Search

railtour suisse · Rail journey

Glacier Express Excellence Class (for international guests)

Five-day Glacier Express journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt in Excellence Class

Illustration of Glacier Express Excellence Class (for international guests)

Railtour Suisse's Glacier Express Excellence Class journey is a five-day rail experience through the Swiss Alps, beginning in St. Moritz and concluding in Zermatt. The package positions you in the train's most exclusive carriage, with window seats, an adjustable seat, on-board concierge service, tablet entertainment, and access to the Glacier Bar. On Day 3, the train carries you across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, climbing to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters while you receive a multi-course lunch with wine. The route traverses UNESCO World Heritage railway lines, including the Landwasser Viaduct and Rhine Gorge. You spend two nights in each of two four-star hotels, with breakfasts included and leisurely days to explore St. Moritz's shopping streets or take optional mountain railways to the Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise from Zermatt. The package suits luxury seekers and repeat rail travellers seeking unhurried alpine travel, as well as couples who value both on-board service and time to wander at each stop.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 5 is an unguided return journey; you arrange your own transport home
  • The from-price of CHF 1,647 (USD 2,052) covers the package and rail fares; confirm current availability and any seasonal surcharges with Railtour Suisse before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Arrival in St. Moritz

    Train journey to St. Moritz, the birthplace of alpine winter sports. Enjoy the mountain landscape with its fantastic views or stroll through Via Serlas, one of Switzerland's most exclusive shopping streets. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  2. Day 2overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day at leisure in and around St. Moritz. In summer, our hotels in St. Moritz offer you free travel on various Upper Engadine mountain railways. Our favourite is an unforgettable trip to the Diavolezza. Overnight in St. Moritz.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express (8h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today the highlight of your trip awaits you - the journey with the Glacier Express in the Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt. First-class comfort awaits you in the most exclusive carriage of the train. Sit back in your adjustable seat by the panoramic window and enjoy the breathtaking views of majestic mountains, deep gorges and picturesque villages. To whet your appetite, they serve you an aperitif platter and champagne. After that you get a regional, multi course lunch including corresponding wine, freshly prepared in the on-board kitchen. Overnight in Zermatt.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    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. Overnight in Zermatt.

  5. Day 5

    Zermatt and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Time at leisure and individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Glacier Express departs St. Moritz in Excellence Class, traveling 8 hours 30 minutes to Zermatt through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, with a multi-course lunch served at your window seat
  • Day 4Optional excursion on the Gornergrat cog railway from Zermatt to view the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and peaks above 4,000 meters

Included

  • Swiss Travel Pass Flex 3 days in 1st class
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Window seat, concierge, tablet with Bordinfotainment, access to the Glacier Bar, starter plate with champagne, regional multi course menu including wine, tea time in the afternoon, snacks, coffee, juices, soft drinks
  • 2 nights in St. Moritz, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 2 nights in Zermatt, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums (only valid on a selected travel day)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Travel Pass Flex for three days in first class, seat reservation on the Glacier Express Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, and concierge service on board.
What is the Glacier Express route?
The train travels from St. Moritz to Zermatt over 8 hours 30 minutes, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels, including the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina railway lines, the Landwasser Viaduct, Rhine Gorge, and Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters.
What meals are included on the Glacier Express?
Railtour Suisse includes a starter plate with champagne, a regional multi-course menu with wine, afternoon tea, snacks, coffee, and beverages on the train.
Which hotels are used?
Four-star hotels in St. Moritz for two nights and in Zermatt for two nights, each with breakfast and a standard double room.
Is this an escorted tour or independent travel?
The Glacier Express includes concierge service and personal travel companionship on board. Days in St. Moritz and Zermatt are at leisure; Day 5 involves an individual return journey.
What is included beyond the train and hotels?
The package includes a 50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry to more than 500 museums (valid on a selected travel day), and on-board access to the Glacier Bar and tablet with entertainment.

Similar journeys