Glacier Express Tours: The 5 Best Ways to Ride It

1.Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Zurich

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 164 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $599Our pick

Travel from Zurich to Chur, ride the Glacier Express toward Andermatt, and continue to Lucerne for a guided Old Town walk. You’ll see Oberalp scenery, Lake Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, and the Lion Monument. Guides may include Ana Cruz, Leighton, Rose, Jean, or Michelle. High-season substitutions are possible.

“Absolutely amazing. Very very picturesque though out the journey. We loved it and highly recommend to all Our tour guide Ana Cruz was fantastic”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $597Best value

Travel from Basel through Chur and Andermatt on a full-day Swiss rail adventure to Lucerne. You’ll ride the Glacier Express route, see Oberalp scenery, explore the Old Town, and learn Swiss history from a guide such as Jean, Rose, or Ana. Expect several trains, a brisk schedule, and lunch at your own cost.

“Train ride was fantastic. Our tour guide-Ana was extremely knowledgeable and the best. We did feel rushed at stopping points. Also the start time for our tour was delayed which was a bit confusing and resulted us seeing Lucerne in the dark which was the one key point we really looked forward to having seen in the daytime. We felt the price was a bit high for not providing a meal as well. Also get clear directions as to the meeting point and the time to meet to ensure you arrive timely. The glazer express views were incredible . Confusion as well to the premium railway pass regarding a meal.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Zürich With Private Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $951

Meet your English-speaking private guide at Zürich Tourist Information for a 10-hour rail journey to Brig. Travel via Chur on the Glacier Express, pause in Disentis and Andermatt, enjoy a three-course lunch, and return to Zürich by regular train. Guides may include Oskar, Michael, Dominique, or Anja.

“We had Oskar as our guide. It was myself, my girlfriend and him. He was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour. My partner has a hard time walking and Oskar was totally patient and when it was time to board the the trains, he went ahead of us so we had the best seats on the train for the spectacular views. Well worth the money spent.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Lucerne

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $598

Join a small group at Lucerne station for a full-day rail journey through Chur, Oberalp Pass, and Andermatt. You’ll ride the Glacier Express when operating, hear Swiss history from a local guide, and finish with Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Guides have included Anna, Ana, and Ray.

“This tour is NOT on the Glacier Express as it states. We were misled by the information . We paid extra money to ride the Glacier Express. Do NOT book this tour”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip in one Day Private Tour from Basel

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $959

Travel from Basel to Chur, then ride the Glacier Express to Brig with a private Swiss guide such as Oskar or Joelle. Expect panoramic Alpine views, the Rhine Gorge, Oberalp Pass at 6,669 feet, a three-course lunch, and a return by regular train.

“Loved seeing the snow capped mountains. The villages in the valleys were so cute. Beautiful country. The train was very nice and our guide was very attentive to us.”

Check availability →Read our full review