Glacier Express

The Glacier express is operated by Rhatische Bahn (RhB) and the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB). During summers, there are 4 trains running in each direction however, in winters, the service dries up as there in only two Glacier Express trains running per day in each direction.

It is a nine-hour long journey covering a distance of 290 km since it gallops at a speed of about 24 mph. However, Glacier Express isn't for those who want to reach their destination fast but want to savour and take in the beauty of the Alps and Glaciers along the way.

The train is made of panoramic sightseeing windows so that passengers can witness the beauty from the train. A delicious meal can be enjoyed as well by the travellers.

The scenic Glacier Express route will take you through three cantons of beautiful Valais Uri and Graubunden offering varied and stunning panoramic views. Eight hours of pure pleasure for your eyes. Here are some places that you can visit.

• Zermatt - a beautiful quaint little car-free village situated at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn offering views that will take your breath away.
• St. Moritz - a dazzling snow resort in Switzerland
• The Albula Line, which comes with Landwasser and Solis viaducts along with Spiral Tunnels.
• The Grand Canyon of Switzerland called the Rhine Gorge.
• Chur - an alpine city and the capital of the Graubunden canton in eastern Switzerland with winding streets.

The Glacier express begins its journey at 0852 am in the morning from Zermatt and at 0851 am from St. Moritz. The train chugs along 290 km long journey crossing approx... 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. The Glacier Express make a stop at Andermatt before traversing to the highest point on the Oberalp Pass at 6,670 feet and then descends to the lowest point at 585 meters at Chur. From there, the Glacier Express travels to the capital of Graubunden. From there, the Glacier Express again reaches the high altitudes and backtracks to reach its final destination, St. Moritz.

The modern coaches of the Glacier Express offers a full panoramic experience to its travellers. It's most distinctive features, the huge panoramic glass windows and the glass skylights, make it very hard for its travellers to miss out on anything spectacular.

The Glacier Express offers three classes of service:

02nd class -There are about 48 seats in 02nd class, with 4 seats around a table and on each side of the aisle.

01st class - There are total 36 seats in 01st class, 4 seats around a table on one side of the aisle and then there are bays of 2 seats across a table from one another.

Excellence class - This is a new class of service started recently making the Glacier Express journey all the more luxurious. This class of service offers a guaranteed window seats, an exclusive bar, and on-board entertainment, a personal travel guide and a concierge service. Guests are also served champagne and amuse-bouches while passing the spectacular landscape outside. It is followed by an exquisite five-course meal and wine.

The difference between 01st class and 02nd class is just in space and the structure of the seats. There isn't any significant difference between the two classes, they both are excellent.

You can enjoy a full coursed meal with starters, the main course, desserts, and wine. Travellers also have an option of pre-booking the meal OR snacks. The menus is listed on the Glacier Express's website.

You can also listen to an audio-guide in various languages which will give you an interested facts about the route along the way.

There is a wheelchair compartment as well a suitable toilet in the 01st class section of every Glacier Express.

During the summers, between May and October, the Glacier Express runs three time in a day in each direction, the first train departing at 0822 am and 0851 am from Zermatt and St. Moritz respectively.

But, during the months of winter from mid-December till May, the Glacier Express runs only twice in day in each direction. Usually, the Glacier Express does not operate mid-October to mid-December.

Seat reservation is mandatory and it is advisable to do it in advance. Seat reservations are mandatory for wheelchair compartment as well.

Dogs cannot accompany you on board.

It is possible to change trains at Filisur, using the hourly branch line train between Filisur & Davos.

With the Swiss Travel Pass, travellers only need to reserve a seat. Otherwise, train tickets are required along with the seat reservation.