Bucket List Experience: Tips on Riding the Glacier Express in Switzerland

The Glacier Express is the considered one of the slowest express trains in the world. But, the ride is the most beautiful as it glides and chugs along through different landscapes in Switzerland (snow capped mountains to green pastures). It was on our bucket list to experience the Glacier Express so we made sure to include the train ride in our Switzerland itinerary!

For the full journey, take the train from St. Moritz to Zermatt (or vice versa). We hopped on the train in Chur (part-way) and took the 6 hour train to Zermatt (Check out our favorite things to do in Zermatt here). 6-8 hours may seem long, but it’ll go by in a flash with all of the incredible views. We highly recommend it!

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Some Helpful Facts & Tips about the Glacier Express

  • The Glacier Express runs from St. Moritz to Zermatt (about 8 hours total)
  • What’s awesome about this train is that it has panoramic windows so that you can get a full view of the magnificent surroundings
  • The train is comfortable (with 1st and 2nd class coaches) and have headphones that provide information along the different routes and sites – We opted for 2nd class seats and it was perfectly comfortable (4 chairs across versus 3 chairs across in 1st class). We were also lucky that the train wasn’t entirely full and we got an entire 4-chair seating area to ourselves.
  • It’s recommended to book and reserve seats in advance, especially during peak season.
  • The train serves drinks, snacks and souvenirs – We pre-ordered dinner on the train for the full experience and they brought it out to us at the time that we requested. Dinner was mediocre but the service was nice (white table cloth, real silverware etc.).
  • Keep in mind, because of the panoramic windows, luggage space is limited to the ends of the coaches and underneath / between seats.
  • Get tickets and more information here.

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We loved our journey through Swiss mountains! If you get the chance, definitely try it!

2 responses to “Bucket List Experience: Tips on Riding the Glacier Express in Switzerland”

  1. […] for both the parents and our toddlers. We’ve also taken our 5 month old (at the time) on the Glacier Express train to Zermatt to see family. Let me just say that traveling by train through Switzerland is […]

  2. […] Glacier Express train conductor suggested a hike to Zmutt because the trail was easy and family-friendly. The trail […]

I’m Tiffany

Hi! I’m a working mama who loves to travel and explore new places with her family. I hope you find some adventure tips, guides and inspiration to help you plan your next family trip! It’s so great to have you here! Live and love!

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