Glacier Express, Swiss Alps & Lucerne Tour | From Basel
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Embark on an unforgettable adventure aboard the Glacier Express, traversing Switzerland’s stunning terrain in style. Indulge in a gourmet meal during this 8-hour journey through Chur, Andermatt, and Lucerne, capturing breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the Rotsee. Conclude with a charming mini-tour of Lucerne’s Old Town, Chapel Bridge, and the iconic Lion Monument’s Head.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Basel
Your guide will meet you at the Basel train station.
Chur
Begin your journey in true Swiss style with a scenic train ride to Switzerland’s oldest city, Chur, with over 5,000 years of history. Along the way, hear stories about the landscapes, cultural heritage, and traditions of the cantons you pass. In Chur, board the legendary Glacier Express and settle into your modern panoramic carriage. Learn fascinating insights about the train’s rich history and how it became one of the world’s most iconic rail journeys. * Between October 11 and December 6, the Glacier Express does not operate. During this period, we offer the same scenic route with an additional stop in a Swiss Alpine Village.
Options
Standard Ticket
What‘s Included
Glacier Express Seat Reservation
Meet and Greet at Basel SBB (Instructions will be sent after booking)
Standard Rail Pass
Local Guide
Lunch (can be purchased by card on the Glacier Express)
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
80 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Yikes! To many problems....
Elena F,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00First - we had a wonderful guide. She really took a bad situation and tried to make it better. Problem 1 - The trip was scheduled to leave at 9:15 but in the morning, we got an email saying that we were leaving at 8:45. Then, no one showed. After I contacted them, someone showed at 9:25. Problem 2 - At that point we were told that our trip was in a different order than was advertised. We took the train to Lucerne first. No big deal - until the rain. If we had gone on the trip as advertised, we would have missed the rain. Problem 3 - this was supposed to be 10 hours, and it ended up that it was over 12 hours. Problem 4 - Because we had to hurry to get on the last train, we didn't get to eat and we were starving by the time we got back to Basel. Considering how expensive this was, we expected better.
DO NOT book this tour it seems to be a SCAM
thomaslW9767PP,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Tour Operator never showed up. Three days before I got an email telling they had charged the cc. They never tried to contact me about canceling the tour, telephone numbers provided were useless and texting did not work either. It has been 24 hrs and still haven't heard from them. SCAM!! Proof of photos upon request.9
Average experience due to tour guide’s lack of experience.
A257GOmarys,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The views on the train were lovely, and we enjoyed the ride..had splendid seats. We were told we could order food while on the train at own cost. Unfortunately, the staff never offered us this option, so we flagged down a person in charge to obtain a beer and bought Pringles at a train stop. Our experience with the tour guide was disappointing. She came across as very inexperienced and unprofessional. The Hearing devices were not checked in advance and many didn’t work. They were all in a tangle, and she spent much time trying to correct the problem. She was confused when we arrived in Lucerne and told us to buy a bus ticket , then told us to skip that idea. Then she told us we could book a boat trip (which wouldn’t arrive back in time to catch the train).She tried to upgrade us to better seats (first class?) at a significant cost differential (she kept coming back to us.. 4 times, and we refused). Unfortunately, the group who decided in this option were sorely disappointed, as they thought food was included. Although the train ride itself was lovely, we felt the trip was overpriced for the experience we had.
Terrible and deceptive travel agency
johnmV8728KA,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00A terrible travel experience. Unable to contact the operator. No specific meeting location provided. Very poor organization. The owner's service was extremely poor and the tour was overpriced. Highly not recommended!
Amazing Alps trip
TerrorTodd,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent trip Berenice was our guide and she was amazing making sure we got from place to place. She also shared information about different locations we visited and made the whole experience even better.
Lovely
H4693MTelenaf,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed our guide Berenice very much. The views were lovely even though it was rainy.
Swiss Alps Tour
AuNord1952,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour started by meeting our guide at our hotel. A wonderful lady. We took a tram to the train station, then off to Lucern, where we showed all around the old town. So many wooden bridges. Beautiful lake, And you can drink the fountain water!! After a short ride up a cog rail train, we reached Andematt. Lovely town, but there we found the Glacier Express. A slow express. Amazing mountain and valley views. Good food, and wonderful friendly service. Finally, the long ride back to Basel via Zurich, with Lake Zurich by our side for most of the way. The long day was made absolutely wonderful by our excellent guide, Berenice. Thank you.
Tour of Switzerland
935gayep,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The day flew by. So many things to see and experience. Vernice is an amazing tour guide. We had a full and satisfying day.
It was a wonderful tour!...
Karen J,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour! The sights of Lucerne and on the train were wonderful. Our guide Carlos was the best.
More clarity needed on train travel
Craig M,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The several train stops and changes that need to take place prior to writing the actual glacier express.
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Operated by Tours of Switzerland