Seat reservations for the Interlaken-Lucerne Express
Swiss Alps Team is planning a trip to travel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and is confused about seat reservations. They thought a Swiss Travel Pass would allow them to travel without reservations but found out that seats might be required on certain trains. They're looking for clarity on seat reservation policies.
- You don't need a reservation for the Lucerne-Interlaken Express trains, as they're part of the regular hourly service.
- If you do choose to reserve a seat, make sure to report to the conductor if someone is in your reserved seat.
- During busy periods, it's smart to book a seat to ensure your group can sit together.
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Swiss Alps Team,
It was my understanding that since there are frequent departures throughout the day/evening, that with the proper Pass, you can simply jump on a train whenever you are ready to travel, and without being required to purchase a seat reservation. This provides a lot of flexibility. I also heard that a seat reservation might be a good idea if you are traveling during busy periods or want to make sure your group sit together.
When searching the on the internet, I was directed to the Zentralbahn website, I was surprised to find that a seat reservation was required for both 1st and 2nd class. https://store.luzern.com/luzern_en/specials/daytrips/zentralbahn-int-lu. The website is similar to the Glacier Express, where you select from a list of available seats by looking at a floor plan for each coach. I also found many of the coaches were fully booked on many trains. I may have incorrectly navigated to the wrong site.
Thanks for any clarification.
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Hello Big Dad. Your first paragraph is undoubtedly correct. The Lucerne-Interlaken trains are part of the regular hourly (or better) train system which do not require reservations. (This hourly system is known locally as the ‘Taktfahrplan’.) I have been on a Lucerne-Interlaken Express countless times and I have never had a reservation. I have never been thrown off the train because I was without a reservation.
I think you must have either misread the Zentralbahn’s website, or (as you think) somehow ended up on the wrong website!
Kind regards
Roger
I am about to book my seat on the Lucern- Interlaken Express as well , so it’s disturbing to hear that you don’t need to book seat.
What happens if I arrive at my special seat allocation and someone is sitting there.
Hello Queenie
First, look at what I said earlier in my reply one. The Lucerne-Interlaken expresses are very nice comfortable trains, but they are part of the regular ‘Taktfahrplan’. These regular hourly trains cater for people going to work, school, shops, medical appointments, sports matches etc. etc.
The Swiss AS A NATION are used to train travel, and even the school children are usually well-behaved on public transport!
The 08 06 out of Lucerne may well have on board both a few commuters and a few children going to school! It may well have a hiking party on board. (They will have been allocated a section of a second class carriage.) Part of the fun of travelling on ordinary Swiss public transport is that you mix with the locals!
Now the important point. It is unlikely that somebody will be sitting in your reserved seat. (The train arrives from the Interlaken direction at 07 55.) If there is, show them your reservation, and politely ask them to move. (‘Bitte, Diese ist mein Platz reserviert’.) In the highly unlikely event of them refusing to move, find the conductor. She/he (at Lucerne) will probably be out on the platform, or near the staffed Bistro.
Best wishes
Roger
Thanks Roger. It is confusing though Because the 2nd class carriage on the 9am in late September is all booked out and most of the 1st class is also booked out.
HI Queenie,
Reserved seats are usually marked with a yellow strip or a digital display above the seat.
Information about seat reservations on trains here: https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/seat-reservation/
Regards,
Anna
Thanks Anna
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