Based Interlaken: itinerary + pass tips, scenic train ride to Milan?
A couple in their 60s is excited for their trip to Switzerland and Italy, starting on September 6. They plan to explore Zurich, Lucerne, and Interlaken while also seeking advice on scenic train routes to Milan on September 10. They are especially looking to maximize their travel with the Saver Day Pass.
- Consider visiting Mt. Rigi if the weather is good; it can be included with your Saver Day Pass.
- On September 10, the old Lötschberger line followed by the Centovalli scenic route is recommended to ensure a beautiful journey to Milan.
- Make sure to check train schedules in advance, as there are multiple departures from Interlaken Ost.
- You can purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass in Switzerland without needing to book in advance.
AI-generated summary-
We’re a fit couple in our early 60s, excited about our Switzerland–Italy trip. Here’s our plan—would love your suggestions, especially for Sep 10:
Sep 6
Arrive Zurich 7:00 AM. Plan: Mt. Rigi (or shell I skip for any other attraction?)+ Lucerne Chapel Bridge, Old town , then head to Interlaken (4-night stay). We have a Saver Day Pass (without Half Fare Card) for this day. We will keep you luggage in Lucerne train station lockers. Any place we can visit in our limited time? Is Hergiswil – Glass factory worth the time? Not sure if the route is included in the SDP.Sep 7,8,9
Based in Interlaken, we’ll explore Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Wengen, Männlichen, Jungfraujoch, Grindelwald, Brienzer Rothorn, Lake Brienz, etc. Planning to buy 3 days Jungfraujoch Travel Pass , (CHF 210 PP) and most it is included in the pass . We want to visit Jungfraujoch, so this pass seems to fit our plan (plus CHF 63 pp extra).Sep 10
This day we check out from Interlaken and travel to Milan We have Saver Day Pass. I needed help on this day, as I like to do the a scenic train. Golden Pass + Château de Chillon.
Can we plan Bernina Express too while going to Milan? Also read about Lötschberger regional train. Is it worth dropping Golden Pass or Bernina? I hope experts here can suggest me the best way to plan this day.At the moment, Interlaken hotel (Sep 6–10) and Saver Day Passes (Sep 6 & 10) are booked – rest everything is flexible. I plan to stay 3 nights at Milan with return flight on Sep 13 Night. I will have 3 full days in Milan. Milan stay not yet booked.
Thanks in advance for the help.
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Hello Sanjeev
You will need to have a good map in front of you.
September 6th
I am not qualified to comment on the merits of the Hergiswil Glass Factory.
However the SBB electronic timetable tells me that there is a train every 15 minutes from Lucerne to Hergiswil; that the journey takes 12 minutes; that the Glass Factory is 17 minutes walk form Hergiswil station.
SDPs are valid on this train service.
September 10th Possible Scenic routes Interlaken to Milan
Taking the Bernina LINE
If you left Interlaken Ost at 08 29 and changed at Bern, Zurich, Chur, Samedan, Pontresina, Tirano and Lecco you should get to Milano Centrale at 19 40.
I cannot recommend this trip. For the record, your SDPs will take you as far as Tirano. Beyond there you will need Italian tickets.
Taking Golden Pass Line then Simplon Line.
If you left Interlaken Ost at 09 07 on the Golden Pass Express (very busy so reservation is essential) you get to Montreux at 12 27. You will not have time to visit Chillon Castle.
Catch the 13 05 IR90 to Brig, arrive 14 32.
14 44 EC train to Domodossola, arrive 15 12
15 30 rail replacement bus, due to arrive outside Milan Central at 17 50.
Your SDPs are valid to Domodossola. Beyond there you will need Italian tickets.
Taking the Old Lotschberger Line and then the spectacular Centovalli Line
This is the route I would recommend.
Catch 07 29 RE9 train from Interlaken Ost to Spiez, arr 07 48
Catch the 08 12 RE1 train bound for Domodossola VIA KANDERSTEG, arrive 09 51.
Catch the 10 26 PE72 train to Locarno, arrive there at 12 20.
Catch the 13 22 RE80 train to Milano Centrale via CHIASSO. Arrive Milan 15 17.
