3-day self guided "Glacier Express Tour"

Do it yourself 3-day "Glacier Express Tour"

This short tour allows you to do a ride with the famous Glacier Express, plus to see the Matterhorn and St. Moritz.

The itinerary of this tour can be booked as displayed here (see the shopping list), or you can extend it by booking extra nights in Zurich, Zermatt or St. Moritz.

This tour can be done all year long, but please check the schedule of the Glacier Express before booking. The train usually does not operate from late October to mid December. You can still do the tour in that period, but you'll have to use the regular trains that operate on the same route.

Shopping list for this tour

Please note that this is a sample itinerary. You can make any changes you like, to adapt the tour to your preferences and available time. The list below is what you would need to book if you choose to make the tour as described.

1. 3-day Swiss Travel Pass. This includes free transfers from Zurich to Zermatt, Zermatt to St. Moritz (Glacier Express) and St. Moritz to Zurich

2. Seat reservations for the Glacier Express

3. Hotel in Zermatt (1 night)

4. Hotel in St. Moritz (1 night)

5. Optionally: Hotel in Zurich or near Zurich Airport

Look here if you prefer an all inclusive package rather than booking all items yourself.

Day 1: Zurich to Zermatt

You'll travel from Zurich to Zermatt by train (about 3h15). If you travel by RegioExpress Lötschberger for the best views, this will add about 1 hour to your transfer. If you arrive early enough and the weather is clear, this is a good time to take the cogwheel train up the Gornergrat to enjoy the view of the Monte Rosa massif and the Matterhorn. In case of bad weather you can explore the town or visit the Matterhorn Museum.

Day 2: Glacier Express

The highlight of this tour is the Glacier Express that takes you to St. Moritz. The journey takes about 8 hours. You'll arrive in St. Moritz around dinner time.

Day 3: St. Moritz to Zurich

Today's transfer will take about 3h30, so if your schedule allows you to arrive late in Zurich, you can still enjoy part of the day shopping in St. Moritz, doing a short hike, or visiting a local mountain top such as Piz Nair or the Corvatsch.

If you travel to Zurich via Chur, you'll duplicate part of the Glacier Express route. Another option for today is to travel to Zurich via Klosters. You'd travel into the Lower Engadine region, and then you continue via Klosters and Landquart to Zurich. A third option for today is to travel via Filisur, Davos, Klosters and Landquart. This also duplicates part of the Glacier Express route, but not as much as via Chur.