Glacier Express prices – cheapest tickets for 2023

Overview TICKETS PACKAGES Route Pictures

About tickets and reservations

Glacier Express price 2023

The price of the Glacier Express is CHF 91 one way. This is the lowest price possible for non-pass holders, based on a 2nd class Saver Day Pass (CHF 52) and a seat reservation in low season (CHF 39).

A Saver Day Pass is usually cheaper than regular tickets, if bought well in advance.

Holders of many rail passes pay less. For example:

Swiss Travel Pass holders travel for free. They only have to pay the seat reservation.
Swiss Half Fare Card holders can get a discounted Saver Day Pass. Prices fluctuate, but if you buy your Saver Day Pass early, it can be a lot cheaper than regular 50% discounted tickets for the Glacier Express route. Alternatively, Swiss Half Fare Card holders can get a Day Pass. This comes at a fixed price and it's cheaper than a normal 50% discounted ticket for this route. Swiss Half Fare Card holders also have to pay the seat reservation.

Paying for the ride with a ticket or pass

You can buy a point-to-point ticket for the Glacier Express, but it's recommended to look into the multi-day rail passes as they provide free or discounted traveling.

If you don't have a multiple-day pass, the Saver Day Pass is a good option. If you buy about 60 days in advance, it's usually cheaper than a regular point-to-point ticket.

Paying for the seats with the obligatory seat reservation

You need to book your seats in advance. Find purchase options below. The reservation includes a supplement for the extra services of the Glacier Express. You can book seats about 90 days ahead of your travel date.

Practical tips to secure your seat well in advance

The Glacier Express is very popular, and there are not always enough trains to meet the demand. This is especially true for 2023. It's a first come, first served-reservation system. If you're not able to secure a seat, you won't be put on a waiting list either. So we recommend the following:

Book your seats as early as possible. This is usually 90 days (and through some platforms 93 days) before your travel date.
If you want to travel in the Excellence Class or in 1st class but find no available seats, check the availability of 2nd class seats instead.
There are often 2 Glacier Express trains per day in each direction. If one of those is fully booked, check the other train too. Find timetable information here.
If there are no seats for your travel date(s) at all, consider traveling the same routes by regional trains. Read our tips under "Regular trains versus Glacier Express" here first.
Theoretically, you can check back later. Carriages and seats that are held back for groups but have not been fully booked, may become available for individual travelers shortly before your travel date. This is not likely though.
Consider other scenic train routes. There are many.

About seat reservation fares

You're not required to travel the full stretch from Zermatt to St. Moritz. The reservation fee for 1st and 2nd class varies by the traveled distance and the season, and needs to be paid per person and single journey. The cheapest season is mid December to late March.

Reservations for Excellence Class cost CHF 470 per person and single journey, regardless of the traveled distance and season. You also need a 1st class ticket or pass.

Tours and packages

If you prefer guided tours and packages that include the Glacier Express ride, check the options here.

TICKETS

Filter results

Your country of residenceWrong country? Correct it in your account.

Attraction type FeaturesSelect more to narrow the results Tour escortSelect more for more results Duration Sort order

Show results

Glacier Express seat reservations (e-ticket)

You still need seat reservations (no tickets) if the route is covered by your rail pass. You can print the reservation at home.

Details & prices

Attraction type: Scenic trip, By train
Escort: independent (ticket only)
Duration: 1 day or less
Details & booking: GlacierExpress.ch

Glacier Express seat reservations Excellence Class (e-ticket)

You still need seat reservations (no tickets) if the route is covered by your rail pass. The Excellence Class is the most exclusive way to enjoy the Glacier Express. You can print the reservation at home.

Details & prices