The Glacier Express: Switzerland’s Iconic Train Journey

All aboard for a ride that’s not just a train journey, but an event in itself. This is the Glacier Express, the world’s slowest express train. Yes, you heard that right. In a world obsessed with speed, this one proudly takes its time.

Spanning between two of Switzerland’s most glamorous alpine resorts—Zermatt and St. Moritz—the Glacier Express glides over 291 bridges, slips through 91 tunnels, and takes nearly eight hours to travel just under 300 kilometers. That’s right. Eight hours.

This legendary train was originally launched in 1930 and it turns the Swiss Alps into a moving postcard. It’s got panoramic windows that stretch from floor to ceiling.

The Glacier Express is for those who want to slow down and see, not just get there.

The Glacier Express Stops

Zermatt

Start at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt. There are no cars here, only quiet, electric shuttles and the occasional horse-drawn carriage. Sip a hot chocolate at a slope-side café, snap that iconic Matterhorn selfie.

You can stay overnight at Mont Cervin Palace of CERVO Mountain Resort to enjoy alpine luxury with a view (and a sauna). But before that, cozy up with a hot fondue at Chez Vrony, an alpine restaurant perched high above the valley, where the cheese is local and the sunsets last forever.

Then it’s finally time to board the Glacier Express.

Brig

As the train glides into Brig, you’ll notice how the slopes soften, the architecture gets grander, and the Rhône Valley stretches out like an alpine red carpet.

Brig is best known for the Stockalper Palace, a baroque behemoth built in the 1600s by Kaspar Stockalper. He is an eccentric silk merchant who made his fortune moving goods over the Simplon Pass. His palace boasts marble arcades, Renaissance towers, and tales of scandal that locals still whisper about today.

Brig is also a good overnight option if you’re breaking up the route. It’s quieter than Zermatt, but its charm is just as rich. You can stay in the Hotel Ambassador Brig before heading to your next stop. This 4-star hotel strikes the perfect balance between comfort and convenience. This is located just a short stroll from the station, which means no frantic suitcase hauls across town at 7 a.m.

Andermatt

Board the Glacier Express at Brig station, settle into your panoramic seat and get ready to ascend. The train will begin its climb up the Furka Pass. Roughly an hour later, you’ll arrive in Andermatt. This is a tiny village with a huge personality. Tucked into the Urseren Valley, Andermatt has transformed in recent years from sleepy outpost to luxe alpine hub.

Hop off at Andermatt station and you’ll be greeted by wooden chalets near sleek resorts.

First stop? The Chedi Andermatt. Even if you’re not staying here, pop in for a drink at the lobby bar beneath 200 candlelit lanterns, or make a reservation at their Michelin-starred restaurant.

And if you’re looking for something a little more local, wander down to Bäckerei Baumann. This is a beloved bakery offering nussgipfel and strong coffee that will jolt you into alpine mode.

And if you’re an outdoor lover, don’t miss the Devil’s Bridge (Teufelsbrücke), where legend has it the devil himself helped build the dramatic stone arch in exchange for a soul. It offers soul-stirring views over a gorge so deep it looks like a crack in the Earth.

Disentis

Depart from Andermatt station and get comfy. You’ll spiral through tunnels and climb toward the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 2,033 meters above sea level. As the train eases down the pass, you’ll arrive in Disentis. This is the largest Romansh-speaking town in the region. (Yes, Romansh—it’s Switzerland’s fourth national language and sounds like Latin went hiking for a few centuries.)

This town is known for the Disentis Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded around the year 700. That’s not a typo—700. The abbey still functions today. You can go inside to marvel at the baroque architecture and centuries-old manuscripts or just stroll the abbey grounds.

If you’re planning to stay the night here, Catrina Resort is a good option. And by “good” we mean you’ll never want to check out. This alpine-chic resort offers views of the surrounding mountains that make you feel like you’ve stepped inside a postcard. You can unwind at their wellness center to end the day.

And you’re in cheese country now. Stop by a local Sennerei (cheese dairy) or visit Hotel Alpsu, where the capuns are rich and unforgettable. And don’t you dare leave without sampling the regional alpine cheese.

Chur

From the Disentis station, reboard the Glacier Express and settle in as the train snakes its way along the upper Rhine Gorge—also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon.

You’ll pass chalky limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and forests that look like they were arranged by a nature-obsessed interior designer. About an hour later, you’ll arrive in Chur. Even though this is Switzerland’s oldest city, dating back over 5,000 years, it definitely hasn’t lost its sparkle.

Start your stroll in the Altstadt (Old Town). This is where cobbled alleys twist and turn beneath pastel facades and wrought-iron balconies. Be sure to swing by Arcasplatz, the photogenic heart of the old town.

And what’s the point of dropping by a historic town if you won’t stop by landmarks? Go to St. Maria Himmelfahrt Cathedral, a Romanesque beauty that took over 100 years to build.

But if you want something modern, then Chur has something in store for you too. Visit the Bündner Kunstmuseum, which showcases everything from classic Alpine landscapes to bold contemporary works by local Swiss artists.

