Glacier Express: The 6 Best Ways to Ride It

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $597Our pick

Basel to Lucerne by panoramic Swiss rails with reserved Glacier Express seating, guided Old Town walking, and Lake Lucerne views.

“Wonderful experience and views of the Swiss Alps, cities and history. We did have an issue with Viator and miscommunication with the local contracted Swiss tour company on location to meet which made us miss the original train and caused us to alter the daily plan. Be sure to look for any late emails.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 31 reviews · 10 hours · from $581Best value

Ride the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps from Zurich, then tour Lucerne, Chapel Bridge, and the Lion Monument with a guided small group.

“Well I was at the meeting point almost 30mins before the said meeting time and no one was there. Even though there is a note that guide would be there 10mins early to greet you. Also when I tried contacting them via email I getting any response or I contacted my credit card company for dispute. But don’t bother booking through them it’s just a scam. Instead if you want to ride glacier express book on their original website months in advance.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 17 reviews · 12 hours · from $581

Glacier Express and Lucerne day trip from Basel with Chur, Lake Lucerne, and a guided walk at Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument.

“I cannot tell you how disappointed this experience has been. This tour was not at all what was advertised and what I booked on September 2025. A tour advertised at the time of booking as an 8 hour day that promised to be a “luxury tour” with food available turned into a 12 hour marathon on 6 different trains. NO food provided or even available for purchase. Not to mention the text message we received the night before the tour after 8 pm (less than 13 hours before we were to meet our guide at 9:15) telling me the Glacier Express was overbooked and we were cancelled! After exchanging many…”

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

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

Private Glacier Express day trip from Basel with a guide, reserved 2nd-class seats, 3-course lunch, Oberalp Pass views, and train return.

“Our tour guide was terrific. I love trains so I loved riding on one. However, you really should be more descriptive in your promo regarding this trip. First of all you do not see glaciers so why is it the Glacier Express and your promo should state that it is ONLY a train ride. You do not get off in any of the villages so it is just riding close to the Alps. Not through them. Lunch on board was delicious and the service on the train was excellent. Mostly we just loved our tour guide Oskar. He was so friendly and interesting. He was very informative.”

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5.Glacier Express Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Lucerne

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 9 reviews · 10 hours · from $581

Small group rail tour from Lucerne, with a Glacier Express ride through the Oberalp, Lake Lucerne views, and medieval highlights like Chapel Bridge.

“Great experience. Jade was wonderful and made day easy and efficient.”

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6.Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $937

Basel to Bern in one day by train, with a reserved Glacier Express ride, optional seat lunch, and guided strolls in Brig and Bern.

“Spectacular trip through the Swiss Alps. The train is very comfortable and has great service. The views are amazing! What made our trip very special was our tour guide Juliana. She is pleasant, knowledgeable and truly enjoys her job. Be sure to ask for her for a wonderful day”

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