[sasha18]

22 October 2024 at 19:50:40 #2085562

Hi, We are 2 adults, and have planned a trip to Switzerland in November this year and wish to travel on the GoldenPass Panoramic on 13th November from Interlaken to Montreux.

We have not yet booked a point to point tickets but will have the half fare pass. Do I need to make a reservation on the GoldenPass Panoramic during the lean season? My biggest fear is not making it in time and missing the reservation for any reason.

Thanks for your advice.

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[Roger Sexton]

Reply 1 of 14 • 22 October 2024 at 21:45:05 #2085563

Hello Sasha

Welcome to MySwissAlps

The Golden Pass panoramic trains are not the trains which run through from Interlaken to Montreux, changing track gauge (standard gauge to metre gauge) at Zweisimmen.  Golden Pass Panoramic trains are metre gauge only, and run just between Zweisimmen and Montreux.  Reservation is possible on these trains, but will certainly not be necessary on a Wednesday in November.

The trains (four per day) which run through from Interlaken to Montreux, changing track gauge at Zweisimmen, are known as Golden Pass Express.  .These trains have three classes., Prestige Class first, ordinary first, and second class.  Reservation is compulsory for the Prestige class. but it is not compulsory for the other two classes.  However, because they eliminate the changes of train at Spiez and Zweisimmen, they are proving very popular with both tourists and local people. Reservation is therefore desirable in both ordinary first and in second class.

I hope this helps

Roger

[User]

Reply 2 of 14 • 23 October 2024 at 22:32:30 #2087189

Hi sasha18,

In addition to Roger’s helpful reply, you can read all about the GoldenPass route, the various trains, seat reservations and tickets in the link below:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/

Also, should you need any online purchase options for the Swiss Half Fare Card and point-to-point tickets, there are some here:

• Swiss Half Fare Card:  https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/
• Point-to-point tickets:  https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/tickets/point-to-point/

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[Arno]

Reply 3 of 14 • 24 October 2024 at 8:25:51 #2087191

Hi Sasha18,

The GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Express are two different trains. The first operates from Zweisimmen to Montreux, and the second from Interlaken Ost to Montreux. All GoldenPass trains are explained on the page that Yolanda linked to.

Also, we’ll post a new video about the GoldenPass route and all its trains tomorrow. You’ll be notified if you’re subscribed to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@myswissalps. The video will also be on Yolanda’s page.

Happy planning!

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 4 of 14 • 24 October 2024 at 10:39:53 #2088210

Hi Arno

I am eagerly awaiting this video!

Roger

 

[Olga]

Reply 5 of 14 • 24 October 2024 at 18:13:22 #2089181

So am I! Just stepped out of the GP yesterday. Great trip!

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 6 of 14 • 25 October 2024 at 16:55:19 #2092094

Sasha

The Youtube video referred to by Arno in reply 3 is now available: https://youtu.be/qUvCzUL0DRw. You really must watch it! It is superb.

Best wishes

Roger

[sasha18]

Reply 7 of 14 • 26 October 2024 at 21:16:29 #2094827

Hi Roger and Yolanda,

Thanks for the prompt response.  I am a little confused because I found this site which shows that the Golden Express runs between Montreux and Interlaken. GoldenPass Express: Scenic Train from Montreux to Interlaken

Thanks,

Sasha

[sasha18]

Reply 8 of 14 • 26 October 2024 at 21:39:20 #2094828

Hello Yolanda, Roger,

Thank you for both your responses.  I was aware of the difference between the GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Express and am clearer now about them.  I apologize for the miscommunication.  I meant to say the GoldenPass Express.

We have not yet booked point-to-point tickets but will have the half fare pass. Do I need to make a reservation on the GoldenPass Express during the lean season? My biggest fear is not making it in time and missing the reservation for any reason.

Is there a similar scenic train from Lucerne to Interlaken that you can recommend?  Our budget for this trip permits us to travel by the 2nd class.

