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Glacier Express, seat reservation fee, non opening windows?

We are moving from Zermatt to Chur to ride the Glacier Express route, then spending one night in Chur and taking the Bernina Express to Tirano and then onto Varenna. So two long days of trains in a row with hopefully beautiful views.

The Glacier express is 43 frank PP and we are a party of 4. (We will have STP) I see the local trains are three transfers (via Andermatt) and take about an hour longer. Considering we have 5 transfers on our day from Lauterbrunnen to Zermatt via Zweisimmen-Montreux this is way less. (We have luggage with us on all long train trips) It is worth the extra $ to stay on one train for the day?

Windows opening or not? Big question. My husband loves to take photos and I have been looking pictures up online and the reflection is not very nice. I know just watching the scenery will be great for me but he is not sure what to think. Anyone have any experience and opinions on the photos on this route with closed windows?

Any ideas/thoughts/opinions are welcome.

Posted by
21145 posts

One thing to keep in mind is that there are no services on the regional trains, where as on the Glacier Express, you can have lunch served at your table, and order refreshments to your heart's delight. There are headsets with a description of the scenery in the language of your choice. So if you go with the regional trains, be sure to pack a lunch, snacks, and your own refreshments.

I've ridden on the Bernina Express, but was in the winter and they had regular cars attached to the trains for those who did not want to pay to sit in the panorama cars. Don't know about train make ups in the summer.