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Fred. Holidays · Rail journey

Glacier Express

World's slowest express train, Zermatt to St Moritz across the Alps

Illustration of Glacier Express

Fred. Holidays, through Fred. Rail Journeys, books travelers on the Glacier Express, known as the 'world's slowest express train'. It climbs to 2,044m and crosses Switzerland between Zermatt and St Moritz, or in reverse, running at around 24mph over 290km (181 miles), across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, taking nearly 8 hours. Leaving Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn, the route climbs the Furka Pass and Oberalp Pass before joining the UNESCO-listed Albula Line at Thusis, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct on the way to Chur and beyond. Meals, snacks and drinks are not included in Standard or First Class, though Excellence Class, introduced in 2019, adds a concierge, reclining window seats and a 5-course regional menu with wine and champagne, for a supplement. This suits first-time rail travelers and photographers drawn to one of Switzerland's best-known routes.

Price history

Across 2 checks, this price has fallen £100 since 2 Sep, to £2,699.

£2,799£2,6992 Sep12 Sep

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 2 points are a live read of the operator's page.

What to know before you look closer

  • Meals, snacks and drinks are not included in Standard or First Class; either purchase on board or pre-book an at-seat meal.
  • Excellence Class, with its concierge service and multi-course meal, costs a supplement over the standard fare.

Not included

  • Meals/snacks/drinks on board in Standard and First Class (purchase separately, or pre-book at-seat meal)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed on more than one site. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?
From £2,699 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,646 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
How long does the journey take?
Nearly 8 hours, covering 290km (181 miles) at around 24mph.
Is food included?
Not in Standard or First Class; you can purchase on board or pre-book an at-seat meal. Excellence Class includes a 5-course menu with wine and champagne.
What is Excellence Class?
A class introduced in 2019 with a concierge, reclining window seats, and a 5-course regional menu with wine and champagne, for a supplement.
What is the route?
Between Zermatt and St Moritz, or in reverse, via the Furka Pass, Oberalp Pass and the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct.
How high does the train climb?
To 2,044 metres.

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