Scenic train from Interlaken to Zermatt
A traveler named Klto314 is planning a trip to Switzerland in July 2024 and is looking for advice on whether to take a direct train from Interlaken to Zermatt or to Montreux after a 7-day stay in Wengen. They want the best route possible and detailed information about train options.
- There are no direct trains from Interlaken to Zermatt; you can choose the quickest route through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel or a scenic option via Kandersteg.
- The scenic train journey will take approximately an hour longer than the faster route, so plan accordingly.
- Consider the GoldenPass line for a beautiful trip to Montreux before heading to Zermatt; it offers scenic views regardless of the specific route.
- If you're departing from Geneva, the Montreux route is more convenient; check train timetables for the best connections.
AI-generated summary-
Hello,
We are traveling to Switzerland July 2024, I have a question Is it direct to travel interlaken to Zermatt or Interlaken to Montreux? On our itinerary after 7 days stay at Wengen we’re going to Zermatt after but I saw the posting here that there’s a scenic trip from Interlaken to Montreux. We need a suggestion the best way possible and direct train trip?
Thank you everyone in advance.
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Hi Klto314!
There are no direct connections Interlaken-Zermatt. You can choose from a couple of options:
- Use the trains through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel which runs between Spiez and Visp. This is the quickest option.
- Use the scenic route through the Lötschberg mountains via Kandersteg and Goppenstein.. All details can be found at https://www.myswissalps.com/activity/lotschberg-mountain-railway/
- Take the GoldenPass to Montreux and then head for Zermatt. This is quite a detour, but certainly scenic. Our GoldenPass info is at https://www.myswissalps.com/goldenpass.
The timetable allows you to plan each stretch in detail. Here’s how it works: https://www.myswissalps.com/timetable. More info on reaching Zermatt can be found at https://www.myswissalps.com/zermatt/travel.
Does this get you started?
Hello Annika,
Thank you so much for this information. It is really a great help. First time in Switzerland and I am confused with trains and all.
Grateful for this forum.
Karen
Hi Klt0314,
One thing you may want to keep in mind is that, essentially, all train routes you will travel on will be scenic. Regardless of whether or not they are an ”Express” train. That is the beauty of the country. You can easily get to Zermatt in between 2.5 and 3.5 hours as per Annika’s first option. However, that will be the less “scenic” route as it does go through the tunnel. Option 2 would be the more scenic route, but approx an hour longer. From Zermatt to Montreux is only 2.5 hrs. From there, you can take the Golden Pass back to Interlaken via Zweisimmen. Again, if its on the Golden Pass Express or regular lines, they ride along the same tracks. In this way, you are traveling in a basic circle and not bactracking or criss-crossing. You can do the reverse, too, as, again, it’s a circular route. I’m not sure where you are leaving Switzerland from or plans after this, but this is just some food for thougt. If you happen to be leaving from Zurich, going back to Interlaken would be better. If you’re departing from Geneva, going the Zermatt/Montreux route would be better, as it’s closer to Geneva. (However, you wouldn’t see the Golden route. But the Rochers de Naye would give some of the best views of Lake Geneva, similar to those seen on the Golden Pass line.) I hope this gives you a little perspective on things. You have plenty of time to plan things out. Have a great trip.
Regards,
Danielsan
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