Following the reservation guide, this time we’ll share the actual boarding process for the Glacier Express on the day of travel. Focusing on our experience departing from Zermatt station in the morning, we’ll introduce information you should know for smooth boarding.
Previous Article
For comprehensive information about reserving the Glacier Express, including booking tips, procedures, and pricing details, refer to our detailed reservation guide.
Zermatt Station Before Departure
Though called morning, it’s still before dawn in Zermatt
We boarded the 7:52 AM train departing from Zermatt. Due to the early morning time, most shops in town weren’t open yet, but fortunately two stores inside the station were operating.
The station kiosk sells typical light snacks and beverages, plus Zermatt souvenirs. This is actually your last chance to purchase Zermatt souvenirs before leaving. There’s also a pretzel shop open where you can buy breakfast. However, if you miss buying breakfast, don’t worry—you can order breakfast onboard as well.
Zermatt’s famous 0 CHF banknote vending machine
The station platform also features a unique vending machine. It sells the famous “0 Swiss franc banknote” souvenir—a humorous product where you can buy 0 francs for 3 francs. Unfortunately, during our visit it wasn’t operating, possibly due to power issues, but it remains one of the interesting tourist attractions.
Before boarding, we recommend taking a look at the Matterhorn from the platform. The majestic peak illuminated by morning light is spectacular and serves as your final view before leaving Zermatt.
Boarding Procedures
The rear of the Glacier Express
The boarding procedure for the Glacier Express is surprisingly simple. You just need to show your reservation confirmation (digital ticket) on your smartphone screen to the station staff for smooth boarding. There are no ticket barriers or complex procedures—just confirmation of your reservation screen is sufficient.
Find your reserved seat carefully, checking both car number and seat number
Luggage Handling
Luggage handling on the Glacier Express is a crucial point you must know before boarding. This train has a special design dedicated to tourism and differs from regular long-distance trains.
The most important consideration is that there’s very little space for large luggage like big suitcases. This is because the interior is optimized for panoramic view observation. Backpacks and other hand luggage can be stored in the storage space between seats. By utilizing this space effectively, you can keep the seating area tidy and enjoy a comfortable journey.
Passengers with lots of luggage struggled a bit
Therefore, when boarding the Glacier Express, we recommend paying attention to the following points:
- Pack as compactly as possible
- If you have large luggage, use luggage storage services at departure or arrival stations
- Organize hand luggage for easy access during storage
Boarding Considerations
Since the direction of travel isn’t specified in the reservation system, you won’t know the train’s orientation until the day of travel
As mentioned in the previous article, you won’t know the direction of travel until you board. The left or right seat you chose during reservation might face the opposite direction from what you expected. However, there’s no need to worry about this. The panoramic cars are designed so you can fully enjoy spectacular Alpine views from any seat.
Summary
Successfully boarded with pretzel in hand. We’ll introduce the onboard experience in detail in the next article
The boarding procedure for the Glacier Express is smoother than expected. With proper advance reservations, you can easily board on the day by simply showing your reservation screen. However, it’s important to prepare for your trip keeping in mind that luggage restrictions differ from regular trains.
Also, for early morning departures, make good use of the limited stores within the station. This is a valuable opportunity for last-minute souvenir purchases and breakfast procurement before departure.
※More detailed boarding experiences including onboard activities, scenic views along the route, and photography tips will be covered in the next article.
Next Article
For the continuation of this series covering the onboard experience, scenic highlights, and tips for enjoying the journey, look forward to our upcoming detailed report about spending time aboard the Glacier Express.
