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Passing through 219 km and breathtaking scenery, the Glacier Express attracts tourists from all over the world. Learn all about the iconic slowest express train in the world.
To provide a unique experience of contemplation through the Swiss mountains, the famous Glacier Express tourist train operates daily connecting the charming alpine villages of Zermatt and St. Moritz.
The 219-kilometer journey takes approximately eight hours to complete, a deliberate slowness due to the rugged geography that has earned the service the official title of “the slowest express in the world”.
Aimed at travelers seeking to appreciate nature slowly from carriages with large panoramic windows, the journey requires financial planning and advance booking to navigate the complex circuit of bridges and tunnels in the Alps.
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Glacier Express: The categories of carriages and alpine gastronomy
The transport operating company offers three classes of seats to cater to different customer profiles.
The Second Class and First Class have similar comforts and large panoramic windows that extend to the ceiling, differing in physical space, as the seat arrangement is 2×2 in second class and 1×2 in first class.
In both categories, the onboard team serves quality meals directly at passengers’ tables at a rate of 54 Swiss francs (CHF), about R$ 347 at the current exchange rate.
On the other hand, the pinnacle of railway luxury is represented by the Excellence Class, inaugurated in 2019. This special division features the following exclusive characteristics:
- Rows of seats in a 1×1 configuration, ensuring that everyone is next to the window;
- Personalized service conducted by an onboard concierge;
- Free access to an exclusive bar integrated into the carriage;
- Inclusion of a complete menu with seven sophisticated dishes paired with selected wines.
Securing a spot in this high-standard environment significantly impacts the travel budget, as the price for a one-way ticket starts at 540 Swiss francs (about R$ 3,470) and can exceed 700 Swiss francs (approximately R$ 4,500) due to the high exclusivity.
Engineering Works and the Numbers of the World’s Slowest Train Route
The alpine route stands out in Central Europe not only for its natural beauty but for the grand structures that support the tracks in the rugged geography.
To overcome the geographical barriers of the mountains, the train must pass through winding paths and colossal constructions.
During the day of immersion, the transport system overcomes the following obstacles and tourist spots:
- Passage over a total of 291 bridges;
- Crossing through 91 tunnels carved into the rocks;
- Overcoming great altitudes at the famous Oberalp Pass;
- Crossing the Rheinschlucht gorge, popularly known as the “Grand Canyon of Switzerland”;
- Traveling over the Landwasser Viaduct, an iconic structure that attracts photographers from various countries.
If the passenger finds the continuous eight-hour period excessive, it is allowed to break up the journey.
Thus, the tourist can stay overnight in intermediate cities and resume the rest of the railway line the next day by purchasing a new ticket.
Costs, Reservations, and Advantages with Tourist Passes
The success of the activity depends on prior organization, as spots tend to sell out quickly in the system. The operator opens seat sales exactly 93 days before the scheduled train departure date.
A crucial factor for the tourist’s budget is that the seat reservation fee is mandatory for everyone and has a fixed cost ranging from 33 to 54 Swiss francs.
Therefore, even holders of transport passes need to pay this seat reservation fee separately.
For those with the Swiss Travel Pass, the financial advantage is significant: the traditional engineering ticket is fully covered by the plan, leaving the buyer to only cover the mandatory reservation fee.
The company also recommends booking meals in advance on the official website to ensure onboard restaurant service. Those traveling towards St. Moritz can also consider seat selection.
Although both sides of the train offer impressive views of the Alps, the seats located on the right usually offer the most well-known and sought-after frames by tourists. Another important detail is the service operation period.
Every year, between mid-October and early December, the Glacier Express suspends its trips to carry out scheduled maintenance of the fleet and railway infrastructure. Therefore, those intending to board should check the calendar before planning the itinerary.
Source: Gazeta de SP
