GoldenPass panoramic trains vs regular regional trains, must do trip?
Hello, a traveler is looking for advice on their upcoming trip from Lucerne to Interlaken, then Wengen, and finally Montreux. They want to know if the Golden Pass train is essential or if other regional trains would be a good substitute, especially since they have a first-class Swiss Travel Pass.
- Consider using ordinary trains instead of the Golden Pass to avoid crowds and enjoy comfort while still seeing beautiful scenery.
- If you have a lot of luggage, the GoldenPass Express trains are a good option, but seat reservations are recommended.
- Read the GoldenPass travel guide to explore part of the route and discover other scenic train options.
- Remember that comfort levels can vary, and regular trains might offer a more enjoyable ride than panoramic trains.
AI-generated summary-
Hello – I was hoping to get some feedback. I have seen on several occasions that the “specialty” trains, such as the Golden Pass, are sometimes overcrowded, packed with luggage, and hot in the Summer. Even in 1st class. I understand that these trains are highly marketed, but I am wondering if there are other options. I am hoping there is a train enthusiasts (Roger Sexton?) who might offer some advice on if there are regional train options and if that is advisable. Wondering if the Golden Pass is a must do or if there are ways to see the same/similar without using the Golden Pass. We are planning on going from Lucerne to Interlaken and staying in Wengen for a few days then moving on the Montrueux for a few days so it would be broken up. We will have a 1st class STP. Thank you for the advice.
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We haven’t done the Golden pass yet, but will on Friday in Prestige Class.
In the last week we’ve done both the Bernina Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/bernina-express/) in First Class and the Glacier Express ( https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/glacier-express/) in Excellence Class. Both were worth every penny, although this is a special anniversary trip, so we put aside more pennies than we usually would.
The ease of not changing trains and having someone take your bags (on Excellence Class) was priceless.
We will never do this again, but are very glad that we did it this time.
Hello Dorrie
Can you wait for a full answer from me until about 15th October? I am currently on holiday in Switzerland!
Very best wishes
Roger
Absolutely! Enjoy your trip Roger and I look forward to hearing about your trip!
Hi Dorrie,
Switzerland has many scenic train rides and routes. The GoldenPass is one of them. It’s popular for a reason and many will agree it is worth it and in your case, it’s all included with your Swiss Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass/), though not the seat reservations.
In the meantime I suggest you read our GoldenPass travel guide, each section of the route is explained, so you could travel just part of it if you wanted to. Also you will be able to read all about the various trains you can travel in, along the route in case that was of interest too.
I think you will find the section “How to combine the GoldenPass ride with other scenic trains” useful, especially if you wanted to include other scenic train rides.
Here’s the link with all the information:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Hi Dorrie,
I have just returned from Switzerland and travelled all three panorama express trains in First class. My final was the Bernina express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/bernina-express/) where I decided to get off at Poschiavo and catch the regular train back to Saint Moritz.
I found that all three panorama express trains in first class were nowhere near the enjoyable factor of first class seats in the regular trains. I purchased first class Saver day pass tickets (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/saver-day-pass/ ) for the days that I was travelling……best decision I made.
Remember that the wonderful experience comes from the spectacular scenery not the panoramic train ride.
Comfort levels in the train, definitely goes with the regular trains .
Hi Dorrie
Special ‘Panoramic’ Trains vs Regular (usually hourly) Ordinary Trains
I suggest you read Queenie’s recent Trip Report entitled ‘My review of Swiss Panoramic Trains – Golden Pass,. Glacier Express etc.’ Her original report, and the reply 1 from TIM are very important. I agree with their views!
For the opposite viewpoint see the replies from Olga and DebH.
For people like Queenie, Tim and myself, what we want from a Swiss train trip is undisturbed views of the fantastic scenery.
But for many others, they seem to want an enjoyable experience. The scenery is only part of that experience. The wining and dining, and a train crowded with people all enjoying themselves, are also part of that experience.
