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.

In 2026, whether food is "free" on Switzerland’s Glacier Express depends entirely on your class of service. For passengers in Excellence Class, a lavish five-course regional menu (including wine pairings, snacks, and tea) is fully included in the high price of the seat reservation. However, for those traveling in 1st Class or 2nd Class, food is not free. You must pay for any meals, snacks, or drinks ordered from the onboard kitchen. A supportive peer tip: while not free, the food is high-quality and prepared fresh on the train. In 2026, it is highly recommended to pre-order your meal when booking your ticket to ensure availability, as the "Plate of the Day" (costing around 34 CHF) or the 3-course meal (around 47 CHF) can sell out during the peak 8-hour journey between Zermatt and St. Moritz.