Reservations on Golden Pass train

Greetings dear reader. We are travelling to Switzerland and have a 3 day Swiss Train Pass that we are going to use to travel from Lucerne to Montreux ( or Lausanne). Am looking for the following information:

1) How can I know which/when a train that has a "panoramic view" will be leaving from Lucerne to Montreaux, and

2) How can I make a reservation for a seat on that train ?

3) Have read that for an additional charge one can ride that train in the very front of the train so as to get a superb view of the country side. How is this done and what does this cost ?

Any guidance would be very appreciated. And THANKS for taking the time on this forum topic.

Hello maheshbhuta, welcome to MySwissAlps!

1) All trains offer the same views, although there are a few different types of trains between Zweisimmen and Montreux. Timings for each train type can be found in the timetable: please go to the link under "More on other websites" on myswissalps.com/ goldenpass/ gettingthere and download the 2016 timetable.

2/3) Reservations are not required, apart from the VIP seats in the front of the train between Zweisimmen and Montreux. You'll find all information and links here: myswissalps.com/golden pass/tickets.

Have a wonderful ride!

Thank you for your prompt response. Based on your instructions, I have downloaded the schedule. It is a very detailed schedule, but it opens up a few questions because of my age. Please help us with these.

1) Based on the color coding, it seems that there is a Luzern-Interlaken Express that leaves Luzern at 7:05 am and gets to Interlaken Ost at 8:55 am. Over there do we have to change trains to catch the Interlaken-to-Spiez train, and then again do we have to change trains in Spiez , to get to Zweisimmen and then again change trains at Zweisimen to get to Montreaux ?

We have some baggage and are 65+ years old so that many train changes would be difficult.

2) If the above changing of trains is correct, then is there a train that goes with FEWER changes between Luzern and Montreux/ Lausanne ? If so, please give us its details and the route it goes by.

Thankfully, maheshbhuta

Hi maheshbhuta!

I understand your confusion, but you don't have to change trains in Spiez. The Golden Pass route requires you to change trains in Interlaken Ost and Zweisimmen, but not in Spiez. The trains just pauses there for a while, that's what's indicated in the timetable you've downloaded.

Such information can also be checked by using the regular Swiss timetable at www.myswissalps.com/ti metable. Pick "Advanced search", enter Lucerne as your departure station and Montreux as your arrival station, and enter Interlaken Ost and Zweisimmen as via-stations. This forces the timetable to display Golden Pass connections. If you leave out the via-stations, it will come up with other, quicker routes only. Enter your departure time too, have all options displayed, and then click the plus icon at the left of the connection you prefer to find all details.

The times to change trains are sufficient to get from one train to the other with your baggage. It may seem tight in Zweisimmen, but it's a small railway station.