Should we reserve seats on the Luzern-Interlaken Express early April?
Subrata and his wife are planning a trip on the PE Luzern-Interlaken Express train from Interlaken Ost to Meiringen on April 6. They have purchased Swiss Travel Passes and are curious about whether they need seat reservations for their journey, considering the potential rush during that period.
- You do not need to reserve seats on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, especially in early April.
- Although seat reservations are not compulsory, it can provide peace of mind and ensure you get a window seat.
- If you choose not to reserve seats, arrive early at the platform to secure good seats.
- For the best views, sit on the right side of the train facing forward.
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Hi All,
My wife and I are planning to travel by the PE Luzern-Interlaken Express train between Interlaken Ost and Meiringen on 06.04.2026. We have already purchased our Swiss Travel Passes (First Class). I would like to know whether we can travel on this particular train without making seat reservations. Alternatively, would you recommend reserving seats keeping in mind the rush factor during this particular period?
Regards
Subrata
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Hi Subrata!
Great that you already have your 1st-class Swiss Travel Passes!
Early April isn’t as busy around Lucerne and Interlaken as the peak tourism months of June-September. Generally, you should be fine without seat reservations on the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
Having said that: it is a very popular ride, and the number of 1st-class seats is somewhat limited. So it’s wise to make reservations if you value the peace of mind of guaranteed seats, want to make sure you have window seats, or prefer seats on the bistro car. The process is explained under “1. Seat reservation prices and instructions for Lucerne-Interlaken (train: Luzern-Interlaken Express)” at https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/goldenpass/#price
I hope this helps you decide!
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Thanks a lot Annika for your guidance. Our proposed sector of travel being short, and also keeping in mind the uncertainties of travel dictated primarily by the vagaries of weather, I would not like to tie myself down to particular trains by reserving seats right now. All I wanted to be sure of, is whether it is compulsory to book seats in advance like in the Bernina Express or the Glacier Express, and your reply has taken care of this concern.
Regards
Subrata
Hi Subrata,
It is not compulsory to book seats on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express train. I would not recommend reserving a seat if you don’t have a fixed schedule. The train runs every hour by the way. If you are concerned about not getting seats, I suggest showing up at the platform early and board the train before everyone else.
Happy New Year and warm regards!
Anna
Hi Subrata,
You should note that, usually, the trains from Interlaken Ost arrive in Luzern at 5 minutes to the hour. The same train then forms the next departure for Interlaken Ost at 6 minutes past the hour – only 11 minutes at the platform.
If you arrive on the platform in Luzern before the train arrives the electronic signs over the platforms will tell you where to find the first class seats so you can be in place and ready to board as soon as the train empties.
Sit on the right hand side of the train facing forward for the best views. The train reverses at Meiringen but stay in your seats for the best views from there to Interlaken Ost.
Enjoy your holiday.
Andrew.🇨🇭 The official SBB tourist webshop✓ Discounts for passholders ✓ Instant email delivery ✓ Free cancellation option
My sincere thanks to Annika, Anna and Andrew for helping me out with your useful tips which should be very handy for us during our travel next March / April.
My best wishes for a Happy New Year to you all and have fun travelling in 2026.
Regards
Subrata
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