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The Glacier Express is one of Switzerland’s three great scenic trains, linking Zermatt (at the foot of the Matterhorn) and St. Moritz (the luxury alpine resort), covering 291 km across 291 bridges and 91 tunnels in about 8 hours.
How to Book the Glacier Express Correctly
The Glacier Express is Switzerland’s most in-demand train — book 2–3 months ahead, especially for the June–September peak season.
Class options:
- 1st class: full panoramic glass windows, spacious seats, meal package included
- 2nd class: large but slightly framed windows, compact seats, meals purchased separately
- 1st class is strongly recommended — the uninterrupted window view makes a significant difference to photography
Price reference:
- 2nd class: approximately CHF 160–200 (early booking discount)
- 1st class: approximately CHF 280–340
- Swiss Travel Pass holders receive 50% off
What You See During These 8 Hours
Section 1: Zermatt to Andermatt (2.5 hours)
Zermatt is a “car-free town” — the entire village prohibits motor vehicles, with only electric carts and horse-drawn carriages. Departing in the morning, the Matterhorn presents its iconic pyramid form in the early light.
The train runs parallel to the Gornergrat Railway; along this section you will see:
- Gorner Glacier: one of the Alps’ most spectacular glaciers
- Riffelsee: the classic position for shooting the Matterhorn’s reflection
- Alpine pastures: in summer, shepherds move flocks between seasonal grazing grounds
Section 2: Andermatt to Chur (3 hours) — The Best Section
Crossing the Oberalp Pass (2,033 m) — the highest point of the entire journey. The train makes a brief stop here so passengers can step off and photograph (15 minutes).
Disentis-Domat: The gorge section here is the most breathtaking part of the Glacier Express — the train is suspended over a gorge with vertical rock walls on both sides, bridge piers reaching 200 metres high.
Section 3: Chur to St. Moritz (2.5 hours)
The train enters the Albula Railway section — inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This section is famous for its spiral tunnels and alternating bridges and tunnels — engineers constructed this miraculous route through terrain with almost no level ground.
St. Moritz: Why It’s Worth Getting Off
As a world-famous luxury resort, St. Moritz merits 1–2 nights:
- Lake Engadin: the water takes on a unique turquoise colour in sunlight
- Corviglia cable car: summer hiking, winter skiing
- Via Serlas designer shopping street: one of Switzerland’s most upscale shopping streets
Accommodation recommendation: For budget travel, Hotel Albula; for a splurge, Badrutt’s Palace (the British Royal family’s choice).
Practical Tips
Sun protection: Panoramic windows are glass, but at high altitude the sun is intense — bring SPF 50+ sunscreen for the 8-hour journey. Clothing: Even in summer, mountain pass temperatures can drop below 5°C — bring a windproof jacket. Wi-Fi: The train has Wi-Fi throughout, but gorge sections have unreliable signal — download offline maps in advance. Luggage: The Glacier Express does not accept large checked baggage (must be shipped separately) — travel light with a carry-on bag only.
For mobile connectivity throughout Switzerland, Airalo eSIM provides stable data coverage, including in mountain areas. NordVPN protects your banking information on public Wi-Fi in Swiss hotels and cafés.
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