Glacier Express — Second Class
Zermatt to St. Moritz
- Score
- 6.6 out of 10
- Fare
- from CHF 220 per person, as of 20 October 2026
- Last checked
- Fare source
- Glacier Express
1 under an open licence
The review
Second Class gives you the whole Glacier Express route through the same panoramic windows as First, for CHF 220 full fare including the mandatory seat reservation. The trade-off is the 2+2 layout in four-seat bays, which on a full train means sharing a table for eight hours. Lunch is served at your seat but paid for separately. For travellers happy with a shared table, it is the sensible choice on value.
For
- Same route and panoramic windows as First and Excellence Class
- Lowest full fare of the three classes, and the ticket part can be reduced with a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Travelcard
- Hot meals cooked on board and served at your seat
Against
- Four-seat bays mean sharing a table with other passengers when the train is busy
- Meals and drinks are extra, and the mandatory seat reservation is not covered by travel passes
- Large luggage racks are at the carriage ends and only one extra bag is advised
How it scores
Five scores out of 10, weighted into the overall. How we score
- Space 25% of score
- 5.0 out of 10
- Seats are 2+2 in four-seat bays around tables, so couples usually share a table with strangers on a busy day. 123
- Dining 20% of score
- 6.0 out of 10
- Meals are cooked fresh on board and served at your seat, but cost extra and one reviewer found the three-course lunch good rather than memorable. 143
- Journey 20% of score
- 9.0 out of 10
- The same eight-hour Alpine route and panoramic windows as the dearer classes, though reviewers note reflections in the glass and a hot carriage in direct sun. 523
The facts
| Type | Seat |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | Shared78 |
| Dining | Not included. Lunch of two, three or four courses, or à la carte dishes, cooked on board and served at your seat; can be pre-ordered up to 48 hours ahead. Cashless payment only.149 |
| Included |
|
| Fare | from CHF 220 per person, as of 20 October 20266 |
| Journey time | About 8 hours end to end (7 h 47 min on the winter 2026/27 timetable)111 |