
Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich
Traveler rating
4.5/5
Based on 308 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich worth booking?
Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $557 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 308 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.5/5 (308)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $557 per person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, traversing Switzerland’s stunning terrain in style. Indulge the majestic views during this journey through Chur, Andermatt, and Lucerne, capturing breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the Rotsee. Conclude with a charming mini-tour of Lucerne’s Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and the iconic Lion Monument’s Head.
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, traversing Switzerland’s stunning terrain in style. Indulge the majestic views during this journey through Chur, Andermatt, and Lucerne, capturing breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the Rotsee. Conclude with a charming mini-tour of Lucerne’s Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and the iconic Lion Monument’s Head.
What's included
Included
- Glacier Express Seat Reservation
- Standard Rail Pass
- Meet & Greet at Zurich HB (Instructions will be sent after booking)
- Local Guide
Not included
- Lunch (can be purchased by card on the Glacier Express)
- Gratuitues
What you'll see and do
Zurich
Your guide will greet you inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB before catching the train to the Glacier Express
120 minutes here
Chur
Begin your journey in true Swiss style with a scenic train ride to Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur, with over 5,000 years of history. Along the way, hear stories about the landscapes, cultural heritage, and traditions of the cantons you pass. In Chur, board the legendary Glacier Express and settle into your modern panoramic carriage. Learn fascinating insights about the train’s rich history and how it became one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. **In high season when the GE fills up quickly, you may be placed on the other tour once the main tour reaches capacity. It follows the exact same route but boards a different scenic train and includes first-class tickets from Chur to Andermatt, a private Sprinter mini-coach, a fondue lunch, and the same itinerary you were expecting.
180 minutes here
Oberalp Pass
Begin your memorable ride aboard the Glacier Express, an ultra-sleek train boasting an end-to-end experience connecting a total of 291km (181 miles) inland. Settle into your dedicated seats to enjoy the train's steady pace, allowing ample opportunities to absorb the ever-changing panoramic views of southern Switzerland on your way to Andermatt. Receive insightful commentary unraveling rich Swiss traditions and the Express's operational history. Anticipation builds as you approach the Oberalp section, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fresh alpine scenery. Capture the perfect picture of architecturally pleasing bridges, where you'll reach the highest altitude of the tour. Before your next discovery, indulge in a gourmet lunch (depending on the option booked) served at your seat so you don't miss a moment of the incoming views.
Pass by without stopping
At your next stop, depart the Glacier Express at Andermatt, a traditional Swiss village in the heart of the Ursen Valley, and board another cozy train. Your voyage proceeds towards the world-famous city of Lucerne, where you'll make an exciting stop. Our guide will embellish the next leg of your journey with shared secrets about forming the Swiss Confederation. Gain significant insights into the admirable endurance displayed by the Swiss guards, enabling you to connect with the discoveries made later on the tour. Next, reach the lake of four cantons, commonly recognized as Lake Lucerne. The vast expanse encapsulates iconic Swiss beauty with a backdrop of pure sparkling water and deep mountain ranges. It's a sight you're sure to remember.
120 minutes here
Lucerne
Arriving at the blissful city of Lucerne, the final discovery of the tour, the guide will lead you through the medieval Old Town while providing an engaging context of the region's historical and cultural heritage. Enriched with perfectly preserved gothic architecture surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the tour through Lucerne’s Old Town will instantly transport you to the Middle Ages, giving a taste of what life was like all those years ago! This segment of the tour additionally offers the chance to encounter famed heritage sites, including the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) — the world’s oldest surviving bridge, and the Lion Monument — an intricate 19th-century rock carving commemorating the Swiss Guards that lost their lives during the French Revolution in 1792.
120 minutes here
Zurich
After a full day of adventure, you will return you safely to Zurich
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Your guide will always come 10 minutes prior to the meeting time; in case you are late or have an emergency, please contact us
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Your guide will always come 10 minutes prior to the meeting time; in case you are late or have an emergency, please contact us
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tours of Switzerland
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 308 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
308 verified traveler reviews for Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Excellent Glacier Express tour
Joanna was an amazing tour guide and made the tour so fun! We met a lot of nice people and Joanna was very knowledgeable, friendly and extremely helpful.
via Tripadvisor
It was the best part of...
It was the best part of our trip. Jacob was very knowledgeable and very helpful with all our needs. 10/10
via Viator
Glacier Express Tour Basel to Basel
Jovan is the best. Her attention to our experience was the very best we loved the Glacier Express. And the town of church along with the church was wonderful!
via Tripadvisor
Best trip!
Joann was great person to conduct the tour easy to work with and talk too quick to answer questions. She is top tier. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Glacier Express
Jovanna was a great guide. Full of energy and knowledge. Would highly recommend Tours of Switzerland.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 108
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tours of Switzerland, who run 40 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.4.
See everything Tours of Switzerland runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich cost?
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Prices start at $557 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Zurich usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Zurich is not rushed.
Is Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 308 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Around 108 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Zurich can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Zurich and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Zurich within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Zurich?
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On Outty we rank every Zurich experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Zurich Food Tour with 10 Local Delicacies, Cheeses & Chocolates, Private, excellent guided tour of Zurich (from CHF 21/pers.), Zurich Historic District Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Zurich?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Zurich?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Included: Glacier Express Seat Reservation; Standard Rail Pass; Meet & Greet at Zurich HB (Instructions will be sent after booking); and Local Guide. Not included: Lunch (can be purchased by card on the Glacier Express); and Gratuitues. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Meet your tour guide inside the main hall underneath the clock tower of the central train station of Zurich HB. Your gui. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Zurich. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Glacier Express and Swiss Alps and Lucerne Tour | From Zurich?
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Across 308 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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