Switzerland's two legendary panoramic trains — the Glacier Express (Zermatt–St Moritz, 8 hours) and the Bernina Express (St Moritz–Tirano, 2.5 hours, UNESCO-listed) — are on almost every rail traveller's bucket list. Both require planning: the Glacier Express has a mandatory CHF 54 reservation, summer seats sell out weeks ahead, and the Swiss Travel Pass works differently on each route. Here is the complete 2026 booking guide.
At a glance
| Detail | Glacier Express | Bernina Express |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Zermatt ↔ St Moritz | St Moritz ↔ Tirano (Italy) |
| Journey time | ≈ 8 hours (full route) | ≈ 2h 30m |
| Operator | Glacier Express AG (MGB + RhB) | Rhaetian Railway (RhB) |
| Reservation | Mandatory — CHF 54 | Recommended (peak season) |
| Runs | Year-round (reduced winter) | Year-round |
| Book at | glacierexpress.ch | rhb.ch |
| UNESCO | — | Bernina Pass section |
Glacier Express: what to expect
The Glacier Express markets itself as "the slowest express train in the world" — and that is the point. The 291 km journey from Zermatt (Matterhorn) to St Moritz (Engadin) crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, climbing through the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m before descending into Graubünden.
Large panoramic windows, at-seat meal service and an unhurried pace make this an all-day experience, not a commute. Most travellers ride the full route; you can also book shorter segments such as Andermatt–St Moritz or Chur–Zermatt at a lower reservation fee.
Glacier Express reservation — mandatory
Every passenger needs a seat reservation, regardless of whether you hold a Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail pass or point-to-point ticket. The standard fee is CHF 54 (about €57) per person in 2026. Premium classes with table service and three-course lunch cost more.
Book exclusively at glacierexpress.ch. Reservations open up to 90 days ahead. Summer (June–September) and Christmas/New Year periods sell out fastest — book as early as your date allows.
Glacier Express timetable (typical)
| Direction | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Zermatt → St Moritz | ≈ 08:52 | ≈ 17:02 |
| St Moritz → Zermatt | ≈ 08:37 | ≈ 16:47 |
Winter services may start later and run less frequently. Always confirm on glacierexpress.ch before travel.
Bernina Express: what to expect
The Bernina Express is the shorter but arguably wilder of the two. Running from St Moritz over the Bernina Pass (2,253 m) and down through the spiralling Brusio loop into Tirano, Italy, the route has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008.
Journey time is about 2 hours 30 minutes. In summer, dedicated Bernina Express trains with extended panoramic windows run; in winter you can ride the same line on regular RhB regional services — the scenery is identical, only the rolling stock differs.
Bernina Express booking
Book at rhb.ch. Seat reservations on the branded Bernina Express panoramic trains are strongly recommended from June to October. Regular RhB trains on the same line do not require a reservation but have standard windows.
From Tirano you can connect to Milan by Trenord regional train (about 2.5 hours) — a natural extension if you are heading south. See our Zurich → Milan route for wider Alpine connections.
Swiss Travel Pass: does it cover both trains?
Yes — the Swiss Travel Pass covers travel on both the Glacier Express and Bernina Express (and all RhB/MGB services). But the pass does not include:
- Glacier Express mandatory reservation (CHF 54)
- Bernina Express panoramic-car reservation (if applicable)
- On-board meals and premium-class upgrades
If you are spending 3–4 days or more on Swiss trains, the pass often beats individual tickets even after reservation fees. For a single scenic day, compare the pass price against point-to-point fares on sbb.ch.
Combining both trains: sample itinerary
Many travellers ride the Glacier Express one day and the Bernina Express the next, using St Moritz as the hub:
- Day 1: Glacier Express Zermatt → St Moritz (8h). Overnight in St Moritz or Pontresina.
- Day 2: Bernina Express St Moritz → Tirano (2.5h), then Trenord to Milan.
Alternatively, approach from the north via Zurich → Munich or Zurich → Milan and join the Glacier Express at Chur or Andermatt.
Best time to go
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers, snow on peaks, fewer crowds | Some high passes still clearing; check winter schedules |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | All services running, long daylight, best photography | Busiest — book reservations 60–90 days ahead |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Golden larch forests in Engadin, quieter trains | Shorter days; some panoramic services reduce frequency |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Snow-covered Alps, Christmas markets in Chur/Zermatt | Reduced Glacier Express frequency; cold at altitude |
For the best balance of scenery and availability, late May to early June or mid-September to early October are our top picks.
How to book — step by step
- Decide your route. Full Glacier Express (Zermatt–St Moritz), a section, or Glacier + Bernina combo?
- Buy or activate your Swiss Travel Pass at swissrailways.com or sbb.ch if it saves you money overall.
- Book Glacier Express reservation at glacierexpress.ch — mandatory, CHF 54 standard.
- Book Bernina Express at rhb.ch if you want the branded panoramic train in peak season.
- Plan connections. Zermatt and St Moritz are car-free resort villages — allow time for luggage and check-in.
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Zurich → Milan Zurich → Munich Rail pass guide How to book European train tickets Grand rail loops 2026 Flåm, Rauma & Semmering West Highland Line 2026Related night trains & scenic reading
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