📷 Norbert Aepli, Switzerland (User:noebu), CC BY 2.5

Along the Glacier Express

Zermatt’s car-free valley to St. Moritz by road, over the Furka and Oberalp passes.

Distance: 266 km (165 mi)
Driving: 3 h 40 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 7
Countries: Switzerland
Updated: June 12, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 266 km (165 mi) with 7 stops, from Täsch to St. Moritz. About 3 h 40 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Switzerland · More road trips from Orta San Giulio

Route description

Täsch is the end of the road for private cars: Zermatt is car-free, and a shuttle train runs up from the large terminal car park. After a day with the Matterhorn, drive back down the Mattertal to Visp and east along the Rhône valley to Brig, with its Stockalper Palace.

Road 19 climbs through the Goms valley, a string of villages with dark timber houses, to Oberwald and the Furka Pass at 2,429 m. The hairpins give views of the Rhône Glacier, and the pass is usually open from June to October. When it is closed, a car-carrying train runs through the tunnel from Oberwald to Realp.

Andermatt lies in a high valley where several pass roads meet. The road then climbs to the Oberalp Pass at 2,044 m, where a small lighthouse marks the area of the Rhine’s source, before descending the Surselva valley past Disentis and the Rhine Gorge to Chur.

Chur’s old town is worth a walk before the final leg south over the Julier Pass into the Engadin and St. Moritz. All three passes on this route have narrow sections and steep gradients, so check that they are open before setting out, especially outside midsummer.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Täsch
Switzerland
Start
2

Brig
Switzerland
40 km
3

Furkapass
ViewsAndermatt, Switzerland
A 2,429 m pass with hairpins above the Rhône Glacier. Usually open June to October.
54 km
4

Andermatt
Switzerland
19 km
5

Oberalp Pass
ViewsTujetsch, Switzerland
A 2,044 m pass with a lighthouse near the source of the Rhine.
8 km
6

Chur
Switzerland
86 km
7

St. Moritz
Switzerland
58 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Täsch → Furkapass · 94 km · 1 h 18 minOn the way: Brig.Overnight nearby, for example: Gotthard Camping Andermatt (15 km); Camping Gadmen (19 km).
Day 2: Furkapass → Chur · 113 km · 1 h 34 minOn the way: Andermatt, Oberalp Pass.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Pradafenz (8 km); Camping Trin (14 km).
Day 3: Chur → St. Moritz · 58 km · 0 h 48 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping St. Moritz (2 km); Camping Gravatscha (7 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in December–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Furkapass (2,429 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Furka car-carrying train (Oberwald–Realp) runs all year.
Grimselpass (2,164 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Go round via the Brünig and Furka car train.
Gotthardpass (Tremola) (2,106 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Gotthard road tunnel is open all year.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Along the Glacier Express?

3-day road trip of about 266 km (165 mi) with 7 stops, from Täsch to St. Moritz. About 3 h 40 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Along the Glacier Express?

We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 40 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Along the Glacier Express start and end?

It starts in Täsch and ends in St. Moritz.

Which countries does Along the Glacier Express pass through?

Switzerland.

Where can you camp along Along the Glacier Express?

OpenStreetMap lists 101 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Am Kapellenweg, Camping Geschina and Camping & Schwimmbad Mühleye.

When is the best time for Along the Glacier Express?

The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)