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Shortened version of Glacier Express

Hello all,
I'm not looking forward to spending so many hours on the train between Pontresina and Montreux. Any suggestions after the "best" of the Glacier Ex. scenery for an overnight stop along the way and then taking an an express train to Montreux? This would use an extra day with my Swiss Rail Pass but if I could reach Montreux early enough to use the pass for the Chillion Château excursion it might be worth it. I appreciate your input.

Posted by
6900 posts

Hi,
What is the rest of you Swiss itinerary like?
So that I / we do not suggest rail routes that you will take in other legs of your trip.

Otherwise, once you start heading west from Chur on the Glacier Express route, you are basically committed. By the time you reach Disentis, it is faster to just keep going to Visp.
Also, the Glacier Express route is less than 2 hours longer than the fastest route via Zürich (8.15 hours vs 6.30), so it is really worth it.
If you feel the need to break the journey, Disentis is interesting (beautiful abbey) if a bit far from Montreux still. Reckingen is also a beautiful, well preserved Alpine village with a lovely covered bridge, and is closer to Montreux.

Your accommodation in Montreux should give you a free public transportation card so that you won't need to use the pass to get to Chillon castle - Trolleybus line 201 will get you there easily and frequently.

Posted by
121 posts

Thanks for your suggestions, Balso. There’s a lot to consider! Good to know about the opportunity in Montreux. I posted my proposed itinerary separately.

Emily