Your SDPs will be valid to CHIASSO. Get the booking office at Locarno to sell you the Chiasso to Milan tickets.
Kind regards
Roger
Hi sanjeev,
In addition to Roger’s helpful reply.
Here is our Saver Day Pass guide, you can read all about the inclusions and the routes that are covered. There is also a coverage map that you can download and view.
I think if the weather is nice when you arrive and you are feeling good after your flight, a visit to Mt. Rigi would be nice. Further details for a visit to Mt. Rigi (included with your Saver Day Pass).
I have not personally been to Hergiswil Glass Factory but friends have visited and the feedback was positive – a lot of fun and interesting.
Here’s our Jungfrau Travel Pass guide, lots of comprehensive information explaining what is included, how it works, the benefits. There are some trusted online purchase options too.
Regarding September 10th, I agree with Roger, I would not recommend taking the Bernina Express either. Your Saver Day Pass would be valid (aside the seat reservations) however, trying to cover the entire route would lend itself to a very long day. If you are set on taking the Bernina Express, I would suggest you spread this over two days. Perhaps stay overnight in Chur, then take the Bernina Express the next day.
Feel free to take a read of our Bernina Express guide below:Similarly, with a visit to Chillon Castle (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/chillon-castle/), taking the GoldenPass (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/) and making your way to Milan. You would not have enough time.
I agree with Roger’s last suggestion. This is more practical and you would still experience some scenery. More on the Lötschberg Mountain Railway and Centovalli trains in the links below:
- https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/lotschberg-mountain-railway/
- https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/centovalli-railway/
Further useful information on travel to/from Italy in the attached link. You will also find options to purchase any italian section tickets too:
Kind regards,
Yolanda
Hi Sanjeev,
Just to add to the comprehensive replies you’ve received: yes, the Glasi factory in Hergiswil is worth it in my opinion! I liked our visit a lot.
Thanks a lot, Roger, Yolanda, and Annika — your suggestions were very helpful! 🙏
Also, as given a thumbs up by Annika, I’ll try to visit the Glasi Factory in Hergiswil — looks like a different experience!. I hope its possbile to add this with Mt Rigi.
For Sep 10, I’ve decided to go with Roger’s idea: taking the old Lötschberger line followed by the spectacular Centovalli Line. It sounds perfect!
Just one question: Can I take this route later in the day? Are there multiple departures for the old Lötschberger / Centovalli Line? I don’t mind reaching Milan by 10 PM.
Also can I buy the JTP, when I am In Switzerland? Hope its not required to buy in advance.
Thanks again
Hello again Sandeev
Thank you for your kind words!
Just one question: Can I take this route later in the day? Are there multiple departures for the old Lötschberger / Centovalli Line? I don’t mind reaching Milan by 10 PM.
Yes there are multiple departures. Consulting the Swiss electronic timetable, you could leave at Interlaken Ost at 08 29, 09 29, 11 29 or 12 29. (Note no connection at 10 29)
Basicallly you want to be travelling via Spiez, KANDERSTEG, Brig, Domodossola and LOCARNO.
The key point is that between Spiez and Brig you always want to be on the RE1 train going south via KANDERSTEG. (Do NOT get on an Intercity train!) These RE1 trains leave Spiez at 12 minutes past each hour.
If you left at Interlaken Ost at 12 29 you would get to Milan at 20 17. (I would not set out any later than 12 29.)
To get the detailed timings from the Swiss electronic timetable, key in Interlaken Ost as the start point and Milano Centrale as the destination. But add that you want to go via Kandersteg, Brig and Locarno.
Also can I buy the JTP, when I am In Switzerland? Hope its not required to buy in advance.
Yes, you can buy a Jungfrau Travel Pass (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/jungfrau-travel-pass/#tickets) while in Switzerland. You could even buy it from the booking office at Interlaken Ost on the morning of 7th September!
Best wishes
Roger
Thank you so much for your detailed and insightful response — and my apologies for the delayed reply.
