Search

Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Glacier Express

Independent 5-day Swiss rail trip Zurich to Geneva via Glacier Express

Illustration of The Glacier Express

Railbookers operates this independent, 5-day, 4-night rail journey across Switzerland from Zurich to Geneva. The trip starts with a night in Zurich, free to explore the Altstadt at your own pace, before a scenic open rail ride to St. Moritz for a stroll around the lake. The main event comes on day 3, when travelers ride the Glacier Express in first class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct early on and winding past small Swiss lakes and villages over nearly 8 hours. From Zermatt, the trip continues by train, with a change in Visp, to Geneva, where travelers can see the Jet d'Eau fountain and the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre on their own. With one-night stops in every city and no meals included on the Glacier Express, this suits independent travelers who want the Swiss classic route without a long, slow-paced stay in any one place.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Glacier Express highlight notes that the First Class ride does not include meals.
  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Welcome to the heart of Europe! Once you arrive in Zurich, check into your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is yours to see the sights at your leisure. Spend time strolling through Zurich's Altstadt or Old Town.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Zurich to St. Moritz

    Enjoy breakfast and then take a scenic open rail ride from Zurich to St. Moritz. When you arrive, take a relaxing stroll around lake and enjoy the chic town itself. St. Moritz is said to enjoy some of the freshest air in Europe and is the home of Alpine sports.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt

    Following breakfast, you'll get to travel in first class to enjoy the full splendour of one of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey, the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. This train winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure.

  4. Day 4overnight: Geneva

    Zermatt to Geneva

    After breakfast, travel from Zermatt to Geneva with a change in Visp. Discover the cosmopolitan city of Geneva's top attractions and hidden treasures throughout charming alleys and passageways on your own. Watch the Jet d'Eau shoot a stream of water more than 450 feet into the air. In old town, visit the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre.

  5. Day 5rail

    End Of Tour

    Enjoy breakfast then check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels. If you wish to extend your journey, please contact a Rail Expert for details.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A scenic open rail ride from Zurich to St. Moritz, followed by a stroll around the lake in St. Moritz.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express travels first class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct early in the nearly 8-hour journey.
  • Day 4The train from Zermatt to Geneva, with a change in Visp, arrives in time to see Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain.

Included

  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva
  • 3-day Swiss Pass in standard class
  • First Class reservation on The Glacier Express

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes a 3-day Swiss Pass in standard class and a First Class reservation on the Glacier Express.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation; travelers explore each city on their own.
Which train is the highlight?
The Glacier Express, ridden in first class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct on a journey of nearly 8 hours.
What is not included?
Meals are not included on the Glacier Express ride.
How many nights of hotel accommodation are included?
4 nights with breakfast, one each in Zurich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Geneva.

Similar journeys