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5 Day Switzerland Train Tour

Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, Matterhorn and Gornergrat

Tour Overview

From $3,670 | Private Semi-Guided Rail Tour | Pick Your Own Dates

Our 5-Day Switzerland Train Tour focuses on some of the most stunning landscapes in Switzerland. During this exciting 5-Day Switzerland Train Tour, you will visit St. Moritz, Zermatt and ride the famous Glacier Express. Enjoy the best of the Swiss Alps during a semi-guided rail tour. 

On this tour, you’ll travel to St. Mortiz, at the heart of the Engadine mountains, where winter tourism was born, and experience a ride on the iconic Glacier Express to Zermatt.

Here you will ride on the famous Gornergrat train cogwheel train and enjoy spectacular views of the iconic Matterhorn. Our tour is designed to showcase Switzerland’s world-class public transportation system, allowing you to relax and soak up the beauty of the Alps.

This 5-Day Switzerland Train Tour is available year-round, except from the middle of October to the beginning of December.

Highlights

Switzerland private rail tour 5 days

Featured Swiss Railways

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5-Day Switzerland Train Tour Itinerary

On this 5-Day Switzerland Train Tour you will visit two famous Swiss mountain resorts, St. Moritz and Zermatt, and ride on two legendary Swiss lines: Glacier Express and Gornergrat cogwheel railway.

Explore the essence of the Swiss Alps in just five days with this immersive experience.

zurich airport meet and greet
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switzerland rail tour 3 days
switzerland train tour

One of our ECHO Rails Guides will pick you up right after customs at the Zurich Airport (alternate pick-up location might be available).

Your guide will give you all the information and details you need for your journey and escort you to the train station at the Zurich Airport. You will  board the train and enjoy a 3 ½ hour relaxed train ride to the world famous resort town St. Moritz.

Accommodation: Hauser Hotel (or comparable lodging).
best day hikes from St. Moritz

Your local ECHO Rails Guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9 am. 

Today you will enjoy a relatively flat and leisurely hike boasting panoramic views of the surrounding Bernina Alps, St.Moritz, Engadin Valley and the lakes.

In summer, you can enjoy an exciting funicular ride up to Muottas Muragl, a vantage point above the Engadine valley. If the funicular is closed, your guide will suggest alternatives such as a ride up to Diavolezza glacier, a hike around Pontresina village or similar.

Hike along the sunny side of the Alps and find out why the Engine Vally has been attracting generations of hikers and nature lovers. 

Along the way, your local guide will explain the Rumantsch culture in Graubünden, artistic St. Moritz “Graffiti” architecture, and the town’s history as the world’s first winter tourism resort, as well as its current status of one of the world’s most beloved mountain resorts.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hauser Hotel (or comparable lodging).

switzerland rail tour 3 days

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as today you embark on a journey on the world-renowned Glacier Express. This slow express train is a masterpiece of engineering, taking you on a scenic ride through the heart of the Alps for approximately eight hours. During the ride, you’ll pass through 91 tunnels and cross 291 bridges.

Important: Glacier Express connections are suspended for the maintenance works between 13 October and 7 December, 2024. You can still travel on the route o Glacier Express but it might not be as convenient as with the dedicated panoramic train. 

With amenities such as power outlets, and free Wi-Fi, each seat is designed for your comfort and convenience. Moreover, the train features a newly built information system that allows you to track your location on the map, along with an audio guide, to learn about the incredible sights you’ll see along the way.

As you travel West up through the Rhine gorge, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Albula tunnel, Landwasser viaduct, and Switzerland’s Grand Canyon. The train will ascend 1000m / 3000 ft from Disentis to Oberalp, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in one of the few dining cars that still serve hot food.

In the evening, you will arrive in Zermatt, where you can relax and unwind in the spa area of your hotel. You’ll also have some time to explore the car-free, picturesque town of Zermatt. Be sure to go out enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant – we’ll provide some suggestions.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch on the Glacier Express.

Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

travel with glacier express

Your private ECHO Rails Guide will pick you up at your hotel at 9 am.

Today, you will experience breathtaking views of the Matterhorn and the Alps in an excursion that combines a cogwheel train ride with an easy-to-moderate day hike of your choice.

You’ll ride Europe’s second highest railway and the highest open-air railway on the continent, the Gornergrat cogwheel train, climbing up to 10,134 feet (3089 meters) and offering incredible views of the Matterhorn along the way.

You walk up to the 360-degree platform area providing a panoramic view of 29 alpine peaks higher than 13,123 feet (4000 meters), including the world-famous Matterhorn.
Depending on the season and your preference, your guide will lead you on a 1-2 hour guided hike along sign-posted trails of an alpine nature reserve featuring awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn mirrored in pristine alpine lakes.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the origins of Zermatt and the people of the canton of Valais (French) or Wallis (German). In the evening, your guide will bid you farewell after giving you all the information you need to travel back to Zurich the next day.

Meals included: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel La Ginabelle (or comparable lodging).

gornergrat cogwheel train

After breakfast you depart to your own destination.

Our guide will provide all the information so you safely get to your final destination.

We bid you a farewell and wish you safe travels.

Meals included: Breakfast

things to do in zermatt

Book the Swiss Alps rail tour today!

Details and pricing

Adult Standard: US $3,670 per person based on 2 people in a double/twin room

Single Supplement: 100$/night

10% deposit secures the booking – balance due 90 days before the departure date

  • ECHO Rails Guide Meet & Greet at the Zurich airport
  • 6 Day Swiss Travel Pass First Class
  • 2 nights Zermatt in a 4* Hotel
  • 2 nights St.Moritz in a 3* Hotel
  • Extensive Swiss breakfasts buffets daily
  • Guided Full Day Tour in St.Moritz including Muottas Muragl
  • First Class Glacier Express with lunch
  • Guided Full Day Tour including Gornergrat Rail
  • Detailed Itinerary sent you 30 days before arrival
  • Dedicated Helpline from 9 am to 5 pm
  • Lunches and dinners (except lunch on Glacier Express)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Items for personal use

See our Cancellation Policy for more details.

Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Switzerland. American Express is less popular and many businesses don’t accept it. The country is becoming more and more cashless with contactless and mobile payments (Google and Apple Pay). Still, it’s useful to have some cash on you while travelling. All banks provide currency exchange services at a favorable rate.

Reasonable Fitness Required

This is a private tour and the excursions can be adapted to your abilities and wishes.

However, this tour is based solely on public transportation. This means you will be walking up and down train platform stairs or ramps to make the connection platform changes. These connection times can range from 7 to 15 minutes and are usually close to another, so a regular walk pace is all that’s needed.

  1. Click on any of the “Book now” buttons on the page.
  2. You will be redirected to our dedicated booking platform.
  3. Choose a desired date for your trip and add number of participants. Select departure time, if applicable.
  4. Fill out the form with all travellers’ details and click “Confirm booking”.
  5. Once we receive your booking request you will be sent an email with payment instructions from our partner Flywire.
  6. Follow the instructions in the email.
  7. Once the payment is processed, your booking is confirmed.

Book the Swiss Alps rail tour today!

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