Given the added expense for the panoramic window cars of these trains, plus optional food service, I'm debating whether they are worth the added cost over the "normal trains" over the same route. Do the two expresses provide a narration regarding "on your right we are passing.......etc"?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Joe, I travelled on the Bernina Express last year, and don't recall any "narration" of the sights. Perhaps I was just to busy looking at the scenery and taking pictures to notice it? I felt the trip was worthwhile. Cheers!
Posted by
NYC area
2981 posts
Hi Joe, We took the Glacier Express a long time ago. We took it from St. Moritz to Zermatt. First, it was almost a 9 hour train ride, which made for a very long day. There were a few stops along the way where we got out to walk for a few minutes. We didn't sit in a panoramic car and didn't get the food service (bought out own snacks, drinks, etc.). No narration of sights, locations, etc. Just a train ride. Paul
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
41 posts
The Bernina Express has a LITTLE bit of a narrative, but nothing elaborate. If you're looking to keep your budget under control on the Bernina Express, taking the "normal" RhB train will offer just as beautiful of a train ride. Not clue on the Glacier Express - never had the privilege!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
We paid a bit extra for the narration on the Glacier Express. It was really worthless as it only came on very briefly a couple of times between Andermatt and Disentis. Perhaps it has gotten better. The food is expensive and it was so-so. What was great was the little wine glasses with the tilted stems so that you glass of wine is level when going up the steepest grades. They came around with small carts selling the glasses and other momentos. We just had to have the glasses. About 15CHF each. The wine was just about level going up to the Overlap pass. It worked. We still have our special glasses in our wine glass collection.
Posted by
OP
Manchester, WA, USA
14 posts
Really appreciate all the responses to my query. I'll go with the "regular train " and save a few CHF, plus option to get off periodically to explore!
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
41 posts
With the on-/off- option, there is a small stop called Alp Grum I would recommend. It's honestly not much more than a depot with a couple of local buildings, but the view looking out at Palu Glacier is great! There is a small restaurant there where you can stop for a bite to eat and soak in the atmosphere - food is good (not great, but good), but the view makes it taste like haute cuisine!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
One thing you might consider is the ability to open the windows. In the GE cars you can slide the top of the window down to take clear pictures. I'm not sure if you can open the windows on the regular trains. If the window doesn't open and/or are not clean, you won't get great pictures.