swiss travel pass in interlaken

Dogs travel free of charge on Jungfrau Railway lines (excl. Jungfraujoch). On public transport, a purchase of a half-fare card for your dog is required. Before your arrival, you should clarify with your host whether dogs are allowed in the accommodation.

The Man in Seat 61

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Train travel in switzerland.

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Swiss trains run like clockwork, so they say.  And they pretty much do.  The whole of Switzerland is covered by a frequent, punctual and efficient integrated train network that's really easy to use.  In most cases you can just turn up, buy a ticket and hop on.  Swiss Federal Railways (= SBB in German, CFF in French or FFS in Italian) runs most mainline trains, but there are many smaller private operators running local & regional routes.

Train travel within Switzerland

Swiss scenic trains

International trains to/from switzerland, station guides, other train travel information, useful country information, how to check times & buy tickets, do you need to book in advance, which website to use.

The following websites all link to the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) ticketing system and can all sell regular tickets , Saver Day Passes & advance-purchase Supersaver fares .  The price is the same whichever website you use.

Booking opens 6 months in advance.  You print your ticket or can show it on your phone.

Option 1, Swiss Federal Railways, www.sbb.ch

You can check train times & fares and buy tickets for any journey in Switzerland at the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website www.sbb.ch .

Prices are in CHF.  Be warned, the first price that www.sbb.ch shows you is usually only half the true price, because Sbb.ch assumes you have a Swiss Half Fare card as the majority of Swiss citizens do.  When you change Select discount to No discount the price doubles, so be aware of this when costing your journeys.  There's no booking fee.

Option 2 , Thetrainline.com

You may find it easier to check times & buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com , in CHF, €, £ or $.  It too can sell all tickets types, regular tickets , Saver Day Passes and advance-purchase Supersaver fares .  There's a small booking fee.  Who are Thetrainline.com?

Option 3 , Omio.com

Omio.com  is also really easy to use, in CHF, €, £ or $.  There's a small booking fee.

The SBB system not only covers SBB's own trains, it covers all Swiss public transport including private train operators and connecting ferries, buses and funicular railways.  Trains run every hour or every 30 minutes, even more frequently on core routes.  Trains, buses & ferries connect efficiently, and connections of even just a few minutes are reliable and easy to make.

Standard fares

There is one regular flexible fare between any two Swiss stations via a given route, good for any departure that day.  The price is fixed and availability is unlimited, you can buy at this price at the station on the day if you like.  You sit anywhere you like.

If you buy one of these full-price full-flex tickets at www.sbb.ch , www.thetrainline.com or www.omio.com , it is valid on any train between those stations by the route stated on the date you bought it for, even if you selected a specific train.

A round trip ticket costs the same as two one-ways.  The return journey must be made the same day if the journey is less than 116 km.  If the journey is more than 116 km the return journey may be made any day up to 10 days after the outward leg.  But you may as well stay flexible and just buy two one-ways.

With a regular Swiss ticket, you can break your journey (in other words, stop off) on the way as long as you complete the whole journey that same day.

Supersaver fares

For longer-distance journeys you may be offered a Supersaver advance-purchase ticket.

Supersaver fares are up to 70% cheaper than the regular flexible price.  You can buy Supersavers a minimum of 1 day in advance.  There is limited availability at each price point, the further ahead you book and the less popular the train you choose, the cheaper it's likely to be.

Supersaver fares are only good for the specific train you book, no refunds, no changes to travel plans.

However, if you miss your train, the Swiss Railways let you use the ticket as credit towards a full-fare ticket for a later train - just go to the ticket office and pay the difference between the Supersaver price and the regular full-price fare.

Obviously, be careful when using a train-specific Supersaver fare for an onward journey in connection with a train arriving from Paris or Milan or when arriving on a flight, unless you leave a long time buffer to absorb delay.

Using www.thetrainline.com or www.o mio.com , Supersaver or Saver Day Passes will appear in the search results if they're available.  Using www.sbb.ch , a black triangle with a % symbol will appear to the left of any departures in the search results which have a Supersaver fare available.  Select that departure and the Supersaver price will appear during the buying process when you click Options for the outward journey .  Supersaver fares can only be bought online, and only at www.sbb.ch , www.thetrainline.com or www.omio.com .  They will not appear if you look further ahead than 60 days.

Saver Day Pass

For longer-distance journeys you might also be offered a Saver Day Pass if it's cheaper than a full-fare full-flex ticket.

A Saver Day Pass gives you a whole day of unlimited travel on the entire Swiss transport system, the rail equivalent of an 'all you can eat' buffet.  It covers all SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) trains and most private railways, post-buses & ferries.  Saver Day Passes come in 1st & 2nd class versions, with or without Half Fare Card discount.  It covers the Bernina Express & Glacier Express routes, although you need a reservation for those trains.

The price of a Saver Day Pass varies, you'll see a different price on each date which increases like air fares as that date approaches.

A Saver Day Pass starts at CHF 52, cheaper than a full-price ticket from Zurich to Geneva (although a Supersaver fare might be cheaper still).  If you wait until the day before travel, it could cost CHF 119.

You can buy a Saver Day pass by running an enquiry at www.thetrainline.com or www.omio.com for a random long-distance route (for example, Zurich to Tirano), then looking for Saver Day Pass as a fare option.  You can also buy at www.sbb.ch or in person at Swiss stations.

Booking opens 6 months in advance.  Saver Day Passes cannot be bought on the day.  No refunds, no changes after buying it.

The routes covered by a Saver Day Pass are shown on the official Swiss train map as solid red, yellow or black lines.

Routes shown as dotted red, yellow or black lines are not covered, this includes a few smaller private railways and some well-known tourist mountain railways such as the Jungfrau Railway & Gornergrat Railway.  Unlike the Swiss Travel Passes , the Saver Day Pass doesn't get you any reduction on these dotted-line routes, if you want to use them you pay full-price.

One thing confuses people about the map:  Solid lines become dashed lines where the line is in a tunnel.  Dashed isn't the same as dotted !

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Swiss Passes & Half Fare Card

Switzerland is one of the few remaining European countries where expensive point-to-point fares and lack of compulsory reservations makes railpasses good value and convenient.  You can buy passes online from the Switzerland Travel Centre , a Swiss Federal Railways subsidiary.  But I'm often asked if a pass makes sense, or whether to go for a Half Fare card.  Incidentally, the Swiss Transfer Ticket was discontinued in 2019.

A Saver Day Pass is a useful one-day all-Switzerland pass, easily bought online or at the station up to the day before see the section above .

Swiss Travel Pass

A Swiss Travel Pass gives unlimited travel across the Swiss travel system for a continuous period of 3 days, 4 days, 8 days or 15 days.

A Swiss Travel Pass Flex gives unlimited travel across the Swiss travel system for either 3, 4, 8 or 15 travel days with an overall period of a month.  A Swiss Travel Pass Flex is more economical than a regular non-Flex Swiss Travel Pass if you plan to stay put between journeys.  The overall one month starts on any date you like, then you can 'spend' each of your unlimited travel days on any dates you like within that period.

Check prices in CHF, USD, GBP or Euros at www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com , an international site run by a subsidiary of SBB (Swiss Railways).

Is a Swiss Travel Pass cheaper than point-to-point tickets? 

Swiss rail fares are expensive, so a Swiss pass can save money, depending what you plan to do and whether you're adult or youth.  First check the price of the pass that suits you, then divide the price by the number of days travelling you plan to do to get the pass cost per day.  Are the journeys you plan to make each day cheaper than this?  If so, don't buy a pass.  Or do they cost more than this?  Then buy a pass!  You can check fares at www.sbb.ch .  It's not rocket science!

What does the pass cover?

See this official map of the Swiss rail network .  A Swiss Travel Pass (continuous or flex) gives you unlimited free travel on all the train, bus & ferry routes shown as solid red, yellow or black lines on the map.  Swiss Travel Passes give you a 50% discount (not free travel) on the routes shown as dotted red, yellow or black lines.

One thing that confuses people: A solid line becomes a dashed line when it's in a tunnel, but it's not the same as a dotted line!  Routes on which you only get a discount, not free travel, notably include the Jungfrau Railway & Gornergrat railway.

How to buy a pass

Buy at www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com .  Anyone from any country can buy here, in CHF, £, $ or €.  This is an official Swiss Railways shop, owned by SBB Swiss Railways.

Print your own pass or show it on your phone

You get an e-ticket/print-at-home option for Swiss Travel Passes and Swiss Travel Pass Flex, so you'll get your pass immediately with no delivery charges.  You can print it out or show it on your phone via their pass activation page at www.activateyourpass.com .

Would an Interrail or Eurail pass be cheaper?

You should compare the cost of a Swiss Travel Pass with the cost of an Interrail One-Country Pass for Switzerland (if you're a European resident) or Eurail global pass (if you live outside Europe) as Interrail & Eurail passes can be significantly cheaper.

Like Swiss Travel Passes, Interrail & Eurail passes give unlimited travel on Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and the major private train operators such as the Rhätische Bahn (RhB), Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS).

Before 2017 there were some significant private railway operators that a Swiss Pass covered but an Interrail or Eurail pass did not, but in 2017 Interrail/Eurail coverage was extended to include many more private operators, notably the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MGB) which operates the line to Zermatt and half of the Glacier Express route.  From 10 December 2023, the Berner Oberland Bahn joins the scheme, so Interlaken to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen are now covered too.

That leaves only the post-buses, lake boats and a few minor private railways which the Swiss Travel Pass covers but an Interrail or Eurail pass doesn't.  The line up the Jungfrau is not covered, but Interrail or Eurail passes give a 25% discount on normal fares.

