Switzerland · Scenic day train
Glacier Express
When does the Glacier Express run, and how do you get to it?
On its annual break: no trains from 11 October to 4 December 2026. Daily again from Saturday 5 December.
We checked this with Glacier Express on 29 Oct 2026. Dates, times and prices change: check glacierexpress.ch ↗ before you book or travel.
An 8 hour panorama train between Zermatt and St. Moritz, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, up to the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m.
- Length
- 291 km
- Bridges
- 291
- Tunnels
- 91
- Highest point
- 2,033 m
- Takes
- About 8 h
Facts from the Glacier Express sales manual 2026. The drawing is a sketch of the line, not to scale.
When it runs
- Runs
- Every day, except an annual break from mid October to early December. From 12 December to 3 January, and from 30 January to 7 May 2027, an extra early train leaves Zermatt.
- Takes
- About 8 hours for 291 km. Zermatt to St. Moritz takes 7 h 45 min in SBB's December timetable.
The next trains
From SBB's timetable
The next trains appear here.
Times up to 12 December 2026, the last day in the timetable we hold.
Planner
Get there by train
Is there a direct train from your city to Brig or Chur?
Our direct trains across a border (and between US states).
Book and stay
Stay the night before
Before you go
- Seat reservationMandatory on every Glacier Express.
- Annual breakNo trains from 11 October to 4 December 2026.
- Extra early trainFrom Zermatt, 12 December to 3 January and 30 January to 7 May 2027.
- Planned worksRhine Gorge closed 17 April to 2 May 2027: replacement bus Chur to Disentis.
Good to know
When does the Glacier Express run?
Every day, except its annual break from mid October to early December. In 2026 there are no trains from 11 October to 4 December; it is back on Saturday 5 December. From 12 December to 3 January, and again from 30 January to 7 May 2027, an extra early train leaves Zermatt.
How long does the Glacier Express take?
About 8 hours for the whole 291 km. In SBB's timetable for December, Zermatt to St. Moritz takes 7 h 45 min and St. Moritz to Zermatt 8 h 29 min.
Do I need a seat reservation?
Yes. A seat reservation is mandatory on the Glacier Express.
Can I get to the Glacier Express by train from abroad?
Yes. It stops at Brig and Chur, and both have direct trains from abroad: Brig from Milan in 2h04 (about 7 a day), and Chur from Frankfurt in 5h22 (about 5 a day). Pick your city above for the rest.
Is any part of the route closed in 2027?
Yes, planned: the Rhine Gorge section is closed from 17 April to 2 May 2027, with a replacement bus between Chur and Disentis.
More famous journeys nearby
Checked on 29 Oct 2026 with glacierexpress.ch. Times from SBB's open timetable. Direct trains from our own timetable data.