🚂 Valais & Graubünden, Switzerland
Things to do in The Glacier Express
The “slowest express train in the world” across the Swiss Alps
The Glacier Express is one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys — an eight-hour, 291km panorama between Zermatt and St Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels over the Oberalp Pass. Riding in panoramic-windowed carriages, you climb from the Matterhorn village through alpine valleys, gorges and the spiralling Landwasser Viaduct. It’s a highlight in itself, and an unforgettable, relaxed way to cross the Alps.
Time needed
1 day (about 8 hours end to end)
Best time
Year-round — summer (June–September) for green valleys, wildflowers and long light; winter for snow-blanketed scenery
Region
Valais & Graubünden, Switzerland
Don’t miss
The full Zermatt–St Moritz panoramic journey
The classic ride runs Zermatt to St Moritz (or the reverse) in about eight hours, through the Matterhorn region, the Rhône valley, the Oberalp Pass and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Book a seat in the panoramic carriages (reservation is compulsory), and consider the Excellence Class for a window seat and full-service dining.
Check availability on GetYourGuideTop things to do in The Glacier Express
- The panoramic-windowed carriages with all-day alpine scenery.
- The spiralling Landwasser Viaduct and the Rhine Gorge (“Swiss Grand Canyon”).
- Crossing the Oberalp Pass, the line’s 2,033m high point.
- Starting or ending in car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn.
- Optional shorter legs (e.g. Andermatt–Disentis) if you don’t want the full eight hours.
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Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and the big-ticket experiences — compare and book ahead so they don’t sell out.
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How to get to The Glacier Express
The train runs between Zermatt and St Moritz (with Davos connections), once or twice daily depending on season. Seat reservation is compulsory on top of a ticket or Swiss Travel Pass. Many people ride one direction and build it into a wider Swiss rail trip; you can also do shorter, cheaper segments for a taste without the full day.
Hire a car in Zermatt
Compare rental deals — handy for reaching The Glacier Express at your own pace
Best time to visit
Year-round — summer (June–September) for green valleys, wildflowers and long light; winter for snow-blanketed scenery. Each season transforms the route; clear days give the best mountain views whenever you go.
The Glacier Express tips
- Seat reservations are compulsory and sell out in peak season — book ahead.
- The full journey is about eight hours; do a shorter leg if that’s too long a day.
- Sit on the correct side and consider Excellence Class for a guaranteed window seat.
- Pair it with car-free Zermatt at one end and St Moritz or the Bernina region at the other.
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