GoldenPass vs Glacier Express – Which Swiss Scenic Train to Take?

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.

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 vs Glacier Express｜Scenic Highlights Compared

▍GoldenPass Express｜Lakes and Mountain Villages

The GoldenPass Express is defined by its lakeside scenery and traditional Swiss chalets. The route passes Lake Geneva, Lake Thun and Lake Lucerne, with a gentle, open quality that suits travellers who prefer softer landscapes over dramatic peaks. Spiez, Gstaad and Zweisimmen are among the most photogenic stops along the way.

Best For：Travellers who enjoy charming villages, lake views, and low to mid-altitude landscapes.

▍Glacier Express｜Epic Alpine Crossings

Marketed as the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express cuts through the Alps, passing Europe's highest railway bridge, glacial gorges and peaks above 3,000 metres. The Andermatt to Chur section is the standout stretch, with winding bends, expansive views, lush green slopes in summer and deep snow in winter. Each season reads completely differently.

Best For：Travellers after grand alpine scenery, dramatic landscapes or serious photography.

Swiss Scenic Train Class Comparison｜Seating & Onboard Dining

▍GoldenPass Express

▍Glacier Express

Swiss Scenic Train Review｜Which Route Did I Take & Was It Worth It?

Numbers and prices only go so far. What you actually want from the journey matters more. Here is what I found on both trains.

▍GoldenPass Express｜Montreux → Interlaken (2nd Class)

I went with this classic lake and pastoral route, travelling in second class. The staff initially mentioned that table service was only available in Prestige and First Class, but kindly pointed us towards the buffet area at the rear of the train. I picked up a ham and cheese platter, a glass of white wine and a beer, and brought everything back to my seat.

The presentation was barely distinguishable from First Class. The atmosphere was pleasant, and by Swiss standards the prices were reasonable. The scenery was consistently good throughout, the carriages were clean and quiet, and it stood out as the best value scenic rail experience of my entire Switzerland trip.

More Details Here：GoldenPass Express Switzerland – How to Book, Passes & Views

▍Glacier Express｜Zermatt → Chur (2nd Class)

I boarded at Zermatt after finishing my time there, joining the train from the very first stop. If I were doing it again, I would board at Andermatt and ride only to Chur. Doing the full journey revealed some shortcomings in the earlier section:

• The carriage was warm, and I, someone who rarely gets motion sick, felt mildly unwell (likely due to speed changes and altitude)
• By June the snow had melted, leaving the first half dominated by forested hillsides rather than the glacial drama the train is known for
• The overall sense of openness felt more enclosed compared with the GoldenPass

From Andermatt onwards, the landscape shifts decisively. Tall larches, spruces and pines line the valley walls, and approaching the Rhine Gorge the train emerges from dense forest directly into the gorge itself. The scale of it is something else entirely.

That section is genuinely worth the ride — not just because the Glacier Express carries the highest face value of any route covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, but because the scenery earns it.

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.