We will have a fabulous trip in August if I don't lose my mind trying to figure out the rail system! I'd like to travel from Zermatt to Appenzell via Visp and Chur using one of the scenic trains (Glacier Express, Bernina, etc.). I don't plan to go into St. Moritz. Consulting with the German rail site and Rail Europe, trains seem to be routing through Zurich, even when I break up the segments. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how this can be done? Perhaps I can't get on the scenic trains just for certain sections? I've got a Eurail 2-country pass that I'll be using and although I know all of the trains follow the same tracks, a little luxury and large windows might be a treat. Any help is appreciated.
Posted by
Green Bay
20100 posts
SBB will always try to send you the fastest way. To force it to show using the Glacier Express via Chur, do this:
Enter Zermatt as the start, and Appenzell as the destination, date, and a time of 7:30. On the right, you'll see "add via +". Click on that and enter Brig, then click on it again and enter Disentis/Muster, then click on it a gain and enter Chur. Then click on search. That will give you a route with the Glacier Express, "GEX" on the itineraries.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
The only part of the trip that needs a seat reservation is Zermatt-Chur on the Glacier Express. Rail Europe will find that leg easily and sell the seat reservation for $56 per person currently, or book at https://shop.glacierexpress.ch/gex_en for 33 CHF.