Hi All,
I am planning my trip to Switzerland this July and researching train options departing from Appenzell and arriving in Zermatt. Rick recommends linking the two destinations with the Glacier Express Train. When reading about the Glacier Express in the Swiss Guidebook, Rick indicates that it is possible to link up in either Chur or Goshenen and do part of the route that way instead of committing to the full 8 hr journey from St. Moritz. What would you recommend if I am starting my journey in Appenzell and wish to cut down on travel time but also enjoy the scenery of the Glacier Express route? I will be traveling with a Swiss Travel Pass. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
It would be helpful to know what your overall route in Switzerland is.
My initial suggestion would have been to travel via Luzern, as follows:
- Appenzell to Herisau
- "Voralpen Express" from Herisau to Luzern through very pretty scenery
- "Luzern-Interlaken Express" to Interlaken Ost, again very scenic
- Interlaken Ost to Spiez
- Spiez to Visp
- Visp to Zermatt
It would take about 7:30 hours total, so not a much shorter option. And you are likely to use part of those routes in the rest of your journey.
So to answer your question: joining the Glacier Express at Andermatt (via Göschenen) only shaves off one hour from travel time, and adds several transfers. It is simpler to head to Chur, only 2 transfers total (Gossau and Chur), 8:40 travel time.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you so much for the suggestions! I will be flying into Zurich. Over 10 days, my overall itinerary will be Zurich to Appenzell, then to Zermatt, then to Lausanne, then onto the Berner Oberland, before flying back out of Zurich.
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
Ok, thank you for detailing your route!
In that case you can ignore my suggestion (since you will travel 2/3 of the same route going to the BO then Luzern) and just take the Glacier Express, via Chur. It's a long day, but it's worth it.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Excellent, I can't wait! Thank you!