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Do I need to pay for Glacier Express with Swiss Travel Pass?

The Glacier Express & Bernina Express are Switzerland's two most scenic train journeys and these Panoramic journeys are free with your Swiss Travel Pass. However you need to pay a compulsory seat reservation fee regardless of whether you are holding a travel pass or point to point ticket.



If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the actual ticket for the Glacier Express is fully covered; you do not need to buy a separate fare to ride the train. However, the Glacier Express is a premium "panoramic" train that requires a mandatory seat reservation, and this is NOT covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. You must pay a separate reservation fee, which varies depending on the season and the length of your journey. In 2026, these fees typically range from roughly 49 CHF in the winter to 59 CHF during the peak summer months. This fee ensures you have a guaranteed seat with the famous floor-to-ceiling windows. If you choose to dine on the train, meals are also an additional cost and are not included in the pass or the reservation fee. While you can technically take local regional trains on the same route for free without any reservation, they do not offer the same panoramic windows or direct service. To enjoy the full Glacier Express experience with your pass, you must go online to the official website and book your specific seat in advance, as the train frequently sells out during tourist seasons.

People Also Ask

Where is the Swiss Travel Pass valid? Trains and buses in Switzerland are included in the pass. However, seat reservations on panoramic trains are not included. Mountain railways (such as cable cars, funiculars, and rack-and-pinion trains) are discounted.

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If you are wondering which mountain excursions are 100% included in the Swiss Travel Pass, the answer is: Stanserhorn, Rigi, Stoos, Brunni and Klewenalp. To obtain tickets for any cable car, funicular or cog railway, you should present your Swiss Travel Pass at the ticket office.

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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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Swiss Travel Pass.
  • Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat.
  • Unlimited travel on premium panorama trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply)
  • Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns & cities.
  • Free admission to more than 500 museums.
  • Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos.


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The cruise on Lake Luzern is included in the swiss pass and is a great option for a day activity. There are many beautiful villages on the lake and view is amazing!

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The boat rides are fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travelcard.

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Grindelwald First with the Swiss Travel Pass Activities must be paid for individually over and above the cable car ticket and can be chosen from. The Swiss Travel Pass discount is valid on all the types of Swiss Travel Pass, i.e. 1st or 2nd class for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days continuous or flexi pass.

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Swiss Travel Pass Benefits The Jungfrau 'Top of Europe' requires a surcharge and in the high season a seat reservation (5 CHF) might be required. Swiss Travel Pass gives you a 100% Discount for the journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen/Wengen and Grindelwald.

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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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