Heres how to plan a trip aboard Switzerlands famous Glacier Express.

Its almost like riding through a snow globe, just on a grand scale.

Already dreaming of this picture-perfect train journey?

Clear sky on Bernina Express train crossing the forest covered with snow, Chapella, Graubunden canton, Engadine, Switzerland

Train in Engadine, Switzerland.Credit:Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

Read on to discover everything it’s crucial that you know about riding the Glacier Express.

It operates mostly year-round, but service pauses from mid-October to the beginning of December.

you might find the summer and winter timetables and train stopson the Glacier Express website.

Bernina Express train traveling in the alpine valley covered with snow, Chapella, Graubunden canton, Engadine, Switzerland

Glacier Express going through mountains.Roberto Moiola / Sysaworld / Getty Images

If you want to experience something akin to the Polar Express, definitely book a winter trip.

Here, you could purchase your ticket which will vary in price by trip length and your seat reservation.

Fare can be purchased at a later date.

Train on the tracks

Glacier Express in Switzerland.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Second-class fare ranges from $42 to $180 (for the entire eight-hour journey).

First-class fare starts at $71 and reaches $308 for the ride between Zermatt and St. Mortiz.

Excellence-class fare is a flat rate of $308.

Interior of train car

Cabin on Glacier Express.Courtesy of Glacier Express

Geiger recommends booking your seat reservation well in advance.

Seats tend to sell out during the most popular seasons, summer and winter.

Excellence class takes it up several more levels, starting at the welcome desk.

The portrait of the food in Glacier Express

Meal on Glacier Express.TopPhotoImages/Getty Images

Upon check-in passengers can choose to hand over their luggage, allowing for hands-free boarding.

Another key difference from the two other service classes is the food and beverage spread.

Plus, the spacious seats are outfitted with armrests and head cushions, making sure you ride in comfort.

Scenery with snow capped mountains

Scenery from Glacier Express of snow capped mountains.Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

With this in mind, Geiger advises passengers to bring a camera and sunglasses.

Anyone in excellence class can enjoy complimentary drinks, snacks, and afternoon tea, along with their meal.

In the summer, youll see lush alpine meadows, wildflowers, and waterfalls.

InZermatt, the Matterhorn towers nearly 15,000 feet in the air.

Other key places to see include the Solis Viaduct, the Engadine Valley, and the Engadine Lakes.