Compare the lines covered by Interrail & Eurail on this map with the lines covered by a Swiss Travel Pass on this map .  On both maps, solid lines mean covered, dotted lines mean not covered (although there may be a discount).  Dashed lines simply means line in tunnel.

Swiss Half Fare card

Most Swiss residents have an annual half-fare card giving 50% off normal fares.  Visitors can buy one lasting a month.

The discount applies to Standard fares , Supersaver fares and Saver Day Passes .

The 1 month Half Fare Card costs CHF 120, so (obviously) only pays for itself if you plan to clock up more than CHF 240-worth of train journeys.  That's 3 full-price one-way trips between Lausanne and Zermatt, or 4 one-way trips between Basel and Interlaken, for example.

Again, it's not rocket science:  Use www.sbb.ch , www.thetrainline.com or www.o mio.com to check fares the journeys you plan to make, and halve this cost.  Does this exceed CHF 120?  Then buy the Half Fare Card.

Children 6-15 travel free with a family Half Fare card if accompanied by a parent.  This is a worthwhile benefit!

Buy online at www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com with prices in CHF, €, £ or $.

What are Swiss trains like ?

Classic intercity (ic) & interregional (ir) trains, double-deck intercity (ic) & interregional (ir) trains, icn tilting intercity (ic) trains.

These ICN Pendolino trains can tilt, enabling them to go round curves faster than normal trains.  They have cut journey times on several curvaceous Swiss InterCity routes.  Designed by Pininfarina, they feature a restaurant car and can reach 200km/h (125mph) although they don't often reach that speed in service.  You'll find these trains operating IC trains on these routes Geneva-Basel, Geneva-Zurich, Lausanne-Basel, Lausanne-Zurich, Basel-Lucerne-Lugano-Chiasso and Zurich-Lugano-Chiasso.  When using the journey planner at www.sbb.ch these trains are shown with a TT symbol in the facilities section, for Tilting Train.

Giruno Intercity (IC) & EuroCity (EC) trains

On the Basel/Zurich to Lugano route you'll find the latest Giruno trains, the international ones going through to Milan being classified EuroCity.  Giruno trains have low-floor accessible entrance doors, hence the rather strange seating arrangement inside.

Swiss private operators

Swiss local trains are run by SBB or a plethora of local private operators.  The trains come in all shapes & sizes, some old, some new.  Below left, a local train run by Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn (MGB) on the Brig-Zermatt line.  Below right, a train from St Moritz to Chur run by the Rhätische Bahn (RhB).

Seat maps : Click here

Travel tips.

Maps of the European rail network:   See the section on the Train travel in Europe page about rail maps .

Language problems

First-time visitors often think this will be a problem, but it hardly ever is.  At stations, signs are usually in English as well as German, French & Italian, or they use easy-to-understand pictograms.  On-train announcements on long-distance trains are often made in English.

First or second class?

Swiss fares are expensive, even in 2nd class.  And a 1st class ticket costs 75% more than a 2nd class one.  You don't get anything extra in 1st class on Swiss domestic trains - no free food or drink, no limo transfers, spa treatments or executive lounges.  Just wider seats, plusher seats, more elbow room as seats are usually 2+1 across the car width instead of 2+2 as in 2nd class, fewer people per car, fewer families and loud kids, more business travellers - see the photos above .  So unless it's a special occasion, or your company is paying, or you are rich, stick with 2nd class whilst within Switzerland as most travellers do.

Tip:   A yellow stripe above the windows or door indicates a 1st class car on Swiss trains.

Luggage on trains

There are no baggage fees or weight limits, and you don't check your bags in, you simply take them with you onto the train, placing them on the racks at the end of each car, or above your head.  More about luggage on European trains .

Left luggage at stations

Many larger Swiss stations have left-luggage lockers in various sizes, up to suitcase-sized.  More information on left luggage lockers & prices .

Food & drink on Swiss trains

Many Swiss long-distance trains have a waiter-service restaurant car, not cheap but a real treat!  A few regional trains now have vending machines selling hot drinks, cold drinks and snacks, operated with contactless bank cards.

Or feel free to bring your own food and drink (even a bottle of wine, if you like) onto the train, there's no rules against that on the rails!

First class lounges at stations

The lounges for first class passengers at Zurich & Geneva have been closed.  More about station lounges .

You can take a bike in the luggage van on most Swiss trains if you buy a Swiss Bike Card , for more details, see the bicycles by train page .

Dogs & pets

In Switzerland, dogs of any size can travel for half the 2nd class fare - although for longer journeys there's a Dog Day card which can be cheaper.  Small dogs up to 30cm high at the shoulder can travel free if they are in a carrier.  You'll find information on the Swiss Railways website www.sbb.ch .  You can easily buy Swiss tickets at the station when you get there.

For more about dogs & pets on trains in Europe, see the dogs & pets page .

Bernina Express:  More information

Glacier express:  more information, jungfrau bahn :  more information, golden pass line : montreux - interlaken - lucerne.

This is a mainly narrow-gauge route from Montreux to Interlaken & Lucerne via the well-known ski resort of Gstaad.  It's slower than using mainline trains, but very scenic and marketed to tourists as the Golden Pass route.   Until December 2022 it involved 3 trains, but it can now be done with just two: Montreux to Interlaken and Interlaken to Lucerne.  The first train is a new gauge-changing service, it runs from Montreux to Zweisimmen on the standard-gauge tracks of the Bern-Lötschberg-Simplon (BLS) Railway then from Interlaken to Lucerne on the metre-gauge Brunig Railway operated by the Zentralbahn.  The new trains adjust their wheelsets at Zweisimmen.  They have 1st & 2nd class panorama cars and a new luxurious Prestige class.

As with other tourist trains, reservation is necessary if you want to travel in the panoramic tourists cars, but regular trains run frequently over the same route and these need no prior reservation.

The website for the joint service is www.goldenpass.ch .  But I find it easier to find Montreux-Lucerne Golden Pass times using the journey planner at www.sbb.ch - just make sure you put Zweisimmen in the via box, click advanced options and put Interlaken Ost in the second via box before running the enquiry.  Then it will find journeys with 1 or 2 changes via this slower scenic Golden Pass route, rather than the faster mainline route.

Gornergrat, Matterhorn, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Titlis, Schilthorn

If you live in the UK, you can buy excursion tickets up these mountains here:  www.switzerlandtravelcentre.com

Invest in a good guidebook, even in the age of the internet.  For the independent traveller, I think this means either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide the same excellent level of practical information and historical background. You won't regret buying one!

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk

Or buy in the usa from amazon.com.

Alternatively, you can download just the chapters or areas you need in .PDF format from the Lonely Planet Website , from around £2.99 or US$4.95 a chapter.

Holidays, vacations & tours of Switzerland

Railbookers, railbookers.co.uk.

Railbookers are a train travel specialist who can put together a tour or short break for you as a package, including rail travel, hotels & transfers.  On their website you'll find a range of suggested tours & holidays which can be varied or customised to your own requirements.  And as you're booking a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the itinerary such as a strike or delay.  They have offices in the UK, USA & Australia.

Check out their 8-day Switzerland's Lakes & Mountains tour (link to their UK site) or Swiss Lakes & Mountains tour (link to their US & Canada site) which includes both the famously scenic Glacier Express and Bernina Express trains.  Also see their 5-day Classic Bernina Express & Glacier Express tour (link to their UK site) or Classic Bernina Express & Glacier Express tour (link to their US & Canada site) which also combine these two classic Alpine routes.

Tailor Made Rail, tailormaderail.com

Tailor Made Rail can arrange tours of Switzerland by train including the Glacier and/or Bernina Expresses based on your own requirements, they welcome complex itineraries.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461 .  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.  Their website is www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/switzerland .

Hotels & accommodation in Switzerland

Personal recommendations.

In Zurich , for something special, look no further than the superb Hotel Schweizerhof , located right next to Zurich station.  One of my favourite hotels, they'll even send a uniformed commissionaire to meet you at the station and carry your bags across the road.

In the St Moritz-Pontresina area , the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl is an amazing place to stay perched on the top of a mountain, with clean simple and (for Switzerland) inexpensive rooms.  It's reached via the Muottas Muragl funicular railway from Punt Muragl station, between Pontresina & St Moritz.

Backpacker hostels: www.hostelworld.com

www.hostelworld.com :  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in Paris and most other European cities at rock-bottom prices.

Travel insurance & other tips

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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Luzern–Interlaken Express.

Adventure trip in the heart of Switzerland.

Lucerne and Interlaken – two of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, connected by the Luzern–Interlaken Express, our panorama train in a class of its own. Between the top destinations, idyllic villages, roaring waterfalls and a fantastic Alpine panorama await.

You are here: 

• Luzern–Interlaken Express

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• Grand Train Tour of Switzerland
• Seat reservations

The highlights of the route.

Lucerne. enchanting..

Home of the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Both charming and lively in equal measure. Whether in the historic old town, on a steamboat trip on Lake Lucerne or on Lucerne’s landmark mountain, Mount Pilatus, Switzerland’s most beautiful city will charm and enchant you on every tour of discovery.

Sarnen. Take a deep breath.

Embedded in forests, meadows and flood plains. Surrounded by jagged mountain ranges. Situated directly on Lake Sarnen. Sarnen is a place to relax and recharge. Among its many places of interest are Landenberg Castle, former seat of the medieval reeves, the village square and the Historical Museum. 

Brünig-Hasliberg. The high point.

At 1,001 metres above sea level, the highest point on the route. Be ready with your camera or mobile phone, as the view here opens up onto an impressive panorama of the Bernese Alps and their roaring waterfalls. The Giessbach waterfalls plunge 400 metres into the depths – a breathtaking sight.

