The GoldenPass line train guide 2026 - tickets, reservations, trains, classes, route, schedules 

The GoldenPass is a scenic 5.5-hour train journey on several special trains between Lucerne (Central Switzerland), Interlaken (Bernese Oberland) and Montreux (Lake Geneva). Of course, you can travel the other way around too. These are the trains:

• Between Lucerne and Interlaken: the "Luzern-Interlaken Express".
• Between Interlaken and Montreux, option 1: you'll first take a normal train between Interlaken and Zweisimmen. In Zweisimmen, you can board one of two trains to Montreux. This is either: a) the modern "GoldenPass Panoramic" with its large windows, or b) the nostalgic "GoldenPass Belle Époque".
• Between Interlaken and Montreux, option 2: the direct "GoldenPass Express" train that features the luxurious Prestige class. You don't have to change in Zweisimmen.

You'll enjoy great scenery, including many lakes such as the Sarner- and Lungernsee, Lake Brienz, and Lake Geneva. The trains are comfortable. Most offer large panoramic windows and some have catering.

This table shows sample prices per person for a single journey Lucerne-Interlaken-Montreux, or the other way around, in high season (from early May to late October). They include reservation costs, which are optional in most cases. All prices in this table are explained in detail below.

What the GoldenPass price depends on

The GoldenPass route consists of several sections on which several trains operate. The price you pay depends on these factors:

1. The travel pass or ticket you travel with. Some passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass, allow free travel on all trains on the GoldenPass line. Others, such as the Swiss Half Fare Card, provide discounts. Or you may not have a pass and buy regular tickets or Saver Day Passes instead.
2. The class you travel in: 2nd class, 1st class, Prestige class (which is available in the GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux), or a mix.
3. Whether or not you make reservations. They're not obligatory (except for the Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express), but recommended, especially for the GoldenPass Express, GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque. The costs differ per train, and sometimes per class.
4. The season in which you travel. For the Luzern-Interlaken Express, the optional reservation is a bit more expensive in high season (roughly May to October) than in other months. For the other trains, there are no seasonal differences.

Standard seat reservation prices for the GoldenPass

If you make seat reservations, you should add the following costs to whichever rail pass or ticket you travel with:

• CHF 16 (high season: 2 May - 1 November 2026) or CHF 12 (low season: the other months) for Lucerne-Interlaken in the Luzern-Interlaken Express 1st or 2nd class (optional)
• CHF 10 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in the GoldenPass Belle Époque/GoldenPass Panoramic 1st or 2nd class (optional but recommended)
• CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in the GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class (optional but recommended)
• CHF 49 for Interlaken Montreux in the GoldenPass Express Prestige class (obligatory)

Further down, you'll find all details about these reservations, and a step-by-step instructions guiding you through each step of the process.

GoldenPass price 2026 with a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)

With a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you don't need an additional ticket for your GoldenPass journey. If you don't travel in the GoldenPass Express Prestige class and don't make reservations, the entire ride is free.

If you do make reservations, add the costs listed above.

GoldenPass price 2026 with a Swiss Half Fare Card

With a Swiss Half Fare Card, and with seat reservations, you'll pay at least CHF 55 for the cheapest option (a 2nd class journey that includes the GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque) and CHF 114 for the most expensive option (1st class between Lucerne and Interlaken, and Prestige class between Interlaken and Montreux).

These prices are based on:

1. The cheapest possible fares for a discounted Saver Day Pass (from CHF 29 for 2nd class, and from CHF 49 for 1st class and Prestige class). A discounted Saver Day Pass is mostly cheaper than discounted normal tickets, provided that you buy the pass well in advance. In comparison: a discounted point-to-point ticket Lucerne-Interlaken-Montreux costs CHF 40 for 2nd class, and CHF 68 for 1st class and Prestige class.
2. All optional reservations, and in the case of the Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express: the obligatory reservation. See the reservation costs listed above.

If you don't make reservations, deduct the reservation costs listed above.

GoldenPass prices with other rail passes

Several other rail passes provide discounts too. Find a complete overview here.

GoldenPass price 2026 without a rail pass

If you don't have a rail pass and do make seat reservations, you'll pay at least CHF 78 for the cheapest option (a 2nd class journey that includes the GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque) and CHF 153 for the most expensive option (1st class between Lucerne and Interlaken, and Prestige class between Interlaken and Montreux).

These prices are based on:

1. The cheapest possible fares for a Saver Day Pass (from CHF 52 for 2nd class, and from CHF 88 for 1st class). A Saver Day Pass is usually cheaper than normal tickets, but you'll have to buy it far in advance. In comparison: a full-fare point-to-point ticket Lucerne-Interlaken-Montreux would cost CHF 80 for 2nd class, and CHF 136 for 1st class and Prestige class.
2. All optional reservations, and in the case of the Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express: the obligatory reservation. See the reservation costs listed above.

