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railtour suisse · Rail journey

Glacier Express Zermatt - Chur

Swiss Alpine rail journey on the Glacier Express, Zermatt to Chur

Illustration of Glacier Express Zermatt - Chur

The Glacier Express, operated by railtour suisse, is a two-day, one-night journey from Zermatt to Chur that showcases the Swiss Alps on one of Europe's most celebrated mountain trains. You begin in Zermatt, set at the foot of the Matterhorn, with time to explore the village or ascend the Gornergrat on a cog railway for views of snow-capped peaks. On Day 2, the Glacier Express carries you 5 hours 30 minutes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, crossing the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters through ancient mountain forests, Alpine meadows, rushing rivers, and dramatic gorges. The trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a famous mountain railway, couples looking for a short Alpine getaway, and photographers drawn to high Alpine scenery. One night in a three-star Zermatt hotel with breakfast is included, along with a reserved second-class seat on the train.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price assumes a Half Fare Travelcard basis; confirm your actual rail fare separately with railtour suisse
  • The trip includes train travel to and from your domicile on a Half Fare Travelcard; a separate discount card or full-price ticket may apply depending on your location and rail pass status

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zermatt

    Arrival in Zermatt

    Arrival in Zermatt by train. 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.

  2. Day 2rail

    Glacier Express (5h30) and return journey

    Breakfast at the hotel. Today you travel from Zermatt to Chur 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. Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland, the Alpine town between North and South. The traffic-free old town with more than 500 shops is the largest shopping centre between Zurich and Milan. Individual return journey from Chur. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Optional Gornergrat cog railway ascent from Zermatt offers panoramic views of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and peaks above 4,000 meters
  • Day 2The Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 meters, traveling over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Glacier Express
  • 1 night in Zermatt, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes train travel from your domicile to Zermatt and the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur on a Half Fare Travelcard basis. Your actual rail fare depends on your starting point; confirm the final price with the operator.
What train is used?
The Glacier Express, traveling from Zermatt to Chur in 5 hours 30 minutes. You travel in second class with a reserved seat.
What hotel is included?
One night in a three-star hotel in Zermatt in a standard double room with breakfast.
What happens on Day 1?
You arrive in Zermatt by train. You may spend the day exploring Zermatt or take an optional excursion to the Gornergrat on Europe's highest open-air cog railway, or visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Is this trip guided or independent?
This is an independent rail journey. Seat reservation and accommodation are included, but sightseeing and activities are self-directed.
What is not included?
Meals except breakfast; optional excursions such as Gornergrat or Matterhorn Glacier Paradise; travel to and from your home station is on a Half Fare Travelcard basis and may require a separate purchase.

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