Our Top 7 Must-Know Tips for Booking the Glacier Express

Travelling on the Glacier Express is a bucket-list experience, the “world’s slowest express train” gliding through Switzerland’s Alpine heart between Zermatt and St Moritz. If you’re ready to cross the Glacier Express off your list, here are seven essential tips to help you secure the ride with Railbookers and make it unforgettable:

1. Book Early – Railbookers Gives You a Head Start

Seat bookings are mandatory for the Glacier Express and tend to sell out months in advance, especially for First Class or Excellence Class. Railbookers can secure your seats as soon as your trip is confirmed. Remember, you can book with us up to two years in advance. No stress, no guesswork. Instead, you’ll be riding one of the world’s most famous trains with everything already locked in.

2. Choose Your Class with Confidence

The Glacier Express offers three travel classes. Second Class includes panoramic windows and great views; First Class adds more space and comfort; and Excellence Class takes it to another level with window seating, gourmet meals, and dedicated hosts. Railbookers helps you pick the best fit based on your style, comfort preferences, and budget.

3. Optimise Your Direction and Timing

The direction you travel can shape your experience. Heading from Zermatt to St Moritz in the morning often offers bright light and sharper views. Travelling in the opposite direction during the afternoon creates a softer, golden Alpine glow, especially in winter. Railbookers helps you choose the optimal departure time to make the most of your daylight and scenery.

4. The Route Is Epic – Let Railbookers Handle the Logistics

The Glacier Express crosses nearly 300 bridges and 90 tunnels on its 8-hour journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps. It climbs over the stunning Oberalp Pass and passes through charming villages like Andermatt and Chur. Railbookers builds this into a seamless itinerary with hotels, transfers, and sightseeing woven in, so you just enjoy the ride.

5. Don’t Get Caught Out by the Rail Pass Rules

Yes, Swiss Travel Passes and other regional passes are valid for the Glacier Express, but seat bookings are still required and must be made separately. Railbookers handles all of this for you in one simple step, so you can avoid any mix-ups or last-minute stress.

6. Pick the Right Season for Your Style

Every season on the Glacier Express offers something different. In winter, the landscape is dusted in snow. In spring, waterfalls rush through thawing valleys. Summer brings sunshine, wildflowers, and clear skies. Autumn paints the mountains in golden hues. Railbookers can guide you on the best time to travel based on what you want to see.

7. Don’t Just Book the Train – Book the Whole Experience

With Railbookers, the Glacier Express isn’t just a train ride. It’s part of a larger, perfectly curated adventure. Combine it with nights in Zermatt, Lucerne, Chur, or Zurich. Add a scenic boat cruise on Lake Geneva or a ride on the Bernina Express. We make it effortless to build an unforgettable Swiss itinerary around the Glacier Express.

Let Railbookers Take You There

Booking the Glacier Express should be just as smooth and enjoyable as the ride itself. Railbookers takes care of every detail, including seat bookings, hotels, transfers, and more. All you have to do is show up and enjoy Switzerland’s most iconic rail experience.

Ready to make it happen? Let’s get your Glacier Express journey on track.