When hunger strikes, head to Restaurant Marsöl, a refined restaurant just steps from the cathedral that’s as good for its ambiance as it is for its locally sourced fare. Think venison from nearby forests, handmade pasta with mountain herbs and Swiss wines.

If you're staying the night (and you should), check into Romantik Hotel Stern, a heritage property that’s been hosting guests for over 300 years. But don’t worry, there’s Wi-Fi here. But if you want to stay somewhere more modern, Mercure Chur City West offers sleek rooms with a clean design.

St. Moritz

It’s time to depart from Chur station and get ready to witness one of the most beautiful rail journeys on Earth. Seriously. This stretch of the Glacier Express is the kind of thing that makes poets weep and influencers cry happy tears.

Imagine yourself in a train gliding over the Landwasser Viaduct. It is a six-arched limestone masterpiece that dives straight into a tunnel carved into the cliffs. Then, it will zigzag through the Albula Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage route that’s equal parts fairy tale and feat of engineering. And just when you think the scenery can’t possibly top itself, the train rolls into St. Moritz, your final stop.

St. Moritz isn’t just a ski resort. It’s the ski resort. The birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. The host of the Winter Olympics.

Start your exploration with a lakeside walk around Lake St. Moritz. In winter, the lake hosts everything from polo matches to horse races. Yes, on the frozen lake. And in summer, it’s perfect for taking a luxury cruise.

Hungry? Good. Because St. Moritz is home to some of the finest cuisine in the Alps. Treat yourself at Da Vittorio – St. Moritz. This spot is located inside the ultra-luxurious Carlton Hotel. It is known for having two Michelin stars and you’ll understand why. You’ll be served edible works of art like langoustine carpaccio with citrus, truffle-stuffed ravioli, and veal so tender it should come with a love letter. Every plate is matched with a curated wine pairing.

And if you’ve got room in your suitcase (and your budget), consider staying right at the Carlton Hotel itself. It’s elegant, intimate, and every suite comes with a front-row seat to those iconic Engadine views.

Or, for old-world charm with royal flair, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers turreted towers, lakeside cocktails and a concierge team that can probably arrange a moonlit sleigh ride if you so much as hint at it.

Duration

Because while most people think of the Glacier Express as a single train ride, we’d argue it’s more like a slow-burn love story between you and the Swiss Alps. The full, uninterrupted journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes just over 8 hours—specifically, around 7 hours and 45 minutes of pure alpine eye-candy.

But here’s the thing: this isn’t the kind of trip you rush. That’s why many travelers choose to break it up over two or even three days. Many would choose to drop by the charming towns like Brig, Andermatt, or Chur to soak up the local culture, sample the cheese (so much cheese), and sleep in cozy mountain hotels.

Schedules and Tickets

This iconic route connects Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa) and has departures running once or twice daily, depending on the season. During peak summer and winter months, you’ll find two daily trains in each direction. In the quieter shoulder seasons, service may be limited to one.

Seats are also reservation-only. Yes, even in second class, so spontaneous boardings are a no-go. You’ll want to book in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a window seat in Excellence Class. The total price you pay includes two parts: the seat reservation (which is mandatory) and the actual train fare. For the full route from Zermatt to St. Moritz, you’re looking at around CHF 208 in 2nd class, that’s CHF 159 for the ticket plus CHF 49 for the reservation. Upgrade to 1st class and the ticket bumps up to CHF 272 while the seat reservation stays the same.

Prices vary by distance, so if you’re not doing the entire journey, you’ll pay less. For instance, a ticket from Chur to Zermatt costs CHF 124 in 2nd class or CHF 212 in 1st class. Even shorter hops, like Brig to Zermatt, cost CHF 40 or CHF 68, respectively. Oh and if you’ve got a Swiss Travel Pass or other valid travel card, your base fare might be significantly reduced. For more information on schedules and tickets, you can visit the Glacier Express website.

Luxury Option: Excellence Class

Let’s say you want to take the world’s slowest express train—but make it extra. That’s where Excellence Class comes in. This is not your average first-class upgrade. This is Switzerland saying, “What if train travel felt like checking into a five-star boutique hotel.

Here, you’re treated like a VIP. Imagine yourself in guaranteed window seats in a spacious 20-seat carriage (because who wants to wrestle elbows over glacier views?). The seating arrangement is 1-1, so whether you're solo or with a companion, you get a plush, oversized chair and uninterrupted access to those massive panoramic windows. And yes, there’s a concierge. A real, friendly human whose job is to make sure your glass never goes dry and your every alpine whim is catered to.

But the real magic happens at the table. Excellence Class includes a five-course meal, locally inspired and freshly prepared in the onboard kitchen. We're talking plates like beef tenderloin with truffle jus. There’s also a cheese course, because it's Switzerland and they take their dairy seriously. And if you want a glass of champagne or perhaps Swiss wine, you also have access to the Excellence Bar.

All of this runs for about CHF 490 per person (Excellence Class surcharge + 1st class ticket). This is the price of how you’ll be able to sip fine wine while cutting through glaciers and gorges.

Include the Glacier Express in your custom Swiss itinerary—contact us to reserve Excellence Class seats and craft your ultimate alpine escape.