Winter train travel: Arlberg Pass vs the Glacier Express
A traveler is planning a train journey from Budapest to Barcelona in early January and wants to see winter scenery in Switzerland. They are considering the Arlberg Pass and the Glacier Express but want to know which one might be better to fit into their schedule.
- If you're using a pass, consider the Global Interrail for this lengthy multi-country trip.
- The rail route from Budapest to Zurich includes the scenic Arlberg Line, so you'll experience beautiful views in Austria anyway.
- The Glacier Express is recommended for its winter scenery, but note that it requires a seat reservation.
- Ordinary trains cover the same routes as the Glacier Express and allow more flexibility to stop and enjoy the sights.
AI-generated summary-
Planning to travel by train from Budapest to Barcelona in early January, and keen to include some train travel through Switzerland for the winter sights. Both the Arlberg Pass and The Glacier Express sound great, and would satisfy our interest in seeing the scenery from a warm train! If only one of these will fit into our time frame, is either one markedly better than the other?
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What sort of pass will you be using (if at all) on what is a very long journey which will include al least five different countries! ?Global Interrail? (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/eurail-global-pass/ ) How long are you planning to spend in Switzerland? Is there anything in Switzerland you feel you ‘must see’ or ‘must do’?
One thing is immediately clear irrespective of the pass/tickets you use. and the time available. The rail route from Budapest to Zurich is via Vienna/Wien, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck THE ARLBERG LINE, entering Switzerland at a place called Buchs (SG). The very attractive Arlberg line (entirely in Austria) is therefore included in your trip anyway. There is a through Budapest to Zurich train leaving Budapest Keleti at 06 40 and due to arrive in Zurich at 17 20. In early January it gets dark in Austria/Switzerland between about 16 30 and 17 15.Most of the ROUTE of the Glacier Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/glacier-express/) is extremely scenic. In addition to the Glacier Express itself, all the lines covered by the Glacier Express are also covered by ordinary trains running hourly. Personally, I prefer the ordinary trains. No compulsory seat reservation, chances to get off and ‘stretch your legs’.
Hi Melyeo,
Welcome to MySwissAlps.
I am biased towards Switzerland so of course I would recommend the Glacier Express 🙂 I think the journey is even more scenic in winter time.
You can find a detail description of the entire Glacier Express route here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/glacier-express/#directions
You do need to make seat reservation.
Regards,
Anna
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