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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Paris to Zurich via the Glacier Express

Paris to Zurich rail journey via Switzerland's Glacier Express

Illustration of Paris to Zurich via the Glacier Express

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Paris to Zurich, threading through Geneva, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Zurich. Rail travel is covered by a 6-day Swiss Pass across the France and Switzerland legs of the trip, including a direct high-speed train from Paris to Geneva on Day 1, and the trip's centerpiece, the Glacier Express, which carries travelers from Zermatt to St. Moritz over the Landwasser Viaduct and numerous high mountain passes, a journey of nearly eight hours on Day 4. Zermatt allows two nights to explore, including a Day 3 ride on the Gornergrat cog railway for close-up views of the Matterhorn. Most days are self-guided, though a small-group tour on Day 6 covers Zurich's Old Town and Lake Zurich by boat. The trip suits travelers who want independent rail travel between well-known Swiss destinations with one guided city day, choosing their own hotel tier from Railbookers' accommodation options.

What to know before you look closer

  • Accommodation is chosen from 23 options across price tiers and cities, so your final hotel depends on which tier you select at booking.
  • Most days are self-guided rail travel between cities; the only escorted portion is the small-group walking and boat tour of Zurich on Day 6.
  • The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm scheduling directly with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Geneva

    Your Journey Begins in Geneva

    Today embark on your journey south into Switzerland from Paris to Geneva on a direct high-speed train. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Why not head out in the evening for a stroll around Lake Geneva?

  2. Day 2overnight: Zermatt

    Geneva to Zermatt

    Following breakfast, take a short walk from your hotel to Geneva Station. Travel from Geneva to Zermatt via Visp with the use of your Swiss pass. Upon arrival in Zermatt, use the station telephone boxes to call a buggy to collect you and transfer you to your hotel.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 meters above sea level to 3,090 meters in just 33 minutes. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

    Today you enjoy the full splendor of Switzerland's most famous journeys, The Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. The train winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into St. Moritz nearly 8 hours after departure.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zurich

    St. Moritz to Zurich

    Wake up this morning and head to the train station to catch your next trains to Zurich. Explore the charming Old Town, visit the Swiss National Museum, and unwind along the scenic Lake Zurich promenade.

  6. Day 6overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich with an expert guide, including a bus overview of the various districts, a guided walking tour of the Old Town, and an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Gornergrat cog railway climbs from 1,604 meters to 3,090 meters above sea level in 33 minutes, reaching a panorama that includes the Matterhorn.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct early in the journey, then winds over numerous high passes on the nearly 8-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
  • Day 6A small-group guided tour of Zurich includes a bus overview of the districts, a walking tour of the Old Town, and an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.
  • Day 1The journey begins with a direct high-speed train from Paris to Geneva, with an evening free to stroll around Lake Geneva.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 6 Day Swiss Pass
  • Gornergrat Railway Journey with Priority Boarding
  • Glacier Express Reservation Fee
  • Small-group city tour of Zurich with Cruise

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Rail travel is covered by a 6-day Swiss Pass, plus a reserved seat on the Glacier Express and priority boarding on the Gornergrat Railway.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. The only guided portion is a small-group tour of Zurich on Day 6, which includes a bus overview, a walking tour of the Old Town, and a boat trip on Lake Zurich.
Which trains are used?
The trip uses the Swiss Railways national network, the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz, and SNCF, including TGV high-speed service, on the France portion.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 23 accommodation options across price tiers in Geneva, Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Zurich; sample properties include Hotel Cornavin and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix in Geneva.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes an optional evening stroll around Lake Geneva, a guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town, and walks between stations and hotels; the Gornergrat ascent is by cog railway rather than on foot.

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