Brienz. Pure Switzerland.

This is a typical Swiss chalet village, situated by the idyllic turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and known for its long tradition of wood carving, where you will find alleys and chalets straight out of a picture book. Brunngasse alley has been recognised as the most beautiful in Europe.

Interlaken. Imposing.

Destination and starting point at the same time. This world-famous town between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun invites you to stroll around and enjoy dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, in one of its many cafés. The panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains will inspire you. And if you’re looking for sport and adventure, then this is just the right place for you.

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. 

Explore the magical facets of Switzerland on the Grand Train Tour. Covering more than 1,280 kilometres, you will travel in comfort on panorama trains to 11 large lakes, through four national language regions and to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour combines impressive panoramic routes and allows you to hop on and off as you please. Discover the beauty of Switzerland from the comfort of the train.

The route is also part of the famous GoldenPass Line from Lucerne to Montreux. Find all the information on the GoldenPass Line page.

Relax as you travel with a guaranteed seat.

Reserve a seat in 1st or 2nd class on the Luzern–Interlaken Express, our ultra-modern panorama train, to guarantee yourself a seat for your adventure trip between Lucerne and Interlaken.

Reservation fees

• 10 December 2023 to 8 May 2024: CHF 12 
• 9 May 2024 to 27 October 2024: CHF 16
• 28 October 2024 to 9 December 2024: CHF 12

The rolling à la carte restaurant.

Enjoy your train journey in our bistro. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, discover our seasonal menus or indulge yourself with one of our themed culinary experiences.

Frequently asked questions.

When does the luzern–interlaken express run.

• Luzern–Interlaken Ost: every hour from 06:06 to 21:06
• Interlaken Ost–Luzern: every hour from 07:04 to 20:04
• Journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• You can find the current timetable at SBB.ch .

Do I need a special ticket for the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

No. Buy a normal train ticket for the entire route or the section of the route that interests you. This route is also fully included in the Swiss Travel Pass / GA Travelcard.

Which seats offer the best views?

The seats on the right-hand side in the direction of travel from Lucerne or Interlaken. Seat reservations can be confirmed at Timetable and ticket purchase (luzern.com) . 

As an individual traveller, can I also get off at stations such as Lungern or Brienz?

Yes. The next train will arrive an hour later.

Can I get food and drink on the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

Yes, in the bistro restaurant in the middle of the train, where the team will spoil you with fine menus and beverages.

Is the Luzern–Interlaken Express wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the trains have low-floor access and wheelchair spaces in the middle of the train in coach number 3.

Are there toilets on the Luzern–Interlaken Express?

Is there air conditioning on the luzern–interlaken express, up for more adventure trips in the heart of  switzerland  .

Oli & Livia. A journey of discovery between Lucerne and Interlaken.

Luzern–Engelberg Express. Sit back and relax.

Driver’s cab rides. Book your front seat.

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Swiss Holiday Brochures

Lakes & Mountains 2024

Scenic Rail 2024

Interlaken Guest Card

Free buses and trains around interlaken.

This personal card gives free travel on all of Interlaken's local trains and buses as well as discounts on entry to museums, castles and other attractions in the area.  The card means you can hop on and off transport without having to worry about using the ticket machines.  

The Guest Card is given to each guest staying in one of our hotels in Interlaken and is issued by the hotel on your arrival. It is valid for the duration of your stay, including the arrival and departure days.

• FREE travel by bus or train Interlaken - Wilderswil
• FREE bus Interlaken - Bönigen
• FREE bus to villages on Lake Thun
• FREE bus to villages on Lake Brienz
• FREE guided village walk in Brienz
• Discounts for stand up paddle boarding and helicopter tours
• Discounts for electric bike rentals
• Discounts for entry to Spiez and Thun castles and a variety of museums
• Discounts for entry to Panorama Bridge Sigriswil, St. Beatus caves, Aare Gorge, Rosenlaui Gorge and Ballenberg Open Air Museum 
• Discounts for entry to leisure facilities including tennis, swimming pools and minigolf

Holidays with an Interlaken Guest Card

The Guest Card will be provided by your hotel when you stay in the delightful resorts of Interlaken ,  Bönigen  and Wilderswil .

Make the most of the scenic excursions available in the surrounding region!

You may also be interested in these suggested holidays, which include a stay in Interlaken:

6 Day | Heart Of Scenic Switzerland Holiday

8 Day | Steam Railway Highlights

8 Day | Explore Switzerland's Variety Holiday

15 Day | Leading Scenic Journeys & Resorts Holiday

15 Day | Hidden Treasures Holiday

8 Day | Mini Grand Tour

15 Day | Grand Scenic Train Tour

15 Day | The Swiss Experience Holiday

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Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at [email protected]

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There are a huge number of excursions within reach of Interlaken - find a summary  here. We can offer a number of pre-bookable travel passes to help you make the most of your time - call us on 0800 619 1200 .

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Zurich to Interlaken Train: All You Need To Know

• September 29, 2021 January 18, 2024

Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Admin

Interlaken , which has a good infrastructure for tourists, can be reached easily by train from Zurich. You will find all the information you need about getting from Zurich to Interlaken by train in this article.

Many tourists visit Interlaken, Switzerland because it is an excellent starting point for exploring the Bernese Oberland region. Because of its convenient location for hiking, adventure, and trips, tourists usually stay here for several days or longer. This is an excellent choice.

Inevitably, logistics are a concern. In particular, train travel in Switzerland has a few specifics for those who plan to use it. How can I get from Zurich Airport to Interlaken? Do the trains offer scenic views? How much are the tickets?

On this page, you can find all the information you need regarding the  train journey from Zurich to Interlaken.

Overview: Navigating Swiss Trains

You can start by visiting the SBB website:  www.sbb.ch.  Using the website, you can type in your departure and arrival destinations. It will then guide you to where and when you need to be. An app is also available for iOS and Android devices.

If you wish to pay half the fare for all your train rides in Switzerland, a  Half Fare Discount Card (1-month validity) is available on  www.sbb.ch . This allows you to travel for half the price on all SBB routes and most other railways during the duration of your discount card.

Using the Swiss Pass , you get unlimited travel by train, bus, and boat in Switzerland. Over 500 museums are also free or discounted, and there are free or discounted excursions to mountain summits.

Getting tickets from RailEurope is convenient while traveling within Europe and/or visiting multiple countries. Having been in operation since the 1930s, RailEurope ‘s extensive history, user-friendly website and mobile apps, flexible currency payment options, commitment to customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships with leading rail operators, collectively establish it as a reliable and trustworthy platform for booking European train travel.

You can obtain from RailEurope the following travel passes :

• Swiss Travel Pass – choose between continuous or flexible Swiss train passes for 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. The perks? unlimited use in over 90 Swiss cities, free admission to more than 500 museums , and discounts on mountain railways and cable cars. You also get discounts on high-speed Lyria trains between France and Switzerland as well as Nightjet trains that go through Switzerland. See RailEurope for more information.
• Eurail Global Pass – unlimited train travel to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries for non-EU residents
• Interrail Global Pass – access to 40,000 destinations in 33 European countries for citizens and permanent residents of the EU

Are There Direct Trains From Zurich to Interlaken?

Based on the latest information from sbb.ch on December 2023, there are several direct trains from Zurich to Interlaken .

The following trains go directly from Zurich Train Station to Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West :

Aside from the direct train connections listed above, there are two other easy options to go from Zurich to Interlaken . These are the following:

• Zurich (or Zurich Airport) – Bern – Interlaken West / Interlaken Ost
• Zurich (or Zurich Airport) – Lucerne – Interlaken West / Interlaken Ost

How to Get From Zurich to Interlaken

There are several ways to go from Zurich to Interlaken . The easiest way is to go on the direct train. There are around seven direct trains per day. In case you cannot catch one of the direct trains, you can take the fast trains to Bern. If you want to take the scenic route, you can go via Lucerne.

Train Route: Zurich – Bern – Interlaken Ost

• Take the train from Zurich (or Zurich Airport) to Bern.
• In Bern, take the Intercity train going to either Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost.

Train Route : Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken Ost

The other alternative from Zurich to Interlaken is going via Lucerne . From Zurich , you can take the slower route to Interlaken via Lucerne . Using the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train will add around 50 minutes to your train journey. 

• Take the train from Zurich (or Zurich Airport) to Lucerne.
• In Lucerne, take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Interlaken Ost .
• In Interlaken Ost, take the connecting train to Interlaken West (optional).

How Long Is the Train Ride From Zurich to Interlaken?

The following table shows the train ride duration from Zurich to Interlaken Ost (updated December 2023):

The following table shows the train ride duration from Zurich to Interlaken West :

Intercity trains passing through Bern are the fastest and most straightforward way to go from Zurich to Interlaken. Traveling via Lucerne can be done, but it will add one hour or less to your journey.

Is the Train Route From Zurich to Interlaken Scenic?

Intercity trains from Zurich Airport to Bern are not scenic trains . There are fast trains that travel from one big city to another, whose main purpose is to transport passengers as quickly as possible. These trains can reach high speeds, particularly while traversing the Zurich to Bern section.  You can still see the scenery during the ride, but it won’t be slow and steady like other scenic trains.

In contrast, the trains that run from Zurich to Interlaken Ost via Lucerne are scenic . While the first leg is not necessarily the most scenic part of the journey, the second leg from Lucerne to Interlaken is part of the GoldenPass Train line. Trains take off once an hour. Even though this train ride is almost one hour longer than the ones that go via Bern, it is a more scenic and enjoyable trip compared to the Intercity train.

