St. Moritz to Chur round-trip with Glacier Express

Hello!

we are 2 adults and a child travelling with Glacier train from Chur to St Moritz on the 26 or 27-12-2017.

We would like to return the same day but the Glacier train doesn’t have a later return rout. Any suggestions on how to get back to Chur ?

thank you

Hello maroyli and Welcome to MySwissAlps,

There are plenty of regional trains that will get you back to Chur. Just check the Swiss Railway timetable. www.myswissalps.com/ti metable

Thank you very much for your reply.

Unfortunately we couldn’t reserve seats for the GE train.

We have already hired a car so most of our trip is going to be done by car.

We are staying 4 nights in Zurich and 3 in Bern.

Nevertheless we would like to explore the swiss alps by train.

So, Which short journey -maybe 2-3 hours and back- but picturesque itinerary would you suggest to us?

We could depart from any place. Thank you so much

From Bern you could reach Zermatt (www.myswissalps.com/ze rmatt) in around 2 hours by train. Or you could reach Wengen in the Jungfrau Region (www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfrauregion) in a little under 2 hours. Wengen gives you access to the Jungfraujoch (www.myswissalps.com/ju ngfraujoch) if you happen to strike it lucky with a nice sunny day. Zermatt has the iconic Matterhorn to look at.

>> we are 2 adults and a child travelling with Glacier train from Chur to St Moritz on the 26 or 27-12-2017 ... Unfortunately we couldn’t reserve seats for the GE train.

You could still do that trip if you wanted to, but on the Bernina Express instead. You will see the same scenery from Chur to St Moritz, but you would have to go a bit further - to Alp Grüm, as the Bernina Express doesn't offer reservations for any stops before then. It would take you about an extra half hour in each direction´compared with your original plans, and you will see some wonderful scenery.

There is a lovely restaurant there right at Alp Grüm station, with wonderful views if the weather is clear. You could have refreshments there for a bit over an hour, and then get a normal train back to Chur.

Reservations for 3 seats together in second class (including 2 window seats) are still available for both 26 and 27 December for the Bernina Express departing Chur at 8:32.

Suggested timetable for this would be:

• Depart Chur 8:32 on Bernina Express

• Arrive Alp Grüm 11:00

• Depart Alp Grüm 12:14

• Arrive Chur 15:03 (well before sunset)

Alpenrose

Dear Alpenrose thank you so so so much.

In fact I thank you both (you and rockoyster) for your kindful and englighted answers.

I will check BErnina Express as you proposed.

Is it worth buying a Swiss travel pass or half fare pass in order to use it for the train or the cable cars at the car free villages?

Regards

Maria

>> Is it worth buying a Swiss travel pass or half fare pass in order to use it for the train or the cable cars at the car free villages?

There is only one way to know for sure: add up the full-fare cost of all trips you intend to do by train, bus, cable car and boat and compare the total cost with the cost of doing the same trips with a Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card and/or a region-specific pass.

As your trip is imminent, you probably won't have time for that. The Swiss Half Fare card is often recommended for people who are mainly travelling by car, but whether it will save you money for sure can't be guaranteed without doing the sums.

If you are travelling with a child aged between 6 and 15, having a Swiss Half Fare Card will enable you to get the free Swiss Family Card, which will entitle your child to free travel. If they are under 6 they don't need a ticket (but children travelling free do still need a reservation on trains such as the Bernina Express that have compulsory reservations).

I forgot to give you the link for Bernina Express reservations. In case you have not already found it, here it is:

www.rhb.ch/en/tickets-travelcards/bernina-express-booking/bernina-express

Alpenrose

Thank you once more!!!

I have found seats also in Glacier Express from Chur to St Moritz. So now that I have a choice what would suggest? BE or GE? and I mean in terms of picturesque landscape?

As for the rail pass I was wondering if We ould buy it as soon as we arrive Zurich Maria

Hi Maria,

All trains between Chur and St.Moritz follow the same route (express trains or regional trains).

As for passes, you can buy them at Zurich airport or online on the links above for the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half fare Card. If bought online they can be emailed to you (almost always same day) and can then be printed at home. Considering it is the holidays and late noticed it is probably safer to buy at Zuirch airport.

Hi Maria,

If it's just the Chur to St. Moritz leg you are interested in, you can take any regular train. No need for one of the Expresses. You will save money as you don't need seat reservations, and you can choose from many departure times (see the timetable that Rockoyster referred to).

And if you travel back via Klosters and Landquart you won't have to do the same route twice. Again on regular trains, and a very nice route too.

Have a good trip!