Train from Basel to Grindewald

Hello,

as 60 yr old Aussies we are finishing a river cruise in Basel mid morning of a Wednesday and want to take a train to Grindelwald where we are booked for three nights before returning to Zurich on the following Saturday. Can you please advise us which is the better way to go- Basel railway station to catch the train to Grindelwald or take advantage of a free bus transfer to Zurich airport where we would then catch a train to Grindewald. We have pre purchased a three day Swiss travel pass each but are confused on how easy this will be to do. If you could also consider each way for scenery and how manny trains we would need to change.

Thank you.

Hi leannep,

From one lot of 60-year old Aussies to another here's what I'd do.

Go Basel to Interlaken Ost via Bern. Then Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald. Return to Zurich via Interlaken Ost and Luzern.

Your Swiss travel Pass will cover all the trains you need to get to Grindelwald and back to Zurich.

You don't need to buy any tickets. Just check the timetable (www.myswissalps.com/ti metable) for when you want to travel and times that suit.

Thank you, that's reassuring as we thought it may be pointless going all the way into Zurich and besides there will be different things to see each different way.

Yes, no need to go to Zurich if you have a Swiss Travel Pass, just hop on the trains an go! And with one change only at Interlaken Ost it will be an easy trip for you.

The return train from Interlaken Ost to Luzern is very nice and if you have time I would spend a couple hours in Luzern as well.

Lucas

Thanks Lucas, hopefully we will leave mid morning and spend some time there before we need to be in Zurich for the night.

Hi,

I just wanted to add that Swiss trains are a fantastic experience, especially if you've only been on Australian trains. Buses are usually reserved for regions without a train link. All other things being equal, if you have to choose between a train and a bus, take the train.

From one Australian to another, have a great trip!

Alan

Thanks Alan, great to hear . Is it better views from left or right side of train?

Hi Leanne,

Your trip has several legs and travels through different regions. For the first stretch, it won't really matter what side of the train you are on, although sitting on the left side of the train when you arrive at Bern gives you a slightly better view of the old city. Bern is not a 'through' station, so you will see the Old City again when you leave. From Bern to interlaken, the left side of the train has the best view of Lake Thun, then from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, you will definitely need to be on the right hand side of the train, or you will miss out on seeing the panorama of the mountains revealing themselves.

Something to be careful of, trains leaving for Grindelwald decouple at Zweilütschinen (2 stops out of Interlaken Ost) - one half goes to Grindelwald and the other half goes to Lauterbrunnen, so make sure you are on the correct section of the train.

Cheers

Alan

Thanks for your help, much appreciated