Which country has the slowest train?

Which country has the slowest train?

Switzerland is home to the world slowest express train, the famous Glacier Express. While the word express usually implies rapid travel, this iconic scenic railway takes a deliberately leisurely pace.

The Journey of the Glacier Express

Running between the alpine resort towns of zermatt to st moritz scenic train route, the Glacier Express covers a distance of 291 kilometers in roughly eight hours. That places its average speed at around 37 kilometers per hour.

Ill be honest - when I first heard about an eight-hour train ride over such a relatively short distance, I wondered which country has the slowest train or why anyone would choose it over a faster commute. But the slow speed is entirely the point. The route navigates extreme alpine terrain, traversing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels while climbing over massive mountain passes. Traveling slowly allows passengers to absorb unobstructed views through massive panoramic windows without rushing through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Why is an Express Train Intentionally Slow?

The designation express in this context refers to a direct, one-seat journey rather than high-speed transit. Traditional commuter trains require multiple transfers across the steep mountain network, whereas the Glacier Express connects the southwest and southeast of Switzerland seamlessly.

The train prioritizes sightseeing over efficiency. With a steep elevation gain crossing mountain passes over 2,000 meters high, the engineering constraints alone demand a careful pace. It turns a simple transit requirement into a multi-hour visual experience.

What to Expect On Board

Roving through deep river gorges, medieval castles, and pristine glacier fields means you will want to put your phone down and just look outside. The journey features luxury classes, localized audio guides, and freshly prepared meals served directly at your seat. It functions much more like a moving hotel or cruise than a standard commuter train.

Comparing Swiss Scenic Trains vs. Standard Commuter Trains

Glacier Express (Scenic)

Approximately 37 km/h across a 291 km route

Sightseeing, luxury travel, and experiencing Alpine panoramas

Around 8 hours end-to-end between Zermatt and St. Moritz

Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and tiered dining options

Standard Swiss Intercity Trains

Significantly faster, optimized for transit between major hubs

Efficient daily commuting and cross-country transit

Directly minimizes travel time between cities

Standard commuter layout focused on capacity and speed

A Leisurely Alpine Transit Experience

Thomas and his partner wanted a memorable anniversary trip across Switzerland without the stress of driving through winding mountain roads.

They booked tickets for the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, expecting a typical train ride, but quickly realized how intensely slow the pace felt as the engine chugged up steep inclines.

Instead of growing impatient, they settled into the panoramic cars, enjoyed a multi-course lunch served at their seats, and watched the changing landscape of bridges and gorges unfold.

The eight hours passed as a relaxing sightseeing tour rather than a commute, proving that the slow pace is the ultimate luxury on this specific route.