Swiss Alps: Glacier Express Day Trip & Lucerne Old Town

Summary

Ride the Glacier Express from Zurich and explore Lucerne’s charm

You’ll board Switzerland’s Glacier Express from Zurich with a local guide and glide through alpine valleys before exploring Lucerne’s medieval Old Town on foot. Expect panoramic windows, stories about Swiss history, lunch served at your seat (depending on option), and time to wander Chapel Bridge or pause by Lake Lucerne—a day that lingers long after you return home.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, waved at us right under that big clock in Zurich HB—she had this red scarf I kept spotting in the crowd. She greeted everyone by name (impressive memory) and cracked a joke about Swiss trains being so punctual, “they get annoyed if you’re early.” I liked her right away. We hopped onto the first train toward Chur, and I noticed how people here barely talk above a whisper. The morning air smelled like coffee and something sweet—someone’s pastry, maybe. Li started telling stories about the cantons we passed through. I was still half-awake but caught something about Romans building roads here. Honestly, it made me look out the window differently.

Chur surprised me—it’s older than Rome, apparently? The Glacier Express itself is all glass and quiet hums; you just sink into your seat and watch as everything outside turns sharper: rivers threading between pine forests, then these wild bridges that look like they shouldn’t hold up but do. At one point near Oberalp Pass, snow started drifting past even though it was late spring. Lunch came right to our seats (I went for rösti—crispy edges, salty). Our group got quiet for a while—just watching mountains slide by—and Li pointed out where the train hits its highest point. My phone is full of blurry photos from that stretch; none of them do it justice.

Getting off at Andermatt felt abrupt—the air colder, bells somewhere in the distance (cows or church? Not sure). We switched trains again, heading toward Lucerne. Li shared some story about Swiss guards that made me laugh—I can’t retell it right now but trust me, she made history sound less like homework. When Lake Lucerne finally came into view, it was this huge sheet of light with mountains floating on top. I remember someone behind me just whispered “wow” without meaning to.

Lucerne itself is all cobbles and painted houses; there’s this bridge (Chapel Bridge) covered in old paintings overhead—smelled faintly of wood and river water below. We followed Li through narrow lanes to see the Lion Monument carved into rock; she explained its story quietly while a couple of kids tried to mimic the lion’s sad face for their parents’ camera. By then my legs were tired but I didn’t really want to leave yet—you know that feeling when you’re not ready for something good to end?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Glacier Express and Lucerne tour

• Meet guide at Zurich train station
• Train ride to Chur with stories
• Board Glacier Express panoramic carriage
• Enjoy scenic Glacier Express ride to Andermatt
• Depart train at Andermatt, board cozy train
• Travel to Lucerne, learn Swiss history
• Explore Lucerne Old Town and landmarks
• Return safely to Zurich

Top questions

How long is the Glacier Express day trip from Zurich?

The tour lasts a full day including travel from Zurich to Chur, Andermatt, Lucerne, and back.

Is lunch included on the Glacier Express tour?

Lunch is served at your seat if you book that option; otherwise food can be purchased onboard.

Does the tour include time in Lucerne Old Town?

Yes, there’s a guided walking tour of Lucerne Old Town including Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.

Are seats reserved on the Glacier Express?

Your first-class seat reservation on the Glacier Express is included in the tour price.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

The tour starts at Zurich HB central station; meet-and-greet instructions are provided after booking.

Is this Glacier Express tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the day.

What languages does the guide speak?

The main language is English; check with operator for other language availability.

Can infants or small children join this trip?

Infants are welcome; they must sit on an adult's lap or use a stroller/pram if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes meet-and-greet at Zurich HB station with your local guide, all rail tickets including reserved first-class seats on the Glacier Express between Chur and Andermatt (or equivalent scenic train if fully booked), guided walks in Lucerne’s Old Town with stops at Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument, plus lunch served at your seat if selected before returning safely to Zurich in the evening.