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Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is undoubtedly Switzerland's best known train.

Departing from Chur, we board the magnificent Glacier Express for a spectacular journey offering unparalleled views of the most awe-inspiring mountain ranges in the world. We spiral up the mountains, crossing enormous viaducts, burrowing through tunnels and rising above the clouds on our way to Zermatt, under the mighty Matterhorn.

Highlights of the journey

Highlights of the route include the ascent of the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the line at 2,033 metres above sea level, the stunning Rhine Gorge through which the train travels alongside the river and the remarkable - and famous - Landwasser Viaduct, a vast and curving limestone structure of six arches which spans the Landwasser River sixty-five metres below and leads the Glacier Express directly into the adjoining Landwasser Tunnel.

The only times at which there is little of interest to observe from the Glacier Expressis when the train is passing through one of the ninety-one tunnels which lie along its route. Otherwise, passengers enjoy a constantly-changing vista of Switzerland's most breath-taking landscapes as they traverse imposing snow-clad mountain ranges, skirt the shores of vast lakes and pass through rolling Alpine wildflower meadows.

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Our customers love our Glacier Express tours

Mountaintops of Switzerland

30 Oct 2022

Mr Clive Andrew Richardson

“Well organised

Collected by Trustpilot

The Glacier Express and St Moritz

14 Oct 2022

Dr Robinson

“Fantastic service and a wonderful destination

Collected by Trustpilot

Grand Alpine Explorer

08 Sep 2022

Ian Rowe

“Leaving by Eurostar remains a pleasure compared to a busy airport. First class rail travel between centres worked well. Good to excellent hotels en route. Affable small group and our friendly tour guide kept everything moving to schedule. Stunning locations.

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier Express in Winter

29 Mar 2022

Mr DAVID pollard

“a great holiday

Collected by Trustpilot

Classic Glacier Express in Winter

29 Mar 2022

Customer

“Great holiday. Great tour leader. Superb group. Scenery unbelievable.

Collected by Trustpilot

Traditional Glacier Express

04 Nov 2022

Roger B

“Well organised and enjoyable trip with an excellent tour leader in Caroline Bryan. Good hotels - Freieck in Chur did the best breakfast I've eaten on the continent. Bernerhof pretty good too. Booking staff helpful especially when we had to change arrangements to get to London due to rail strikes. Very pleased with the luggage transfer service - GRJ should make more of this in publicity. Similarly for the coach transfers between Paris stations. Have never liked travelling through Paris since a long ago attempt attempted theft on the Metro so coach transfer great. Drawbacks, not many, perhaps more meals could have been included. Also we could have got an earlier Eurostar back from Paris: that would have helped us get home at a more sensible time but overall a good scenic holiday. At the reduced price it was reasonable value for money

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Classic Glacier Express

31 Oct 2022

Caroline Patey

“Initial meet & greet - poor Overall trip - very good

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier Express and Rhine Cruise (Basel-Amsterdam)

12 Oct 2022

Ronald Lunt

“Great holiday and Switzerland breathtaking. Cruise was relaxing with great food and scenery and lovely staff. On the go on and off trains first few days but scenery worth it and glacier express wonderful.

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Klosters and The Glacier Express

01 Oct 2022

Denis Long

“St Pancras a nightmare. Train travel great wonderful scenery. One day too energetic when walk instead of taxi/ bus. Manager excellent particularly when medical emergency affected our family.

Collected by Trustpilot

CLASSES OF RAIL

Those making the spectacular journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz on the Glacier Express benefit from a wide range of Great Rail Journeys itineraries. Second Class carriages are comfortable, light and spacious and are designed to carry a maximum of forty-eight passengers via a configuration of twelve tables, six on either side of the carriage, each seating four passengers. Second-class carriages benefit from large panorama windows which extend into the ceiling of the carriage.

Each Glacier Express train consists of two First Class carriages, a carriage containing a bar and toilets, and three Second Class carriages. Between 2006 and 2009, every item of the Glacier Express's rolling stock was renewed to ensure that travellers enjoyed comfort and facilities of the highest standards.

The more expensive First-class carriages carry a maximum of thirty-six passengers, offering six four-seat tables and six two-seat tables. As a result, First Class carriages are more spacious and offer larger seats with greater leg room. The panoramic windows in First Class carriages are also larger. Travellers in both classes can enjoy a two or three-course lunch with at-seat service. First Class carriages are served before Second Class carriages. Additional snacks and drinks can be ordered in The Panorama Bar carriage at the centre of the train for delivery to your seat in either class. Carriages in both classes are air-conditioned.

Since 2005 the Glacier Express has carried around a quarter of a million passengers each year. Although the train began operation in 1930 it only ran during the summer months until as recently as 1982 when construction work was completed to ensure that the train could safely negotiate the Furka Pass and the Oberalp Pass in winter.

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Glacier Express

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CLASSES OF RAIL