Explore the Scenic Glacier Express Journey
- @epikdrives.com
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Luxury of Train Travel
The Glacier Express is not just a train ride; it’s a luxury sightseeing experience on rails. Panoramic windows stretch up to the ceiling, immersing you in sweeping views of gorges, peaks, forests, and valleys.
☀️ Bring your sunglasses! With panoramic windows and high-altitude sunshine, the views are dazzling—in every sense of the word.
Classes & Comfort
The Glacier Express offers a variety of comfort levels to suit every traveler:
2nd Class – Comfortable seating with large panoramic windows. Great value for a scenic experience.
1st Class – More spacious seating, a quieter atmosphere, and larger windows.
Excellence Class – The most exclusive way to ride. Includes guaranteed window seats, a multi-course gourmet menu with wine pairings, concierge service, and access to a private bar.
🛎️ Booking Tip: Excellence Class is always bookable, subject to availability. 1st and 2nd Class can only be booked up to 90 days in advance.
The Route: A Journey Through Spectacular Landscapes
The Glacier Express runs 291 km, crosses 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and reaches an altitude of 2,033 meters over the Oberalp Pass. The journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz is divided into two unforgettable sections:
Glacier Express Leg 1: Zermatt to Andermatt
🕒 3 hours 15 minutes
Your journey begins in Zermatt, a car-free village located beneath the iconic Matterhorn. The train descends through the Mattertal Valley, passing charming villages like Täsch, Randa, and St. Niklaus.
After Brig, the landscape opens before tightening again into the dramatic Goms region. As the train reaches Oberwald, it enters the Furka Base Tunnel, eventually arriving at Andermatt, a historic alpine crossroads.
Glacier Express Leg 2: Andermatt to St. Moritz
🕒 4 hours 45 minutes
From Andermatt, the train climbs to the Oberalp Pass (2,033m) before descending into the lush Surselva Valley and Disentis/Mustér.
Next comes the Ruinaulta Gorge, often referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” Here, you can see white limestone cliffs juxtaposed against turquoise river views.
As you near Chur, the landscape softens, only to rise again through the Albula Line—a designated UNESCO World Heritage route. This section includes spiral tunnels and the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, one of the most photographed rail bridges worldwide.
Eventually, you arrive in St. Moritz, an elegant alpine destination known for its sunshine and skiing history.
💡 Insider Tip: Most travelers agree: Andermatt to St. Moritz is the most scenic and diverse part of the Glacier Express journey.
Want to Experience It All — and More?
Combine the iconic train ride with an exhilarating road trip on our Glacier Express Train & Drive Adventure. It’s the ultimate luxury experience for those who seek both the thrill of the road and the beauty of the rails.

🚗 Drive from Zurich to St. Moritz via Switzerland’s most scenic roads (including the Julier and optional Stelvio Pass), in a luxury SUV, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, or similar. 🚞 Then board the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Andermatt, which is considered the most stunning leg of the entire train route.
✔️ Pre-programmed GPS, luxury hotels, private transfers, and support are all included.
Starting from CHF 10,950 for two | March to October 👉 Glacier Express Train & Drive Adventure
Best Time to Go
Each season offers a unique charm:
Winter: Snow-covered peaks and frozen lakes create a picturesque landscape.
Spring: Witness blooming valleys and melting alpine waterfalls.
Summer: Enjoy clear skies and lush greenery.
Autumn: Experience golden forests and soft mountain light.
🛑 Seasonal Note: The Glacier Express does not operate from mid-October to early December due to annual maintenance. Be sure to plan your trip around this period to avoid disappointment.
Tips for Travelers
Reserve early, especially for Excellence Class—it fills up quickly.
Use the Glacier Express app for live commentary and insights during your journey.
Don’t forget your camera (or binoculars) for those breathtaking moments.
Consider overnight stays in Zermatt, Andermatt, or St. Moritz to fully explore each delightful region.
Final Thoughts
The Glacier Express isn’t just a train—it’s a journey through time, terrain, and tradition. From alpine passes to engineered marvels, each turn offers something new. Whether you're drawn by adventure, romance, or sheer beauty, this is a trip you'll remember for a lifetime.
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