Updated on 25/11/2025 ｜ Published on 06/08/2025
GoldenPass Express vs Glacier Express – A complete guide to Swiss scenic trains. Compare routes, ticket prices, seat reservations, train classes & best seasons, plus tips from real experience.
Read Before You Go
Swiss Articles：Scenic Train Comparison｜Glacier Express｜GoldenPass Express｜Swiss Mountain Comparison｜Jungfraujoch｜Matterhorn｜Harder Kulm
Passes：
Swiss Travel Pass（STP）：Get Your Guide｜KLOOK
Swiss Half Fare Card：Get Your Guide｜KLOOK
Gornergrat Train：Get Your Guide｜KLOOK
Jungfrau Travel Pass：Get Your Guide｜KLOOK
GoldenPass vs Glacier Express｜Key Comparison Table
Want a quick overview of the route highlights, ticket prices, and ideal traveller types for both trains? This table shows the key differences at a glance.
| GoldenPass Express | Glacier Express | |
| Full Route | Montreux → Interlaken | Zermatt → St. Moritz (approx. 8 hrs total) |
| Recommended Section | This is the scenic highlight | Andermatt → Chur (summer scenic highlight) |
| Scenery Highlights | Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, villages, terraced fields | Glaciers, highlands, Alpine peaks, spiral tunnels |
| Best Seasons | Year-round; spring and summer feel most relaxed | Summer for canyons, winter for snowy landscapes |
| Swiss Travel Pass |
Valid, seat reservation fee required
|
|
| Swiss Half Fare Card | ||
| Full fare (reservation not included) | Prestige: CHF 145 1st Class: CHF 96 2nd Class: CHF 56 |
Excellence: CHF 490 1st Class: CHF 272 2nd Class: CHF 159 |
| Seat Reservation Fee | Prestige: CHF 35 1st/2nd Class: CHF 20 |
Long route: CHF 49 Short route: CHF 44 |
| Best For | First-time visitors, lake scenery lovers | Landscape lovers, photography enthusiasts |
GoldenPass vs Glacier Express｜Scenic Highlights Compared
▍GoldenPass Express｜Lakes and Mountain Villages
The GoldenPass Express is known for its serene countryside charm, featuring lakeside and fairytale-style chalet views. It passes iconic Swiss landscapes such as Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, and Lake Lucerne. The atmosphere is gentle and picturesque—perfect for those who love culture and tranquil lake scenes. Stops like Spiez, Gstaad, and Zweisimmen are great for photos.
Best For:
Travellers who enjoy charming villages, lake views, and low to mid-altitude landscapes.
▍Glacier Express｜Epic Alpine Crossings
Nicknamed “the world’s slowest express train,” the Glacier Express cuts through the heart of the Alps. It offers dramatic views of glaciers, deep valleys, Europe’s highest railway bridge, and 3,000-metre peaks. The section from Andermatt to Chur is especially stunning—filled with tight turns and sweeping vistas. Verdant in summer, snowy and majestic in winter, it’s pure visual impact.
Best For:
Travellers who love dramatic mountain landscapes, extreme terrain, and photography.
Swiss Scenic Train Class Comparison｜Seating & Onboard Dining
▍GoldenPass Express
| Class | Seating | Dining Service |
| Prestige Class | 1+1 layout, luxury seating | Drinks and snacks available for pre-order or on-site purchase |
| First Class | 2+1 layout, wider seats | Drinks and snacks available for purchase on some departures |
| Second Class | 2+2 layout, standard seats | Some trains offer no onboard dining service |
▍Glacier Express
| Class | Seating | Dining Service |
| Excellence Class | 1+1 layout, luxury seating | Includes welcome champagne and a premium multi-course meal |
| First Class | 2+1 layout, wider seats | Three-course meal available by reservation, or purchase meals and à la carte items on board |
| Second Class | 2+2 layout, standard seats | Three-course meal available by reservation, or purchase meals and à la carte items on board |
Swiss Scenic Train Review｜Which Route Did I Take & Was It Worth It?
After comparing all the data and prices, choosing the right scenic train still comes down to what kind of view and experience you want. Below are my honest impressions from two routes I personally took (including key details and real feelings).
▍GoldenPass Express｜Montreux → Interlaken (2nd Class)
I chose this classic route known for lakes and countryside views, and travelled in 2nd class. Although onboard dining is officially only available in Prestige and 1st class, a kind staff member tipped us off that we could visit the galley at the back of the train. We grabbed a ham and cheese platter, white wine, and beer—then brought them back to enjoy at our seats.
The food presentation was nearly indistinguishable from 1st class, the atmosphere was elegant, and the pricing was quite reasonable by Swiss standards. The scenery was top-notch, and the carriage was clean and quiet. This ended up being my favourite scenic train experience overall.
More Details Here：GoldenPass Express Switzerland – How to Book, Passes & Views
▍Glacier Express｜Zermatt → Chur (2nd Class)
I boarded directly at Zermatt after wrapping up my trip there. Honestly, if I had a do-over, I’d only ride the Andermatt → Chur segment. Here’s why the first half felt underwhelming:
- The carriage was a bit too warm, and even though I rarely get motion sickness, I felt slightly unwell—possibly due to pressure changes and the train’s speed.
- By June, the snow had melted, so the first part was mostly green forests—no dramatic glaciers in sight.
- Compared to GoldenPass, the views felt less “fresh” and spacious.
But everything changed from Andermatt onward. Tall larch, spruce, and pine forests lined the valleys, and as we approached the Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge), the views suddenly exploded. It felt like bursting out of a forest tunnel straight into a canyon—totally different air and energy.
That segment is definitely worth it—not just because it’s the most expensive route included in the Swiss Travel Pass (ahem), but because it’s genuinely stunning.
More Details Here：Glacier Express Review｜Booking, Scenic Route & Real Impressions
Maximise Scenic Train Value with Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card
A final tip: both the GoldenPass Express and Glacier Express are covered under the Swiss Travel Pass（STP） and Swiss Half Fare Card. That means you can save significantly on scenic train fares if you hold either pass—though the terms differ slightly:
▍If You Have the Swiss Travel Pass
- The base fare is fully covered—no need to pay extra for tickets.
- Seat reservation fees still apply.
- Important note: Glacier Express requires seat reservations. Book at least a month in advance.
- GoldenPass Express reservations are optional, but for busy seasons or premium classes like Prestige, booking ahead is highly recommended.
▍If You Have the Swiss Half Fare Card
- You’ll need to buy tickets at 50% off for your chosen route.
- Tickets can be purchased via the SBB website or app.
- Reservation fees are the same as with STP and must be paid separately.
