The Rhaetian Railway

If you fly to Zurich – or arrive there by train – you can then embark on a stunning onward railway journey to the Engadin Valley.

There are two different ways of getting from Zurich to St Moritz by train : one route involves a change in Chur, the other in Landquart. If you would like to take the Glacier Express between Chur and St Moritz (which we highly recommend), then be sure to book a Zurich to St Moritz ticket which includes a change in Chur and select a train with the FW icon. You can buy your train tickets on the SBB website months in advance. Remember to choose a Full Fare ticket (not the Half Fare Travelcard ticket which is the default unless you have also purchased a Half Price Travelcard). Return tickets are only available for same day travel, so you will need to buy two single tickets.

It is important that you also book your seat ticket on the Glacier Express which you can do on the Rhaetian Railway website  from 93 days in advance. You can wait to book your train ticket at the same time,  but it may well be more expensive by then. To get the best views you should choose a seat on the right hand side of the carriage (or the left side if you book the Glacier Express for your homebound journey). Further guidance is also available from the Switzerland Travel Centre by calling 0207 420 4900.

The journey involves 2 changes: firstly, a 15 minute ride takes you from the airport terminal to Zurich’s main station; then a 75 minute journey takes you through the attractive Rhein valley to Chur. From here, it is a 2hr ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway to St. Moritz.

(If you do not plan to travel on the Glacier Express you can choose the route from Zurich to St Moritz which changes in Landquart. You will not come through the mountains on the Rhaetian Railway – so there is no need to book a seat at a later stage)

What do you do when you arrive at St. Moritz?
Jump on a No.4 bus for the 15 minute ride that will drop you 120m from the Hotel Maria in Sils. (There is a bus every hour at 15 mins. past the hour)

The Bernina Express
During your stay in Sils, you might choose to spend a day riding the Bernina Express between St Moritz and either Diavolleza (where you can then catch the cable car up to 2978m for stunning views of the impressive 4000m+ Piz Bernina and Piz Palü with Pers Glacier and Morteratsch Glacier beneath you) or Ospizio Bernina. Be sure to book a train with the AW icon to enjoy travel in open panoramic carriages. A day return trip from St Moritz can be booked and is free of charge with your Mountain Pass.