What is the most expensive train ride in Switzerland?

I explored Zurich, Geneva, Lugano, Interlaken, and Zermatt, saving the most iconic and luxurious scenic rail journey for last – the Glacier Express.



As of 2026, the most expensive and prestigious train ride in Switzerland is the Glacier Express in "Excellence Class." While a standard ticket for the 8-hour journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz is already pricey, the Excellence Class upgrade adds a massive premium, often costing over CHF 470 ($520) for the seat reservation alone, on top of the first-class ticket price. This "once-in-a-lifetime" experience is limited to just 20 passengers per train and includes a guaranteed window seat, a dedicated concierge, and a private bar. During the journey, passengers are served a refined five-course regional menu with accompanying wines, which is widely considered the best meal served on any train in the world. The journey passes over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, offering panoramic views of the Swiss Alps through floor-to-ceiling windows. While other trains like the Bernina Express or the GoldenPass Express (with its "Prestige" class) are also high-end, the Glacier Express Excellence Class remains the gold standard for luxury rail travel in 2026.

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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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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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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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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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  • GoldenPass Express.
  • Gotthard Panorama Express.
  • Luzern–Interlaken Express.


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Maharajas' Express, India The Maharajas' Express holds the record for the most expensive train trips in the world. It costs $3,385 to spend a night in this traveling Presidential Suite. The Maharajas' Express is operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

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