Complete Guide to the Swiss Glacier Express
Swiss Glacier Express 8-Hour Panoramic Train Travel Guide
Zermatt → Brig → Andermatt → Chur → St. Moritz, the world's slowest scenic express train, crossing the Alps' snowy mountains, glaciers, canyons, and viaducts. The entire journey takes 8 hours, with breathtaking views at every step.
🌞 Best Time to Visit
· June–September (Summer): Snowmelt, green valleys, blooming wildflowers, clear visibility
· December–March (Winter): Snow-covered landscapes, pristine glaciers, red train running through snowy fields, full fairy-tale atmosphere
· April–May, October–November: Off-season with fewer crowds, but some sections may have snow or melting snow, visibility is average
🚆 Train and Booking (Must-Read)
· Full name: Glacier Express, known as the "world's slowest express train" (about 40 km/h)
· Duration: Zermatt → St. Moritz, approximately 8 hours
· Schedule (Summer)
◦ PE 902: Zermatt 08:52 → St. Moritz 16:37 (Recommended)
◦ PE 904: Zermatt 09:52 → St. Moritz 17:37
· Seating: Panoramic windows, available in Second Class, First Class, and Excellence Class
· Ticket Prices
◦ Second Class: about 159 CHF; First Class: about 272 CHF
◦ Swiss Travel Pass holders travel free but must reserve a seat (44–49 CHF)
· Seat Selection Tips
◦ Outbound (Zermatt → St. Moritz): Left side (Seat A) for views of the Matterhorn and Oberalp Pass
◦ Return (St. Moritz → Zermatt): Right side (Seat D) for classic shots of the Landwasser Viaduct
📅 Highlights of the 8-Hour Route (in order)
1. Zermatt → Brig (about 2 hours)
· Zermatt: Views of the Matterhorn, car-free village, snowy mountain introduction
· Visp/Rhone Valley: Glaciers, canyons, waterfalls, forests
· Brig: Stone-built old town, Stockalper Palace, transfer and rest stop
2. Brig → Andermatt (about 1.5 hours)
· Oberalp Pass
Highest point on the route at 2033m, surrounded by snowy mountains, alpine meadows, glacier views
· Andermatt: Heart of the Alps, ski resort, valley basin
3. Andermatt → Chur (about 2 hours)
· Rhine Gorge (Swiss Grand Canyon)
Emerald Rhine River, red rock walls, forested canyon, known as "Switzerland's Little Colorado"
· Chur: Switzerland's oldest city, gateway to the Alps
4. Chur → St. Moritz (about 2.5 hours) (Highlight section)
· Landwasser Viaduct 🌟
6-arch viaduct, red train curves, UNESCO railway landmark, a must-photograph
· Albula Railway (UNESCO)
Spiral tunnels, viaduct clusters, mountain railway, an engineering marvel
· St. Moritz: Winter Olympic town, alpine lakes, luxurious snowy mountain resort
📌 Onboard Experience
· Dining car: Swiss cuisine, cheese fondue, local red wine, scenic dining
· Audio guide: Multilingual (including Chinese), explaining sights and history
· Photography: Clean windows, slow speed, perfect for photos anytime
📌 Practical Tips
· Visa: Schengen visa required
· Transportation: Entirely by train, no driving needed; both Zermatt and St. Moritz have rail connections
· Clothing: Sunscreen, sunglasses, light jacket (large temperature differences in mountains)
· Time: Full 8-hour journey, recommended to bring snacks, water, and power bank
· Booking: Reserve seats 1–2 months in advance during peak seasons (June–August, December–March)