What the Glacier Express Route Actually Covers
The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges, passing through 91 tunnels, and climbing to a high point of 2,033 metres at the Oberalp Pass. The full journey takes roughly eight hours, which makes it one of the slowest express trains in the world — a title the Swiss wear with pride. The route cuts through three distinct Alpine landscapes: the Valais, the Graubünden highlands, and the Engadin valley. Each section looks and feels completely different, which is part of why the trip holds attention for the entire ride.
Key stops along the way include Visp, Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, and Filisur, home to the famous Landwasser Viaduct. That viaduct — six arches curving into a tunnel mouth carved directly into a cliff face — is probably the most photographed moment on the entire journey. It appears roughly six hours into the trip from Zermatt, so keep your camera ready as you approach Filisur from the west.
If you want a structured way to experience part of the route, the Swiss Alps Train Tour from Zurich with Glacier Express combines a rail pass, reserved seat, and a local guide through Andermatt — which takes the logistical pressure off and adds real context to what you are seeing outside the window.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Journey
Seat choice matters more on this train than almost any other. The panoramic windows are large, but the sun angle shifts significantly depending on the time of year and direction of travel. Travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, seats on the left side of the train offer better views of the Rhone valley and the approach to Andermatt. From St. Moritz toward Zermatt, the right side tends to be more rewarding through the Albula section. Morning departures generally give softer light for photography and clearer skies before afternoon cloud builds over the higher passes.
Reservations are mandatory on the Glacier Express, even if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail pass. In 2026, the reservation fee varies by class and season, but budget roughly 30 to 50 CHF on top of your pass. Book as early as possible for July and August — the train fills up weeks in advance during peak summer. Shoulder season travel in May, early June, or October offers shorter booking windows and noticeably fewer crowds without sacrificing scenery.
Dining on board is a proper sit-down experience with table service and panoramic trays designed to fit over the wide armrests. The food is decent Swiss railway cooking rather than anything extraordinary, but eating lunch as the train crosses the Oberalp Pass is an experience worth having for the setting alone.
The Glacier Express is not the only spectacular mountain rail route in the region. The Bernina line, which connects St. Moritz with Tirano in Italy, is a UNESCO World Heritage route and a natural extension of any Alps rail trip. The Bernina Red Train Day Trip from Milan offers a round-trip option with an expert guide, while the Bernina Train Private Tour from Milan or St. Moritz adds a Lake Como stop and hotel pickup for a more relaxed pace. Combining both routes in a single Alps itinerary is entirely doable and genuinely rewarding.