Glacier Express in Switzerland: My Summer Experience & Tips

My Route: St. Moritz → Zermatt

Duration: 8 hours aprox. (the world’s slowest express train—but in the best way!)

Best Time to Ride: Summer for lush valleys and clear skies; winter for magical snowy landscapes.

Tickets: Glacier Express website. Swiss travel Passes works. Important: Seats reservations are mandatory.

Classes: 2nd, 1st, Excellence Class.

Food: Onboard dining available; but you can bring your own snacks too.

Wifi: Not reliable (mine didn’t work!)

 The Vibe: Relaxing, scenic, elegant, bucket-list journey.

The Glacier Express is one of Switzerland’s most iconic panoramic trains, connecting Zermatt and St. Moritz trough the heart of the Swiss Alps. Known as the “slowest express train in the world,” it takes about eight hours to complete the journey, crossing dramatic mountain passes, deep valleys, and sweeping alpine landscapes. Along the route, the train crosses more than 290 bridges, passes trough 90 tunnels, and offers floor to ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of rivers, forests, charming villages, and snow-capped peaks. While many travelers choose to ride the full route, it’s also possible to board only part of the journey. The train offers reserved seating and optional dinning service, making it a comfortable and scenic way to experience Switzerland’s most breathtaking regions.

Tickets for the Glacier Express must be purchased in two parts:

• Your train ticket /rail pass.
• A mandatory seat reservation.

You can buy a standard point to point ticket, or you can use a Swiss Travel Pass to cover the fare. However, even with a pass, you must still pay for a seat reservation, which varies depending of the season.

Seats reservations are required for all passengers and typically sell out early during the summer months, so it’s best to book in advance. You can choose between Second Class, Fist Class, and excellence Class, each offering slightly different seating layouts and service levels. Excellence Class includes a guaranteed window seat, premium dinning, and lounge-style comfort, but is also very pricey.

Boarding at St. Moritz

We began our journey in the chic resort town of St. Moritz, boarding the Glacier Express in first class. The wide seats and panoramic windows immediately set the tone for a relaxed, elegant trip.

Through the Alps

The train glided through a series of unforgettable landscapes:
– The UNESCO-listed Albula Valley, filled with tunnels and bridges.
– The iconic Landwasser Viaduct, where the train curves dramatically across stone arches.
– The snowy Oberalp Pass, the highest point at 2,033 m.
– The dramatic Rhine Gorge, known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon”.

First-Class Dining Experience

We had pre-booked our meals along with our tickets—there are 1 to 4 meal plan options. Service was a little slow at times (likely due to the long journey and full train), but it was worth the wait. The food was surprisingly delicious, beautifully plated, and very Swiss in style. Keep in mind: beverages are not included, so every drink is an extra charge.

Arrival in Zermatt

After almost 8 hours, we arrived in the car-free alpine village of Zermatt, greeted by the stunning view of the Matterhorn. The perfect ending to a truly unique journey.

I absolutely loved this ride, eight hours went by so fast because there was always something beautiful to look at. From the postcard-perfect Swiss villages and snow dusted mountains to the bright blue rivers and cows grazing on green hills, the views truly felt like a dream. It’s peaceful, cinematic, and just the perfect way to slow down and take in the Alps.

For me the Glacier Express was one of the most relaxing and unforgettable travel experiences in Switzerland.

First Class is worth it for comfort and larger windows, though Excellence Class offers even more luxury and guaranteed window seating.

 Pre-book your meals when buying your ticket—options range from 1 to 4 courses.

 Budget for drinks since beverages aren’t included with the meals. So every glass of wine, beer, or even water is an extra.

Westbound (St. Moritz → Zermatt), try to sit on the left side for the best views.

The Glacier Express gives live commentary information on what you’re passing.

Keep in mind that service for the meal and drinks can be a little slow.

The Sun is strong in Summer. Bring a hat and sunglasses.

The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt is the definition of a bucket-list train ride. It’s expensive, slow, and indulgent—but that’s exactly why it’s unforgettable. For me, the comfort of first class, the surprisingly great food, and the ever-changing alpine views made it worth every minute.

If you enjoyed this story, follow me on Instagram @vistabyilse for more travel reels, hidden gems, and behind the scene adventures.

Note: these recommendations are based on my personal experiences during my trip. Prices, opening hours and conditions may change, so always check official websites or local sources before your visit. Don’t forget to stay aware of safety guidelines. Local regulations, and seasonal weather when planning your trip.
Connect with me on Instagram @vistabyilse I’d love to hear about your Glacier Express experience!