Glacier Express 2026–27: Route, Prices, Classes & Is It Worth It?
The Glacier Express calls itself the slowest express train in the world, and that's the point. For about eight hours it winds from Zermatt, below the Matterhorn, to St. Moritz in the Engadine. On the way it crosses 291 bridges, runs through 91 tunnels and climbs over the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m (6,670 ft). You sit in a carriage with windows curving up into the roof and watch the Alps go by.
The route at a glance
| Section | What you see |
|---|---|
| Zermatt → Visp | The Matter valley, steep and narrow, with the Matterhorn behind you |
| Brig → Andermatt | Up the Goms valley, then the Furka base tunnel |
| Andermatt → Disentis | The Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the line |
| Disentis → Chur | The Rhine Gorge, a white-cliffed canyon nicknamed the Swiss Grand Canyon |
| Chur → St. Moritz | The Albula line, a UNESCO World Heritage route with the famous Landwasser Viaduct |
You can ride the whole line or just part of it. Chur–St. Moritz on its own is one of the most beautiful two hours by train in the Alps.
When it runs (2026–27)
- Summer season: until October 10, 2026.
- Seasonal break: October 11 to December 4, 2026. No Glacier Express at all.
- Winter season: December 5, 2026 to May 7, 2027.
If you're planning a November trip, regular trains still run on the same tracks. You just don't get the panoramic carriages.
Prices and classes
- 2nd class: about CHF 159 for the full route.
- 1st class: about CHF 272.
- Seat reservation (mandatory for everyone): about CHF 49–54 per person for the full route, depending on season and source.
- Excellence Class: a 1st class ticket or pass plus a CHF 590 supplement. You get a reserved window seat, a seven-course meal and a bar.
With a Swiss Travel Pass, the fare is covered and you only pay the reservation. Reservations open 93 days before travel, and the most popular departures sell out, so book as soon as your dates are set. Read our Swiss Travel Pass guide to see whether the pass pays off for your trip.
Is it worth it?
Yes, if you love slow travel and scenery, you're traveling in winter (the Oberalp in snow is spectacular), or you want a full day of rest between two mountain stays.
Maybe not, if you're short on time or on a budget. Regular trains on the same lines take about the same time, need no reservation and cost less. You won't have the panoramic windows, though.
Our tips
- Do it in winter. Snow makes the Oberalp Pass and Albula line twice as beautiful, and the light is softer.
- Go Zermatt to St. Moritz. You leave the Matterhorn in the morning and arrive in the Engadine at sunset.
- Bring a snack anyway. Meals are served at your seat, but prices are high.
- Sleep at both ends. Spend two nights in Zermatt before, and two in St. Moritz after. Don't do the train as a day trip.
Where to stay at each end
Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt · Valais
Grand hotel in the center of car-free Zermatt with a large spa and indoor/outdoor pool.
Check rates & availability →The Omnia
Zermatt · Valais
Design hotel on a rock above the village, with an indoor-outdoor pool and Matterhorn views.
Check rates & availability →Badrutt's Palace
St. Moritz · Graubünden
St. Moritz's most famous palace hotel, with a spa and lake-view pool.
Check rates & availability →Kulm Hotel St. Moritz
St. Moritz · Graubünden
Historic St. Moritz hotel with a spa and outdoor pool over the lake.
Check rates & availability →Fares and dates come from the Glacier Express and seat61 timetables as of October 2026. Check glacierexpress.ch before booking.
FAQ
How long is the Glacier Express?
About 8 hours for the full Zermatt–St. Moritz run. You can also ride shorter sections, such as Zermatt–Andermatt or Chur–St. Moritz.
Is the Glacier Express running in November?
No. In 2026 the Glacier Express takes a seasonal break from October 11 to December 4. Winter service starts on December 5, 2026.
Is the Glacier Express covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
The train fare is covered, but the seat reservation is mandatory for everyone and costs extra. Excellence Class also requires a 1st class ticket or pass.
Is the Glacier Express worth it?
Yes, if you love scenery and slow travel, especially in winter when the Oberalp Pass is deep in snow. If you're short on time, regular trains on the same tracks are cheaper and more flexible, but you lose the panoramic windows and the meal service.
Which side of the Glacier Express is best?
There's no single best side. The route twists so much that both sides get big views. The Landwasser Viaduct and Rhine Gorge are highlights to watch for.