Taking the Lucerne to the Interlaken train, you can see many sparkling lakes in Central Switzerland , as well as the Brünig mountain pass. You can enjoy the scenery through the large panoramic windows. Those preferring this route will find it very comfortable.

How Much Will the Train Ticket From Zurich to Interlaken Cost?

Here are the train ticket prices from Zurich to Interlaken (updated December 2023):

As you can see, if you avail of the Half Fare Travel Card , you can save on your fare for long train journeys. So this is something to consider during your travel to Switzerland. You can do simple calculations and decide from there if it will be worth it for you.

Do You Need a Seat Reservation on the Train?

No, there is no need to reserve a spot on the train. But you can always add this option if that is your wish.

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Recommended Hotels in Interlaken

Should you decide to stay for a night or more in Interlaken , here are some hotel suggestions :

• Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa (5-star) – A luxurious and elegant hotel with distinctive design and decor, marble bathrooms, and views of the Jungfrau mountain.
• Swiss Hotel Apartments (5-star apartments) – With spacious rooms equipped with a kitchen, balcony, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker, it’s the most affordable and convenient place to stay in Interlaken. It’s also just 80 meters from Interlaken Ost train station, so you can easily get there from Zurich and Geneva airports. 
• Hotel Interlaken (4-star) – This 4-star hotel, conveniently located next to the Japanese Garden, offers good value for money in pricey Interlaken. It’s just a short walk from Interlaken Ost train station, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
• Hotel Bellevue (4-star) – This boutique hotel is near Interlaken West train station. Each room has a balcony with a view of the mountains. 
• Hotel Bernerhof (3-star) – The Hotel Bernerhof is an affordable, central hotel right opposite Interlaken West train station. It has modern rooms and a restaurant that serves Swiss food. 
• Interlaken Youth Hostel (Hostel) – A convenient hostel located near the Interlaken Ost train station. They have clean and basic accommodations, plus breakfast is included.

* Disclosure: By clicking on our affiliate links, you may support TouringSwitzerland.com while incurring no additional costs. We appreciate your support!

Related Posts

• Geneva to Interlaken Train: All You Need To Know
• Lucerne to Interlaken Train: All You Need To Know
• Interlaken, Switzerland: An Excellent Base in Bernese Oberland
• Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit
• Top 12 Stunning Places Near Interlaken
• 8 Beautiful Towns Near Interlaken, Switzerland
• 10 Best Day Trips from Interlaken
• Mountains Close to Interlaken Worth Visiting
• When Is the Best Time to Visit Interlaken, Switzerland?
• Lucerne vs. Interlaken: Which one is better as a base?
• 25 Best Things To Do In Zurich, Switzerland

Darla is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country. Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.

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Swiss Travel Pass: a Cheap, Convenient & Scenic way to Travel Switzerland & Interlaken

Switzerland’s landscape is stunning and best viewed from within a comfortable train, bus or cable car. This way you can combine traveling with sightseeing without having to keep your eyes on the traffic. Add to this the fact that the Swiss public transport system is modern, super comfortable and very punctual, making it one of the best ways to travel through this Alpine wonderland. The Swiss travel pass makes this all possible in a cheap, convenient and fun way!

Fun Fact: Did you know that Switzerland, in spite of its inaccessible mountain landscape, has the highest railway density in the world! You can literally reach the entire country by train, mainly supported by the fact that they also have the highest amount of transport tunnels in the world.

On the Swiss public transport map above the red lines show railways, yellow are bus lines, black depict cable cars and white are the boats that roam the stunning Swiss lakes. 

You can download the above Swiss travel map here .

Cheap, convenient & scenic travel through Switzerland

One of the best value ways to use this excellent Swiss railway infrastructure is by getting the Swiss pass. It allows you to unlimited travel by (long-distance) train, (local) bus & boat for a given time period. On top of that it gives you many discounts on museums & excursions and amazingly children up to 16 years travel completely FREE of charge with their parents. It really is an amazing option for people & families traveling Switzerland and visiting Interlaken in particular. 

Read on for all the details... 

Swiss Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass transport ticket enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train, bus and boat on 3, 4, 8 or 15 consecutive days. 

For families it lets your children (up to the age of 16 years) completely FREE of charge!!

If you are a backpacker or traveler aged 26 or younger, you can get the Swiss Travel Pass Youth, which comes at a 15% discounted price off the regular Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Travel Pass Benefits

• Unlimited travel by train, bus and boat. View all areas of validity here
• Unlimited travel on premium panoramic trains (seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply).
• The Jungfrau ‘Top of Europe’ requires a surcharge and in the high season a seat reservation (5 CHF) might be required.
• Swiss Travel Pass gives you a 100% Discount for the journey from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen/Wengen and Grindelwald. This is the first part of the Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’ journey. From there you have to buy an extension that lets you travel the last part to the ‘Top of Europe’. For this section the Swiss Travel Pass gives you 25% Discount.
• You can find more practical info on reaching the Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’ here in one of our previous blog posts.  
• Unlimited use of public transport in more than 90 towns and cities.
• Free admission to more than 500 museums.
• Mountain excursions included: Rigi, Schilthorn, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• As you can see Interlaken’s Schilthorn mountain (of James Bond movie fame) is included in the Swiss travel pass
• Up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions.
• Up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers. Available at all ticket counters within Switzerland.
• Children under 6 years of age who are accompanied by a holder of a valid Swiss Travel System ticket travel free of charge.
• Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary Swiss Family Card. You can get the Swiss Family Card free of charge while ordering a Swiss Travel Pass.

For ultimate convenience you can get the Swiss Travel Pass as a print @home ticket allowing you to immediately hop on to the train after arrival in Switzerland.

Swiss Travel Pass Prices

The Swiss Travel Pass Prices can be found in the table below. Compared to individual train and public transport tickets these are very affordable rates for Switzerland. 

Swiss Flex Travel Pass

The Swiss Travel Pass Flex is another option for visitors of the land of Chocolate and Cheese.  The Swiss flex travel pass is valid on 3, 4, 8, or 15 freely selectable days within one month, giving you more flexibility if you want to travel a bit slower and explore Switzerland more extensively.

Swiss Flex Travel Pass Benefits & Prices

On the validated travel days the flex pass gives you the same benefits as mentioned above for the normal Swiss Travel Pass.  

Check out the Swiss flex travel pass prices below. 

More info & Bookings

For more info about the great all-inclusive Swiss transportation pass and bookings of the Swiss travel pass have a look at the Swiss Railway Website (SBB) here. 

TRIPADVISOR

Adventure Hostel Interlaken

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We also operate the Adventure Guesthouse which is the little sister of the Adventure Hostel. If you're looking for a BnB-style Chalet and you're traveling with 2-5 Persons, just follow this link !

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Luzern–Interlaken Express

Lucerne and Interlaken. Two of Switzerland’s most popular tourist destinations. But how best to get from one city to the other? Conveniently easy: with the comfortable Luzern–Interlaken Express.

The Luzern–Interlaken Express turns the journey from one city to the other into a great experience. During a train ride of roughly two hours, passengers marvel at five crystal clear mountain lakes that gather the waters from various rivers and waterfalls. At the lakeshore, steep rock faces of surrounding mountains rise up protectively and provide unique photo motifs. Shortly before starting its steep, winding ascent to Brünig Pass, the train changes to cogwheel drivetrain technology in order to conquer the gradient. With good reason, the Luzern–Interlaken Express is part of the scenic GoldenPass Line leading to Interlaken and on to Montreux. 

Excursion tips

Luzern and surrounding area  

• Rigi (1,797 m a.s.l.)
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Bistro from Luzern 07:06 h – 17:06 h May to October and 08:06 h – 15:06 h November to April

Bistro from Interlaken 09:04 h – 19:04 h May to October 10:04 h – 17:04 h November to April

Interlaken Ost – Luzern Every hour from 07.04 h to 20.04 h (timetable)

Luzern – Interlaken Ost Every hour from 06.06 h to 21.06 h (timetable) 

This route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and GA travel card. Book Swiss Travel System tickets

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A seat reservation is not required but can be made here .

Information on taking luggage on the Luzern–Interlaken Express .

Fascinating and comprehensive information around the Luzern–Interlaken Express, featuring highlights and relevant facts and figures, can be downloaded here: PDF brochure

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Getting around Switzerland — How to Maximise Your Swiss Travel Pass

Here’s how we summited 6 mountains across 11 destinations over 10 days in Switzerland under S$2.3k with the Swiss Travel Pass

First published: 18 Nov 2018

Train travel in Switzerland can be pricey, and trust me, we had our share of budget shock when we tallied up the costs for our 10-day Swiss adventure .

Hold onto your seat, because the transportation portion alone added up to a jaw-dropping S$1,913.97 . But with the legendary Swiss Travel Pass we managed to slash our transport expenses to only S$843.87 . Yep, that’s more than 40% off !

Here’s what we wished we knew for planning our Switzerland trip. This guide is quite extensive, so simply click on the section you want more info on:

1) Getting around Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass (What is it, perks, etc.) 2) First Class vs. Second Class 3) Consecutive vs. Flexible 4) Prices and Discounts 5) Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Half Fare Card 6) How to use the Swiss Travel Pass 7) Getting up the most beautiful Swiss Mountains with Swiss Travel Pass 8) Premium Panoramic Train Rides 9) FAQs about the Swiss Travel Pass

Getting around Switzerland with the Swiss Travel Pass

1) Local and intercity trains are free — some express trains like the ones mentioned below require a top-up reservation fee (see ‘Premium Panoramic Train Rides’)

2) Buses are free — including the hourly bus from Leuk to Leukerbad (for Leukerbad Thermal Pools), which is a 30-minute ride up the scenic mountain off Leukerbad town.

