If you’re after Glacier Express First Class tickets, look no further. At Trainline, we’ll show you what exactly is on offer, from luxurious seats to at-seat meal service and much more. Don’t be put off by the thought of paying more than you would in Standard either, as there are ways to find cheap Glacier Express First Class train tickets too! Read on for a complete guide to travelling First Class with Glacier Express.
What do you get in First Class on the Glacier Express?
Whether you’re heading to Zermatt, Chur or elsewhere in Switzerland, if you want to travel there in style, the Glacier Express First Class is the one for you. To simplify the three classes the Glacier Express provide on their trains, we’ve broken down the amenities that each one offers.
Glacier Express First Class vs Second Class
|
| First Class | Excellence Class | Second Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luggage storage | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extra comfort leather seats | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| More legroom | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| At-seat meals | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power sockets | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Concierge and infotainment | X | ✓ | X |
Find out more about First v Second Class on European trains.
Glacier Express First Class food service
First Class food and drinks
At-seat dining is offered during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose from a wide range of starters, main courses and desserts, which are usually accompanied by a wide selection of wines.
Excellence Class food and drinks
If you're travelling in the new Glacier Express Excellence Class, you'll get to enjoy a refined regional 5-course menu with accompanying wines. You can also choose one of the many delicious cocktails available on board if you fancy an aperitif.
Glacier Express First Class seating plan
First Class seating
In First Class cars on board the Glacier Express, there are bays of 4 seats around a table on one side of the aisle and bays of 2 seats across a table on the other.
Excellence Class seating
If you travel in Excellence Class, you'll get a seat in a special deluxe panoramic car with seats arranged 1+1 across the car width, face-to-face tables for two on both sides of the aisle, so that everyone gets a window seat.
Popular Glacier Express First Class routes
Check out our guides to travelling First Class on some of the Glacier Express' most popular routes.
St Moritz to Zermatt
|
Departs from |
St Moritz |
|
Arrives into |
Zermatt |
|
Fastest time |
6h 27m |
Find out more about travelling from St Moritz to Zermatt by train.
Chur to Zermatt
|
Departs from |
Chur |
|
Arrives into |
Zermatt |
|
Fastest time |
4h 39m |
Find out more about taking the train from Chur to Zermatt.
Chur to Brig
|
Departs from | Chur |
|
Arrives into |
Brig |
|
Fastest time |
3h 32m |
Learn more about travelling by train from Chur to Brig.
How to get cheap Glacier Express First Class tickets
There are different ways you can get cheap Glacier Express First Class tickets without having to pay over the odds. Our top tips for saving money on First Class train tickets are:
Buy in advance
Glacier Express tickets (and train tickets in Europe in general) are usually at their cheapest price when they first go on sale, normally around three to six months before the date of travel.
Travel Off-Peak
Train tickets tend to be more expensive during rush hour (mornings and early evenings Monday to Friday). If you can, be sure to look for tickets outside of these times to see if you can snap up a lower price.
Look out for train deals
There’s a wide range of train deals and discounts in Europe that can help you save money on your journey. Deals can vary based on the country and train company, but if you’re travelling with children, in a group, or fall into a certain age category, you can benefit from discounted ticket prices.
Good to know (FAQs)
What is included in Glacier Express' First Class?
First Class tickets on the Glacier Express include at-seat dining, more spacious and comfortable seating, and at-seat power sockets.
Are food and drinks included when you travel First Class with Glacier Express?
No, the cost of food and drinks is not included with a First Class train ticket. You can, however, order from the onboard restaurant and you'll be served at your seat.
Do I get access to the Glacier Express' First Class lounge?
Unfortunately, the Glacier Express doesn't have any First Class lounges available at neither Swiss nor Italian stations.
Find out more about the Glacier Express and train travel in Europe
So, now you know all about what Glacier Express First Class has to offer. Whether you’re ready to book or want to find out more about train travel in Europe, we’re here to help.
Start a search for tickets in our Journey Planner at the top of the page or check out some of our guides to travelling with the Glacier Express, where they can take you, and train travel around Europe in general.