Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich worth booking?
Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich is a 10-hour experience in Zurich, Switzerland, from $928 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 35 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 54 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (35)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $928 per person
Embark on an extraordinary one-day journey from Zürich as you board the iconic Glacier Express panoramic train, traveling from Chur to Brig. With a private tour guide by your side, immerse yourself in the breathtaking Alpine scenery while relishing a gourmet lunch on board. This exclusive experience seamlessly combines luxury train travel, culinary indulgence, and the personalized touch of a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through Switzerland's majestic landscapes
What you get
About this experience
Embark on an extraordinary one-day journey from Zürich as you board the iconic Glacier Express panoramic train, traveling from Chur to Brig. With a private tour guide by your side, immerse yourself in the breathtaking Alpine scenery while relishing a gourmet lunch on board. This exclusive experience seamlessly combines luxury train travel, culinary indulgence, and the personalized touch of a knowledgeable guide, ensuring an unforgettable adventure through Switzerland's majestic landscapes
What's included
Included
- Swiss tourguide for your party only
- Glacier Express train travel from Chur to Brig (4 hours) incl. seat reservation in 2nd class
- 3-course lunch served at your seat (vegetarian option available)
- Travel on scheduled train from Zürich to Chur 2nd class (1.5 hours)
- Return travel by scheduled train from Brig to Zürich (2 hours) in 2nd class
- Headphones and written information available on board the Glacier Express train
- all taxes and fees
- One Day Train Pass for the Travel Day in 2nd class
Not included
- Drinks
What you'll see and do
Lake Zurich
The elongated, slightly curved shape of Lake Zurich resembles a banana. The lake is around 28 kilometers long from Rapperswil to Zurich
Pass by without stopping
Walensee
The Walensee is a lake in the eastern Prealps in Switzerland and is located in the cantons of St. Gallen and Glarus.
Pass by without stopping
Sargans
Sargans is located at the intersection of the Alpenrheintal, which bends here from the southeast to the northeast, and the Seeztal, which connects the valley of the Alpenrhein to Lake Zurich without any significant difference in altitude.
Pass by without stopping
Chur
Chur is a city in the Alps and the capital of the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. In the car-free old town, winding streets lead to the three-aisled 13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the courtyard of the Bishop's Palace. Here the Glacier Express journey starts.
60 minutes here
Ruinaulta Rheinschlucht
The Ruinaulta or Rhine Gorge is a gorge of up to 400 meters deep and around 13 kilometers long in the Vorderrhein between Ilanz and the mouth of the Hinterrhein near Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden
Pass by without stopping
Ilanz
Ilanz/Glion is a small town in the municipality of Ilanz/Glion in the Surselva region of the Swiss canton of Graubünden
Pass by without stopping
Disentis
The winter sports and health resort is located in the upper part of the Surselva. At the end of the 17th century, a new monastery complex was built in the baroque style. The Glacier Express train stops here for 10 minutes
10 minutes here
Oberalp Pass
The Oberalp Pass connects the villages of Sedrun in the Surselva in the canton of Graubünden with Andermatt in the Urseren Valley in the canton of Uri in Switzerland
Pass by without stopping
Andermatt
Andermatt is a village in the Ursen Valley of the Swiss Alps. The cable car takes visitors to the Gemsstock ski area and a chairlift connects the village with the easier slopes on the Nätschen. North of Andermatt one of numerous hiking trails leads to the Teufelsbrücke over the Schöllenen Gorge. The Glacier Express train stops here for 10 minutes.
10 minutes here
The Furka Base Tunnel is a 15.38 km long railway tunnel opened in 1982, connecting Oberwald in the canton of Valais and Realp in the canton of Uri. The base tunnel replaces the old Furka mountain route.
Pass by without stopping
Oberwald
Oberwald is the first village at the beginning of the Goms. It lies at the foot of the Furka Pass and Grimsel Alpine passes. The hamlet of Gletsch, which is not inhabited all year round, and the Rhone Glacier are also located in the area of the former municipality of Oberwald.
Pass by without stopping
The highest valley section of the Upper Valais between the source of the Rhone and the valley step of Grengiols near Brig is called Goms. It is the easternmost part of the canton of Valais. In the east it is limited by the Furka Pass between Galenstock and Pizzo Rotondo and in the west by the Weisshorn. The uppermost part of the valley is still called Obergoms.
