72625 posts
Use the timetable journey planner to find travel times:
http://www.sbb.ch/en/timetable.html
72625 posts
Remember that 99% of railway lines in Switzerland are ‘scenic’ so which way you go hardly matters – there will always be a nice view!
Wengen – Zermatt can be done the slower way (1) or the fast way (2):
1) Wengen – Spiez (change) – Kandersteg – Lotschberg mountain route – Brig (change) – Visp – Zermatt
2) Wengen – Spiez (change) – Lotschberg base tunnel – Visp (change) – Zermatt
Both are scenic but the scenic section is longer on route (1) as it is the old fashioned route with 1 spiral and a amazing descent down the side of the Rhone valley to Brig (sit on the right)
Zermatt – Montreux route is: Zermatt – Visp (change) – Sion – Martigny – Montreux
41 posts
1960man
you always provide the most insightful feedback. Must be because you are from the 1960’s?
thanks for all you provide for others.
steve
641 posts
Hi Steve,
>>>We will be traveling to these 3 towns in September using the STP in 1st class. What are the options for trains between these stops: most scenic, etc?
Also, estimated train times between each point?
Thanks !>>>
I’m not sure if I’m missing something (as far as the 3 towns), but based on 1960man’s remarks: the basic time from Zermatt to Montreux is two and a half hours, with one switch in Visp. From the OB region, it’s in the vicinity of 2.5 – 3hrs, depending on from where you leave. From Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken is basically 20 min. Interlaken to Spiez, 20 min. (Spiez to Thun, 20 min). Interlaken to Bern, an hour. Spiez to Visp is a bit over an hour, and from there it’s about 80-90 min to Zermatt. Oh, and from Wengen down to Lauterbrunnen is less than 15 min (sit on the left side for an iconic view of the valley below). Hope this gives you a heads up. Again, have fun.
Regards,
Danielsan
41 posts
Danielsan,
Thanks for the timeline details……very helpful. Can we count on first class cabins on most of this itinerary below Lauterbrunnen as well as from Zurich airport to Lucerne & Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen?
Much appreciated!
Steve
2412 posts
Hello Steve,
If there is flexibility with the towns you mention. You could experience the some of the scenic GoldenPass route by traveling from Wengen to Interlaken, then onward via the GoldenPass route to Montreux. From Montreux, you can reach Zermatt via the Rhone Valley.
Again, do use the timetable to research journey times and routes.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
641 posts
Hi Steve,
As long as you have the STP first class, you are good to go. When I was there in Sept (2018) it was after the busy/tourist season and therefore not as busy, especially in first class. And most/part of Sept is still the summer season so most things are still open as far as maintenance is concerned. My weather was fantastic, also. Enjoy.
Danielsan