3) Cogwheels & Mountain Cableways are partially covered — Rigi & Schilthorn are free, while others are available at a 25 – 50% discount. More on that later!

4) Boat rides are free — other than getting from point to point, some boat rides are extra scenic and worth the ride even if it’s long and doesn’t really go anywhere. Scenic rides worth checking out: Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz and Lake Geneva.

5) Entry to  over 500 museums for free — including the FIFA World Football Museum in Zürich,  Château de Chillon in Montreux and  Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt.

Swiss Travel Pass: First Class vs. Second Class

When buying a Swiss Travel Pass , you’ll have to choose between First Class (premium), and Second Class tickets. Here’s what to expect when buying First Class:

1) Comfort — More legroom, bigger windows, and spacious seats

2) Better Views — Seats with scenic views in panoramic trains and boats (where available)

3) Conducive for Work — Fewer people/noise and more power points

There’s a whopping price difference between First Class and Second Class seats (~S$210 for 3-day consecutive tickets), but if you’re on a budget, the seats in Second Class are more than comfy enough for a long train ride.

Swiss Travel Pass: Consecutive vs. Flexible

The Swiss Travel Pass comes in options of 3 to 15 days. You can also choose between ‘Flexible’ or ‘Consecutive’ — the latter being the cheaper option.

For the ‘Flexible’ pass, it’s valid for travel days within a one-month period from the starting date. So you can easily change your travel plans as and when!

But if you’re planning to jump from one city to the next in a fixed itinerary, you can consider getting the ‘Consecutive’ pass instead.

Since we had 10 days in Switzerland, we got the 8-day Swiss Travel Pass, rented a car for the first two days, and activated the Swiss Travel Pass on day three.

Swiss Travel Pass: Prices and Discounts

We got our Swiss Travel Pass via Klook . Confirmation for the e-ticket was almost instant and all you need to do is save the QR code on your phone. The train conductors will ask for it on board.

Here’s the price breakdown for the Swiss Travel Pass , as of Jan 2024:

Good news for those travelling with children 15 years old and below: they get to travel for free as long as they’re accompanied by an adult with a Swiss Travel Pass. Just request a Swiss Family Card at any railway station!

*Pro-tip: Purchase the pass on Klook rather than the official site for further discounts!

Swiss Travel Pass vs. Swiss Half Fare Card

A budget-friendly alternative is the Swiss Half Fare Card , selling for a flat price of ~S$170 — almost half the price of the cheapest Swiss Travel Pass.

The Swiss Half Card gives you 50% off major transportation within a month. Notably, some perks from the Travel Pass are absent, like free museum admissions, and partial discounts for mountain cableways.

How to use the Swiss Travel Pass

Once you’ve purchased your Swiss Travel Pass online , you’ll receive a QR code which will be your e-ticket. Save it on your mobile phone so you can show it to the train conductor on board.

For  Flexible Passes ,  register your travel dates so your pass will be valid on the days you’re travelling.

For  Consecutive Passes , your Swiss Travel Pass will be automatically activated on the date selected during booking.

Some trains like the Glacier Express will need reservations beforehand — read more about Premium Panoramic Trains below !

*Pro-tip: Download the SBB mobile app to look up train, boats, and bus timings on the go.

Travelling with the Swiss Travel Pass

So how do you maximise your Swiss Travel Pass? We went to Switzerland a while back, and this detailed breakdown lists how we saved over ~S$1k .

Areas we covered: Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfrau, Grindelwald, Montreux, Vevey, Zermatt and St. Moritz, Felisur, Zürich

Mountains:  Pilatus, Rigi, Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald First and Gornegrat

Scenic Trains:  Golden Pass Route (Lucerne – Montreux) and The Glacier Express (Zermatt – St.Moritz)

Getting up the most beautiful Swiss Mountains with the Swiss Travel Pass

Let the sights (not the hike) take your breath away 😉

While most Swiss mountains can be hiked up for free, the train rides are experiences of their own. From the iconic ‘Toblerone’ mountain  (Matterhorn) to the highest train station in Europe  (Jungfraujoch) , here are the six mountains we managed to fit into our Switzerland itinerary .

Click Read More for the full guide.

*The Swiss Travel Pass covers all transportation to the starting points listed below.

1) Matterhorn (Zermatt)

Better known as the Toblerone mountain, climbing to the peak of Matterhorn is a bucket list item for many. But personally, seeing the sunrise light up Matterhorn turned out to be core memory.

The best viewing spot would be from Rifflesee , up on Gornegrat . Even better if you arrive at dawn before the sun even peaks through the horizon. If the winds are minimal, the lake serves as a perfect mirror of the mountain top.

If you don’t want to hike in the dark (or catch more sleep), the fastest way up is via the Gornegratbahn . The station is just outside the Zermatt Bahnoff.

Get off Rotenboden station, and take a 5-minute walk to Rifflesee. This view was one of the best payoffs given its accessibility. After you’re done at Rifflesee, hop back on the funicular up to Gornegrat station for a panoramic view of the surrounding Swiss Alps.

The hike down is incredibly scenic and straightforward. It takes about 3.5 – 4 hours but you can decide to take the train from any of the four stations along the way (Rotenboden – Riffleberg – Rifflealp – Findelbach). Each station is about an hour’s hike to the next.

When you’re tired, just purchase a one-way ticket down from any of the stations. The lower the station, the cheaper the ticket so it depends on how much you want to hike.

Cost: CHF55 (~S$83) (one-way up to Gornegrat Station) Starting point:  Gorgnegratbahn base station just outside Zermatt train station Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the Gornegratbahn (CHF27.50, ~S$42 one-way)

2) 5-Seenweg (Zermatt)

If you have more time in Zermatt, the well-marked 5 Lakes Trail (Seenweg) is also worth the hike. The trail passes through five lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grunsee, Moosjisee and Leisee) with Matterhorn consistently in the background.

You can begin the hike from Zermatt or, save 3 hours by taking the funicular to Sunnegga, followed by the gondola lift to Blauherd where the hike begins. The hike from Blauherd to Sunnegga (which passes through the five lakes) is mainly downhill and should take around 2.5 hours. From Sunnegga, you can take the funicular back to Zermatt.

Cost: CHF39 (~S$56) Starting point:  Zermatt Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the funicular from Zermatt to Blauherd and cable car from Blauherd to Sunnegga

3) Pilatus (Lucerne)

Overlooking the city of Lucerne, Mount Pilatus is famous for its Golden Round Trip, which covers five different forms of transport to ascend and descend the mountain.

This route is possible both ways, starting clockwise from Lucerne: take a boat/train to Alpnachstad and take a cogwheel * train up to Pilatus Kulm. This cogwheel is famous for being the steepest in the world!

*Note: The cogwheel railway only runs from mid-May to mid-November. Check the exact dates on the site to be sure!

On the descent, take the cable car down to Fräkmüntegg where you’ll find the longest Toboggan sled in the world (CHF8/ride, ~S$11.40). Don’t worry about walking back up as you’ll be dragged on your Toboggan with an attached wire.

From Fräkmüntegg, continue down to Kriens station to catch bus no. 1 back to Lucerne station.

*Pro-tip: Check the weather before taking the boat ride — if the weather isn’t great, save time and take the train instead. The lake tends to fog up on most mornings.

At the top, there are various hikes ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. We highly recommend the 40-minute hike on Tomslihorn, accessed from the right side of the Pilatus Kulm Restaurant.

Cost: CHF108 (~S$155) (Round trip from Lucerne) Starting point:  You can start from either Alpnachstad or Kriens.   To Alpnachstad, either take a boat (1hr 18mins) or train (17mins) from Luzern. To Kriens, it’s a 5min ride on bus no. 1 and a short walk to the cableway station Swiss Travel Pass:  50% off the cogwheel from Alpnachstad – Pilatus Kulm – Kriens (CHF36, ~S$52)

Alpnachstad Station

*Pro-tip:  If you’re on the Swiss Travel Flex Pass , save a day on the pass and sign up for a   Half-Day Pilatus Tour   instead — tickets are fully covered from Lucerne station to Pilatus and back.

4) Rigi (Lucerne)

Slightly lower than Pilatus, the peak of  Rigi is at the perfect height for a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Swiss Alps as well as Lake Lucerne and the city below. But the best part?  Swiss Travel Pass holders get to travel up entirely free!

Cost: CHF72 (~S$103) Starting point:  Arth-Goldau or Vitznau Swiss Travel Pass: Free — cogwheel trains from Arth-Goldau and Vitznau are fully covered

5) Jungfrau (Interlaken/Fiesch)

At 3,454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe and is covered in snow all year round. At the peak, there’s the Spinx Observatory where you’ll get a close-up panoramic view of Mt Eiger and Mönch. On top, there’s also an Ice Palace to explore, and one of the most iconic mailboxes — yes you can actually mail out postcards from it!

But perhaps our favourite part of the experience wasn’t so much arriving at the top of the station, but the entire hour-long journey on the train. The views were simply breathtaking, and in hindsight, given more time, it would have been enjoyable as a hike too!

It’s best to visit Jungfrau while based in Interlaken since it’s nearest, but if you’re short on time, check out  Jungfrau on a day trip from Lucerne or even Zurich.

Cost: CHF201.60 (~S$305) (roundtrip from Lauterbrunen) Starting point:  From Lauterbrunnen, take the train to Kleine Scheidegg Swiss Travel Pass:  25% off the train from Wengen Station to Jungfraujoch (CHF132, ~S$189 round trip from Wengen). The first two stops from Lauterbrunnen (bef Wengen) are covered.

