Glacier Express

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Glacier Express

Train Reviews

Glacier Express

Glacier Express Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Train for You?

Famous as the “slowest express train in the world,” the Glacier Express is an 8-hour panoramic journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps, connecting the ultra-luxurious ski resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz.

Traveling across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels, and over the spectacular 2,033-meter Oberalp Pass, it is arguably the most famous scenic train in Europe. In 2026, it remains a heavily sought-after bucket-list experience, largely due to its massive panoramic windows and its ultra-premium Excellence Class.

Glacier Express at a Glance

  • Operator: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn / Rhätische Bahn
  • Route: Zermatt – Andermatt – Chur – St. Moritz (and vice versa)
  • Duration: Approx. 8 Hours
  • Best For: Astonishing Alpine scenery, winter wonderlands, and luxury slow-travel through Switzerland.
Glacier Express

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

The entire train is built for sightseeing. The carriages feature massive glass panels that curve into the roof, allowing for unobstructed views of the towering peaks.

1st and 2nd Class

Both 1st and 2nd class offer panoramic windows. 2nd class is arranged in a 2-2 seating configuration, while 1st class offers wider seats in a 2-1 layout. In both classes, passengers can order freshly prepared, multi-course meals served directly at their seats (meals must be pre-booked or ordered from the onboard menu).

Excellence Class

Introduced to cater to the ultra-luxury market, Excellence Class is spectacular. Limited to just 20 passengers per carriage, every seat is a guaranteed window seat in a 1-1 layout. The ticket includes an exclusive concierge, a tablet for route information, access to the private Glacier Bar, and an incredible 5-course regional gastronomy menu paired with matching wines.

Luggage Allowance & Policies

Crucial 2026 Note: The Glacier Express is a sightseeing train, not a luggage hauler. There are no checked baggage cars on the train.

Small Carry-On Policy
Large Suitcases Permitted. Can be stored under seats or in small racks near the doors.
SBB Luggage Forwarding Highly discouraged. Space is incredibly limited at the ends of the carriages and fills up instantly.
SBB Luggage Forwarding Recommended. You can pay the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to ship your heavy luggage from your hotel in Zermatt directly to your hotel in St. Moritz so you can ride the train bag-free.

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: The Swiss rail system is famously immaculate. The food is cooked fresh onboard in the dining galley (not reheated airplane food). The audio guide (provided via headphones) perfectly explains the history of the passing glaciers and gorges.
  • The Lows: The panoramic glass turns the train into a greenhouse during peak summer sunny days. While air-conditioned, the sun beating through the curved roof glass can make the cabin very warm.

Pros & Cons of Traveling on the Glacier Express

Pros:

  • Some of the most beautiful mountain scenery on the planet.
  • Panoramic windows provide stunning photo opportunities.
  • Excellence Class is a true 5-star moving restaurant.
  • Meals are served directly at your seat on real china.

Cons:

  • Seat reservations are mandatory and carry a hefty surcharge on top of standard rail passes.
  • Nowhere to store large luggage comfortably.
  • 8 hours on a train can feel long for restless travelers or children.

Have You Journeyed on Glacier Express?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Glacier Express

Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the Glacier Express?

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass covers the base ticket fare. However, seat reservations are mandatory and are not included in the pass. You must pay a significant reservation fee (which fluctuates by season) to secure your seat. Excellence Class requires an additional massive premium surcharge.

Where do I put my luggage on the Glacier Express?

Because space is so limited, it is highly recommended that you use the SBB luggage forwarding service to send your heavy bags ahead to your destination. If you must bring luggage on board, there are small racks at the ends of the carriages, but they fill up immediately.

Can you open the windows on the Glacier Express?

No. Because the carriages are fully air-conditioned and designed with massive, uninterrupted panoramic glass panels, the windows cannot be opened.

Have You Ridden the Glacier Express?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Was the Excellence Class worth the upgrade, or did you struggle to find space for your luggage?

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.