I’ve made a small change to my travel plans, as I feel I may not be able to fit in the full GoldenPass scenic route. Here’s my revised itinerary:
Sep 6: Arrive in Zurich at 7:00 AM and head straight to Interlaken. After dropping bags at the hotel, we plan to take the GoldenPass Line to Montreux and visit Chillon Castle.
Sep 10: I plan to travel to Lucerne in the morning and explore the town. By around 3 or 4 PM, I would like to start the journey toward Milan.
Could you please guide me on the best scenic route for this stretch? I have a full-price 2nd class Saver Day Pass, so taking the Gotthard Panorama Express would cost me CHF 24 (reservation) + CHF 36 (upgrade). If the experience is spectacular, I’m happy to go for it — otherwise, I’m open to regional options too.
One more thing — since I haven’t yet booked accommodation in Milan, I’m open to staying overnight at a village en-route for a more unique and peaceful experience. This way I think I can have more time at Lucerne, and can start a little late too.
Also, if this new plan doesn’t make much sense, I’m happy to revert to Roger’s earlier suggestion:
“Taking the Old Lotschberger Line and then the spectacular Centovalli Line This is the route I would recommend.” Roger said in above post .
Only experts like you people can guide is best way
Thanks for the response.
Hello again Sanjeev
To my mind you are making quite substantial changes to your travel plans for both 6th and 10th September.
6th September.
The plan of leaving luggage at your Interlaken hotel will not work.
On 6th September there is engineering work scheduled on the railway lines between Zurich and Bern. Even if you cleared immigration and customs by about 07 30, you would not reach Interlaken before about 11 00. You will have no chance of catching the 11 07 Golden Pass Express Interlaken to Montreux.
Alternative Plan via Lausanne and/or Renens
Get out a map of Switzerland. Locate on that map Lausanne and Montreux. ‘Renens’ is a suburb of Lausanne, west of the city centre.
While waiting to go through immigration and/or recover your luggage, keep consulting the Swiss electronic timetable. Type in Zurich Airport as the start point and Montreux as the destination.
Once you are on the platform at Zurich Airport take the first available connection showing up on the electronic timetable.
There are no through trains from Zurich Airport to Montreux. At least two changes will almost certainly be necessary.
The most likely routing is changing at Zurich Hauptbahnhof and RENENS. (On September 6th trains numbered IC5 will run twice an hour between Zurich Hbf and RENENS, then on to Lausanne city centre. Departures from Zurich Hbf are at 19 and 48 minutes past each hour.)
The journey from Zurich Airport to Montreux is likely to take about three-and-a-half hours. I am hoping that you will reach Montreux by 12 00 to 13 00.
Park your luggage in a locker at Montreux station. Then walk down the ‘Escaliers de la Gare’ [‘staircase of the station’] to a main road which parallels the railway line.
Cross this main road and catch a number 201 trolleybus bound for Rennaz. The ‘bus runs every ten minutes. Get off at the Veytaux Chateau de Chillon stop. The ‘bus ride takes ten minutes. Your SDPs ARE VALID on the ‘bus.
Be sure to be out of the castle by 16 00. Get the 201 ‘bus back to the Escaliers de la Gare stop, walk up to the train station and recover your luggage.
Catch the 16 43 PE30 train bound for Zweisimmen, arriving there at 18 57.
Walk straight across the platform to the connecting 19 02 R11 train to Spiez, arriving there at 19 47. Admire the view from Spiez station over Lake Thun.
Catch the 20 05 IC61 train to Interlaken Ost, arriving there at 20 28. (This train calls at Interlaken West at 20 22.)
Word of WARNiNG.
I have given you an itinerary which is ‘doable’ provided there are not long delays at Zurich Airport. But it is not one I would recommend, and it is certainly not one I would personally undertake.
10th September Much Better News.
Catch the 08 04 Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne arrive 09 55. (Luzern is the German name for Lucerne.) Explore Lucerne.
Catch the 15 18 or 17 18 IR28 TRENO GOTTARDO bound for Locarno. The Treni Gottardo take the old ‘panoramic’ line opened in 1882.
The 15 18 departure reaches Airolo at 17 01, Ambri-Piotta at 17 09, Faido at 17 20, Lavorgo at 17 27, Bodio at 17 39, Biasca at 17 44, Castione-Arbedo at 17 55 and Bellinzona at 18 00.