6) Schilthorn (Lauterbrunnen) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

Schilthorn  is one of the few mountains fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass! From the top, you have a panoramic view of the Bernese Alps and the three big mountains of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger. On a clear day, you can even spot Mont Blanc.

Try the 200m Thrill Walk on glass floors and wire ropes across the vertical face of the cliff.

You might say this looks right out of a movie scene, because it is! At the top of Schilthorn is a revolving restaurant, the Piz Gloria which was featured in the 1969 James Bond movie . Restaurant meals in Switzerland are expensive so if you could only pick one place to splurge, the menu at Piz Gloria is worth the experience. It’s also not a lot more expensive than regular restaurants in the city.

Cost: CHF131.40 (~S$188) (Round trip from Interlaken) Starting point:  Stechelberg or Mürren Swiss Travel Pass: Free — cable cars from both Stechelberg and Mürren are fully covered

7) Grindelwald First

If you’ve done the first five in this list, you must be wondering by now if this is “just another mountain”. But there are a few reasons why Grindelwald First is worth the trip.

For adventure seekers, the famous route is to first take the gondola up to First Station, then take a glider, mountain bike, and Trottibike scooter down to each station till you reach the base. This is a dream for kids, and kid-at-heart 😛

If you’re keen to take on all the rides, there’s an adventure package (CHF120, ~S$172) that includes all the activities and unlimited use of the gondola.

But before you start your descent, check out Bachalpsee . It’s an easy 40-minute hike from First Station (one-way) and a great place to set up a picnic.

At the top, there’s also the  First Cliff Walk by Tissot  which I can imagine to be quite pretty, if not for the thick fog that we were engulfed in that day.

Cost: CHF120 (~S$172) for Adventure Package, CHF60 (~S$86) for gondola roundtrip Starting point: From Grindelwald train station, walk 10 mins to Grindelwald Firstbahn, or take 2 stops on bus no. 121, 122, or 123 Swiss Travel Pass: 50% off the Gondola from Grindelwald – First Station (CHF30, ~S$43)

Premium Panoramic Train Rides

Travelling by train in Switzerland isn’t just about getting from one point to the next but an experience of its own. I don’t sit still well for long but I was constantly glued to the views beyond the large panoramic windows.

There are five Premium Panoramic Trains in total but here are three we managed to include in our 10-Day Switzerland Itinerary .

1) Luzern–Interlaken Express (Luzern – Brienz – Interlaken) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

This route passes through some of the most dazzling lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. The good news is that it doesn’t require reservations, and runs once every hour from 6AM. (check the SBB mobile app to confirm the exact timing)

Interlaken is a great base for many outdoor adventures including paragliding in Lauterbrunnen, hiking in Grindelwald, or even experiencing the world’s steepest funicular!

Frequency:  Every hour from 6:06AM Duration: 1hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:  Fully covered, no reservations required

2) Golden Pass Route (Interlaken – Zweisimmen – Montreux) *free with the Swiss Travel Pass

The MOB Panoramic train only runs from Zweisimmen to Montreux, but combined with the route above (Lucerne – Interlaken), this makes up the Golden Pass Route and is known to be one of the most accessible yet scenic train rides around. This train doesn’t require reservations, and is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. The train runs 6 times a day, every 2 hours from 8:25AM.

Duration: 1hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:  Fully covered. Reservations  not mandatory but recommended during peak seasons in July and August.

Photo credit: goldenpass.ch

From Montreux, the MOB Panoramic train also has special day excursions on the Chocolate Train  to Gruyères, known as the land of chocolate. Swiss Travel Pass holders get a discounted rate of CHF59 which includes the train journey to Montbovon, onboard coffee, and chocolate croissant, as well as entry to the cheese and chocolate factories.

Schedule: 9:50AM – 5:15PM (May – Sep) Swiss Travel Pass:  CHF59

3) Glacier Express (Zermatt – Chur – St Mortiz)

The highlight of the Glacier Express is the journey between Chur and St Moritz as it passes through the Landwasserviaduct — a 65m high, single-tracked railway viaduct with six impressive arches.

It’s also the “world’s slowest express train” at ~39km/h; but no one’s complaining because it’ll give you ample time to take in the varied landscapes while dining on board. From valleys and canyons to rivers and towns, the train passes through 91 tunnels and 291 bridges!

Frequency: 1 – 3 times/day depending on season Duration: 7hr 50mins Swiss Travel Pass:   Reservations are compulsory and not included with the pass — CHF33 (~S$47) for the entire route, CHF22 (~S$32) for shorter sections of the route. Optional meals are sold separately.

*Pro-tip: For the best views of the Landwasserviaduct, reserve a seat on the right side of train between Chur – St-Moritz. Seats for this train sell fast so book as soon as the window opens (up to three months in advance).

Other Premium Panoramic Express Trains

The two other scenic trains covered by the Swiss Travel Pass are the Gotthard Panorama Express (from Luzern) and Bernina Express (from Chur). Both trains end up in Lugano and require reservations. Note that some of these trains don’t run during the winter season (Mid-October to end March).

Click on the image to view the full breakdown

We hope this Swiss Travel Pass guide was useful! For a list of all the trains we took with the Swiss Travel Pass, click on the image above !

FAQs about the Swiss Travel Pass

1) Where can I find the train timings and routes?

If you’re planning on a computer, check out the SBB website . When you’re on the go, download the SBB app on your phone — available on both the App Store and Google Play — so you can check the train timings while travelling.

2) How do you enter the train stations with a Swiss Travel Pass?

In Switzerland, there are no gantries at train stations so it runs quite heavily on trust. However, scenic trains — especially those that ride up the mountains — almost always have rail staff walking through the cabins to check for tickets/rail passes. Just have your rail pass or phone ready when you’re on the train.

3) Are train reservations required?

Only selected premium panoramic trains like the Glacier Express require it. You can hop on and off any of the local trains and buses without reservation or extra tickets.

Reservation fees are not included in the Swiss Travel Pass.

4) Is the Swiss Travel Pass valid on local buses?

Yes! The great thing is you don’t have to fumble for your pass/ticket when boarding. Just board from any of the doors. In our entire trip, there was only one occasion we were asked to show our Swiss Travel Pass on the bus.

5) Is there luggage storage on the trains?

The premium panoramic trains usually have luggage racks with ample space near the doors, but the intercity ones have limited storage. Only cabin/compact-sized luggage can comfortably fit between the seats and overhead compartments on intercity trains.

Surprisingly, it’s actually a lot more convenient to travel around Switzerland with a backpack, especially if you’re staying in Airbnb apartments and hostels because they often don’t have elevators.

6) Misc: Eating on trains? Pets? Toilets?

One of the best things about long train rides is having your lunch with an ever-changing panoramic view at the side. Food is allowed but you might want to avoid bringing food with strong smells. No one will tell you off because the Swiss are nice that way, but it’s good social etiquette nonetheless!

For pets, dogs are allowed on all transportation and 99% of them are really obedient!

Apart from the city trains in Zürich, all other trains we took had toilets.

I dare say if you didn’t hop on a train in Switzerland, you’ve not been to Switzerland. It truly is the quintessential way to experience the country.

This post was brought to you by Klook .

For more travel inspiration, follow our adventures on Facebook , Instagram and YouTube !

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12 comments.

Hi TravelIntern,

How do I get 25% off jungfraujoch tour from Lucerne with the Swiss Railway Pass?

the 25% discount only applies for the ride from Wengen Station to Jungfraujoch. Just make sure you have your Swiss Travel Pass with you during the train rides. You can buy your tickets from Wengen station or from the train staff with your credit card. As long as you have your STP with you, you’ll be charged 25% off the full ticket price.

Hi Cherie, what camera did u use to capture all these beautiful pics?

Thank you! Our team mainly uses the the Sony Alpha series. This trip we had the a73 and a6500.

Hello! How do i reserve the premium panoramic trains?

Hey Lynn, which premium panoramic train were you looking to book? You need to make reservations from the train’s official website for example the Glacier Express can be booked on https://www.glacierexpress.ch/en/ and the MOB train can be reserved here: https://mob.ch/en/reservation-procedure

Hi travel intern, Just wanna ask did you guys did bookings for the Panorama Gondolas at Mt Pilatus?

Hey Xavier, the gondolas run constantly during opening hours so no bookings are needed!

Wonderful recommendations! Which month of the year did you travel to Swiss?

Around August!

Hello! Can I ask if you need to activate the Swiss travel pass just to buy discounted mountain/train tickets? Was wondering how the flexible Swiss pass works as we will be going for 11 days but some days we are looking at just going 1 place so doesn’t make sense to activate the Swiss pass on that particular day? Thanks!

Hey CK, we believe that unfortunately the discounted tics are only available once you activate the pass so it’s quite important to plan the itin and decide what to focus on (and sacrifice). Do let us know if you found any other tips 🙂

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GOLDENPASS EXPRESS

The goldenpass express seamlessly connects interlaken and montreux.

Over a century in the making, travelers can now journey from Montreux, through Gstaad, to Interlaken without switching trains . The innovative adjustable gauge of the new  GoldenPass Express  ensures a seamless voyage from the Vaud Riviera, across the Pays-d’Enhaut, to the towering Bernese Alps in just three hours.

The route is  fully included in the   Swiss Travel Pass . In addition to the  GoldenPass Express , this comprehensive guide also explores the captivating journeys on the  GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque , ensuring you make the most of your Swiss rail adventure.

The GoldenPass Express is a must-do for anyone visiting Switzerland, Why?

