moritz journey or selected shorter sections. The full route is the classic experience, but a shorter section can make more sense if you are already travelling through Switzerland by rail.
02
Reserve your seat
A seat reservation is compulsory on the Glacier Express, even if your train fare is already covered by a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail or Interrail pass. For 1st and 2nd class, reservations open up to 93 days before travel and popular dates can sell out.
03
Make sure you also have a valid ticket
The reservation and the rail ticket are two separate things. Tickets are sold up to 180 days before travel. If a valid pass already covers your fare, select the option indicating that you only need the seat reservation.
04
Pre-order food if you want it
Meals in 1st and 2nd class are optional, but pre-ordering is recommended because capacity is limited. Excellence Class includes its five-course menu as part of the reservation.
Prices
Full-route 2026 cost
These are the current full-fare examples for the complete Zermatt–St. Moritz journey. If you have a qualifying travel pass or discount card, your ticket component may be reduced or already covered, but the seat reservation is still payable.
2nd class
CHF 159 ticket + CHF 54 reservation
CHF 213 full-fare example
The best-value way to do the full panoramic journey. You still get the panoramic carriage, audio guide, digital infotainment, Wi-Fi where reception allows, power at the seat and the option to order food.
1st class
CHF 272 ticket + CHF 54 reservation
CHF 326 full-fare example
The same route with a 1st-class ticket and more premium seating. Food can be pre-ordered and is served at your seat, just as in 2nd class.
Excellence Class
CHF 272 1st-class ticket + CHF 540 reservation
CHF 812 full-fare example
The premium full-route experience only: guaranteed window seating, concierge service, welcome champagne, a five-course menu, wine pairing, infotainment tablet and dedicated luggage handling.
Prices checked against the official Glacier Express fare information on 30 August 2026 and are subject to change.
Travel passes
What is covered
Swiss Travel Pass
The rail fare is covered for the appropriate class, but the compulsory Glacier Express seat reservation is not. You still pay the CHF 54 reservation in 1st or 2nd class.
Eurail / Interrail
The journey is covered by the pass, but the compulsory seat reservation remains payable. You need a 1st-class pass to travel in 1st class or Excellence Class.
Swiss Half Fare Card
The card reduces the eligible rail ticket fare, but it does not reduce the compulsory reservation charge.
Saver Day Pass
A valid Saver Day Pass can cover the rail journey, but you still need the separate Glacier Express seat reservation.
Food on board
You can eat at your seat
In 1st and 2nd class, meals are optional and can be pre-ordered. The food is prepared on board and served directly at your seat. The operator recommends pre-ordering because capacity is limited.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available. Payments on board are cashless only.
Excellence Class includes a five-course menu as part of the experience, alongside its premium drinks and service.
Before you book
Is the full route worth it?
If the panoramic railway journey is one of the experiences you want from Switzerland, the full route makes sense: it links several of the country's most dramatic rail sections into one continuous day.
If you mainly need transport from one place to another, eight hours and a compulsory reservation can feel excessive. In that case, a shorter Glacier Express section or regular Swiss trains may fit the itinerary better.
I would build the journey between overnight stays in Zermatt and St. Moritz rather than trying to add long connections at both ends of the same day.
Practical details
Questions people usually have
Which direction is best?
There is no universally better direction: the scenery is the same in reverse. Choose the direction that works best with where you are staying before and after the journey. The train changes direction during the route, so the operator does not guarantee a seat that faces forwards for the entire trip.
Which side should I sit on?
Do not build the whole booking around left versus right. Highlights appear on both sides and the direction changes. If photography matters, the entrance doors have lowerable windows so you can take clearer photographs without reflections when it is safe to do so.
Can I do only part of the route?
Yes. Shorter Glacier Express sections are sold on selected trains, including combinations around St. Moritz–Chur, Chur–Andermatt, Andermatt–Brig and Brig–Zermatt. Availability varies by train and season, so check the booking system for your date.
What about luggage?
Space is limited. The operator recommends no more than one additional suitcase plus hand luggage. Very large luggage should ideally be sent separately. Ski equipment, golf bags, oversized luggage, bicycles and e-scooters are not transported on the Glacier Express.
Can I take a dog?
No. Dogs and other animals are not allowed because of the on-board gastronomy rules. Licensed guide dogs are the exception and should be arranged with Glacier Express Railservice.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Yes, along with digital infotainment and an audio guide, but mobile reception and Wi-Fi can vary through the Alps, so download anything important before boarding.
Before you travel
Re-check the live information
Glacier Express prices, operating dates and individual train times can change. Use this page to plan the trip, then verify your exact date, route, reservation and ticket on the official Glacier Express website before paying.