How to get around in Interlaken
Interlaken can be reached by train and by car. The town center is quite compact and can easily be explored on foot, but there are buses too. The rail stations in Interlaken are the starting point for all day trips.
Getting to Interlaken
There are direct trains to Interlaken from several major towns around Switzerland. Examples are Zurich Airport, Zurich, Lucerne and Bern. All connections can be found in the timetable.
The rail stations Interlaken Ost and West
The main shopping street connects the rail station Interlaken West to the rail station Interlaken Ost. They are 20 minutes apart on foot. Interlaken Ost is the main station, but if your accommodation is within walking distance of either station, you'll have quick and easy access to all modes of transport. Hotel suggestions can be found here.
There are buses to all villages around Interlaken, and those buses also connect the Interlaken Ost and West station. Of course there are trains between Interlaken Ost and West as well.
Trips to activities and sightseeing
The local trains take you into the mountains, and to attractions like the Jungfraujoch and the Schilthorn. Boats to Lake Brienz depart near the Interlaken Ost station. Boats to Lake Thun depart from Interlaken West.
Free traveling
Hotels will provide a free guest card to their guests, which allows free traveling by all modes of transport in the immediate surroundings of the town. Note that this applies to a small area. A rail pass is the best way to cover transportation into the mountains and towns farther away. Many rail passes allow free or discounted traveling across the entire Bernese Oberland.
