Glacier Express

A Swiss scenic train from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass in about 8 hours.

The Glacier Express is a panoramic train linking Zermatt in the canton of Valais with St. Moritz (or Davos) in Graubünden. The journey covers about 290 km in 7.5–8 hours, earning it the nickname 'the slowest express train in the world'. The line climbs over the 2,033 m Oberalp Pass and passes the Rhine Gorge (the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'), Andermatt and Disentis, as well as the famous Landwasser Viaduct on the Albula section of the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway. The carriages have panoramic windows and meals can be ordered at your seat; a more luxurious Excellence Class is also available. A popular plan: spend 2 nights in Zermatt to watch the Matterhorn glow at sunrise, ride the Glacier Express to St. Moritz in a day, then connect to the Bernina Express south to Tirano in Italy, combining the two into the 'Swiss double scenic train' route. You can also ride just one section (for example Zermatt to Andermatt). On transport: with a Swiss Travel Pass the base fare is covered, but a seat reservation fee must be paid separately, and in summer you should book ahead. Window reflections can spoil photos, so consider the dedicated viewing-car area for photography. You cannot get off partway on the through service, but you can cover sections on regular regional trains instead.

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