Thanks, and regards,

Sasha

[Roger Sexton]

Reply 9 of 14 • 26 October 2024 at 22:17:49 #2094830

Hi Sasha

Please oh Please oh Please watch the video. It is extremely informative.

As I said in my reply one, and as is explained in the video, on the Golden Pass Express Trains which run through from Interlaken to Montreux, reservation is only compulsory if you travel in the Prestige Class.

The video also explains the Luzern-Interlaken Express trains, which run hourly between these two towns.  Reservation is not compulsory on those trains.

Best wishes

Roger

[sasha18]

Reply 10 of 14 • 26 October 2024 at 22:52:07 #2094831

HI Roger,

Thanks, I will watch the video for the information.

Regards,

Sasha

[User]

Reply 11 of 14 • 27 October 2024 at 17:10:37 #2095207

Hi sasha18,

I hope all is now clear.  No need for compulsory seat reservations on the GoldenPass trains unless you are traveling in Prestige class.

Use the Swiss timetable so you can plan your train journeys and you can also arrive at the train station in ample time and find the relevant platform. Here’s the link:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/public-transport/timetable/

Traveling in 2nd class will be perfectly fine, you will be more than comfortable.  More on the train classes in the attached link:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel/train/classes/

As you will have the Swiss Half Fare Card (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-half-fare-card/), this will grant you 50% off your rail tickets.  Sometimes there are Supersaver tickets that are also quite reasonably priced, if available but they are time and date specific so if you miss the departure, you would need a new ticket.  If you are concerned about timing and missing the train then you probably feel more comfortable with a regular ticket, that way you can take another train, should you miss the connection.

In case you were interested, all Supersaver ticket information can be found below link:

• https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/supersaver-ticket/

The Luzern-Interlaken Express route is very pretty.  Another option is to travel Lucerne to Bern via Langnau im Emmental.  Here, you would witness the typical Emmental farmhouses amongst the landscape as well as other diverse scenery. After you can make your way to Interlaken from Bern which is part of the Lötschberg mountain route.

• https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/lotschberg-mountain-railway/

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[sasha18]

Reply 12 of 14 • 3 November 2024 at 9:03:17 #2112323

Hi  Roger, Yolanda,

We will be getting a half fare pass for the duration of our 10-day stay in Switzerland and will be using it along the route from Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Geneva, Zurich.  We are planning to travel from Lucerne to Interlaken OST to West Train Station via The Luzern–Interlaken Express (GoldenPass train) and from Interlaken to Montreux via The direct GoldenPass Express train.

Can you use the half fare pass on the Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express trains?  I got 2 different answers on google.

• Yes, you can use the Swiss Half Fare Card (HFC) to get a 50% discount on a ticket for the GoldenPass Express in Switzerland
• When not using one of the Valid Days of a Flexi Pass (using up one of the free days of travel), only those Flexi Passes with the Half-Fare Card (HFC) option qualify for a discounted rate.

Our trip is coming up on November 6th, so we do not have much time to get answers to these questions, so I thought of this forum.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,

Sasha.

[User]

Reply 13 of 14 • 3 November 2024 at 9:58:26 #2112328

Hi Sasha,

Yes, with the Swiss Half Fare Card you are entitled to the discount for your rail tickets: https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/#discounts

When you have a moment, do take a read of the links provided for the Swiss Half Fare Card and the GoldenPass route, all explained here 🙂

(The second google result is referring to the Swiss Travel Pass Flex (https://www.myswissalps.com/travel-ticket/swiss-travel-pass-flex/ ), which does not apply to you as you will have the Swiss Half Fare Card)

Kind regards,

Yolanda

[sasha18]

Reply 14 of 14 • 3 November 2024 at 10:00:50 #2112329

Thanks for the clarification, Yolanda. That makes good sense.  I was suspecting it may be referring to something different but could not be sure.

Best regards,

Sasha