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Glacier Express Train in Switzerland

rclark | May 18, 2010 |

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The Swiss people exault the Glacier Express Train as the world's slowest express, and that isn't a bad thing. The Glacier Express takes around 8 hours and the services of two private, narrow-gauge railroads to traverse the 168 mountainous miles. The Alpine route of the Glacier Express Train is what makes this train so ride so magical!

The first and second class panorama cars are air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible and are much more quiet than the previous generation of glacier trains. The new interiors are also elegantly designed and pleasant to be in with improved information system available in six languages.

The Glacier Express connects Zermatt with St. Moritz and Chur. The journey across Switzerland takes seven and a half hours. St. Moritz is a famous winter resort, but it is well worth visiting in summer as well. It lacks the picturesque character you expect from alpine town but the beautiful surroundings make up for the lack of character. St. Moritz is far from cheap but not as expensive as Zermatt.

So why should you take the Glacier Express? The train is part of a comprehensive Swiss rail network the that cruises along as it pokes across 291 bridges, passes through 91 tunnels, and masters the 6,660-foot Oberalp Pass. We have several comprehensive programs from which to choose. Both use the regular and chartered steam trains on this route. You can get your ticket on the Glacier Express with a Eurail Network Pass.

The Glacier Express is popular so it's best to book in far in advance. On the sunny summer days the panorama coaches can be a mixed blessing. You get wonderful views but very little shade, so bring a hat with you. Generally, the east-bound service, from Zermatt to St. Moritz, is less popular than west-bound service. So if you can choose your starting point, you may prefer to travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz.