Switzerland is blessed with some of the loveliest railway journeys in the world thanks both to its remarkable landscapes and to the country’s pioneering engineers who strove to find ways to get both locals and visitors across tricky terrain, building the cleverest of bridges, viaducts and tunnels.
EXPERIENCE THE GLACIER EXPRESS
One of its most scenic trains is the Glacier Express and we've shared our tips for the beautiful red train, which is also the highlight of our very special and exclusive five-day rail trip. Here's everything you need to know about a ride on the Glacier Express.
And if you're looking for further inspiration for fantastic European rail escapes, take a look at our full collection of railway holidays.
What is the Glacier Express?
This is the most famous of Switzerland’s mountain railways– in fact, it’s legendary. It really does count among the world’s most extraordinary train journeys for its jaw-dropping Alpine views, which you can admire from comfortable modern carriages with panoramic views from its vast custom-designed windows.
The service itself dates back as far as 1930, when it catered to wealthy travellers who had discovered the charms of the mountains. It transformed remote villages, such as Zermatt and St Moritz, into the cosmopolitan resorts they have remained until today.
The Glacier Express is one of the very best ways to see the Swiss Alps, and also the most civilised, as you can indulge in decadent dining (either a dish of the day or a three-course meal) as you glide through the mountains. Freshly prepared on board, this traditional local fare is served to you at your seat, accompanied by regional wines for full-on indulgence.
How long does it take to ride the Glacier Express train?
The name is a bit of a misnomer – the service has actually been dubbed the 'slowest express train in the world.’ This is in fact quite a leisurely affair giving you the chance to watch the drama of the mountains unfold over an unforgettable eight hours. That’s if you take the entire 291km journey - it’s possible to do different sections of it.
Where does the Glacier Express route take you?
The train travels through the Swiss Alps via the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünde, taking you between the two major Alpine resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz, via the Oberalp Pass (2,033m) and Andermatt. En route, you’ll pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, seeing some remarkable feats of engineering.
Onboard you can take in all the information with an audioguide or an infotainment system that operates via your phone or tablet, relaying fascinating information about the route and letting you track your location as you move.
Is it easy to get Glacier Express tickets and does the train run all year?
Despite its wintry name, the Glacier Express runs all year long. Each season has its own charm: in spring, the Alpine meadows are abloom with wildflowers, while autumn gives you the stirring sight of the colourful autumn foliage against the contrasting backdrop of the snow-capped peaks. The glaciers high up in the mountains are visible on a clear day; closer up you’ll see impressive rock formations and rushing streams.
Tickets can be purchased up to two months ahead of your trip, but they do sell out fast so it’s best to plan well ahead and buy them as soon as you’ve set your dates. You also have to book your meal in advance, by the day before your departure at the very latest.
But you can ensure you have tickets (and dining) booked much further ahead by booking Good Housekeeping's exclusive trip, which includes a four-hour ride on the Glacier Express; we have trips in September 2025, as well as departures in 2026.
Taking place over eight days, the magical trip includes a journey on the Brig to Chur section of the Glacier Express. This part of the journey takes you through the meadows and woodlands of the impressive Rhine Gorge, up to the Oberalp Pass (the highest point of the journey at 6,700 feet) and into the Rhône valley.
How many stops does the Glacier Express have and can you hop on and off?
You can board the Glacier Express at either end. There are stops en route at Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur and Samedan, and you can hop off or on at any of them.
If you take the trip as part of our five-day holiday, you’ll travel the hugely scenic four-hour section of the Glacier Express route from Chur to Brig.
What is the most beautiful section of the Glacier Express?
Each part of the route has its own character and beauty, but the Oberalp Pass, which you can take in on Good Housekeeping's exclusive tour, is the highlight when it comes to the views back down over the surrounding landscape.
How will I know what to look out for along the Glacier Express route?
The Glacier Express has some brilliant onboard infotainment that will provide you with fascinating nuggets of information as you make your way along the route, ensuring that you’re not in danger of missing out on any of the highlights. You’ll get great insights into your journey, plenty of real-time information including the live location of the train, and access to a series of exciting short videos.
At your seat, you’ll have headphones linking you with the audio guide (available in six languages), providing you with interesting facts about the viewpoints you’ll see as you travel. The train has a gong signal and the carriage display has a headphone signal, both of which alert you to new announcements.
This digital infotainment can also be accessed using your smartphone or tablet, and this epic train has full WiFi service.
You’ll learn lots about the scenery and history of the places you pass and stop off at, including the alpine resorts of Zermatt and St Moritz, the soaring Oberalp Pass, Andermatt and many examples of incredible engineering in the form of bridges and tunnels. The longest tunnel on the Glacier Express, the Furka Tunnel, stretches for an incredible 15.4 kilometres. Other notable features on the route include the Landwasser Viaduct, which the train crosses at a right angle.
Is the Glacier Express better than the Bernina Express?
It all depends what you want and how much time you have. Dating from 1904, the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express is a panoramic railway offering a romantic jaunt along the highest railway line in the Alps. It also offers glorious views over pristine Swiss lakes and mountaintops, but it is shorter at four hours.
With the Glacier Express, you can make a day of it, or if you only do part of it, can still enjoy a three-course meal as you travel (the Bernina Express only has drinks and snacks from a roving mini-bar).
EXPERIENCE THE GLACIER EXPRESS WITH GH
Browse more extraordinary journeys in the latest Good Housekeeping Holidays brochure.
More thrilling railway holiday ideas:
- 25 of the greatest rail journeys around the world
- The best luxury train holidays in Europe