All these places just listed are in the Italian-speaking Swiss canton of Ticino. Bellinzona is a medium sized town also served by long distance trains bound for Lugano or Milan. Biasca and Airolo are small towns. All the other places are villages.
Stay overnight at one of these places.
On 11th September.
You will need point-to-point tickets from the place where you spend the night to your eventual destination in Italy.
You will need seat reservations on the Eurocity Train from Bellinzona to Milan.
You will almost certainly need seat reservations on the long distance train from Milan to your eventual destination in Italy.
I would recommend very strongly that you visit a staffed booking office at Interlaken, Lucerne, (or Bellinzona) to get these tickets and reservations.
Kind regards
Roger
Hi Sanjeev,
The Gotthard Panorama Express (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/gotthard-panorama-express/) departs from Lucerne at 11 AM and the service only runs once a day (Note: no service on Monday). So if you are planning to leave Lucerne at 4PM, the best option would be to take the regional trains that run more frequently. My recommendation would be to take a direct train from Lucerne to Lugano. Then in Lugano take the local train direct to Milan. Perhaps spend a bit of time in Lugano (https://www.myswissalps.com/town/lugano/) before continuing to Milan. Your Saver Day Pass is valid up to the border. And no seat reservation is required if you travel on the regional and local trains.
Regards,
Anna
Thanks a lot for the reply Roger and Anna.
6th September. I have noted this on my travel sheet and this is the best way to visit Chateau de Chillon and travel Golden Pass, before reaching my hotel at Interlaken. Thanks.10th September. I will be staying in Milan this night. I dont mind reaching Milan late. Can I start a little later than 15.18 departure (Treni Gottardo)?
Also I read about this: ‘Centovalli’ train from Domodossola to Locarno. I read in blog “Take the little ‘Centovalli’ train from Domodossola to Locorne. This route is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, traversing the “Hundred Valleys” with views of lush vegetation, canyons, waterfalls, vineyards, and charming villages. Then take the excellent RE80 train which runs every hour from Locarno to Milan Centrale via Lugano and Chissio. Swiss tickets are valid on the RE80 only as far as Chiasso. You will need an Italian ticket for the Chiasso to Milan section of your journey”. Can I plan this train alongwith Treni Gottardo while reachig Milan? I hope SDP will be valid.
Thanks again for your valuable time.
Hi Sanjeev,
If you wish to combine the Treno Gottardo and the Centovalli train rides in one day, you will need to start your day early. Please note that the train journey from Lucerne to Lugano takes approximately 2 hours and Locarno to Domodossola on the Centovalli railway (https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/centovalli-railway/) takes 2 hours for a single journey. Optionally, you could just ride to the halfway point to save time then return to Locarno to continue your journey to Milan (which is another 2 hours train journey).
Regards,
Anna
Hello Again
Please get out a good map of Switzerland, which also shows Milan. (Milan is only about fifty kilometres south of Chaisso, the last town in Switzerland on the Gotthard Railway.)
It is either Centovalli or Treno Gottardo)
It is not possible to do both.
I am in total agreement with the ‘blog’ you quote from regarding the Centovalli line and the superb RE80 train service from Locarno to Milan. (For the avoidance of doubt, I did NOT write that blog!)
I would therefore recommend that you take the itinerary set out in my replies ONE and FIVE under the heading
Taking the Old Lotschberger Line and then the spectacular Centovalli Line.
As your final destination is Milano
, you could spend more time in Locarno, a delightful town at the north end of Lake Maggiore.Then catch the 17 22 RE80 to Milano Centrale, arrive there 19 17.
If you stick to the Treno Gottardo Option
You need to be aware that it gets dark on September 10th by about 20 00. So no scenery after 8 pm!
On this option you lose the Old Lotschberg and the Centovalli, but gain Lucerne. and the OLD ‘panoramic’ Gotthard railway.
If you leave Lucerne at 15 18 on the IR26 Treno Gottardo and change at Cadenazzo to the RE80, you reach Milano Centrale at 20 17.
