Glacier Express 1st or 2nd class

Short summary – read this first

A traveler is planning to experience part of the Glacier Express route during their stay in Sedrun and is wondering whether to choose 2nd class or upgrade to 1st class. They seek advice on the differences between the two classes, especially regarding comfort and space during the journey.

Key takeaways:
  • 2nd class on the Glacier Express is comfortable, with large windows, air conditioning, and onboard commentary, making it suitable for a good experience.
  • 1st class offers larger seats and more space, making it quieter and less crowded, which can enhance the overall experience, especially if you prefer peace.
  • If budget allows, opting for 1st class is recommended for a better experience, especially on longer journeys.
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InfoAI-generated summary
  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    28 April 2010 at 13:06:43 #803798

    I’m considering to travel part of the Glacier Express route during my stay in Sedrun. The panoramic trains seem to be quite luxury, but still I’m not sure if 2nd class is good enough or if I should upgrade to 1st class. What are the differences between both in this train?

  • Annika
    Moderator
    7328 posts
    Reply 1 of 3 • 29 April 2010 at 7:32:19 #831172

    Hi Mark, you’re correct in supposing that 2nd class is comfortable in most cases. This goes for the Glacier Express too. The seats on the window sides have a table, there’s air conditioning and during the trip you can listen to commentary on landscape features by earphone. The windows are quite large. 1st class offers all of this as well, the main difference being that seats are larger and there’s more space in 1st class coaches. Therefore it’s less crowded and more quiet than in 2nd class coaches. Moreover, the windows in these wagons are a bit larger. So it depends on your requirements. If you simply want to experience a part of the Glacier Express route, 2nd class is fine. If you do prefer a bit more peace and quiet, you may have to opt for 1st class. I hope this helps! Does anyone else have experience with either 1st or 2nd class coaches in the Glacier Express?

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    Olga
    Participant
    349 posts
    Reply 2 of 3 • 29 April 2010 at 10:08:24 #831173

    We travelled from Samedan to Brig in the Glacier Express and we did it first class. Never regretted that, far less people than in the second class, good service and large windows. Annika said it all. If you can afford it, do it… :-)!

    Olga

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 3 of 3 • 29 April 2010 at 11:50:36 #831174

    Hello Mark, I tend to agree with Olga: if you have the possibilty, try to go in 1st class! That makes the Glacier Express a true experience in my eyes. On the other hand (just to confuse you a bit more ;-)): you say you’ll only take part of the route Glacier Express route from Sedrun. What section do you have in mind? If you’ll only travel a short time, you may not care about crowded wagons or slightly less space.

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