Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.3/5
Based on 87 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel worth booking?
Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel is a 10-hour experience in Basel, Switzerland, from $225 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.3/5 rating across 87 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.3/5 (87)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $225 per person
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, traversing Switzerland’s stunning terrain in style. Indulge in a gourmet meal during this 8-hour journey through Chur, Andermatt, and Lucerne, capturing br
What you get
- Glacier Express Seat Reservation
- Meet and Greet at Basel SBB (Instructions will be sent after booking)
- Standard Rail Pass
- Local Guide
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, traversing Switzerland’s stunning terrain in style. Indulge in a gourmet meal during this 8-hour 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
- Meet and Greet at Basel SBB (Instructions will be sent after booking)
- Standard Rail Pass
- Local Guide
Not included
- Lunch (can be purchased by card on the Glacier Express)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Basel
Your guide will meet you at the Basel train station.
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. * Between October 11 and December 6, the Glacier Express does not operate. During this period, we offer the same scenic route with an additional stop in a Swiss Alpine Village.
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 first-class 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
Andermatt
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
Basel
After a full day of adventure, you will return safely to Basel
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Basel
Meet the representative inside the main hall of the Basel SBB next to the benches close to the escalators, and in front of the Migros Flower shop.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meet the representative inside the main hall of the Basel SBB next to the benches close to the escalators, and in front of the Migros Flower shop.
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 87 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
87 verified traveler reviews for Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disappointing
It was terrible. The “guide” did not speak English well. He could not respond to basic questions about logistics of the trip. When asked if the train served food his response was “yes, you can sit in any 2nd class seat”. On the walking tours all he could say was “this is very old” “this is famous” “take a picture”. If you had a question such as how old, or why is it famous he could not respond. These are only a couple of the many, many examples. It was a very frustrating joke. There was ZERO added value and in fact we could have done better on our own. We have done many tours with Viatour and expected better.
via Viator
Swiss Alps Tour
Need better information on the meeting points and the guides need to be easy to identify
via Tripadvisor
A* With A Fabulous Guide
Absolute fabulous guide Salma wad very knowledgeable, interesting and made us feel safe and cared for all day. We can't recommend this trip enough. The Glazier Express scenery is breath taking. The Glaziers are dramatic and the water is such a beautiful colour. The mountains and house reminds me of Heidi. A* trip with a fabulous guide
via Tripadvisor
Fun & Interesting Experience
Salma gave an excellent tour and there was a lot of enlightening content we were not expecting. Highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Fun walking tour in Basel!
Selma was a really great tour host. Kind, thoughtful, easy to understand. I would recommend this tour.
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
- Price range
- $225 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 30
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Basel.
How much does Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel cost?
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Prices start at $225 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Basel 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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel 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 Basel is not rushed.
Is Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.3/5 across 87 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Basel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel?
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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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel 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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel?
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Around 30 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 Basel 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 Basel and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel?
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On Outty we rank every Basel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Alsace wine tour and medieval villages. Small group guided tour, Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour), Stories of Basel's Old Town. 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 Basel?
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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 Basel?
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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.
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