Glacier Express vs Bernina Express: which scenic train is better ?

Planning a once-in-a-lifetime Swiss scenic train trip and stuck between the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express?

You’re not alone. “Glacier Express vs Bernina Express” is one of the most common questions I get from readers. In this 2025 guide, we’ll compare routes, scenery, prices, classes, passes and practicality – so you can confidently pick the train that fits your trip, budget and travel style.

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Quick verdict: Glacier Express vs Bernina Express

If you don’t want to read the whole guide, here’s the fast answer:

• Choose the Glacier Express if you want
  • a full-day, “bucket-list” luxury experience,
  • slow travel between Zermatt and St. Moritz/Chur,
  • the option to splurge on Excellence Class with a 5-course meal and concierge service.
• Choose the Bernina Express if you want
  • shorter (~4 hour) but super-intense alpine scenery,
  • a UNESCO World Heritage route over dramatic viaducts from Switzerland to Italy,
  • lower overall costs and easier fit into a busy itinerary

The good news? Both are fantastic. The “better” train is simply the one that fits your route, time and budget.

Glacier Express vs Bernina Express: comparison table (2025)

Feature	Glacier Express	Bernina Express
Main route	Zermatt – St. Moritz (via Andermatt, Chur)	Chur / St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy)
Direction	East–west through central Alps	North–south over the Bernina Pass to Italy
Distance / time	~291 km, ~8 hours full route	~144–148 km, ~4–4.5 hours Chur–Tirano
Highlights	Matterhorn region, Oberalp Pass, Rhine Gorge	Landwasser Viaduct, Bernina Pass, Lago Bianco, Brusio spiral, palm trees in Tirano
Classes	2nd, 1st, Excellence Class	2nd, 1st
Food	Fresh meals served at your seat; full 5-course menu included in Excellence Class	Minibar / snacks only; main meal usually taken in Tirano
Ticket price (full route, 2025)	From CHF 159 (2nd), CHF 272 (1st) Zermatt–St. Moritz, ticket only	Regular point-to-point fares from ~CHF 79–96 in 2nd for long routes, if no pass/discounts
Seat reservation	Mandatory, ~CHF 54 in 1st/2nd, CHF 540 Excellence full route	Mandatory for panoramic cars; supplement depends on season/route (often CHF 14–16+ or more)
Swiss Travel Pass	Covers the ticket, not the seat reservation	Covers the ticket, not the seat reservation
Overall vibe	“Slowest express in the world” – refined, classic, relaxing	More “punchy” alpine drama, less formal, shorter

Routes & duration

Glacier Express: the classic east–west crossing

Route: Zermatt – Brig – Andermatt – Chur – St. Moritz (or reverse)

Distance: about 291 km

Journey time: roughly 7.5–8 hours for the full route

The Glacier Express links two legendary resorts: Zermatt (near the Matterhorn) and St. Moritz, crossing high passes and deep valleys. It’s often marketed as “Europe’s slowest express train” because it travels deliberately slowly so you can soak up the views.

Key sections:

• Zermatt – Andermatt: Mattertal valley, then up to Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route.
• Andermatt – Chur: dramatic Rhine Gorge (“Swiss Grand Canyon”).
• Chur – St. Moritz: part of the Albula line, shared with the Bernina system.

You can ride shorter segments (e.g. Brig–Chur, Andermatt–Chur) if a full day feels too long.

Bernina Express: the UNESCO north–south route

Route: Chur / St. Moritz – Tirano (Italy)

Distance: ~144–148 km

Journey time: about 4–4.5 hours

The Bernina Express climbs over the Bernina Pass, passes glacier-fed lakes like Lago Bianco, crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and the Brusio spiral viaduct, then drops down into Tirano, where palm trees and Italian gelato await.

From March to October you can add the Bernina Express bus to Lugano, turning your trip into a full north–south Alpine crossing.

Scenery & onboard experience

Glacier Express: grand, slow-burn alpine drama

• A full-day “movie” of Swiss landscapes: rocky gorges, wide valleys, small villages, high passes.
• Panoramic windows in all classes, with commentary and an onboard kitchen.
• Pace is relaxed: you settle in, enjoy courses of food, and watch the scenery evolve gradually.

Best for: travellers who love long, immersive journeys and the feeling of a classic luxury train day.

Bernina Express: all-killer-no-filler

• More intense scenery in less time: it quickly moves from valleys to glaciers to Italian vineyards.
• Landmark structures like Landwasser Viaduct and Brusio spiral are real show-stoppers.
• No dining car: you’ll usually eat before/after or in Tirano, but there is a minibar/snacks service.