Seamless Travel Experience:

The  GoldenPass Express  offers an improved, seamless journey on one of Switzerland’s most picturesque train routes. It connects Interlaken with Montreux up to four times a day, providing breathtaking views of the panorama.

Iconic Journey:

The journey on the  GoldenPass Express  encompasses world-famous places across three regions – Interlaken, Gstaad, Château-d’Oex, Montbovon, and Montreux, each offering unique attractions and experiences.

Prestige Class:

The centerpiece of the new train is the “ Prestige ” class, offering plenty of privacy, maximum comfort in a small compartment, and exceptional culinary options. Features include luxurious heated leather seats that can rotate 180 degrees and elevated positioning for a better view of the scenery.

Culinary Delights:

Travelers can pre-order local and international delicacies to enjoy during the journey. Options range from champagne and fine caviar to traditional and vegetarian apéro-plates.

Swiss Innovation:

The  GoldenPass Express  represents a Swiss masterstroke in railway innovation, solving a century-old challenge of connecting Interlaken and Montreux without changing trains, through the introduction of adjustable bogies.

The entire trip lasts for approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, combining stunning views with unrivaled comfort to make the journey as spectacular as the destination itself.

Swiss Travel Pass:

The route is  fully included in the   Swiss Travel Pass , though seat reservations must be paid for separately.

Secure your Swiss Travel Pass today  and reserve your seat on the  GoldenPass Express  through their website . The Swiss Travel Pass offers complimentary travel, with your only expense being the seat reservation fee.

How to Book GoldenPass Express/Prices

Due to limited seating capacity, reservations are mandatory in the “ Prestige ” class and recommended for 1st and 2nd class travel, with a surcharge in addition to the valid ticket for the selected travel class.

GoldenPass Express Timetable 2024:

Timetable valid from Dec 9, 2023 – Dec 14, 2024 Operates throughout the year / Daily departures from both Montreux and Interlaken Ost. 

Maximize your GoldenPass Express adventure with the Swiss Travel Pass from SwissASAP . It’s your key to effortless travel and unforgettable experiences across Switzerland.

I had an incredible experience with the Swiss Travel Pass! I especially loved the GoldenPass Express, which connects Lake Geneva with the Jungfrau Region. Traveling from France, this route made it easy for me to transition from the French-speaking region and explore the heart of Switzerland. I much prefer the Swiss trains over driving, as they are comfortable, reliable, and offer scenic views. The Swiss Travel Pass made my trip so much easier and more enjoyable.

Marie Dubois

Travel Enthusiast, France

GoldenPass Express Highlights in Your Swiss Itinerary

Dive into Switzerland’s splendor with our streamlined itineraries, perfect for those holding an 8-day Swiss Travel Pass . Tailored for both first-time visitors and seasoned explorers, our guides merge Switzerland’s renowned attractions with its hidden treasures, all while incorporating the scenic GoldenPass train ride. Eager to experience Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes and adventures? Browse through each itinerary below for a journey filled with simplicity and beauty, where the GoldenPass train ride takes center stage.

GoldenPass Panorama: 8-Day Explorer’s Dream – Navigate through the heart of Switzerland, where each twist and turn unveils a new, awe-inspiring vista, all from the comfort of the GoldenPass Express. Discover this route .

Alpine Majesty & Montreux Charm: 8-Day Swiss Travel Pass Adventure via GoldenPass – Embark on a journey through the towering Alps and the enchanting Swiss towns, with the GoldenPass Express as your guide. Begin this adventure .

Swiss Alps & Italian Lakes: 10-Day Swiss-Italian Sojourn with GoldenPass – Experience the best of Swiss alpine scenery and the tranquil beauty of Italy’s Lake Como, enhanced by the journey on the GoldenPass train. Start this unique journey .

Discovering the Full GoldenPass Experience: A Tapestry of Swiss Scenery

While the  GoldenPass Express  stands out for its unique features, the  complete GoldenPass journey offers an expansive and unparalleled experience through Switzerland’s diverse landscapes. The route unfolds in three magnificent sections:

Lucerne to Interlaken Ost – Luzern – Interlaken Express : Starting from Lucerne, this train offers captivating views of the Pilatus mountain and Lake Lucerne, passing through Sarnersee and Lungernsee. It descends via the Brünig Pass to Meiringen, finally reaching Interlaken Ost by Lake Brienz. For the best lake views, choose a right-side seat. Covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.

Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen: Travel alongside the Aare River to Spiez by Lake Thun, with striking views of Mount Niesen. The journey through the Simmen valley showcases green landscapes and picturesque villages. For optimal Lake Thun views, opt for a right-side seat.

Zweisimmen to Montreux – GoldenPass Panoramic Train and GoldenPass Bell Epoque : From Saanenmöser’s peak, pass through Gstaad, entering French-speaking Switzerland. The route winds through valleys to Les Avants, concluding with a stunning Lake Geneva panorama in Montreux. For the best view, choose the right side.

In conclusion, while the GoldenPass Express offers a direct, state-of-the-art connection, the classic GoldenPass Line , split into these three sections, is an experience in its own right, piecing together Switzerland’s cultural and natural mosaic in an unforgettable way.

Experience the essence of Swiss travel on the GoldenPass Line from Interlaken to Montreux and vice versa with the Swiss Travel Pass . This journey offers unparalleled views and comfort, making it a must-do for any traveler. Secure your pass with SwissASAP for easy access to this and many other Swiss adventures, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

Q: Is the GoldenPass Line train covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?

Q: what is the difference between 1st class and 2nd class on the goldenpass line, q: can i stop at towns along the goldenpass line and continue my journey later.

More on GoldenPass Express FAQs

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We are honored to have received the  Swiss Travel System Excellence Expert Award for 2023 / 2024 by   Swiss Travel System AG , and to be recognized as a  Qualified Switzerland Travel Expert for 2023-2024  by  Switzerland Tourism .

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Luzern-Interlaken Express

Luzern| Interlaken, Switzerland

Luzern-Interlaken Express seat reservation with Swiss Travel Pass

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About Lucerne and Interlaken Express

Lucerne and Interlaken – two of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, connected by the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a panorama train in a class of its own. Between the top destinations, idyllic villages, roaring waterfalls, a fantastic Alpine panorama awaits.

The highlights of the route:

• Luzern–Interlaken Ost: every hour from 06:06 to 21:06

• Interlaken Ost–Luzern: every hour from 07:04 to 20:04

• Journey time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Lucerne(Enchanting)

Home of the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Both charming and lively in equal measure. Whether in the historic old town, on a steamboat trip on Lake Lucerne or on Lucerne’s landmark mountain, Mount Pilatus, Switzerland’s most beautiful city will charm and enchant you on every tour of discovery.

Sarnen (Take a deep breath)

Embedded in forests, meadows and flood plains. Surrounded by jagged mountain ranges. Situated directly on Lake Sarnen. Sarnen is a place to relax and recharge. Among its many places of interest are Landenberg Castle, former seat of the medieval reeves, the village square and the Historical Museum.

Brünig-Hasliberg(The high point)

At 1,001 metres above sea level, the highest point on the route. Be ready with your camera or mobile phone, as the view here opens up onto an impressive panorama of the Bernese Alps and their roaring waterfalls. The Giessbach waterfalls plunge 400 metres into the depths – a breathtaking sight.

Brienz(Pure Switzerland)

This is a typical Swiss chalet village, situated by the idyllic turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and known for its long tradition of wood carving, where you will find alleys and chalets straight out of a picture book. Brunngasse alley has been recognised as the most beautiful in Europe.

Interlaken(Imposing)

Destination and starting point at the same time. This world-famous town between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun invites you to stroll around and enjoy dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, in one of its many cafés. The panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains will inspire you. And if you’re looking for sport and adventure, then this is just the right place for you.

Reservation

Relax as you travel with a guaranteed seat:

Reserve a seat in 1st or 2nd class on the Luzern–Interlaken Express, the ultra-modern panorama train, to guarantee yourself a seat for your adventure trip between Lucerne and Interlaken.

The rolling à la carte restaurant:

Enjoy your train journey with the bistro. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, discover seasonal menus or indulge yourself with one of the themed culinary experiences.

Bistro operating times:

Hourly from Lucerne

08:06 – 15:06 mid-October to mid-May

07:06 – 17:06 mid-May to mid-October

Hourly from Interlaken

10:04 – 17:04 mid-October to mid-May

09:04 – 19:04 mid-May to mid-October

• Switzerland

• 1 Zurich City Tour
• 2 Lindt Home of chocolate
• 3 Swiss Transport Museum
• 4 Mt. pilatus
• 5 Mt. titlis
• 7 Harder kulm
• 8 Grindelwald First
• 9 Matterhorn glacier paradise
• 10 Glacier 3000
• 11 Aletsch Arena
• 12 Diavolezza
• 13 Swiss Miniatur
• 14 Charlie Chaplin's World
• 15 Schilthorn
• 16 Sunnegga

Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins

Luzern Interlaken Express

Duration: 1hr 50 mins

Duration: 5hr 30 mins

The slowest express train in the world

Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins

Bernina Express (train):4 h - 4 h 30 min

Bernina Express (Bus): 3 h

Photo Gallery

• Note Rates valid till Dec 09, 2024
• Operational days Luzern-Interlaken Express Train operates all year round.

•Swiss Travel pass is valid on Luzern-Interlaken express route, seat reservation supplement to be paid in full.

•Reservation fee for children, same as adult.

If you possess a 2nd class Ticket or Swiss travel Pass, you have the option to book the 1st class seat reservation but you must purchase a supplement at the station to cover the fare difference prior to boarding the train.

How many days do you need in Switzerland?

