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Glacier Express Chur - Zermatt (for international guests)

Alpine rail journey on the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt

Illustration of Glacier Express Chur - Zermatt (for international guests)

railtour suisse operates this 3-day Alpine rail journey for international guests traveling from Chur to Zermatt aboard the Glacier Express. The trip combines two nights in 3-star Swiss hotels with breakfast and a scenic train journey that crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels en route to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. Day 1 arrives in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, known for its car-free medieval old town and Mediterranean atmosphere. Day 2 is devoted entirely to the 5.5-hour Glacier Express journey through ancient mountain forests, Alpine meadows, and the Rhine Gorge. Day 3 in Zermatt offers time to explore the town or ascend the Gornergrat on a cog railway for views of the Matterhorn and snow-capped peaks. The Swiss Travel Pass grants 50% discount on most mountain railways and free museum entry, adding value for those interested in optional excursions. This package suits first-time rail travellers seeking a famous train experience, couples wanting a short Alpine escape, and photographers drawn to high-altitude scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price does not include the train journey itself; it covers the hotels, Swiss Travel Pass in 2nd class, and seat reservation on the Glacier Express
  • Day 3 in Zermatt is unguided; optional excursions such as the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise are at additional cost

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Arrival in Chur

    Train journey to Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. The car-free old town with its countless boutiques, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Overnight in Chur.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express (5h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from Chur to Zermatt with the Glacier Express. The train journey takes you over bridges, through tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass at 2'033 m. Travel in comfort through the natural beauty of an unspoiled landscape, with ancient, perfumed mountain forests, peaceful Alpine meadows, rushing mountain rivers and mountain valleys, steeped in tradition and centuries-old culture. Overnight in Zermatt.

  3. Day 3rail

    Zermatt and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day in Zermatt or make a trip to the Gornergrat. Europe's highest open-air cog railway takes you from Zermatt to the Gornergrat. On the summit you will have a superb panoramic view of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and many other snow-capped peaks rising to above 4'000 m. If you want to go even higher, you should include the excursion Matterhorn Glacier Paradise in your programme. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Glacier Express departs Chur and ascends to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels over 5.5 hours
  • Day 3Optional excursion on the Gornergrat cog railway offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and peaks rising above 4,000 metres

Included

  • Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express
  • 1 night in Chur, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Zermatt, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
The Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class and seat reservation on the Glacier Express are included. Check with railtour suisse whether other rail travel is covered by the pass.
What train do we travel on?
The Glacier Express, which runs from Chur to Zermatt in 5.5 hours, crossing the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
Which hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in Chur and one night in a 3-star hotel in Zermatt, both with breakfast and standard double rooms.
What is included in the price?
Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class, seat reservation on the Glacier Express, two nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast, 50% discount on most mountain railways, and free entry to more than 500 museums.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
The itinerary does not indicate a guide or escort; this appears to be an independent rail package where you arrange your own travel to Chur.
Can I visit the Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise?
Both are optional excursions available during your free day in Zermatt; they are not included in the package price.

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