Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel
Basel, Switzerland

Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel

Outty Ranking 67 4.2 · 94 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $559
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.2/5

Based on 94 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 $559 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 94 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.2/5 (94)
Duration
10 hours
From
$559 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 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 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

    1. Basel

      Your guide will meet you at the Basel train station.

      120 minutes here

    2. 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

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 2Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 3Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 4Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 5Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 6Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 94 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Pace and timing

    2 mentions

    Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Traveler reviews

    94 verified traveler reviews for Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    67
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    4
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    12
    Sort
    Bob_M · October 2026

    Nico, a great guide

    Ask for Nico as their guide. Knowledgable, conscientious and considerate. Beautiful cities, interesting train ride too.

    via Viator

    FrequentFlier285295 · October 2026

    12 hours and 8 trains in the Alps

    The guide was given a no win situation. We were to ride two trains through the alps and to Lucerne. The trip was to take 10 hours. 7 train changes, no first class seats, no food or water on the train we arrived in Lucerne in the dark so we could barely see the lake. That took 9 hours. We finally got back to Basal after another two trains and 3 hours. Terrible tour for the high amount of money we paid.

    via Tripadvisor

    srtsjtthomas83 · October 2026

    No-show by tour guide

    My wife and I had long-time reservations for this tour. Our credit card was charged, as scheduled, a day or so before the trip and our e-ticket was received. However, on the day of the tour no guide showed up at the meeting point at the appointed time. We were sent an e-mail (one hour before the meeting time, that we did not see until later that day) saying the tour had been rescheduled until the next day "due to weather". The weather was fine on the ground. Can't say for the mountains. We returned to the meeting point the next day and again.....no tour guide. We contacted viator who tried contacting the tour company, but the viator person stated the tour company "is not responding." I have no idea why the tour guide was a no-show two days in a row, or why the tour company was not responding to viator. I just know we spent the better part of an hour each day for two days waiting for a guide who never came and trying to determine the status of the scheduled tour. Fortunately, because we had booked through trip advisor/viator we were able to get a reversal of the credit card charge via a phone call to viator. I would advise anyone considering this tour to not book directly with this company.....and have a back-up plan for the day.

    via Tripadvisor

    PamV653 · September 2026

    Deceptive advertising - there was no "meet and greet" in Basel as stated.

    Deceptive advertising. The ticket stated "meet and greet at Basel SBB" at 9:15 am. I arrived at the Basel train station meeting point about 20 minutes early and was waiting for guide/host to meet me. At 9:07 an email was sent which I received at 9:10 directing me to take the train to Zurich where I was to meet the tour group. The trains for Zurich left at 9:07 and 9:33. Obviously I couldn't get the 9:07 train but did get the 9:33 train. I arrived in Zurich but the tour group had already left and I was directed to take the train to Chur but instructions were sketchy. I took the next train but it wasn't to Chur so I got off at the next stop, called the North American office and was finally directed to the correct train to Chur. The tour guide did meet me when I got of the train at Chur. The rest of the trip was good. I was very thankful that I had some experience with European train travel. I expect other travelers would not have been so adaptable. This was an expensive tour with clearly stated "meet and greet at Basel SBB". That was not delivered as advertised.

    via Tripadvisor

    Dreamer61660939208 · September 2026

    Be Careful

    We tried to book online unsuccessfully, however our travel agent was able to do it for us. Arrived early at the designated meeting place and no one was there and no one came! After half an hour we started making enquiries and phone calls. The person on the end answered "hello", not by a business name. Initially we were told that our guide was running late and later we were told that we were to meet her at another location in another city. We boarded the train with 5 minutes to spare ( a no show would forfeit your payment) with the tickets supposedly coming by email before we got to the next meeting place. Thankfully the tickets did arrive and we met our guide at the new location (all we previously had was a confirmation of booking no tickets). Our guide was unaware of what was going on as well and confused that they sent her to that location to meet us. Shady business practice at best! Everything went well once we connected with our guide according to the description of what we purchased and expected. No meal was included, however there was time allotted to purchase food.

    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
    33
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    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 runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)47
    Review evidence (18% weight)86
    Booking momentum (14% weight)83
    Value for money (12% weight)86
    Listing quality (10% weight)66
    Local standing (8% weight)14
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    Prices start at $559 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 94 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    Around 33 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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), From Basel: Premium Panoramic train, Lucerne & Interlaken 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 Basel?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel?

    +

    Included: Glacier Express Seat Reservation; Meet and Greet at Basel SBB (Instructions will be sent after booking); Standard Rail Pass; and Local Guide. Not included: Lunch (can be purchased by card on the Glacier Express); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From 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 is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel offered in?

    +

    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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel?

    +

    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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Basel. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel?

    +

    Across 94 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel.

    Pick your date