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Magic Switzerland (Magic Travel Services GmbH) · Individual rail tour

Glacier and Bernina Express Classic

Swiss alpine rail loop: Glacier and Bernina Express trains, three cities, four days

Illustration of Glacier and Bernina Express Classic

Magic Switzerland offers a 4-day, 3-night independent rail tour linking three alpine towns via two of Switzerland's most renowned scenic trains. The journey begins in Zermatt, the car-free mountain village anchored by the Matterhorn. Day 2 features the Glacier Express, a panoramic train that traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through the Alpine heartland to St. Moritz. Day 3 boards the Bernina Express, which climbs the Bernina pass to over 2,253 metres and descends into Italy before continuing by coach to Lugano. The package includes second-class rail tickets with reserved seats, three nights in quality Swiss hotels with breakfast, and a 50% discount on local mountain excursions. Departures run April through October 2026. This tour suits independent explorers and first-time rail travellers who want guided train travel without daily group activities, as well as seasoned rail enthusiasts seeking to experience two classic Alpine routes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary shows a day 4 departure; there is no guided activity or excursion on the final day.
  • The Bernina Express leg includes a coach segment (bus from Tirano to Lugano) alongside the train portion.
  • Single supplements are substantial: CHF 247 above half the double rate in lowest season (3-star tier).

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zermatt

    Arrival in Zermatt

    Arrival in the charming car-free town of Zermatt, popular for the Matterhorn, the world's most famous mountain.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Glacier Express to St. Moritz

    Board the world-famous Glacier Express for a scenic panoramic rail journey through the Alpine heartland of Switzerland.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Bernina Express to Lugano

    Board the Bernina Express, climbing over the spectacular Bernina pass to more than 2,253 m towards Poschiavo and Brusio, reaching Tirano in Italy (end of the Bernina line). Change to the Bernina Express bus onwards to Lugano.

  4. Day 4

    Departure

    Day at leisure. Return to Swiss border or individual onward journey. Itinerary bookable in reverse; Open Jaw possible (starting in Lugano and ending in Zermatt or vice versa).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Glacier Express for a panoramic rail journey through the Alpine heartland, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
  • Day 3Travel the Bernina Express as it climbs over the Bernina pass to 2,253 metres, descending through Poschiavo and Brusio to Tirano, then continue by Bernina Express bus to Lugano.

Included

  • Rail ticket in 2nd class for rail travel per itinerary
  • 1 night each in Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lugano, quality hotels, standard rooms with private facilities and breakfast
  • Seat Reservation on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz
  • Seat Reservation on the Bernina Express train from St. Moritz to Tirano
  • Seat Reservation on the Bernina Express bus from Tirano to Lugano
  • 50% discount on additional rail tickets (local transport) and some mountain excursions

Questions travellers ask

Are train tickets included?
Yes. The package includes second-class rail tickets for the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz) and Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano), plus the Bernina Express bus (Tirano to Lugano). First-class upgrades are available for CHF 184 per person.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
It is an individual rail tour. Seat reservations are arranged on the trains, but you travel and explore at your own pace. Days 1, 3, and 4 are unguided.
What is included in the price?
Rail tickets in second class per itinerary, three nights in quality hotels with breakfast (single rooms with private facilities), seat reservations on both trains and the bus, and a 50% discount on additional local transport and some mountain excursions.
Which hotels are used?
One night each in Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Lugano. You choose between 3-star or 4-star quality hotels at the time of booking.
When does it run?
The tour operates from 24 February 2026 to 8 October 2026. Pricing varies by season; April 1 to October 8 is the lowest season.
Can I book it in reverse?
Yes. The itinerary is bookable in reverse (starting in Lugano, ending in Zermatt). Open jaw options are also available.

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