Best for: travellers short on time who still want spectacular scenery – and those excited by the “Switzerland to Italy in half a day” idea.

Prices, passes & seat reservations (2025)

Glacier Express prices (full route, 2025)

Official fare examples for St. Moritz – Zermatt (one way, ticket only)

• 2nd class: from CHF 159
• 1st class: from CHF 272

On top of that you need a seat reservation:

• 1st & 2nd class reservation: around CHF 54
• Excellence Class reservation: CHF 540 for the full route, including the gourmet menu and special services (you also need a valid 1st-class ticket or pass).

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail or Interrail, it usually covers the ticket portion, so you only pay the reservation (and any class supplement if needed).

Bernina Express prices (2025)

The Bernina Express uses regular Swiss fares for the ticket part. A long ride like Chur–Tirano in 2nd class is typically from around CHF 79–96 without discounts, with 1st class higher.

You then pay a mandatory seat reservation for the panoramic cars, which depends on season and route (often from CHF 14–16+).

With a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, GA, Eurail or Interrail, the ticket is usually covered and you just pay the reservation fee.

With or without a rail pass: which is cheaper?

Without any rail pass:

• The Bernina Express is typically cheaper overall (shorter route, lower fares, lower reservation cost).
• The Glacier Express is a premium full-day experience and priced accordingly.

With a rail pass (Swiss Travel Pass / Eurail / Interrail):

• Both trains can become excellent value, because the expensive ticket is covered and you “only” pay the reservation.
• For value per hour of scenery, many travellers feel the Glacier Express is a smart way to leverage a pass (longer journey, high base ticket).

Classes & comfort (what’s included – and what isn’t)

Glacier Express classes

From the official overview:

2nd class

• Open-plan cars with large panoramic windows.
• Comfortable 2+2 seating, plenty of daylight.
• Meals & drinks not included, but you can order from the onboard menu and food is served at your seat.

1st class

• More space and quieter atmosphere, usually 2+1 seating.
• Same panoramic windows and view as 2nd class.
• Meals also not included, but service at your seat.

Excellence Class

• Lounge-style 1-1 seating with a guaranteed window seat.
• Dedicated concierge, bar, luggage service, private tablet with infotainment, and access to an exclusive lounge area.
• A five-course gourmet menu with wine pairing is included in the Excellence Class reservation price, plus afternoon tea and snacks.
• You still need a 1st-class ticket/pass plus the Excellence supplement.

👉 So: meals are only “included” if you book Excellence Class. In 1st and 2nd class you pay meals separately.

Bernina Express classes

2nd & 1st class

• Panoramic cars with large windows in both.
• The main differences are seat layout and space; the scenery is identical.
• There is no dining car: you’ll find a minibar/snack service on board, and most travellers have a meal in Tirano during the break.

If you’re debating upgrading to 1st class on either train, it’s mainly about comfort and space, not the view itself.

Best seasons to ride each train

Season	Glacier Express	Bernina Express
Winter	❄️ Stunning snow	❄️ Even better – iconic snow walls
Spring	🌿 Nice green valleys	Mixed snow + lakes
Summer	☀️ Very popular	☀️ Ideal for lakes + clear skies
Autumn	🍂 Great colors	Incredible golden larches

Most dramatic: Bernina Express in winter
Most elegant: Glacier Express in summer/winter

Which train works best for your itinerary : Glacier Express vs Bernina Express?

Use these quick scenarios:

Pick the Glacier Express if…

• You want a single, iconic, full-day panoramic train as a highlight.
• You’re travelling between Zermatt and St. Moritz/Chur anyway.
• You have a Swiss Travel Pass / Eurail / Interrail and want to maximise its value on one big journey.
• You love the idea of table-service meals, a slow lunch, maybe even Excellence Class.

Pick the Bernina Express if…

• You have limited time but still want “wow” scenery.
• You’re heading between Switzerland and Italy (e.g. to Milan, Lake Como, or Lugano via the bus).
• You like shorter, punchier experiences and aren’t bothered about a full dining car.
• You’re travelling without a rail pass and watching your budget – the Bernina is generally cheaper.
  
  Here are some activities you may like :
  
  

If you are still not sure about which train is the best for you, read this Swiss scenic trains comparison and choose the right one for your trip

Do both if…

You’re on a Grand Train Tour or have 7–10 days in Switzerland. Many itineraries combine Glacier + Bernina over 4–8 days.

FAQ : Glacier Express vs Bernina Express