Alpine landscapes, snowcapped mountains, lush green meadows, deep gorges, beautiful historic cities, charming villages and hamlets. Our research on travelling between the two beautiful Swiss towns kept taking us back to one option: a journey on the legendary Glacier Express. Read our recommendation on the best way to travel between Zermatt and St Moritz.
The Glacier Express
Switzerland is renowned for its efficient railway system and magnificent rail journeys, including the ever-popular Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express, GoldenPass Express and the Jungfrau Express.
The best way to travel between Zermatt and St Moritz
The Glacier Express runs the route between Zermatt and St Moritz and is fondly known as “the world’s slowest express train”. Consistently ranked among the top ten railway journeys in the world, the eight-hour journey covers 291km, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges.
You can start the journey at either end: Zermatt to St Moritz or St Moritz to Zermatt. And, you can join or leave the train at a few points along the way: Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastell, Filisur and Samedan.
Importantly, the panoramic windows and skylights in each carriage provide unobstructed views of some of the world’s best alpine scenery.
Classes of travel
The Glacier Express has options for every budget when it comes to reserving a seat. The journey can be started at either end: Zermatt to St Moritz or St Moritz to Zermatt.
First vs Second Class
The main difference between these two classes of travel is the seating arrangements:
- In First Class, there are three seats per row arranged in a 2-2 configuration facing each other on one side of the carriage and 1-1 on the other.
- In Second Class, the seats are configured 2-2 on both sides. Again, they face each other.
In both classes, a snacks and beverages trolley provides regular service in the carriages from which passengers can purchase. The train is equipped with a bar with a selection of beers, juices, and spirits.
A bonus of First Class is the extra legroom, and freshly prepared meals can be ordered and served at your seat.
The Glacier Express is included on the Swiss Rail Pass ticket, but you must reserve your seats at least 90 days in advance.
Excellence Class
Travelling on the Glacier Express in Excellence Class is the ultimate experience. With only 20 passengers in the Excellence Class carriage, you travel in luxury with seating 1-1 facing each other on either side of the carriage. With all passengers having a window seat, you have uninterrupted views of the passing scenery.
Full concierge service is offered to Excellence Class passengers. During the journey, the Glacier Bar at the end of the carriage is available exclusively for the 20 passengers in the carriage.
In addition, a gourmet seven-course meal with wine pairing is served during the eight-hour journey.
Note: Passengers purchasing an Excellence Class ticket must complete the journey from Zermatt to St Moritz, or vice versa, on the same day. Passengers cannot leave the journey at the stopping points. This is only available to First and Second Class passengers.
Full details on the route, each class of travel, pricing and reservations can be found on the Glacier Express website.
Our journey
We could not resist the opportunity to travel through some of Switzerland’s most panoramic landscapes in Excellence Class when reserving our seats.
To secure these much-coveted seats, we purchased our tickets eight months before the journey.
A small setback
Two months before our stay, Zermatt and some of its surrounding towns were affected by heavy rain, devastating flooding and landslides. When we arrived in Zermatt, the town had been quickly restored to pristine condition. There were no signs of what had been.
The team at Glacier Express contacted us before the journey, advising that a portion of the railway track between Tasch and Visp was still undergoing repair. Arrangements had been made for passengers to travel from Zermatt to Tasch on the train, then be escorted onto coaches to rejoin the train at Brig.
Embarkation
We strolled along the Bahnhofstrasse to the train station after checking out of our Zermatt accommodation. At the Welcome desk on the platform, our concierge met us at the train, arranged for our luggage storage, and seated us for the short ride to Tasch.
At Tasch, we were offered the choice of a coach transfer with other passengers or a private van to complete the drive to Brig. We took the private van option.
On Board Experience
Our experience began as soon as we boarded and settled into our luxurious seats by the panoramic windows. Octavio, our concierge and his lovely Austrian assistant, Elka, introduced us to the tablet from which we could glean as much or as little information and facts as we wanted about the journey.
The culinary experience in Excellence Class complemented the stunning scenery as we travelled the eight-hour journey to St Moritz. And, it commenced as soon as we were settled in our seats. As the train slowly moved away from the station, Champagne and a welcome platter were served.
As the journey progressed, we were served a delicious five-course meal paired with wines. All meals are freshly prepared in the kitchen and served at our seats. It is fine dining at its best!
Dietary requirements are well catered for. You can view the menu and beverage offerings here.
The scenery
The view from the windows was spectacular! Although we were travelling at a slower pace compared to other trains, the landscape was constantly changing.
We travelled through lush green valleys, passing small farms, villages, and hamlets, interspersed with slightly larger towns as we headed up to the Oberland Pass, the highest point on our route.
We also traversed the dramatic Rhine Gorge, known for its crystal-clear waters and cliffs. Along the way, we crossed numerous bridges, including a famous arched bridge, and passed through tunnels; however, these interruptions did not dominate our journey. It was exciting to see the amazing scenery emerging on the other side of each tunnel.
Disembarkation
Suddenly, we were gliding into St Moritz station.
Entertained by the stunning scenery and exquisite dining experience, our time on the Glacier Express in Excellence Class had passed in a flash.
We were farewelled with a parting gift by our friendly and efficient concierge team, Octavio and Elka. Our luggage was offloaded and waiting on the platform for us to collect on disembarkation.
We waved them goodbye, looking forward to an equally impressive return journey in a couple of days, when we would return to Tasch on the Glacier Express in Excellence Class. We had left our car parked in Tasch, from where we would continue our travels.
The return journey – St Moritz to Tasch
Following a couple of wonderful days exploring St Moritz, we reboarded the Glacier Express for the return journey.
For the return journey, we have booked seats on the other side of the carriage, although with fewer passengers in the carriage, our head concierge encourages us to enjoy moving across both sides of the carriage to capture the views
The dining service throughout the eight-hour journey is the same as on our first leg, equally delicious and impeccable.
What we thought
One of the world’s best railway journeys, travelling between Zermatt and St Moritz, is indeed a unique rail experience. It is definitely the best way to see some of Switzerland’s most impressive scenery. We can guarantee that you will never be bored.
Travelling in the Excellence Class carriage made our journey magical. If your budget allows, we highly recommend this experience.
Nevertheless, in whichever class of travel, a journey on the Glacier Express is the best way to travel between Zermatt and St Moritz.
In case you’re interested
Planning a trip to Switzerland?
Our travels have taken us to other towns and cities in Switzerland, which we believe are worth visiting.
Take a look at our recommendations by clicking on the links below.
- Basel, a Swiss treasure you must visit
- You must include fascinating Zurich on your Swiss itinerary
- Lucerne is a beautiful Swiss town you must visit
- Interlaken is one of Switzerland’s top destinations
- Why you should visit Bern, Switzerland’s charming capital
- You’ll love Montreux, Switzerland’s hidden gem
- Zermatt, one of Switzerland’s most magical towns
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