The Golden Pass Route Interlaken-Spiez-Zwiesimmen-Gstaad-Montreux
This is one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland, though not my personal favourite. If travelling towards Montreux the best is left until last. This is the very steep winding descent from Chamby down to Montreux. The train runs through both vineyards and built up areas, all against a backdrop of Lake Geneva and the French Alps.
The ‘Break of Gauge Problem’
The line from Interlaken to Zweisimmen is run by the BLS and is ‘standard gauge’. 1,435 millimetres (Foor feet eight-and-a-half inches.)
The line from Zweisimmen to Montreux is run by the MOB, and has a narrow gauge of just one metre.
That means that if you use the ordinary (hourly) trains you have to change trains at Zweisimmen.
GoldenPass Express Trains
These have only been running for about a year. They are very modern high-tech trains which change from one gauge to the other at Zweisimmen! Passengers hardly notice the process! However the gauge-changing equipment adds considerable weight to the train, which is limited to five carriages. There are only four train a day in each direction.
These trains have proved very popular both with tourists and local people, as the annoying change at Zweisimmen is eliminated.
These trains have (in effect) three classes. The ‘Prestige’ class, which is in effect a super first class; ordinary first class; second class. Prestige class is clearly intended to be something akin to First Class on the Glacier Express, with food and drink being brought to your seat.
Reservations are compulsory for the Prestige Class, but not for ordinary first class or for second class. However the practical reality is that the GPE trains are so busy that passengers in the ‘ordinary classes’ are strongly recommended to make a reservation.
‘Ordinary’ Trains on the Golden Pass Route.
There are still hourly ‘normal’ trains over the whole route; indeed Interlaken to Spiez is every 30 minutes.
From Spiez to Zwiesimmen the BLS runs hourly trains on line R11 (Bern)-Spiez-Zweisimmen.
From Zweisimmen to Montreux the MOB runs hourly trains numbered PE30 or R30. Reservation is not required.
The MOB Train Naming Policy.
The hourly daytime trains running under the number PE30 include high class ‘Panoramic’ carriages. These hourly trains are (generally) marketed as ‘GoldenPass Panoramic’. That cannot conceal the fact that they are rather slow ‘ordinary’ (hourly) regular trains.
Certain of the PE30 trains are designated ‘Belle Epoque’. The trains include two or three very old carriages dating from about 1930. Thes have very attractive old fashioned seats. But there is no air conditioning, so these carriages can get hot in summer. (The Belle Epoque trains do include some more modern carriages!)
My Recommendation
Provided you have not got a huge amount of luggage, use the ordinary R11 and PE30 trains, changing at Spiez and Zweisimmen. Reservation not required.
If you have a lot of luggage, use the GoldenPass Express trains, ‘ordinary’ first class. Reserve seats.
Best Wishes
Roger
We caught the Golden Pass Belle Epoque train today from Montreo to Montbovon, so for around 45 minutes. We had no reservation, just a first class point to point ticket, but managed to get a seat. I found the seating very uncomfortable and was very happy to return on the GP Panoramic Train in first, again with no reservation.
Hi DebH
Thanks for these very helpful comments!
Hi Dorrie
The trains DebH used today (13th) are part of the ‘normal’ hourly service. See my remarks under the heading ‘The MOB Train Naming Policy.’
Best wishes to you both.
Roger
Hi DebH,
Out of curiosity, how was the 1st class seating in the Belle Epoque? Were the seats high, padded and patterned with turquoise upholstery?
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Yolanda, yes they were. They looked lovely, but actually were very uncomfortable due to zero lumbar support.
Maybe if I was thirty years younger it wouldn’t have mattered but I’m glad we just “experienced” them for 45 minutes.
Both the GP Panoramic and the GP Express were much more comfortable.
Thank you DebH, Roger, Yolanda and Queenie for all the helpful insight and advice. Your experiences and knowledge are very valuable and appreciated! The insight on the naming of the trains is extremely helpful as I am struggling with understanding the SBB app. Thank you again everyone for your time and input!
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