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Glacier Express St. Moritz - Zermatt (for international guests)

Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt across Swiss Alps

Illustration of Glacier Express St. Moritz - Zermatt (for international guests)

Railtour Suisse operates this 3-day Alpine rail journey on the Glacier Express, one of Europe's most celebrated scenic trains. The trip spans from St. Moritz, the world centre of alpine winter sports, to Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn. On Day 2, the 8.5-hour main journey crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges with views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, and lush meadows. The route includes the UNESCO World Heritage Albula and Bernina railway lines and the dramatic Rhine Gorge. You stay in solid 3-star hotels in both towns with breakfast included, and the Swiss Travel Pass grants 50% discounts on mountain railways and museum entry across Switzerland. Day 3 offers free time to explore Zermatt or ride the Gornergrat cog railway to panoramic summit views. This package suits first-time rail travellers seeking a classic Alpine crossing, photographers drawn to famous mountain scenery, and repeat rail enthusiasts who value the Glacier Express as a landmark journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package price (CHF 669 / USD 833) covers accommodation, the Swiss Travel Pass, and the Glacier Express seat reservation; confirm whether rail fare from your origin is included or separate when booking.
  • The itinerary lists optional extras (Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) that are not included in the base price.
  • Day 3 includes free time in Zermatt; the return journey details are not specified in the operator's itinerary.

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 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express (8h30)

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from St. Moritz to Zermatt with the Glacier Express. The train journey takes you over 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and over the Oberalp Pass at 2'033 m. All along the way, the great spectacle of nature alternates between snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls and forests, lush meadows and picturesque villages. 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 8.5-hour Glacier Express journey crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters, passing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels through snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, waterfalls, and forests.
  • Day 3Optional excursion on the Gornergrat cog railway to summit views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and peaks above 4,000 meters.

Included

  • Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 2nd class
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express
  • 1 night in St. Moritz, 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 Glacier Express train fare included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Travel Pass (3 days, 2nd class), seat reservations on the Glacier Express, and the journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 3-star hotel in St. Moritz and one night in a 3-star hotel in Zermatt, both standard double rooms with breakfast.
How long is the train journey?
The Glacier Express takes 8 hours and 30 minutes from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels.
What is included beyond accommodation and the train?
The Swiss Travel Pass offers 50% discount on most mountain railways and free entry to more than 500 museums across Switzerland.
Can I visit the Matterhorn or Gornergrat?
Yes. Day 3 in Zermatt allows time for the Gornergrat cog railway (50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass) or the optional Matterhorn Glacier Paradise excursion, both at extra cost.

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