The Glacier Express at a glance
The Glacier Express is a scenic train from Zermatt to St. Moritz. It crosses three cantons, Valais, Uri and Graubünden, over 291 kilometres, 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. The average speed is 42 km/h. The steepest gradient is 12.5 %, and the highest point is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
The first train ran on 25 June 1930. Since the Furka base tunnel opened on 26 June 1982 it runs all year, apart from an annual break in autumn. The Glacier Express AG has belonged since 2017 half to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and half to the Rhaetian Railway.
No trains from 11 October to 4 December 2026
The operator pauses the Glacier Express every autumn. This year the pause runs from 11 October to 4 December.
Winter timetable 2026/27
Trains run from 5 December 2026 to 7 May 2027. The 07:50 departure from Zermatt only runs from 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027 and from 30 January to 7 May 2027.
Summer 2027
The operator had not published the summer dates by October 2026. Expect trains from May 2027 and check the site before you plan.
Works in April 2027
The Rhine Gorge section is closed from 17 April to 2 May 2027, with a replacement bus between Chur and Disentis. Excellence Class coaches do not run on two trains in that period.
Route and timetable
Winter 2026/27 departures. The journey takes just under eight hours.
| Train | Zermatt | St. Moritz | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train 920, morning | 07:50 | 15:37 | 7 h 47 min |
| Train 902, with Excellence Class | 08:50 | 16:37 | 7 h 47 min |
| Return from St. Moritz | 08:38 | 17:04 in Zermatt | 8 h 26 min |
| Return, second train | 09:38 | 18:04 in Zermatt | 8 h 26 min |
The 08:50 train stops at Brig (10:04), Andermatt (11:46), Disentis (13:02), Chur (14:25), Filisur (15:41) and Samedan (16:29). At Filisur you change for Davos. The return times come from SBB data for 14 December 2026.
Our picks: Glacier Express
A five-day package, a day trip on part of the route and the pass that covers the ticket.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency. We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Five days with Glacier Express and Glacier Paradise
A package with second-class rail travel, the Glacier Express from Graubünden to Zermatt, three-star hotels with breakfast and a day at the Glacier Paradise.
Check availability →
Glacier Express section and Lucerne from Zurich
A guided day from Zurich with a rail pass and the Glacier Express seat reservation. It rides part of the route and does not go to Zermatt.
Check availability →
Swiss Travel Pass
Covers the Glacier Express ticket, but not the compulsory seat reservation of CHF 54. Also free travel to Zermatt and on the Täsch shuttle.
Check availability →Glacier Express tickets and tours
Glacier Express journeys and combined trips from Zurich, with live prices and availability.
We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
What the line is famous for
Mountain passes, deep gorges and a UNESCO-listed railway line.
The line climbs from the Matter valley to the Oberalp Pass and then drops into the Rhine Gorge, sometimes called the Swiss Grand Canyon. The final stretch is the Albula line from Thusis to St. Moritz. It is 61.67 kilometres long, has 144 bridges and 42 tunnels, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. The Landwasser Viaduct on this line is 142 metres long.
In first class, the windows in the entrance doors can be lowered, which helps with photos.
Classes and prices, winter 2026/27
One-way prices for adults in Swiss francs, full fare, as published in October 2026.
| Class | Ticket Zermatt–St. Moritz | Reservation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second class | CHF 166 | CHF 54 | CHF 220 |
| First class | CHF 284 | CHF 54 | CHF 338 |
| Excellence Class | CHF 284 (first-class ticket) | CHF 590, incl. five-course meal | CHF 874 |
Older guides quote CHF 159 and 272 for the tickets, CHF 540 for Excellence Class and CHF 49 for the reservation. Those prices are out of date.
First class has four seats around a table, WLAN, sockets and an audio guide. Excellence Class has 20 passengers per train, a guaranteed window seat, adjustable armchairs, a concierge, a welcome desk and the Glacier Bar. It includes a champagne aperitif and a five-course menu with wine. It has been available since winter 2019. A first-class ticket is required.
Reservation and passes
The seat reservation is compulsory for everyone.
Seat reservation
CHF 54 in first and second class, for long and short trips alike. It is required even with a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail or GA. Reservations open 93 days before travel, tickets 180 days.
Valid passes
Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail and Interrail, GA, Half Fare Card, Junior and children's cards, Swiss Family Card, Swiss Transfer Ticket and Saver Day Pass, each plus reservation.
What the pass covers
The Swiss Travel Pass and Eurail cover the ticket, not the reservation. First class and Excellence Class need a first-class pass or ticket. The Half Fare Card is valid, plus reservation.
Children
Under 6 travel free without their own seat, and a reservation is recommended. Ages 6 to 16 pay 50 % of the ticket and the full reservation.
You cannot choose the seating direction, because the train changes direction on the way.
Prices for part of the route
Second-class and first-class tickets in Swiss francs, winter 2026/27, one way.
| Section | Second class | First class |
|---|---|---|
| Zermatt–Brig | CHF 41 | CHF 70 |
| Brig–Andermatt | CHF 39 | CHF 67 |
| Andermatt–Zermatt | CHF 80 | CHF 137 |
| Chur–Zermatt | CHF 129 | CHF 221 |
| Filisur–Zermatt | CHF 150 | CHF 257 |
| St. Moritz–Chur | CHF 46 | CHF 79 |
| St. Moritz–Brig | CHF 125 | CHF 214 |
You can board at Zermatt, Brig, Andermatt, Chur, Filisur, Samedan and St. Moritz. Short trips, such as St. Moritz–Chur or Brig–Zermatt, are only possible on summer-timetable trains.
Meals, luggage and rules
Practical details before you board.
Meals
Meals are cooked fresh on board and served at your seat. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options exist. Payment is cashless only. Individual travellers pre-order by email or phone up to 48 hours before departure. Groups of 10 or more order 10 days ahead.
Luggage
You may bring one extra piece plus hand luggage. Ski bags, golf bags, bicycles and e-scooters are not allowed. A partner transports baggage separately.
Dogs
Dogs and other animals are not allowed, except recognised assistance dogs.
Smoking
Smoking is forbidden on board.
Glacier Express: frequently asked questions
How long does the Glacier Express take?
The operator says about eight hours. In the winter 2026/27 timetable the 07:50 from Zermatt reaches St. Moritz at 15:37, which is 7 hours 47 minutes. The return takes 8 hours 26 minutes.
How much is the Glacier Express?
For winter 2026/27 a one-way ticket from Zermatt to St. Moritz costs CHF 166 in second class and CHF 284 in first class. The seat reservation adds CHF 54, so second class is CHF 220 in total.
Is the reservation included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
No. The pass covers the ticket, but the reservation of CHF 54 is compulsory and must be bought separately.
When does the Glacier Express run?
Not from 11 October to 4 December 2026. The winter timetable runs from 5 December 2026 to 7 May 2027, and summer trains start in May 2027.
Can I take a dog on the Glacier Express?
No. Dogs and other animals are not allowed, except recognised assistance dogs.
What does Excellence Class include?
A guaranteed window seat, concierge, welcome desk, Glacier Bar, a champagne aperitif and a five-course menu with wine. It costs CHF 590 on top of a first-class ticket of CHF 284.