Day trip from Zurich/Lucerne in May: Glacier Express, local mountains?
A traveler is heading to Switzerland for the first time in late May and has one full day before joining a tour group in Lucerne. They are looking for recommendations on how to spend that day, considering options like the Glacier Express, day trips to Schaffhausen, and hiking nearby. They're a bit overwhelmed and would appreciate any suggestions.
- Consider taking the Bernina Express for a scenic day trip, but be aware it might be tight on time.
- If you're set on the Glacier Express, book a seat reservation early since it's popular.
- A Saver Day Pass is a cost-effective option for your travel day, especially if you're planning multiple trips.
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I will be traveling to Switzerland for the first time in late May and have one full day open before I meet with my tour group in Lucerne. Can you recommend a day trip or other activity for that day? I fly into Zurich in the AM, so can either stay there that first night or travel by train somewhere else as a starting point, but I need to end up in Lucerne by 5PM the following day. I thought about spending the night in St. Moritz and taking the Glacier Express the next day from St. Moritz to Chur, then a fast train to Lucerne. I think this will work with the timing I have, but is it worth it to take only this short leg of the Glacier Express? I’m not sure this is the best use of my limited time. Any other recommendations? (My tour will be covering Lucerne (city walk/boat), Appenzell, Lugano, Zermatt, Lausanne, Murren and Bern, so I’m looking elsewhere.) I’m wondering if Schaffhausen would be a nice day trip or maybe just staying in Lucerne and going up Mount Rigi or Pilatus. I enjoy walking/hiking in nature, but I’d like to avoid crowded places, if possible. I’ve been researching my options, but I’m pretty overwhelmed at this point, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Hi naturlvr,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
What time will you be arriving in Zurich? If you’re interested in travelling on a scenic train, I recommend doing a day trip on the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano then return with the regular train from Tirano to Chur. You can find information about the Bernina Express here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/bernina-express/
Alternatively, if you have a tight schedule, I suggest a day trip to the Rhine Falls (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/rhine-falls/) combined with a visit to the historic town of Stein am Rhein. The next day, explore Zurich old town and enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Zurich before travelling to Lucerne.
You can find more day trip options from Zurich here: https://www.myswissalps.com/town/zurich/#activities
Regards,
Anna
Thanks for the suggestions! The Bernina Express sounds fantastic, but we don’t have time to take the full route from Chur (or St. Moritz) to Tirano in the one day that we have because we have to be in Lucerne by 5PM. Is it worth it to take part of the route? Maybe from St. Moritz to Alp Grum? That’s do-able on our timeline, I think, but would we be missing the best parts of the journey? Is there another short (1-2 hr) train trip from St. Moritz you can recommend that also has great views or gets us to a nice spot? For example, I was looking at the trip from St. Moritz to Tiefencastle, which is only a little over an hour. Would you recommend this as a day trip?
naturlvr – you mentioned “Glacier Express” and there is a solution. If you really want this at first day you can take train from Zurich to St. Moritz via Chur. The next part – depart second day from St. Moritz at 07:02 (“Glacier Express” St. Moritz – Brig) and change trains in Andermatt (local train) and in Göschenen (direct IC train to Luzern). You should be in Luzern at 14:41.
This plan will allow you to see Albula Line, Landwasser Viaduct, Rhein Gorge and Oberalp Pass.
Kamil
Thanks so much for the info–this sounds like the perfect solution!
Hi naturlvr,
All about a ride on the Glacier Express can be found in our handy guide here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/glacier-express/
Just a heads up, if you are traveling on the actual Glacier Express train, seat reservations are necessary – all information on the above link. Best to lock these in as soon as you finalise your plans, this is a popular ride and seats get snapped up quickly.
Of course, if traveling by the regular trains, no seat reservations are required.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
I purchased seat reservations on Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Andermatt, paying CHF 49 each for first class and indicating that I would have a Swiss Travel Pass. I had hoped to buy a 1-day travel pass, because that’s all I really need, but it looks like the shortest duration you can get is 3 days. Is there another, cheaper option at this point, or am I obliged to get the 3-Day pass to go with my Glacier Express reservation? Would a Saver Day Pass work here or a half fare card? I’m confused–please help!
naturlvr – “Saver Day Pass” will be the best option for you.
Kamil
Hi naturelvr,
It’s great you managed to book a seat on the Glacier Express. I agree with Kamil, just get a Saver Day Pass and you’re good to go. You can find information about how to purchase and use the Saver Day Pass here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/saver-day-pass/
Regards,
Anna
Thank you both! I will get the Saver Day Pass for the day we take Glacier Express, and I may get another one for the previous day to cover the trip from the Zurich Airport to St. Moritz as it looks like the cost may be a bit cheaper with the pass if we go first class. So if I have the Day Pass, do I only need to show that to get on the train? Also, is there any advantage to preordering the Saver Day Pass more than 60 days in advance?
naturlvr,
price of the Saver Day Pass have one rule – “first come first served”. Buy it in advance as soon as possible, because his price is always growing up as time passes.
As always you must show your ticket during the journey, not when you enter to train (but maybe there are special rules for “Glacier Express”).
Kamil
Hi naturlvr,
I agree with Kamil, buy your Saver Day Pass as soon as possible, especially as you have already locked in your seat reservation for the Glacier Express ( https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/glacier-express/).
Saver Day Passes can sell out too. If you need some purchase options, there are some reliable ones here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/saver-day-pass/#tickets
Yes, if a ticket inspector asks for your ticket, you can just show your Saver Day Pass. On the Glacier Express, you’ll need both the Saver Day Pass and your seat reservation.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thanks so much for clarifying that!!
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