The “Glacier Express,” a tourist train representing the Swiss Alps. This train, which provides beautiful scenery and comfortable travel, continues to captivate railway enthusiasts and tourists from around the world. Today, we’ll focus on the reservation methods for this special train and explain them in detail.
What is the Glacier Express?
The Glacier Express is an express train connecting Switzerland’s two major luxury resort destinations, Zermatt and St. Moritz. Since beginning operations in 1930, it has been delivering spectacular Alpine views for over 90 years.
Known as the “world’s slowest express train,” it takes about 8 hours to wind through the Alpine mountains. During this journey, it passes through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,033 meters above sea level. From the train windows, you can enjoy Switzerland’s diverse landscapes including deep valleys, majestic mountains, meadows, and charming mountain villages.
The distinctive feature is the panorama cars. With large curved glass windows and skylights, you can enjoy observatory-like views. Additionally, the train is equipped with a commentary system where you can hear explanations about the highlights and history of the places you pass through.
Reservation Timing
Glacier Express reservations are possible from 93 days before departure. As it’s a popular tourist train, especially during tourist season, early booking is recommended. While it’s popular enough that people wait for the announcement of booking start dates to make reservations, depending on the season and route, seats may sometimes be available even at the last minute.
Pricing System and Seat Classes
The Glacier Express has three seat classes, and you need to pay the combined amount of both the travel fare and seat reservation fee. Please note that you cannot board by paying only either the travel fare or seat reservation fee (this is similar to the general seat reservation rules throughout Europe that we covered in a previous article).
For comprehensive information about European railway seat reservation rules and booking methods, refer to our detailed guide on European train travel reservation requirements.
The current class-specific fares as of winter 2025 are as follows:
2nd Class
– Travel fare: 208 Swiss francs
– Seat reservation fee: 49 Swiss francs
– Total: 257 Swiss francs
1st Class
– Travel fare: 321 Swiss francs
– Seat reservation fee: 49 Swiss francs
– Total: 370 Swiss francs
Excellent Class
– Travel fare: 272 Swiss francs
– Seat reservation fee: 490 Swiss francs
– Total: 762 Swiss francs
Here’s a very important point: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass or Eurail Global Pass, the travel fare for all classes except Excellent Class becomes free. In this case, you only need to pay the seat reservation fee of 49 Swiss francs. This is extremely cost-effective, so when planning your Swiss trip, definitely consider using a pass.
For more detailed information about European rail passes and their proper usage, including how to navigate ticket gates and additional fees, check out our comprehensive Eurail pass guide.
Characteristics of Each Class
Interior of the 2nd class car. Seat space is about the same as high-speed trains.
The major difference between seat classes is the seat arrangement in the cars. 1st class has 3-abreast seating (1-2 configuration), while 2nd class has 4-abreast seating (2-2 configuration). However, service content such as meals doesn’t differ between the two classes. Therefore, if only 2-abreast seats in 1st class are available, there’s no need to force yourself to book 1st class. With a window seat, you can fully enjoy the scenery in either class.
Meal Reservations
What makes the Glacier Express journey even more special is dining onboard. When making reservations, you can choose 2-course or 3-course meals. This is definitely recommended. By booking in advance, you can leisurely enjoy your meal while taking in the scenery on the day of travel.
The course meals during the journey are the highlight of this trip. Menu details will be introduced in a separate article.
While it’s possible to order from the à la carte menu on the day, course meals may have limited availability. For special travel memories and to spend comfortable time onboard, advance meal reservations are recommended.
Important Notes and Tips for Reservations
A major characteristic when booking the Glacier Express is that the train’s direction of travel isn’t known until the day of departure. Which side (left or right) shown in the reservation system will actually be the forward direction remains a surprise until the day of travel.
The seating chart doesn’t indicate the direction of travel
However, there’s no need to worry about this. The spectacular Alpine scenery can be enjoyed from both sides, and each seat offers unique charms such as views when passing through tunnels and bridges. Since you can enjoy equally wonderful scenery from either seat, it’s better not to be too particular about seat orientation.
If you want to capture photos of the train winding through sharp curves, it’s best to book seats in the end cars.
Also, if you want to capture the sight of the train winding through sharp curves, it’s recommended to book seats in the end cars.
Reservation Points
To summarize the key points when making reservations, pay attention to the following:
First, once your travel date is decided, make sure to mark the 93-day advance booking window. Popular routes and tourist seasons may fill up as soon as bookings open.
Next, actively consider using various passes like the Swiss Travel Pass. Since travel fares become free, you only need to pay the 49 Swiss franc seat reservation fee, enabling significant savings. Especially if you’re considering 1st class, using a pass can save you 321 Swiss francs.
And don’t forget to book meals. Onboard dining during the 8-hour scenic journey is one of the important elements that will enrich this trip.
How Does This Sound?
The Glacier Express isn’t just a means of transportation—it’s a special train journey that becomes a destination in itself. The spectacular Alpine views spreading from panoramic windows, comfortable onboard facilities, and delicious meals. All of these elements will surely create unforgettable memories.
Next time, we’ll write an experience report about the actual boarding process. Stay tuned!
※Fares and reservation systems may change without notice. Please check the latest information when making your reservation.
Next Article
For the continuation of this series covering the actual boarding experience and procedures, look forward to our upcoming detailed boarding report.
