Switzerland's Iconic Rail Journey

Experience the Legendary Glacier Express

Travel through the heart of the Swiss Alps aboard the world’s most iconic panoramic train, where every mile reveals unforgettable mountain scenery.

Trusted by 10,000+
Luxury Travelers
Rated 4.9/5 on Google
Tailored Luxury
Since 2010
A Swiss Rail Legend
The Journey That Changed the Way the World Sees Switzerland

Since 1930, the Glacier Express has quietly climbed and descended through the beating heart of the Swiss Alps — seven valleys, six rivers, 91 tunnels, and one of the highest railway passes on earth. It is called the slowest fast train in the world for a reason. Nothing here is hurried. Every kilometre is designed to be seen.

The Route
From the Matterhorn to the Engadin. 291 Kilometres of Pure Wonder.
START
Zermatt
1,604 M
Visp
651 M
Brig
681 M
Andermatt
1,444 M
Disentis
1,142 M
Chur
585 M
Filisur
1,032 M
END
St Moritz
1,775 M

291 km

Total Distance

8 Hours

Journey Time

91

Viaducts & Tunnels

2,033 m

Highest Point

Our Most Popular
Best Rail Journeys for Seniors

128 Reviews

Senior Rail Escape

Family Travel

Lucerne · Interlaken · Zermatt

Relax aboard panoramic trains through alpine peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming mountain villages with comfortable first-class rail travel.

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Italian Highlights

RAIL JOURNEY

Florence · Rome · Venice

Experience Italy’s timeless cities, world-famous landmarks, and scenic high-speed rail connections designed for relaxed exploration.

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Imperial Rail Journey

RAIL JOURNEY

Vienna · Salzburg · Hallstatt

Discover elegant imperial cities, peaceful lakeside villages, and breathtaking alpine scenery at a comfortable, unhurried pace.

Our Rail Packages
Featured Glacier Express Journeys

8 Day Tour

8 Day Tour

Scenic Rails of Ireland

92 Reviews

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$1,794

$899pp

Prices go up in 2 days

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8 Day Tour

8 Day Tour

Majestic Switzerland: A Grand Panoramic Train Voyage

87 Reviews

19 Days Left
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Prices go up in 1 day

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10 Day Tour

10 Day Tour

Paris to Rome by Rail

88 Reviews

14 Days Left
$5,785

$4,648pp

Prices go up in 3 days

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8 Day Tour

8 Day Tour

Hidden Treasures of Wallonia

98 Reviews

23 Days Left
$0

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15 Day Tour

15 Day Tour

From Royal Madrid to Modern Barcelona

116 Reviews

18 Days Left
$5,764

$4,215pp

Prices go up in 3 days

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8 Day Tour

8 Day Tour

Norway Highlights: Express Fjords Journey

156 Reviews

3 Days Left
$3,889

$3,256pp

Prices go up in 2 days

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Choose Your Class
Choose Your Level of Alpine Luxury
Excellence Class
First Class
Second Class
On Board Dining

An Alpine Feast at Your Window Seat

Signature Design Detail

A table dressed for the mountains

Every carriage is set with linen napery, gold-rimmed porcelain and hand-blown crystal — the same tableware carried by the original 1920s wagons-restaurants. Courses are plated at your seat as the landscape drifts by, choreographed to arrive with the passes and pine forests beyond the glass.

Menu & Cuisine

Seasonal alpine plates by rotating guest chefs from Michelin-starred kitchens across Europe.

Wine & Beverage List

A curated cellar of small-vineyard Grüner, Nebbiolo and reserve Champagnes, poured by our sommelier.

Dessert & Local Specialties

Regional pâtisserie — from Engadiner nusstorte to warm chestnut soufflé — plated at your seat.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegan, gluten-free and allergen-aware menus, prepared to order when you reserve 48 hours ahead.

Glacier Express Difference

Why Travelers Love the Glacier Express

Panoramic Alpine Views

Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows reveal snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, ancient glaciers, and picturesque Swiss villages from every seat.

The World's Slowest Express

Travel at a relaxed pace designed for sightseeing, giving you time to appreciate every bridge, tunnel, and breathtaking mountain panorama.

Legendary Scenic Route

Journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels, and the famous Oberalp Pass through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Luxury Onboard Dining

Enjoy freshly prepared Swiss cuisine served directly to your seat while spectacular Alpine scenery unfolds beyond your panoramic window.

Travel in Total Comfort

Choose from spacious First Class or the exclusive Excellence Class, where comfort, attentive service, and unforgettable views come together.

A True Bucket-List Journey

Recognized as one of the world's most iconic rail experiences, the Glacier Express is a journey every rail traveler should experience at least once.

Iconic Rails
Travel Aboard the World's Most Legendary Trains.

London · Paris · Venice

Orient Express

Lucerne · Interlaken · Montreux

Golden Pass Express

Chur · Tirano

Bernina Express

Fort William · Mallaig

Jacoblite Steam

Myrdal · Flåm

Flåm Railway

Travel With Complete Peace of Mind
Your Health and Wellbeing. Every Step of the Way.

Travel Insurance Guidance

Clear, senior-specific advice on cover — including pre-existing conditions and cancellation.

Emergency Support 24/7

A real person on the phone anywhere in Europe, day or night — no menus, no hold music.

Dietary Requirements

From low-salt to gluten-free, dietary needs are shared with every hotel and train restaurant.

Managing Fatigue During Travel

Built-in rest days, gentle transfers, and shorter travel legs to keep you at your best.

FAQs
Everything You Need to Know Before You Board
How long is the Glacier Express journey?

The full route between Zermatt and St Moritz takes approximately 8 hours, covering 291 kilometres across two Alpine cantons.

Both are magnificent. Zermatt to St Moritz places the Landwasser Viaduct in golden afternoon light; the reverse offers a Matterhorn arrival.

Yes — the Glacier Express operates fully accessible carriages with dedicated wheelchair spaces and assistance at every station.

Our senior-friendly booking terms allow flexible changes. If health or family matters intervene, we’ll work with you to adjust the trip.

European operators offer partial or full refunds for significant delays, typically from 60 minutes onwards. Our rail experts monitor every journey we arrange and will proactively rebook you onto the next available service should disruption occur.

Late spring and early autumn offer the finest balance of mild weather, quieter carriages, and dramatic seasonal landscapes. Winter rail journeys through the Alps are exceptional, while summer brings vibrant coastal routes along the Mediterranean.

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Travel Butler
WithGoRailTravel’ Travel Butler, enjoy a seamless rail adventure across England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Our team crafts bespoke itineraries, handles every detail from rail passes to insider tips, and ensures transparent pricing so you can focus entirely on exploring, relaxing, and making unforgettable memories.
Travel Butler
WithGoRailTravel’ Travel Butler, enjoy a seamless rail adventure across England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. Our team crafts bespoke itineraries, handles every detail from rail passes to insider tips, and ensures transparent pricing so you can focus entirely on exploring, relaxing, and making unforgettable memories.