Panoramic train · Zermatt, Valais

Glacier Express

The panoramic train takes about 8 hours between Zermatt and St. Moritz, with 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, passing through Brig, Andermatt, the Oberalppass at 2,033 m, Disentis/Mustér, Chur and the Landwasser viaduct. Seat reservation required.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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About Glacier Express

The Glacier Express links Zermatt to St. Moritz, in the Grisons, in about 8 hours. It covers roughly 291 km of metre-gauge track, with 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. The train began operating in 1930 and is jointly run by Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and Rhätische Bahn.

From Zermatt the train descends the Mattertal to Visp and Brig, climbs the Rhône valley and reaches Andermatt. From there it ascends to the Oberalppass at 2,033 m, the highest point on the line, and descends into the Grisons via Disentis/Mustér. It then follows the Rhine through the Ruinaulta (the Rhine Gorge), reaches Chur and continues along the Albula line, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the Landwasser viaduct near Filisur, to St. Moritz.

The carriages have panoramic windows that extend into the roof. Food is prepared on board and served at your seat. There is first and second class and the Excellence Class, with separate service. In some periods some trains terminate in Chur, and passengers bound for Davos change trains at Filisur.

Seat reservation is mandatory. There is one or more departures per day depending on the season, and the train is taken out of service for a few weeks in the European autumn, between October and December, for maintenance. You can travel just one section, such as Zermatt–Andermatt or Chur–St. Moritz.

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Before you go

Practical information

Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.

How much time to set aside

About 8 hours one-way between Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Best time

In the European summer, from June to September, the long days mean the whole journey is in daylight. In the European winter, from December to February, the valleys are snow-covered but it gets dark early. Check the dates of the annual autumn pause before planning.

How to get there

The train departs from Zermatt station in the centre of the village, the same station used by trains to Visp and Brig.

Tip

Use the Glacier Express to change regions, travelling from Zermatt to the Grisons without returning to Zurich. tourist rail passes are usually valid on the journey, and seat reservation is charged separately.