Can you do the Glacier Express in one day?

A ride on the Glacier Express is anything but fast. The 290-kilometer trip through the Swiss Alps takes over 8 hours, essentially an entire transatlantic flight within tiny landlocked Switzerland.



Yes, you can complete the entire Glacier Express journey in a single day, as the full route from Zermatt to St. Moritz (or vice versa) takes approximately 8 hours. The train travels through 91 tunnels and across 291 bridges, offering a continuous panorama of the Swiss Alps. Most travelers catch the morning train around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM and arrive at their destination in the late afternoon. However, "doing it in one day" requires you to already be in Zermatt or St. Moritz the night before, as adding a connection from Zurich or Geneva on the same day makes for a very long 12-to-14-hour itinerary. In 2026, it remains one of the world's most popular "slow" express trains, and because it is a single-day journey, seat reservations are mandatory and often sell out months in advance for the peak summer and winter seasons.

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The Glacier Express is primarily designed to be a scenic journey from start to finish (from Zermatt to St. Moritz or vice versa), rather than a hop-on, hop-off service. The train passes through several towns and cities, including Brig, Andermatt, Chur, and Davos, among others.

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The Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the Glacier Express. At a height of 2,033m above sea level, you get possibly the most breathtaking view of the journey. If you're travelling in the winter months, expect the landscape to be topped with stunning snow. It's glorious in any season!

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Guests are able to purchase food on board the train, choosing from a 'plate of the day' (CHF30) or three-course lunch (CHF43). All food is freshly prepared on the train, hence the high price, and meals can be paired with wines from an extensive list featuring many Swiss wines.

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You can start your trip at either end of this baller journey, or hop on/off at any of the following Glacier Express stops: Brig, Andermatt, Disentis, Chur, Tiefencastel, Filisur and Samedan. If you take the entire journey, you'll be on the train for 8 hours, passing through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges along the way.

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There is a wheelchair compartment and a toilet suitable for use by disabled persons in the 1st class section of every Glacier Express train.

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Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the entire journey will grant you with undisputed panoramic views of the country's most dramatic scenery, no matter the season.

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The journey itself is covered by the GA or Swiss Travel Pass. Without a pass, the standard price for the complete journey (Zermatt-St. Moritz or the other way) is 152 CHF in 2nd class or 268 CHF in 1st class. With a half-fare card, you get 50% off this price.

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