If you don't make reservations, deduct the reservation costs listed above.

Traveling in 1st class or Prestige class with a 2nd class pass or ticket

Even if you have a 2nd class pass or ticket, you can still enjoy the Golden Pass ride in 1st class and Prestige class by buying an upgrade ticket. This costs CHF 56 for the entire route Lucerne-Montreux.

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) or a Swiss Half Fare Card, you'll pay the discounted fare of CHF 28.

Should you make GoldenPass seat reservations?

Seat reservations for the GoldenPass are mostly not obligatory. You can simply board with a valid ticket or pass. The only exceptions are:

• the Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express trains: reservations for Prestige seats are always required.
• trips with a group of 10 people or more: you'd best make reservations for all trains.

However, the GoldenPass is a popular route. Especially the GoldenPass Panoramic, GoldenPass Belle Époque, and GoldenPass Express trains can get fully booked. So I do recommend making reservations in these cases too:

• You'll be making the GoldenPass ride in the busier months. These are mostly April to October, and particularly July and August. The December holiday season can be popular too. In my experience, there are often enough seats left to board without reservations in low-season months like February, March and early April. No guarantees though.
• You definitely want to travel in 1st class. All GoldenPass trains have fewer 1st class than 2nd class seats.
• You want to ensure that all your travel party members will be seated together.
• You want a guaranteed seat in the bistro car of the Luzern-Interlaken Express.

1. Seat reservation prices and instructions for Lucerne-Interlaken (train: Luzern-Interlaken Express)

The basics: whether reservation is required and how much it costs

Reservations for the Luzern-Interlaken Express train are optional. They cost:

• CHF 12 in low season (27 October 2025 to 2 May 2026 / 2 November 2026 to 30 April 2027)
• CHF 16 in high season (2 May to 1 November 2026)

When you can reserve seats for the Luzern-Interlaken Express

You can do so up to 4 to 6 months in advance.

Important when making Luzern-Interlaken Express reservations

• Click the reservation link for the Luzern-Interlaken Express that's listed here.
• How to select seats:
  • In the seating plan, click the seat(s) you want to reserve. The system automatically assigns you seats: those are dark-green.
  • You can change this by clicking any other light green seat.
  • You can switch between several carriages with the buttons above the seating plan.
  • Note that coach 4 usually is the bistro car, in which you'll find the on-board restaurant.
• Which price option to choose:
  • If you'll be having a ticket or rail pass covering the route (such as a Swiss Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass or point-to-point ticket), select the option to buy reservations only.
  • If you'll be traveling with a Swiss Half Fare Card and won't separately buy a discounted Saver Day Pass or point-to-point ticket, choose "Half Fare Travelcard" to buy a 50% discounted ticket along with your reservation.
  • If you won't be having a pass or ticket, click "No discount" to buy both a reservation and a ticket at the same time.
• You don't need an account to pay: just check out as a guest.

2. Seat reservation prices and instructions Interlaken-Zweisimmen (trains: normal regional trains)

You'll only use trains between Interlaken and Zweisimmen if you continue your journey by GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque between Zweisimmen and Montreux. If you get the GoldenPass Express, you'll have a direct journey between Interlaken and Zweisimmen.

Reservations on the stretch Interlaken-Zweisimmen are not required, except for groups of 10 or more. For smaller groups, I don't advise making reservations, as this is just a short stretch. If you still want to do so: it usually costs CHF 5 per person.

You can make reservations through the general Swiss timetable.

3. and 4. Seat reservation prices and instructions for Zweisimmen-Montreux (trains: GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque)

The basics: whether reservations are required and what they cost

Reservations for the GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque trains on the Zweisimmen - Montreux leg are not required, but I strongly advise making them in high season. And they're mandatory for groups of 10 or more.

Reservations cost CHF 10 per person in both 1st and 2nd class, or CHF 8 per person for a group of 10 or more.

When you can make your GoldenPass Panoramic/Belle Époque reservations

You can make your reservations up to 365 days in advance.

Important when making GoldenPass Panoramic reservations

• Go to the reservation link for the GoldenPass Panoramic trains listed here. 
• Which price options to choose:
  • If you'll be having a rail pass or ticket that covers the ride (such as a Swiss Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass, or point-to-point ticket") choose "Own ticket" or "Only reservation" to pay for your seat reservation only.
  • If you'll be traveling with a Swiss Half Fare Card and won't separately purchase a discounted Saver Day Pass or point-to-point ticket, choose "Half Fare Travelcard" to buy a 50% discounted ticket along with your reservation.
  • If don't have any of these, click "No discount" to buy a normal point-to-point ticket on top of your reservation.
• If you're reserving seats for other passengers too, click "Add passenger" .
• The green dots for each train indicate how many seats are left for the class you selected.
• How to select seats:
  • The driving direction is indicated, so you'll know whether you'll be sitting on the left or the right side of the train.
  • The dark green seats have been selected automatically for you, but you can click any other light green seat to change this.
  • You can switch between carriages with the buttons above the seating plan.
• You don't need a SwissPass account to pay: that's for Swiss residents. Just select "Fast checkout".