Pass by without stopping
Brig
Brig is an alpine town in the canton of Valais in southern Switzerland. It lies at the foot of the Simplon Pass, which leads to the Italian border. A stop on the Glacier Express train, Brig is known for its thermal baths, the Sebastian Chapel and the 17th-century Stockalper Castle. At Brig you leave the Glacier Express train and after the city visit, you travel back to your origin departure point by regular intercity train. From Brig to Bern it takes one hour, from Bern to Zürich/Basel or Luzern another hour.
60 minutes here
The Lötschberg Base Tunnel is a 34.6-kilometre-long railway tunnel that crosses under the northern Alpine chain at the Lötschberg between Frutigen in the Bernese Oberland (Canton of Bern, Switzerland) and Raron (Canton of Valais, Switzerland) and was put into operation in 2007. This base tunnel is part of the Lötschberg-Simplon axis of the New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA), which runs from Basel via Bern-Thun-Spiez to the Lötschberg and on via Brig-Simplon-Domodossola to Milan and Novara-Genoa, and next to the one running parallel Gotthard axis forms a second route for the transalpine rail freight traffic of the European Corridor (Rotterdam-Genoa).
Pass by without stopping
Thunersee
Lake Thun is a fjord lake in the Bernese Oberland on the northern edge of the Alps.
Pass by without stopping
Bern
Berne is called the "Federal City" and functions as the capital of Switzerland. As the seat of the city and large parts of the cantonal and federal administration, it is the largest center of public administration in the country
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Zurich
Meeting point in front of the Zurich tourist information office in the main hall of Zurich HB
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting point in front of the Zurich tourist information office in the main hall of Zurich HB
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- de, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- SwissTravelGuide.ch
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
- 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 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Photo opportunities
9 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
35 verified traveler reviews for Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Glacier Express Tour - Incredible
The scenery was fantastic and offered views not seen on the bus tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable about the culture and history of the places we toured as well as passed on the train ride. Martin was very conversational and engaging. I recommend this tour if you travel to Switzerland.
via Viator
Loved this tour!!
Domenico was fabulous. This whole experience was so unique and special. I highly recommend it. We started in Chur which is so charming. The panoramic train was so fun and the views were phenomenal. We ended in Brig which is also very charming. We then took the resin back to Zurich. Domenico was knowledgeable, fun and charming as well.
via Viator
A Must See Swiss Alps Experience
Amazing views, a must-do in the Swiss Alps. Beautiful scenery, fantastic service. Yes, it's slow moving but that is part of the experience. Order food in advance, guarantees you get what you want quickly.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback
via Tripadvisor
Missing the Snow!
It was beautiful,the ride the scenery and the lunch aboard.Missed the snow,the one and only time!We could imagine the beauty it would create if the Mountains were Snow covered!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review - we are not responsible for snow and it is Summer time in Switzerland.
via Viator
Journey Through the Swiss Alps: A Spectacular Glacier Express Experience
It was an incredible experience of trip to ZURICH, Switzerland, and I highly suggest everyone to embark on the Glacier Express journey at least once in their lifetime. Witnessing the breathtaking Alps up close from the comfort of the train as it winds its way along the mountain peaks is truly awe-inspiring. Our tour guide, Michael Myers, was just exceptional, serving as a knowledgeable and friendly companion throughout the trip. Exploring the quaint Swiss villages in CHUR and BRIG on foot was a serene experience, with lush greenery and meticulously maintained wooden houses adding to the charm of the surroundings of great mountains touching Northern Italy and Austria. Best regards, Prachi Malay Parikh March 21-22 ( 2024)
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review, forwarded to our tourguide.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $928 to $1,123
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by SwissTravelGuide.ch, who run 56 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.4.
See everything SwissTravelGuide.ch runsWhy this scores 54
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Zurich.
How much does Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich cost?
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Prices start at $928 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable nightlife in Zurich, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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Around 12 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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Included: Swiss tourguide for your party only; Glacier Express train travel from Chur to Brig (4 hours) incl. seat reservation in 2nd cla; 3-course lunch served at your seat (vegetarian option available); Travel on scheduled train from Zürich to Chur 2nd class (1.5 hours); and Return travel by scheduled train from Brig to Zürich (2 hours) in 2nd class. Not included: Drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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Meeting point in front of the Zurich tourist information office in the main hall of Zurich HB Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich offered in?
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It is offered in German and English. 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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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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 Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich?
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Across 35 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The views and photo stops come up again and again.
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