Glacier Express
Panoramic train through the Swiss Alps, known as the slowest express train.
Route overview
The Glacier Express is a scenic express train that connects the resort town of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, with St. Moritz in the Engadin valley of eastern Switzerland. Despite its name, it is not a high-speed service; it is marketed as the ‘slowest express train in the world’, taking about eight hours to cover approximately 290 kilometres. The route traverses the Swiss Alps, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges. It is jointly operated by the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and the Rhaetian Railway, both of which use metre-gauge tracks. The journey is a point-to-point service, with most passengers riding the full length, though some sections are also served by regional trains. The train runs year-round, offering a panoramic experience of the Alpine landscape. The route is not a single dedicated line but a combination of several railway lines, including the Furka Oberalp Bahn and the Albula and Bernina lines of the Rhaetian Railway. The Glacier Express is primarily a tourist train, but it also serves as a means of transport for locals in the regions it passes through.
History of the line
The Glacier Express began service in 1930, following the completion of the Furka Oberalp Bahn and the Rhaetian Railway’s Albula line. The initial route ran from Zermatt to St. Moritz via Brig, Andermatt, and Chur. In its early years, the train was hauled by steam locomotives and carried both passengers and mail. The service was suspended during World War II but resumed in 1946. Over the decades, the route was modernised: electrification was completed in 1942, and the opening of the Furka Base Tunnel in 1982 replaced the older, higher Furka Summit Tunnel, which was prone to heavy snowfall. This shortened the journey and made it more reliable. In the 1980s and 1990s, the train introduced panoramic cars with large windows, enhancing the scenic experience. The Glacier Express has since become one of Switzerland’s most famous tourist attractions, attracting passengers from around the world. It is not a high-speed train but a leisurely journey through the Alps, and its history reflects the development of Swiss mountain railways.
Landscape and scenery
The Glacier Express traverses some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Switzerland. From Zermatt, the train climbs through the Matter Valley, offering views of the Matterhorn before descending to Visp. It then follows the Rhône Valley to Brig and climbs to Andermatt via the Furka Base Tunnel. After Andermatt, the route crosses the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,033 metres, before descending to Chur. From Chur, the train enters the Albula Valley, crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct and spiralling through the Albula Tunnel. The final stretch to St. Moritz passes through the Engadin valley, with its lakes and mountains. The scenery includes glaciers, deep gorges, charming villages, and mountain forests. The panoramic windows of the train provide unobstructed views, and the journey is particularly popular in autumn when the larches turn golden. In winter, the route becomes a snowy wonderland. The train passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, each offering a different perspective of the landscape.
Key stations and cities
The Glacier Express serves several notable stations and towns. Zermatt, the starting point, is a car-free resort famous for the Matterhorn and its skiing. Brig is a historic town in the Rhône Valley, known for its Stockalper Palace and as a junction for trains to Italy. Andermatt is a mountain village at the crossroads of several Alpine passes, and the station marks the highest point of the route on the Oberalp Pass. Chur, the capital of the Grisons, is the oldest city in Switzerland and a major railway hub. From Chur, the train continues to St. Moritz, passing through Thusis, Filisur, and Samedan. St. Moritz is a glamorous resort town in the Engadin, known for its lake and winter sports. Other notable stations include Visp, a key junction, and Disentis/Mustér, with its Benedictine monastery. The route also passes through the Albula Tunnel and the Bernina Express route, though the Glacier Express itself does not go to Tirano. These stations provide access to numerous hiking trails, ski areas, and cultural sites.
Rolling stock and service
The Glacier Express uses specially designed panoramic cars with large windows that curve into the roof, providing wide views of the landscape. The train is hauled by electric locomotives, typically from the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn and the Rhaetian Railway. The rolling stock includes first- and second-class seating, as well as a dining car where meals are served at passengers’ seats. The service is reservation-only, and a supplementary fee is required in addition to the regular ticket. The train runs daily throughout the year, with multiple departures in each direction during peak seasons. The journey takes about eight hours, and passengers can board or alight at several stations along the route. The train is not a high-speed service; it travels at a leisurely pace, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery. In recent years, the operator has introduced new panoramic cars with improved comfort and accessibility. The Glacier Express is also available for private charter. The service is marketed as a premium tourist experience, but it remains a vital transport link for some remote communities.
Technical facts and engineering
The Glacier Express operates on metre-gauge tracks (1,000 mm), which are common in Swiss mountain railways to allow tight curves and steep gradients. The route includes sections with rack-and-pinion assistance, particularly on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn between Zermatt and Visp, where the gradient reaches 1 in 9. The line is electrified, with power supplied via overhead catenary. The route crosses 291 bridges and passes through 91 tunnels, including the 15.4-kilometre Furka Base Tunnel and the 5.9-kilometre Albula Tunnel. The highest point is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. The engineering feats include the Landwasser Viaduct, a curved limestone bridge, and the Albula line’s spiral tunnels, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The train is equipped with modern safety systems, including automatic train protection. The rolling stock is designed for the narrow gauge and the steep gradients, with powerful locomotives. The route is not a single line but a combination of lines owned by different companies, requiring coordination for the through service. The Glacier Express is a remarkable example of Alpine railway engineering.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does the Glacier Express take? A: The full journey from Zermatt to St. Moritz takes approximately eight hours, covering about 290 kilometres. Q: Is the Glacier Express a high-speed train? A: No, it is a scenic express train and is often called the slowest express train in the world. It travels at a leisurely pace to allow passengers to enjoy the views. Q: Does the Glacier Express run all year? A: Yes, the train operates daily throughout the year, but some sections may have reduced service in winter. Q: Are reservations required? A: Yes, seat reservations are mandatory, and a supplement is payable in addition to the regular fare. Q: Can I travel only part of the route? A: Yes, passengers can board or alight at intermediate stations, but the full journey is the most popular. Q: What is the best time to travel? A: Each season offers different scenery; summer and autumn are popular for clear views, while winter offers snowy landscapes. Q: Is food available on board? A: Yes, a dining car serves meals and drinks at passengers’ seats.