Short Version of Glacier Express

Yes. You can ride this long leg of the Glacier Express. You can also do shorter legs. We rode it from Brig to Disentis on the Express and then returned to Brig on the R train (avoided reservation fees). It's 3hrs out and 3.5hrs back.

For passes, we had a Swiss 1/2-fare card. I'm not sure if the full Swiss pass will cover the entire cost. Oddly, there is a segment on the run that is not covered by the pass. The full pass will cover 50% in this area. Also, I don't think it covers the reservations (15Euro on some trains, 30Euro on the newer trains).

Jerry,

The so-called Glacier Express is an ordinary train with one exception. Instead of the usual cars, they substitute ones with more glass and add a dining car. However, they also pack more people in and have four-across seating instead of three.

We took the Glacier Express in 2001. Had I known then what I know now, I would have gone for the regular train although we did get a good off-season deal.

We took the regular train that also runs as the "Bernina Express" from Tirano to St. Moritz. This time it was not the tourist train. But because it was off-season, the train was virtually empty and I talked the engineer into letting me ride in the cab (which was part of the first car). What a view! Unfortunately, I did not have my camera so all I have is memories.

Also note that the Glacier Express is not fast. In fact, it's a cog train for most of the journey. It's called an express because it has fewer stops than the local trains which stop at every train station.

It's also called the slowest express train in the world! The views might be nice, but I sure wouldn't want to waste my Swiss vacation being cooped up no a slow moving freight train.

Its just a daytime ride and if you like trains at all, you'll love it. The cogs engage on steeper climbs to avoid slipping and/or requiring helper engines. We loved it.

It is not transportation; it IS a vacation experience. In other words, you don't take it to get from one place to another; you take it because it is fun.

If you do take the "Glacier Express" train with the dining car, get the lunch. It is expensive (a little cheaper if you pre-pay) but it is an enjoyable part of the experience.

It's also covered by the Swiss Pass.

I found out that the normal trains are just as good for the trip and are not as crowded and cost far less.

The Glacier Express is another gimmick to separate you from your money. It is only different in the additional glass.

The route is the same and you see the same sights on the normal train. Don't waste your money.

I have taken the route of the Glacier Express numerous times, but never on the actual Glacier Express. The regional trains are great transportation, but if you want the nicer carriages of the actual Glacier Express, and if you want to do the whole thing in one day, then take it. On the other hand, if you want to have a leisurely trip, take the slow train, get off in Ilanz and take the post bus up to Flims for lunch on one of the terraces, or check out the Rhine in its infancy. Change trains in Disentis, go over the Oberalp and in to Andermatt, then take the Post Bus over the Furka Pass, the train goes through a long tunnel now. With the Post Bus you can stop at the Rhone Glacier, actually you can go into the Glacier, and see the source of the Rhone River. You can then pick-up the train again to complete the journey to Brig and go on to Zermatt. Or you can make a Post Bus detour to the top of the Gotthard Pass to Airolo and then over the Nufenenpass and back to the train.

Jerry,

Looking back at your dates of travel, you may be limited to the train, and the Post Busses that I suggested may be not be scheduled for the winter.
Also, the regional trains, especially from Disentis to Oberalp, and Oberalp to Andermatt, will have a large number of skiers aboard, so the GE may be more comfortable in those sections.

Enjoy the ride however you do it.

Kevin