Please sign in to post.

Glacier Express Route, Andermatt or push ahead to Disentis/Mustér (+ additional stops?)

Posted by on

Looking at spending a "train day" riding along the Glacier Express line using regional trains (Swiss Travel Pass). The day will begin from either Visp or Brig. Visp has direct service to Andermatt; Brig to Disentis/Muster. Normally Andermatt at just over 2 hours is about the most we would do for a single train ride. Disentis/Mustér is pushing closer to three. But I'm worried ending in Andermatt is a bit anticlimactic since you are in a long tunnel at the end. And somewhere I thought I read that the Andermatt to Disentis/Mustér stretch was one of the most beautiful on the line.

Any thoughts on how to play this? Stop in Andermatt? Push ahead to Disentis/Mustér? Is one better than the other for lunch and walking around before returning? This will be mid-April, BTW.

Secondarily, and especially if we only go as far as Andermatt and have more time in the day, any suggested hop-off stops along the way? I've read good things about Bettmeralp, as well as Eggishorn. Any other stops along that route that are particularly compelling?

Posted by
488 posts

Since you are using the regional trains, have no need of a seat reservation, and will be using a Travel Pass - why not just see how your day unfolds? Take the train to Andermatt and if you have the energy and desire to go further, then continue on.

For a day trip by train I often travel up to four hours one way. As long as you take a break at your destination, maybe go for a little hike, or just see the sights before your return journey, it is not a problem.

My preference is to go to a location that I really want to see, rather than limit myself to the length of the journey. Remember that you can sleep, read, listen to music, eat, walk around, use the bathroom, go to the dining car, or just sit and look out the window when on the train - very different from a car journey.

Posted by
20182 posts

Although I do not believe the regional trains between Visp and Andermatt have dining cars. Bring some snacks and something to drink along with you. But it is only a 2 1/4 hour journey.

Posted by
6918 posts

Andermatt itself is pretty lackluster (especially if you are there after the lifts close for the season on 14th April), and the scenery is much better beyond Andermatt (Oberalppass), so I would press on to Disentis.

Posted by
488 posts

Although I do not believe the regional trains between Visp and Andermatt have dining cars

Good point! I have not taken this route, so don't know for sure, some of the regional trains near me run by BLS have snack cars where you can buy drinks and snacks from a machine...probably not going to come across one of those though.

Add Reply

Please do not reply to violations of our Community Guidelines.