If you leave at 16 18, that train will be a fast Eurocity train bound for Milan. It takes about three hours, but you would miss almost all the scenery as this train goes through the modern Gotthard ‘Base Tunnel’.
You could, however, get off this Eurocity at ARTH-GOLDAU, and catch the IR46 Treno Gottardo from Arth-Goldau. Changing at Cadenazzo, you reach Milano Centrale at 21 17.
I would advise very strongly against taking any train later than the 16 18.
Kind regards
Roger
Thanks Roger. Sorry for my late reply.
I am starting for Switzerland on 5th Sep from India and and I am really excited for my first visit to this beautiful country. I will certainly try to post a Trip Report, once I am back.
10th September – have SDP
I have planned the Interlaken- Luzern express in morning (8am) and reach Luzern around 10.00am (I will be visiting Luzern on Day 1, 6th Sep). At Luzern I will take train to to Locarno (Treno Gottardo) (which time should I take?) , Locarno to Domodossola (Centovalli), and finally to Milan. I have read about some repirs at the Domo station.In your reply # 1, you mentioned me “Get the booking office at Locarno to sell you the Chiasso to Milan tickets.”. Do you mean I buy at Locarno Ticketing office, or I can buy in advance?
Thanks a lot again.
Thanks Roger. Sorry for my late reply.
I am starting for Switzerland on 5th Sep from India and and I am really excited for my first visit to this beautiful country. I will certainly try to post a Trip Report, once I am back.
10th September – have SDP
I have planned the Interlaken- Luzern express in morning (8am) and reach Luzern around 10.00am (I will be visiting Luzern on Day 1, 6th Sep). At Luzern I will take train to to Locarno (Treno Gottardo) (which time should I take?) , Locarno to Domodossola (Centovalli), and finally to Milan. I have read about some repirs at the Domo station.In your reply # 1, you mentioned me “Get the booking office at Locarno to sell you the Chiasso to Milan tickets.”. Do you mean I buy at Locarno Ticketing office, or I can buy in advance?
Thanks a lot again.
Hello yet again Sanjeev
Basically you want to get from Interlaken to Milan on Wednesday 10th September. You want to take a scenic route. You will have a Swiss Saver Day Pass valid for that day.
The routing you propose is certainly doable, and certainly VERY scenic Here are suggested timings.
08 06 Interlaken Ost to Luzern, arrive 09 54.
11 18 IR 26Trent Gottardo to Locarno, arrive 14 27.
14 51 Centovalli train to Domodossola, arrive 16 40
16 59 rail replacement bus to Arona arrive there at 18 21
1835 Italian regional train from Arona, arrive Milano Centrale at 19 35.
On this plan you will need a ticket for Domodossola to Milano. To avoid problems when you get to Domodossola, ask the booking office at either Lucerne or Locarno to sell you a Domodossola to Milan ticket.
Best wishes
Roger
Thanks a lot Roger.
Interlaken Ost to Luzern – I think I can take 9.04 train, arrive 10.55 (instead of 08 06 , arrive 09 54). From Luzern the train to Locarno departs at 11.18
Secondly, as per this timings …..Locarno, arrive 14 27. Can I spend some time at Locarno before taking the next Centovalli train to Domodossola? This will give me some time at Locarno and also a train break.
Hello again
Yes the 09 04 train from Interlaken would be OK, instead of the 08 04.(sorry about the slight mistype.) However
Break at Locarno? . If I were making this journey, my biggest concern would be avoiding arriving in Milan in the late evening. My anxiety would be increased by the fact that part of my journey is on an ITALIAN rail-replacement bus. (if the bus were Swiss I would not be worried.)
I suggest you leave Interlaken on the 08 04. From Luzern catch the 10 18 IC21 bound for Lugano, but get off at ARTH-GOLDAU at 10 45. There is an easy cross-platform interchange to the Treno Gottardo IR46 departing at 10 54, arriving Locarno at 13 27. That then gives you a lunch break at Locarno. Catch the 14 51 to Domodossola as in my previous reply.
Kind regards
Roger
Thanks a lot Roger, you made things lot easier for me. Highly apprecaited
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