Where and how to arrange for GoldenPass Belle Époque reservations

• Go to the reservation link for the GoldenPass Belle Époque trains listed here. 
• Which price option to select:
  • If you'll be having a pass or ticket that pays for the ride (such as a Swiss Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass, or regular point-to-point ticket), choose "Own ticket" or "Only reservation" to pay for the seat reservation only.
  • If you'll be traveling with a Swiss Half Fare Card and won't separately purchase a discounted Saver Day Pass or point-to-point ticket, choose "Half Fare Travelcard" to buy a 50% discounted ticket along with your reservation.
  • If you don't have any of these, click "No discount" to buy a normal point-to-point ticket on top of your reservation.
  • Make this selection for each passenger.
• The green dots indicate how many seats are available in the class you've selected.
• How to select seats:
  • The driving direction is indicated, so you'll know whether you'll be sitting on the left or the right side of the train.
  • The dark green seats have been selected automatically for you, but you can click any other light green seat to change this.
  • You can switch between carriages with the buttons above the seating plan.
• You don't need a SwissPass account to pay: that's for Swiss residents. Just select "Fast checkout".

How about reservations for the VIP seats on board the GoldenPass Panoramic?

Some GoldenPass Panoramic trains have a few VIP seats at the very front of the train, with unobstructed views of the tracks.

The number of VIP seats is limited, and you can't book these in advance. Instead, you should contact the train conductor once you're on board. If VIP seats are available, you can get seated there for a surcharge of CHF 5 to CHF 15 per person, depending on the length of your trip.

5. Seat reservation prices and instructions for Interlaken-Montreux (train: GoldenPass Express)

The basics: if reservations are required, and what they cost

Reservations for 1st and 2nd class seats on the GoldenPass Express train between Interlaken and Montreux are not required, but I highly recommend making them. Reservations for the Prestige class are always required.

Catering packages should be reserved in advance, regardless of the class you travel in. Note that you can still order separate drinks and snacks on board, or just have your own food, if you don't book a catering package.

Seat reservation prices for the GoldenPass Express

1st or 2nd class reservations cost CHF 20 per person, or CHF 17 per person for a group of 10 or more.

Traveling in the Prestige class requires a 1st class ticket or pass, plus an additional reservation supplement of CHF 49 per person.

When to make your reservations

Reservations for the GoldenPass Express can be made up to 365 days ahead.

How to book your GoldenPass Express seats: explanation video

Watch our handy video that shows the entire GoldenPass Express reservation process.

Important when booking your GoldenPass Express seats

• Click the link for GoldenPass Express reservations here.
• You'll end up in the 1st and 2nd class reservation system by default. If you want to book Prestige class seats instead, click the link provided in the explanation at the top of the page.
• Which price option to select: 
  • If you'll be having a rail pass or ticket that covers the ride (such as a Swiss Travel Pass, Saver Day Pass, or point-to-point ticket), select "Only reservation".
  • If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can also choose that option from the list, but the result will be the same: you'll buy a reservation only.
  • If you'll be having a Swiss Half Fare Card and you won't separately arrange for a discounted point-to-point ticket or Saver Day Pass, select "Half Fare Travelcard": you'll then buy a discounted ticket along with your reservation.
  • If you won't be having any of these, pick "No discount" to purchase a normal point-to-point ticket along with your reservation.
• The green dots for each train indicate how many seats are left for the class you selected. You'll have to go back if you want to change the class.
• How to select seats:
  • From the coach seating plan, select your preferred seat(s).
  • The system has automatically assigned you the seats that show up in dark green, but you can change it to any other light green seat.
  • Above the seating plan, you can switch between the available coaches.
• You can optionally order a catering package. You don't have to do so: you also can order separate drinks and snacks while you're on board, or have your own food and drinks.
• You don't need a SwissPass account to pay: that's for Swiss residents. Just choose "Fast checkout".

The GoldenPass route can be traveled in both directions. It runs between the German-speaking Lucerne in Central Switzerland and the French-speaking Montreux in the Lake Geneva area. Towns along the way are Brienz, Interlaken, Spiez, Zweisimmen and Gstaad.

The train line consists of 3 main sections. If you travel by GoldenPass Express, a change in Zweisimmen is not necessary.

Section 1: Lucerne to Interlaken Ost

The train departs from Lucerne and passes the foot of the Pilatus mountain. You can see Lake Lucerne every now and then, but you will soon leave it behind you.

You'll pass two more lakes, the Sarnersee and the Lungernsee, before the train starts climbing the Brünig Pass. The pass has an altitude of 1008 m, which isn't very high for Swiss standards. Next, the train has to descend 413 m to reach Meiringen at 595 m on the valley floor, and it uses the cogwheel track to do so.

The train changes direction in Meiringen. A flat stretch through the Hasli Valley follows before the train reaches Brienz on beautiful Lake Brienz. About 20 minutes later the train arrives at Interlaken Ost ('East'), which is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region.

Section 2: Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen

First, the train runs along the river Aare to the other side of Interlaken. It continues its way to Spiez, a town at a scenic location along Lake Thun. You can see the pyramid-shaped Mount Niesen from here.

The GoldenPass line proceeds into the Simmen Valley: a typically Swiss green valley with farms, small villages, and forests.

Section 3: Zweisimmen to Montreux

The train climbs to the highest point of the entire GoldenPass line, near Saanenmöser, at 1279 m. Next up is the upper-class town of Gstaad, with luxurious shops and hotels. Soon after you will leave the German-speaking part of Switzerland and enter the French-speaking regions.

The train winds its way through the valley, which is quite narrow in some places. The valley ends in a tunnel that leads to Les Avants. From there, Montreux is just 3 km as the crow flies, but there are still 578 meters left to descend. A cogwheel track and many curves are required to complete the last 20 minutes of the journey, and you will have a wonderful view of Lake Geneva along the way.

At which side of the trains to sit

If it's not too busy and you can move around in the train, these are the suggested sides for each section of the GoldenPass route:

• Section 1, Lucerne-Interlaken: sit on the right side of the train for the best view of the lakes and the view while descending from the Brünig Pass down to Meiringen.
• Section 2, Interlaken-Zweisimmen: you can best sit on the right side for the view on Lake Thun, but this is only a short section.
• Section 3, Zweisimmen-Montreux: I think the right side provides a slightly better view, but it doesn't make a huge difference.

In most cases, seat reservations aren't obligatory. Without a reservation, you can take any available seat on your preferred side of the train. Of course, you shouldn't sit on seats that are reserved for other travelers. Reservations are indicated directly on, or above, the seats.

GoldenPass: 2026 operation dates

The GoldenPass route is accessible year-round. Always check details for your travel dates in the Swiss timetable, as explained further down: sudden (partial) closures or train cancellations can occur.

1. Lucerne to Interlaken: Interlaken Express

The trains run year-round.

2. Interlaken Ost to Montreux: GoldenPass Express

The GoldenPass Express trains operate year-round.

3. Zweisimmen to Montreux: GoldenPass Panoramic

The GoldenPass Panoramic trains operate year-round.

4. Zweisimmen to Montreux: GoldenPass Belle Époque

The Belle Époque trains operate year-round, except on the following dates:

• 1, 22, and 29 December 2025
• 12 and 19 January 2026
• 2 and 9 February 2026
• 23 March 2026
• 13 and 27 April 2026
• 4 and 18 May 2025
• 8 and 15 June 2026
• 6, 20, and 27 July 2026
• 10 and 17 August 2026
• 7 and 28 September 2026
• 19 October 2026
• 2, 9, 23, and 30 November 2026
• 14 and 21 December 2026

Planning your GoldenPass journey with the timetable

You can consult the GoldenPass schedules through the links here. The trains can also be found in the Swiss timetable. Always use this to double-check your journey, as it contains up-to-date info for your travel date and route.

Here's how to find GoldenPass trains in the timetable:

1. Enter your departure and destination stations.
2. Select your travel date and your preferred departure or arrival time.
3. Double-check if you see the right GoldenPass route, because the timeable shows alternative routes too:
   • Between Lucerne and Interlaken: the timetable usually shows the Luzern-Interlaken Express between Lucerne and Interlaken. These trains are labeled "PE", and if you click these connections, you'll also see the name "Luzern-Interlaken Express". The timetable may also present options via Bern. Avoid those if you want to ride the GoldenPass route.
   • Between Interlaken/Zweisimmen and Montreux: by default, the timetable shows GoldenPass Express trains, but also alternative routes via Brig and Visp, or via Bern and Lausanne. To see GoldenPass trains only, enter "Gstaad" as via-station. All of the GoldenPass trains from Interlaken and Zweisimmen are labeled "PE". If you click on such a connection, you'll also see the exact train name: GoldenPass Express, GoldenPass Panoramic, or GoldenPass Belle Époque.
   • Between Interlaken, Spiez and Zweisimmen: normal trains on the stretch Interlaken-Spiez-Zweisimmen can be labeled "R" or "RE" (indicating regional trains), "IR" (interregional trains), or "IC" (intercity trains).