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Great Rail Journeys · Independent Rail

Glacier, Bernina & Jungfrau Express

Three famous Swiss trains through Alpine scenery, seven days from London

Illustration of Glacier, Bernina & Jungfrau Express

Great Rail Journeys offers a seven-day independent rail journey through Switzerland's most celebrated Alpine train routes. Departing from London, you fly to Zurich and travel by train to St Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken, staying six nights in comfortable 4-star hotels (with 5-star options available). The tour centres on three famous railways: the Bernina Express, which has operated since 1910 and holds UNESCO World Heritage status, ascending to 7,300 feet and crossing into Italy via the Brusio spiral viaduct; the Glacier Express, descending through green meadows and climbing through snow-capped mountains to the car-free village of Zermatt; and the Jungfrau Express, which climbs to Jungfraujoch at 11,333 feet, Europe's highest station, via a cogwheel train tunnel carved through the Eiger. The itinerary includes free days in Zermatt and Interlaken for independent exploration and optional activities, making it well-suited to repeat rail travellers and couples seeking time to wander.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel choice depends on tier and city: St Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken each offer both 4-star and 5-star options, so your final accommodation will vary by selection
  • Several optional excursions at extra cost are available in Zermatt and Interlaken; the stated free days may include activities you wish to book separately
  • Day 0 offers two route options: a one-day flight-rail combo or a relaxing two-day Eurostar journey with an overnight in Basel; confirm your preferred routing before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 0railovernight: St Moritz

    Outbound Travel – Getting to St Moritz

    Your journey begins with your flight from London to Zurich. On arrival you'll take the train from Zurich to Chur, and from Chur the train climbs higher into the mountains before arriving in St Moritz. Alternatively, take a relaxing two days of train travel from London to St Moritz via Eurostar to Paris, overnight in Basel, then Basel to Chur to St Moritz. First Class rail upgrades available.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 1overnight: St Moritz

    St Moritz

    On arrival in St Moritz, you'll transfer to your hotel. Choose between 4-star and 5-star hotels, on a B&B basis. St Moritz is a sophisticated resort town set in beautiful scenery, known for its glamourous guests and glitzy atmosphere.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    The Bernina Express

    Experience a world-famous train journey aboard the Bernina Express. In operation since 1910, this astounding route has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. Travel in panoramic carriages, ascending the Bernina Pass to more than 7,300 feet above sea level, passing the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco and the spectacular Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm. Descend towards Poschiavo and cross into Italy, spiralling around the famous corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. Journey ends in Tirano, then return to St Moritz for your second night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Board the magnificent Glacier Express, beginning your panoramic journey with the descent towards Chur. The train climbs into snow-capped mountains, reaches the journey's highest point, then descends along the Rhone Valley. Travel through Swiss scenes of green meadows and turquoise river gorges before climbing back into the mountains and arriving at the car-free village of Zermatt, with dramatic views of the iconic Matterhorn. Optional two or three course lunch onboard. Choose Classic, First Class or Excellence class carriages. Note: No Glacier Express trains running between 12th October and 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 4overnight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Enjoy a free day in Zermatt, a charming Swiss car-free village in the mountains. Breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn. Walk around the village, enjoy cafes, restaurants and bars. Optional excursions available at supplement: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Gornergrat, Matterhorn Return Alpine Crossing, Zermatt Hiking.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Zermatt to Interlaken

    Travel from Zermatt to Interlaken in the Jungfrau region by train. Interlaken is an alpine town with incredible views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Wander around, shop for traditional Swiss souvenirs, and take in the scenery. Optional excursions available at supplement: Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, Guided E-Biking, Schynige Platte.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    The Jungfrau Express

    Take the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest station, and experience the 'Top of Europe'. Choose to ascend and descend by gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or by traditional cogwheel train. Enjoy the famous Sphinx Observatory overlooking the Swiss Alps. Travel by cogwheel train through the final section from the Eiger Glacier into a tunnel cutting through the Eiger, with carved-out viewing windows showing tumbling glaciers.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 7rail

    Interlaken to the UK

    Your journey comes to an end today. Travel by train from Interlaken to Zurich airport, then fly back to the UK. Alternatively, take a one-day rail journey from Interlaken to Basel, then Basel to Paris Gare de Lyon, and Paris Nord to London St Pancras on the Eurostar. First Class upgrades available.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: The Bernina Express ascends to 7,300 feet, passing turquoise Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier before spiralling around the Brusio viaduct into Italy
  • Day 3Day 3: The Glacier Express descends through the Rhone Valley and climbs to its highest point before arriving at the car-free village of Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn
  • Day 6Day 6: The Jungfrau Express reaches Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest station at 11,333 feet, via a cogwheel train tunnel cut through the Eiger with viewing windows

Included

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes standard class rail in Switzerland, the three panoramic train journeys (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Jungfrau Express return), and return flights from Zurich. First class upgrades are available on some trains for an additional fee. Eurostar to Paris is offered as an alternative to the London-Zurich flight.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Great Rail Journeys markets this as an independent rail tour. You receive the hotels, trains, and flights; excursions and meals beyond breakfast are largely optional or at your choice in each town.
What is included in the hotels?
Six nights in 4-star hotel accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. You select your hotel tier (4-star or 5-star) in each city: St Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not publish a departure calendar in the evidence provided. Contact Great Rail Journeys to confirm available departure dates.
How much walking is involved?
Most days centre on train travel with minimal walking. Day 4 in Zermatt is free; you may walk around the car-free village or take optional excursions such as hiking or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Day 6 involves ascending and descending from Jungfraujoch by train. No major hikes are compulsory.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Meals other than breakfast, optional excursions, and any rail class upgrades are also not included in the base price.

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