Golden Pass from Gruyeres to Interlaken?
A traveler named xzzhu22 is planning a trip from Gruyeres to Interlaken and is curious about the route through Boltigen versus the popular Golden Pass line. They are particularly interested in the views along these routes and how to purchase tickets, especially since they want to visit a cheese factory along the way.
- If you're traveling a lot, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass for flexibility and potential savings.
- For scenic views, the Golden Pass route from Gruyeres to Interlaken is highly recommended, even if it's a bit longer.
- Use the SBB timetable to buy point-to-point tickets or consider a Saver Day Pass for cost-effectiveness.
AI-generated summary-
SBB always route through Bern. But I did find a route on Google map through Boltigen. I guess SBB default route is the fastest.
So how is the view from Boltigen to Interlaken (as well as bus 260 from Gruyeres to Boltigen)? Will I miss the best part of Golden pass line? And how does it compare to the ride from Gruyeres to Bern to Interlaken?
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Hi xzzhu22,
the Golden Pass travels from Montreux to Interlaken to Lucerne (and back), see the route here: http://www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass/gettingthere. If you would like to travel by it you should get to Montreux.
You can also join the Golden Pass at Montbovon, which is only 21 mins by train from Gruyeres. From there you can take the Golden Pass to Interlaken.
Are you visiting both the cheese and the chocolate factory in the area?
Ildiko
The normal route preferred by tourists is Gruyeres – Montbovon (TPF railway); Montbovon – Zweisimmen (MOB railway); Zweisimmen – Spiez – Interlaken (BLS Railway). Montbovon – Interlaken is the so called ‘Golden Pass’ route (with the Montbovon – Zweisimmen being the original 1930s ‘golden pass’.
Yes we would like to visit at least the cheese factory.
So how do I purchase point to point tickets in this way? Do I have to break it down to 3 individual tickets: Gruyeres – Montbovon (TPF railway); Montbovon – Zweisimmen (MOB railway); Zweisimmen – Spiez – Interlaken (BLS Railway)? I noted I still need to make another transfer at Spiez from Zweisimmen to Interlaken.
Also does SBB care about the routing? I mean from point A to point B there might be multiple routings, but the point to point tickets only allow certain trains/routes?
On the other hand, how does the view on the way from Gruyeres to Bern to Interlaken compare to the view along the Golden Pass line?
Hi xzzhu22,
you can buy point to point tickets using the SBB timetable, or via these trusted and reliable resellers: http://www.myswissalps.com/traintickets/switzerland/price.
You can buy the tickets separately or at once. If you want to buy them together, use the Montbovon and Zweisimmen and Spiez as via-stations.
Are going to have a rail pass? If you travel that much for more days, a rail pass, like the Swiss Travel Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/swisstravelpass) would be great for you. If you travel only on this day, have a look at the Saver Day Pass (http://www.myswissalps.com/saverdaypass).
In my opinion, the route from Gruyeres to Interlaken via Bern is not that spectaclular. I highly prefer the route by the Golden Pass. 🙂
Ildiko
Great. Thank you for your help!
Looks like the route Gruyeres to Montbovon, Zweisimmen and Interlaken will cost about 20 CHF more than Bern route and 100 minutes longer.
And Gruyeres bus 260to Boltigen and then to Interlaken will save an hour. Not sure if it has the similar view as the Golden Pass line. Also not sure if buses are always on time as they are less frequent than trains.
Hi xzzhu22,
If you are combining a day trip to Gruyeres and Interlaken on the same day, I suggest purchasing a Saver Day Pass which might be cheaper than buying point-to-point tickets separately for each trip. A Saver Day Pass is valid on all routes so this allows you to be flexible with your trip. The Saver Day Pass is cheaper if you buy early. Further details here: http://www.myswissalps.com/saverdaypass
Regarding routes, based on the SBB timetable, the fastest way to get from Gruyeres to Interlaken is indeed via Bern. From Gruyeres take the train to Bulle, then switch to the train to Fribourg. In Fribourg board the train to Bern, then finally switch in Bern to Interlaken. Total journey is about 2 hrs 20 mins. You can check train schedules here: http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable
If you have time; I second Ildiko’s suggestion to travel via the Golden Pass, which is via Montbovon, Zweisimmen and Spiez. It will take an hour longer to reach Interlaken but it is a scenic train with beautiful landscapes. You can read about the Golden Pass route here: http://www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass/gettingthere
Let us know if you need more info.
Regards,
Anna
By the way the route via Bulle – Boltigen is a scenic bus ride over the Jaun pass. It is a reasonable alternative to the Golden Pass – but little mentioned on this site as no-one has heard about it (it is not one of the ‘famous’ high Swiss pass roads) but everyone has heard about the Golden Pass railway!
Anna, don’t forget that the train from Bulle now runs direct to Bern with no change required in Fribourg (except a short period in September this year when there is work taking place)
Hi 1960man,
Thanks for the heads up. And really appreciate all your input.
Regards,
Anna
Thank you Anna and 1960man!
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