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written by Dre Roelandt

updated 25.06.2024

Planning your trip to Switzerland can be overwhelming at first. With so many landmarks and cities, it can feel difficult to prioritize your must-see destinations and experiences. Here’s our guide to making the most of your trip — no matter how many days in Switzerland you have, whether its just a few days or a couple of weeks. 

Switzerland in 3 or 4 days

Switzerland in 5 or 7 days, switzerland in 8-10 days, switzerland in 11-14 days, switzerland in 2 weeks or longer.

Perfect for Swiss main attractions 

If you've got just 3 or 4 days to spend in Switzerland, you can still hit some of the country's most famous spots. 

Start in Zurich , the largest city, and wander around the Old Town (Altstadt) with its charming mediaeval streets. While here, check out Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world’s exclusive shopping streets, and visit the Swiss National Museum to get a taste of the country’s history. You can also try traditional Swiss dishes like fondue and raclette in Zurich’s cosy restaurants

From Zurich, take a day trip to Lucerne . Spend a day to take a scenic boat ride on Lake Lucerne and walk across the Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), a stunning 14th-century wooden bridge. 

You might also be able to squeeze in a trip to Rhine Falls , Europe's largest waterfall. 

How many days you need in Switzerland depends on what you want to see  © elesi/Shutterstock

Perfect to add some natural highlights 

With 5 to 7 days , you can dive deeper into Switzerland's landscapes.tart in Zurich, then head to Lucerne to enjoy its iconic lake and mountain views. 

Spend a day in Interlaken, located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, where you can take a train up to Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," for incredible views of the Alps . Interlaken is also great for adventure activities like paragliding, skydiving, and hiking.

While here, don’t miss the chance to try Interlaken’s local chocolates. 

You’ll also want to include a visit to the charming village of Zermatt at the base of the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic peaks in the Swiss Alps. 

Here you can take the Gornergrat Railway for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Just be sure to book train tickets and adventure activities in advance, especially in peak seasons.

View of Gandria fishermen village, Lake Lugano, Switzerland © Keitma/Shutterstock

View of Castelgrande from Montebello Castle of Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland © elesi/Shutterstock

Perfect for an all-in Swiss itinerary

An 8 to 10-day trip lets you see a wider range of Swiss highlights. Begin in Zurich and make your way to Lucerne and Interlaken, ensuring you visit the Jungfraujoch. 

From there, spend a few days in the picturesque region of the Bernese Oberland. Take a tour of the region to explore charming towns like Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The Lauterbrunnen Valley, with its 72 waterfalls, is the perfect place for a hike.

Then head to Zermatt to admire the Matterhorn and enjoy skiing or hiking,  depending on the season.  You can continue your journey to Montreux and take a scenic train ride on the Golden Pass Line to Gstaad, known for its luxury chalets and boutiques. 

Don't miss a visit to the Swiss Riviera along Lake Geneva , where you can explore Lausanne and the beautiful city of Geneva. 

Swiss Alps, Switzerland © Eva Bocek/Shutterstock

No matter how many days in Switzerland you have, don't miss Gotthard Pass © Freedom_wanted/Shutterstock

Perfect for to add some relaxing days

How many days do you need in Switzerland varies on the pace you like to travel, but with 11 to 14 days , you can travel at a relaxed pace and add some downtime . Follow the 8 to 10-day itinerary but take extra days to fully enjoy and take in  each location. This is ideal because you can then spend more time in the Bernese Oberland for hiking or relaxing. Maybe even take a day trip to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps.

You might as well include a stay in one of Switzerland's famous wellness resorts, such as those in the thermal spa town of Leukerbad, where you can indulge in spa treatments and thermal baths. 

Explore the Ticino region, with its Italian flair, sunny weather, and towns like Lugano and Bellinzona , known for their Mediterranean vibe and historic castles. While here, visit local markets for fresh produce and handmade goods.

Or take a leisurely cruise on one of Switzerland's many lakes, like Lake Geneva or Lake Lucerne.

Klosters in winter, Davos, Grisons, Switzerland © Altrendo Images/Shutterstock

Aerial view over the city of Interlaken in Switzerland © 4kclips/Shutterstock

Perfect for combining with Italy 

If you have two weeks or more, you might want to extend your Swiss adventure with a trip to Italy . 

After exploring the major Swiss highlights, such as Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, and Geneva, you can easily cross the border into northern Italy. 

It’s worth visiting the stunning lakes of Como and Maggiore , which are just a short train ride away. There are fantastic and luxurious villas and gardens that dot the shores of these lakes. 

In Como, visit Villa Carlotta and its botanical garden, or take a ferry ride to the picturesque town of Bellagio. Lake Maggiore offers the beautiful Borromean Islands, particularly Isola Bella with its baroque palace and gardens.

From there, continue to the fashion capital of Milan, where you can see the iconic Duomo di Milano and visit world-class museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera. Milan also offers vibrant nightlife, excellent dining, and high-end shopping, making it a perfect conclusion to your extended European adventure.

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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7 Best Scenic Train Rides In Switzerland

S tunning landscape views roll by your giant picture window as you depart on famous scenic train rides across Switzerland. From Geneva to Zurich and Basel to Zermatt, the Swiss Alps, turquoise lakes, and rolling pastures these best scenic train rides in Switzerland will fill your window with breathtaking scenery.

I have collected a few of my favorite train travel excursions across this beautiful country and presented them in no particular order. This is not an all-inclusive list of picturesque train trips through Switzerland, but it is a wonderful place to start dreaming of your next train-centric adventure.

1. Jungfraujoch – Top Of Europe

No matter what the season, a ride to Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe , is a panoramic adventure. At the summit’s Sphinx Terrace, you can view the Aletsch Glacier, the Black Forest, and the Vosges.

Plan to spend several hours at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make your way to the outside observation deck where the air is chilly and the views are beyond breathtaking. Slip and slide during a visit to the Ice Palace — an ice sculpture art gallery carved into the glacier in the 1930s. Everything here is ice; the floors, ceiling, and frozen tableaus impart an Ice Age adventure. Complete your mountaintop visit with a stop at the highest Lindt Chocolate shop in the world.

Downhill skiers will love exploring the Jungfrau region on their next European ski holiday.

2. Golden Pass Express, Montreux To Interlaken

Travel in First or Prestige Class for an elevated, quintessentially Swiss adventure on the Golden Pass Express between Montreux and Interlaken. Enjoy caviar and champagne as your luxury car rolls from Montreux, on beautiful Lake Geneva, to the charming town of Interlaken . The 3-plus-hour journey is filled with stunning views of crystal-blue lakes, verdant pastures, and snow-capped mountains.

Once in Interlaken, you can make the transfer to the Jungfraujoch for a close up encounter with the Bernese Oberland. On the Montreux terminus, you can sail around Lac Léman, aka Lake Geneva, and enjoy the quaint shoreline towns and bustling city of Geneva.

3. Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Skiers, photography buffs, and pretty much everyone else should visit the iconic Matterhorn at least once. Jump on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for a fabulous train ride. On this intrepid alpine adventure, your train encounters 33 tunnels and 126 overpasses while rising a whopping 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) in altitude.

Panoramic windows afford wide-angle views of craggy mountains, brilliantly blue waterways, and plenty of beautiful sunshine.

4. Glacier Express, Zermatt To St. Moritz

The Glacier Express route , Zermatt to St. Moritz, sets the standard that all Swiss scenic trains are measured upon. Slipping through the Swiss Alps, this route hits luxury ski resorts while imparting a slow-travel feeling. The journey takes 8 hours — a very slow express train ride — but the show-stopping scenery offers you a chance to absorb the wild beauty of this scenic route.

When you reach St. Moritz, book a stay at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel . If you don’t want to break your budget with a stay of over $1,000 a night, simply stop by the Renaissance Bar for the St. Moritzino cocktail made with Cointreau, fresh lime, and orgeat syrup.

5. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano, Italy. Four hours of glorious scenic vistas, the Bernina Express has steep runs, plentiful bridge crossings, icy glaciers, and Mediterranean palm trees. It offers such a wide variety of landscapes, guests are continually gushing over the sheer beauty and uniqueness of this train ride.

Both Switzerland and Italy are part of the Schengen Agreement , which allows passage between the countries’ borders. However, you should still carry your passport with you as you pass from country to country.

6. Cogwheel Railway To Mount Pilatus

If you love adventure, you will adore the cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus . Billed as “the steepest cogwheel railway in the world” it reaches an alarming grade of 48 percent. The 30-minute, nail-biting ride up the mountain offers heart-pounding views.

If you decide a one-way train trip is all your nerves can take, there are a few alternatives. You can take the gondola, which offers 360-degree panoramic mountain views. Hiking down (or up) is another mode of transportation. AllTrails lists seven different options for hiking Mount Pilatus. Some are moderate and some are hard, but all of them go up, up, and up.

7. Gelmerbahn

From early June to late October, you can take the funicular ride of your life. The Gelmerbahn is a short, 12-minute ride in an open-air funicular car. The alarmingly steep grade offers spectacular views of Gelmersee — a brilliant blue lake — as you creep up the mountainside backwards.

Once at the top of the funicular, you can hike up to the Gelmerhütte for an overnight stay. The rooms are shared rustic spaces, but the mountaintop experience is unsurpassed.

Swiss Travel Pass

No matter how long your stay, the Swiss Travel Pass will save you money while you ride the rails, bus, or boat around the beautiful Swiss countryside.

For our most recent train travel content, check out these articles:

• 5 Best Train Journeys In Europe For Jaw-Dropping Scenery
• 3 (More) Best Scenic UK Train Journeys Every Traveler Should Take
• 6 Top Scenic UK Train Rides Every Traveler Should Take

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits