Experience a Breathtaking Journey on the Glacier Express

The Glacier Express truly deserves its nickname as "the window to the Swiss Alps." I discovered this firsthand when I embarked on a recent trip as a guest. With train cars boasting nearly all-glass ceilings, you can soak in the panoramic views above and around you as you traverse Switzerland on this engineering marvel. The picturesque valleys and towering mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop that enhances the entire experience.

It’s nothing short of an extraordinary train journey. The Swiss transportation network operates with impeccable precision, whether you’re making a quick hop between towns or traveling the full distance from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Train travel thrives in Switzerland, thanks to a rail system renowned as the best in Europe, with stellar records for punctuality, safety, and exceptional service—making it easy to reach virtually any destination in the country.

Modern Comforts and Travel Simplicity

Among the Swiss railways, the Glacier Express offers a uniquely special experience, captivating everyone from solo adventurers to tour groups, and it has been delighting passengers for over 90 years since its inaugural journey on June 25, 1930. Many travelers board in the morning and disembark in the afternoon, covering the length of Switzerland in just a few hours. While these distances might seem extensive to the Swiss, as a New Yorker, a five-hour drive to go skiing in Vermont is standard, making this scenic journey an extraordinary way to explore a beautiful part of the country.

The journey’s safety and cleanliness enhance its appeal. I also enjoyed a strong data signal throughout, ensuring you can stay connected for work, social media, or reading. A word of advice for those who can’t disconnect: it’s challenging to focus on tasks when so many stunning landscapes await your gaze outside the window.

The world’s slowest express train

The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, traversing remote valleys, steep rock faces, and charming mountain villages—all in remarkable style, paired with exquisite dining options throughout the trip. Known as "the slowest express train in the world," it glides across the landscape while also taking its time to allow you to see, experience, and savor the attractions along the route.

Overall, the complete eight-hour journey spans about 180 miles at an average speed of 24 miles per hour. Notable highlights include the renowned Oberalp Pass with its breathtaking vistas, the Landwasser Viaduct featuring six arches each 65 feet long, and the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Rhaetian Railway in the Albula/Bernina Landscapes, a century-old engineering marvel, and the Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch region.

Essential Glacier Express tips for travelers

Don't forget your sunglasses
They’ll come in handy due to the train’s open sides and the shimmering reflections from the beautiful rivers nearby, including the Rhône and Rhine, as well as the snow-capped mountains. A cross-country trail in Goms runs parallel to the tracks, and you might even spot alpine skiers above Andermatt during the winter, so keep your eyes open.

For style enthusiasts
Explore the Excellence Class. It offers an upgraded experience beyond First Class. With 20 lounge seats, private access to the Glacier Bar, and an inclusive gastronomy and wine program with your seat reservation, it’s a luxurious choice. An exclusive concierge for Excellence Class guests serves drinks and meals, reminiscent of Swiss International Air Lines’ First Class, featuring the SWISS Taste of Switzerland culinary program—complete with Swiss cuisine, desserts, snacks, and wine and cheese pairings.

Best time to visit
No matter when you choose to ride, it’s always a fantastic experience. However, autumn offers a particularly enchanting Swiss experience. According to the concierge, it’s her favorite season to be on board when the first snow blankets the Alps, and you can see cattle outside your window, fattened from the summer, descending the mountain for winter. It perfectly embodies that quintessential Swiss scene of cows leisurely making their way down the hillside, bells chiming around their necks.

Forget the packed lunch
Arrive hungry! The onboard kitchen serves up amazing meals, freshly prepared just for you. Whether you select the dish of the day or indulge in a full four-course meal, each dish features cheeses, produce, and proteins sourced from the very mountains you’re traveling through. Pair it with a glass of Swiss wine and relax while soaking in the breathtaking views outside your window.