Glacier Express (departing From Chur)

The Glacier Express departs from Chur, the capital of Graubünden, offering a direct link to the Alpine towns of Brig and Zermatt. Trains leave daily—except during a short maintenance period in late autumn—with one service to Brig that takes about 4 hours 20 minutes and another to Zermatt lasting roughly 7 hours 55 minutes. The route is part of the famous 291 km line that connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, and Chur serves as one of its key intermediate stations.

First launched on 25 June 1930, the Glacier Express has evolved from its original RhB/FO/BVZ operation to the present Glacier Express AG, carrying around 187 000 passengers in 2016. Inside the train you find first‑ and second‑class compartments, a restaurant car, and panoramic observation cars that provide unobstructed views of the 42 bridges and tunnels along the journey. The metre‑gauge, 11 kV AC electrified line ensures smooth, quiet travel, and the train is fully accessible for disabled passengers.

For travelers boarding in Chur, the experience begins at the historic station, where you can watch the sleek, red‑liveried train arrive before settling into a comfortable seat and watching the Alpine landscape unfold through the large windows. The ride combines engineering heritage with scenic travel, making it a memorable way to explore Switzerland’s mountains from a single departure point.