What is the Glacier Express?

The Glacier Express is a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps between Zermatt and St Moritz.

How long does the Glacier Express take?

The full journey takes just over 8 hours, although shorter sections are often included in holidays.

What classes are available on the Glacier Express?

Standard, First Class and Excellence Class are available, all with panoramic windows.

What is Glacier Express Excellence Class?

Excellence Class is the most luxurious way to travel, with a dedicated concierge, guaranteed window seating, gourmet dining and all drinks included.

Can I travel from the UK?

Yes, Tailor Made Rail offers Glacier Express holidays with rail travel from the UK included.

Can I travel from elsewhere in Europe?

Yes, Tailor Made Rail can arrange Glacier Express holidays with rail travel from any start point in Europe, including major airports and travel hubs.

train

First Class Rail Travel

Scenic

Glacier Express Holidays

St Moritz

Lunch onboard

The Landwasser Viaduct

First Class

Excellence Class - Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is one of the world’s most famous scenic rail journeys, travelling between Zermatt and St Moritz through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Covering 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, river valleys, spiral loops and mountain passes, the journey takes just over 8 hours and showcases some of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe.

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About

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train journey across the Swiss Alps, linking two of Switzerland’s most famous mountain resorts: Zermatt and St Moritz. Known as the “slowest express train in the world”, it is designed to enjoy at a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully take in the jaw-dropping scenery along the way.

The Glacier Express route runs between Zermatt and St Moritz, passing through:

The dramatic Rhine Gorge, often called the Swiss Grand Canyon
The high-altitude Oberalp Pass
Alpine villages, forests and river valleys

You can experience the whole route or, many Tailor Made Rail suggested holiday itineraries include shorter sections such as Brig to Chur, offering the same spectacular views in less time.

Why Choose

A Glacier Express Tailor Made Rail holiday combines one of Europe’s greatest train journeys with the flexibility to explore Switzerland and beyond.

With Tailor Made Rail, your Glacier Express holiday is fully tailor-made, including rail travel from the UK, carefully selected hotels, and flexible itineraries designed around you.

All Glacier Express holidays can include rail travel from London and regional UK stations, with seamless connections via Paris or Switzerland.

We take care of:

Rail tickets and reservations
Hotel accommodation
Easy-to-follow travel documentation
Ongoing support throughout your journey

Seasonality

The Glacier Express is a great experience all year round. It typically operates from December to October, with a short break in late autumn.

Winter: Snow-covered alpine landscapes. The Glacier Express also features among our best festive experiences to visit by train in Europe.
Spring: Quiet travel and spring floral scenery
Summer: Lush views and long daylight hours
Autumn: Golden colours and fewer crowds

Open all year round (including Christmas Day) except for a period between late October and early December when routine maintenance is carried out.

Questions about Glacier Express

Plan a journey featuring Glacier Express

Add Glacier Express to a holiday built around you. Browse holidays that already include it, or ask one of our rail specialists to work it into your own route.