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Glacier Express

For over 90 years, the Glacier Express has been the premier way to experience the Swiss Alps. This train was introduced in 1930 as the final link for the Visp-Zermatt-Bahn, Rhaetian Railway, and Furka Oberalp Bahn to connect the resort towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz. Tourism had been on the rise in the Swiss Alps since the late 1800s when wealthy Europeans and traveling elites from other countries discovered the sheer majesty of the region. Once-sleepy mountain towns transformed into resort destinations complete with all the modern amenities travelers could hope for, except for easy transit between scenic areas.

The views from the Glacier Express are simply breathtaking, no matter which service class travelers select. As the train departs from Zermatt, the ever-impressive Matterhorn looms overhead. Towering rock walls surround the tracks as the route descends into the Matter Valley and approaches the cities of Visp and later Brig. The second leg of the journey begins as the Glacier Express ventures across the River Rhone and approaches the highly scenic Upper Rhone Valley.

The Glacier Express is only an "express train" in the sense that it connects some of the most enticing destinations in Switzerland on one cohesive line. Guests looking to experience these cities or immerse themselves in the Swiss Alps' splendor are treated to a journey like no other on this iconic train.

Our customers love our Glacier Express tours

Best of Switzerland by Rail

17/May

NANCY MITCHELL

“Fantastic experience. Lots of room to do what you want on your own schedule. Great hotels with great locations

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

14/May

SUZANNE MARIE NIRGENAU

“Very well organized. Hotels were very accessible from the train. Enjoyed the special panorama trains with reserved seating. Really no complaints about the trip.

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter

30/Apr

Chris M

“For context, we live in New Zealand and booked to do this trip in March 2020, but Covid got in the way. We thought that was it, we'd never get to go. We were given a credit by Vacations By Rail (VBR) as many other companies did. Then, for global, cost and personal reasons, we could not do this trip until this year. Now I have to say, VBR went above and beyond to keep the dream alive. Their team (Hilary, Charles, Gabrielle and others) were very supportive and got us on tour in March 2024 and it was just fantastic. The itinerary was very well planned, presented and easy to follow. It gave us time and options along the way. The 15-day SwissPass, SBB (Swiss Rail) and their SBB App were the magic that unlocked so many things to do. We used it heaps in Zurich and the surrounding regions where we had 6 days. We used it to visit museums, take Lake Cruises, Trains, Buses and Trams everywhere all included. A free tour of Chillon castle in Montreux (great to do, get the audio guide) etc... The hotels were great. Zurich, Old Town, Hotel Wellenberg great location and staff, Zermatt Alpenhof, brilliant, was the best we stayed in. Great hotel, luxury, location and restaurant (ask them to pick you up from the station, good to know). Same at the Crystal in St Moritz, give them a call. Interlaken Royal St George was pure luxury. Beautiful place. And many more. All an excellent experience. As you can see we really enjoyed this trip and have nothing but praise for how VBR looked after us for four years and then with their excellent tour, meticulous planning and great choices of destinations and hotels. And all by email and a few calls from Chicago 13,000kms away. Thanks again. We couldn't ask for more and will remember this one for quite a long time. Chris & Helen Some things we learnt along the way; - Switzerland shops and supermarkets are shut on Sundays except for small grocery stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants etc - If you are travelling in March/April just think about the impact Easter may have on your travels and day. Otherwise, great time of the year to travel. Not too many tourists and skiers. Not weather extremes either - Ask the hotels about pickups from stations. - Check the local attractions in and around Zurich. Some great places to see - The Zurich Tourism office in Zurich's Hauptbahnhof is very good and well worth a visit for ideas and savings, oh and free WiFi as is SBB - Have some change as they charge for the public bathrooms, 2CHF. Many have PayWave.

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Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express

10/Mar

Bryan Case

“It is a trip of a lifetime when done in winter. Everything that we were looking for visually. Made some new friends and a bunch of memories.

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Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - An Escorted Experience

14 Oct 2023

NICHOLAS

“Our Switzerland trip through VBR was beyond amazing & beautiful! Amazing train rides, saw so much & our free time was plentiful. Our tour manager Joe “Royal” Royale was so wonderful! He got us to our trains, our hotels & through a few situations of train breakdowns without panic & a smile on his face! Hotels were very nice & the included dinners were decent! The best part were the people on this tour, by the end of the trip we felt like family! Joe Royale thanks for the stories, your humor & the best holiday ever!

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Classic Glacier Express

09 Oct 2023

Ericka Johnson-customer

“Best place but do not like dealing with my own bags

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Grand Alpine Explorer

06 Oct 2023

Renae Hinchey

“Wonderful trip! Such beauty to see and the view from the trains were exceptional. Our guide made it easy for us to catch the right trains and enjoy the many stops we made. Hotels and food were great.

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Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express

9/May

CAMP

“Hotel selection should consider the possibility of a client having to wheel luggage uphill on cobblestones.

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Glacier Express and The Majestic Rhine Cruise

16 Oct 2023

MULHALL, MARIANNE

“Great way to see the country side and loved the accommodations. Train Stations were a bit hectic and stressful. I think the challenges of getting luggage and seating on the train was understated but found the trains to be clean and comfortable once settled. The boat was a wonderful experience and offered an intimate way to travel the Rhine and have the opportunity to make acquaintances. Some stops were a bit rushed and would have enjoyed more time to explore the cities on our own. Everyone was very accommodating and pleasant.

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Glacier Express

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