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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Classic Glacier Express & Jungfrau Express

Swiss alpine rail loop: Glacier Express and Jungfrau Express from London

Illustration of Classic Glacier Express & Jungfrau Express

This 6-day independent tour with Great Rail Journeys combines two of Switzerland's most celebrated mountain railways in a single journey from London. You travel via Eurostar or London flight to Zurich, then by train to Chur, where you spend two nights in its historic car-free old town, one of the most intact in Switzerland. On Day 3, you board the Glacier Express, the famous panoramic train that climbs through the Alpine landscape from Chur toward Andermatt and the snow-capped peaks, reaching the journey's highest point before descending into Interlaken. On Day 4, you ride the Jungfrau Railway, a cogwheel train that ascends through alpine meadows past the imposing north face of the Eiger to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station at 3,454 metres above sea level, where views encompass the UNESCO-listed Aletsch Glacier. Days 2 and 5 are free to explore Interlaken's lakeside setting or pursue optional excursions. The return journey takes you by train back to Zurich for your flight home to London. The package includes five nights in 4-star hotels with breakfast, standard class rail throughout Switzerland, and return flights.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of £2,135 is for standard class rail; First Class and Excellence Class upgrades on the Glacier Express are available at extra cost.
  • Hotels are listed as 4-star in Chur and Interlaken, but a 5-star upgrade option for Interlaken is available.
  • Days 2 and 5 are free days with no guide; optional excursions (Bernina Express, Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, guided e-biking) are bookable at supplement.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Outbound Travel & Arrival in Chur

    Your holiday starts with your flight from London to Zurich. After arriving at Zurich airport you'll transfer by train to Zurich HB, the largest railway station in Switzerland, where you'll catch the train to Chur. Alternatively, take the train all the way from London to Chur via Eurostar to Paris Nord, RER to Gare de Lyon, train to Basel SBB, and then on to Chur. On arrival in Chur you'll transfer to your handpicked hotel on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Free Day in Chur

    Enjoy a free day in Chur, the largely car-free city that feels like a small town. Chur has one of the most intact old towns in Switzerland. Wander the quiet streets, visit a museum, and go shopping in some of the town's unique boutiques. Optional excursion available: Bernina Express (bookable at a supplement).

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Glacier Express

    Enjoy a breathtaking journey through the alpine landscape aboard the historic Glacier Express. Choose a classic carriage or upgrade to first class or excellence class. Aboard 'The Slowest Express Train in the World', your journey begins with a climb towards the winter ski resort of Andermatt. From here the train climbs steadily upwards into the snow-capped mountains reaching the journey's highest point, before descending along the beautiful Rhone Valley. You'll experience classic Swiss scenes as green meadows and dramatic turquoise river gorges pass by your window. You'll leave the Glacier Express in Brig and travel north to Interlaken. Note: No Glacier Express trains run between 12th October and 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfrau Express

    Experience the 'Top of Europe' on an excursion to the Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, on the Jungfrau Railway. Your ticket gives you the option to ascend and descend by gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or by traditional cogwheel train. The journey rises gently through alpine meadows, passing the imposing north face of the Eiger. From Eiger Glacier you'll travel by cogwheel train through a tunnel which cuts through the Eiger. A stop halfway allows you to enjoy the scenery of tumbling glaciers through carved-out viewing windows. At the top, the vistas from the Sphinx viewing platform are truly awe-inspiring, overlooking the stunning Aletsch Glacier. Return to your hotel for a second night in Interlaken.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Interlaken

    Free Day in Interlaken

    Enjoy a free day in Interlaken, an alpine town that sits in the arms of three magnificent mountains, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Shop for traditional Swiss souvenirs like chocolates and watches, and take in the incredible scenery, or choose from optional excursions: Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, or Guided E-Biking (all bookable at a supplement).

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6rail

    Inbound Travel & Return to London

    This incredible adventure ends today with your flight back to the UK. Before you go, enjoy the scenery one more time as you take your train from Interlaken to Zurich airport. Alternatively, take the train from Interlaken to Basel, then Basel to Gare de Lyon, and Paris Nord to St Pancras on the Eurostar.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ride the Glacier Express through the Alpine landscape, climbing toward snow-capped peaks and the train's highest point.
  • Day 4Ascend the Jungfrau Railway through alpine meadows past the Eiger's north face to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station at 3,454 metres.

Included

  • 5 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland
  • Panoramic Carriage Journey on the Glacier Express
  • Journey on the Jungfrau Express
  • Return Flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes standard class rail on the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig via Andermatt, the Jungfrau Railway from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, and return flights between London and Zurich. First Class and Excellence Class upgrades are available.
Is this escorted or independent?
Great Rail Journeys classifies this as independent travel. You receive hotel accommodation and rail tickets; Days 2 and 5 are completely free. No guide accompanies you.
What is included in the price?
Five nights in 4-star hotel bed and breakfast accommodation, standard class rail in Switzerland (Glacier Express and Jungfrau Express), a panoramic carriage journey on the Glacier Express, the Jungfrau Express journey, and return flights between London and Zurich. Travel insurance is not included.
How much walking is involved?
The trip involves city walking in Chur and Interlaken on free days, plus the train journeys themselves. The Jungfrau Railway ascends to 3,454 metres, but you travel by cogwheel train and can choose to descend by gondola from Grindelwald.
Which cities do you visit?
Chur (2 nights), Interlaken (2 nights), plus day visits to Andermatt and Brig on the Glacier Express, Jungfraujoch, and Grindelwald on the Jungfrau Express.
When does this trip run?
Great Rail Journeys publishes no departure schedule in their description; contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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