GoldenPass Montreux-Interlaken: Express vs Panoramic train?
A traveler named Samlam is planning a scenic train trip in Switzerland and is curious about the differences between the GoldenPass Express and the Panoramic Express. They are initially considering the 10:50 train but want to know if the earlier 9:34 departure might provide a better experience. They appreciate any advice to help decide on the best option.
- Riding the GoldenPass Express offers a unique experience compared to the Panoramic Express, especially in Prestige Class with its limited seating.
- For the Montreux to Zweisimmen route, sitting on the left side generally provides beautiful views of chalet-style buildings and scenery.
- If group travel is involved, it’s wise to reserve seats to ensure everyone sits together.
- Look for signs on reserved seats to avoid sitting in someone else's spot if you don’t have a reservation.
AI-generated summary-
Hello there ! I was checking on the trains that will leave Montreaux on the GoldenPass Express and they leave at 7:34, 9:34, 12:34 , and 14:34. On SBB , there is a Montreaux to Zwessimen Panoramic Express train leaving at 10:50. Will it be the same experience if we ride the Golden Pass Express vs the Panoramic Express? We initially plan for the 10:50 train but we can go ride the 9:34 if it is a better experience . Thank you in advance 😊 .
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Hi Samlam,
Riding in the Goldenpass Express will be a different experience from riding in either the Goldenpass Panoramic or the Goldenpass Belle Époque. All the more so if you travel in Prestige Class (in which seats cost more and are limited).
The Goldenpass Express is a new train that came into service at the end of 2022, so it is pretty popular at the moment! You can find out all you need to know at the link below. What is “better” will come down to personal choice. The scenery is of course the same regardless of which train you choose, and all trains have panoramic windows which give you great views.
https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/
Alpenrose
Hi samlam,
You can scroll to “GoldenPass Panoramic, GoldenPass Belle Époque and GoldenPass Express: how to choose?” section in the above link that Alpenrose provided. This will give you a summary of the various train types.
Enjoy your train ride on the GoldenPass!
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you so much Alpenrose! This is so helpful information. We are actually planning to board the Panoramic Express train from Interlaken to Luzerne too and the information helps a lot. A follow up question would be: which is the best seat fr Montreaux to Zwesismen left or right? I learned thay the best seat in the Interlaken to Luzerne is on the right . Please correct me if I am wrong. Thank you very much!
Thank you so much Yolanda! As always, you guys rock and give topnotch information! Thank you thank you!
Hi SamIam,
One of the best scenic stretches on the Montreux-Zweisimmen sector is the climb up the mountain out of Montreux. As it climbs, the train changes direction several times as it negotiates a series of hairpin loops, and the side of the train facing the lake alternates from side to side, giving both sides wonderful views.
From Montreux to Zweisimmen, in terms of scenery in general, there are lovely views on both sides of the train. I like to sit on the left though, as there are quite a few lovely chalet-style station buildings on this route, and most of them are on the left when travelling towards Zweisimmen.
Yes, sitting on the right-hand side of the Luzern-Interlaken express from Interlaken to Luzern is the best side for views. At Meiringen the train changes direction, so you will then be sitting on the left – which is also the best side for the views between Meiringen and Luzern.
Have a wonderful trip on the Goldenpass!
Alpenrose
This is so helpful!! You guys are topnotch . Thank you so much!!!
Thank you So much Yolanda! I am afraid I have a follow up question: If we don’t reserve a seat on the panorama express , how will we know if a seat is reserved when we board the train. We don’t want to take up anyone’s seat if it is reserved but we also want to sit on the unreserved seats with the best vies as much as possible . Thanks again!
I’m confused. There’s a difference between Golden Pass Express and Golden Pass Panoramic? What is the one on SBB marked PE? How do you find the others?
Hi Nole01,
The GoldenPass Express, as the name suggests, is an express train that takes you directly from Montreux to Interlaken and vice versa.
There are also the GoldenPass Panorama and GoldenPass Belle Epoque trains. These are trains that run between Montreux and Zweisimmen only. You will have to change to another train if you are travelling to Interlaken.
They are all labeled as PE trains on the timetable, but if you click on the connection, it will show you which PE train is operating for that connection.
In general, the GoldenPass Express has a few services running in each direction daily depending on the season. The GoldenPass Panorama runs hourly while the GoldenPass Belle Epoque runs twice daily if I’m not mistaken.
You can find more information about the GoldenPass trains here: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/
Regards,
Anna
Hi Samlan
>>> If we don’t reserve a seat on the panorama express , how will we know if a seat is reserved when we board the train.
There will be signs on the reserved seats so that passengers who don’t have a reservation don’t inadvertently sit there.
I have attached a photo of such a sign on the Goldenpass Belle-Époque.
What time of year are you travelling, and how many of you are travelling together?
Alpenrose
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Thank you this is so helpful! We are travelling the first week of June and we are a party of 5 🤗. We plan to take the 10:50 Golden Pass Panorama fr Montreaux to Zweissimen. Do you think it’s best for us to reserve our seats?
Hi Samlam,
If you and your group would like to guarantee that you are able to sit together, then a reservation would make sense. You can secure your reservations here:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Thank you so much! I will look into the reservation menu. You guys are extremely helpful!
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