Exploring the Luxury of Switzerland’s Glacier Express

Have you ever seen a snow globe souvenir from Switzerland featuring a train on a snowy landscape? 

They’re most probably imitating the legendary Glacier Express. The Glacier Express first departed on 25 June 1930. Over 90 years later, it’s a Swiss must-see, attracting about 200,000 tourists yearly.

Here’s what you need to know about this unique train ride. 

Getting on Track

The railway, which spans about 180 miles, links Zermatt to St. Morit. Despite it’s a fairly short distance, the journey takes around eight hours. Fun fact: the Glacier Express is often referred to as the slowest express train in the world. Literally. Don’t worry, though. You don’t want to rush through this scenic journey framed by UNESCO Heritage landscapes. 

You will travel over 290 bridges, and through 91 tunnels along the journey through the Swiss Alps. Save space in your phone for pictures of the icy peaks, verdant valleys, rivers, and waterfalls abound on both sides of the track. By picking the best eSIM for Europe you can ensure that you’ll never lose connection during the journey and can post your best pictures right away.

All Aboard Excellence Class!

The route between Zermatt and St. Moritz isn’t unforgettable only because of its landscapes. Once you step inside the train, there’s a luxury beyond first class. Since 2019, travellers looking for the ultimate Glacier experience can opt for Excellence Class. The Excellence Class has space for up to 20 passengers. It’s, in fact, above the First Class. 

All seats are arranged in single rows on both sides of the carriage, ensuring everyone in Excellence Class can enjoy the panoramic views from the incredibly comfortable seats. Excellence Class travellers are also treated to top-notch cuisine and even an exclusive wine: the Johannisberg Cuvée Spéciale. 

Better still, Excellence tickets include a free five-course meal, snacks and champagne. Tickets for this class cost EUR 280, plus a mandatory reservation fee of CHF 470.

The second-class carriage might not be as fancy. However, it’s far above ordinary. You’ll still have panoramic windows, comfortable seats, plus the ability to order drinks and fresh food (including up to four-course meals) from Le Restaurant, although this is not included in your ticket price. The train staff regularly come up and down both the 1st and 2nd class carriages taking orders.

Unlike most economy-class seats, it has a lot of legroom and shoulder space for all passengers. You can easily see even the tallest peaks, thanks to the angled ceiling windows. Additionally, you can learn all about the history and geology of the surroundings, as there are audio guides available in several languages. 

Hop On/Off

You don’t need to stay on board for the whole route. The train travels through three cantons: Graubünden, Uri, and Valais. The cities of St. Moritz and Zermatt are famous for their ski resorts, but there’s a lot to see in the journey between them. There are stops in Andermatt, Brig, Chur, Disentis, Tiefencastel, Filisur, and Samedan.

You can hop on and off at any of those stations, although you will need to buy separate tickets. If you want to stay overnight in one of those places, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. 

So when is the best time to travel on the Glacier Express? Summer is the best season to see the Alpine valleys in their vibrant green splendour, while mid-winter will surely please those who love snowy landscapes.