Routes and stations
The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz in about 8 hours. Its highest point is the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m. Between Preda and Bergün it runs through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Line. The train takes an annual break from mid-October to the beginning of December, so it is not running in late October and November.
The Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano in Italy in about 4 hours over 144 km. It crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, climbs to Ospizio Bernina at 2,253 m and loops down the Brusio spiral viaduct. The Albula and Bernina lines have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
In summer 2026 (2 May to 25 October) there were two Bernina Express trains a day; in winter there is one. From 29 October to 13 November 2026 some trains run via the Vereina route because of works. From Tirano, the Bernina Express Bus continues to Lugano, and regional trains go to Milan.
Tickets and fares
You need two things: a travel ticket and a seat reservation. On the Glacier Express, St. Moritz–Zermatt costs CHF 166 in 2nd class or CHF 284 in 1st, plus a compulsory reservation of CHF 54. Excellence Class costs CHF 590 for the reservation on top of a 1st-class ticket and includes a five-course menu.
On the Bernina Express, a regular Zurich–Tirano ticket costs about CHF 96 in 2nd or CHF 164 in 1st class. The panoramic reservation is CHF 36 in summer and CHF 32 at other times. Saver Day Passes can be cheaper.
The Swiss Travel Pass and Interrail/Eurail cover the travel ticket, but not the reservation. Prices change, so check before booking.
How to book
Book the Glacier Express on glacierexpress.ch. 1st and 2nd class reservations open 93 days before travel. Excellence Class can be booked for the whole timetable year.
Book Bernina Express reservations on rhb.ch, up to six months ahead, and buy the travel ticket separately if you do not have a pass.
If panoramic seats are sold out, hourly regional RhB trains run the same Bernina line. They have opening windows that are good for photos, and seat reservations there cost CHF 5.
Tips for travellers
Luggage space is limited. Take at most one suitcase plus hand luggage; send big bags ahead with a luggage service. Ski bags, golf bags and bicycles are not carried on the Glacier Express.
On the Glacier Express, meals are cooked on board and served at your seat; payment is cashless. The Bernina Express has a trolley service, and you can bring your own food, which helps if you eat halal.
On the Bernina Express southbound, the best views are on the right. In winter, travel southbound, as the end of the northbound trip is in darkness.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares and timetables change, so confirm on the official website before you travel.
