GoldenPass: the must-knows

  • The GoldenPass line is a 5.5-hour train route through lush green scenery between Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux.
  • Between Interlaken and Montreux, you can choose from 3 trains: the comfortable GoldenPass Panoramic, the nostalgic GoldenPass Belle Époque, and the luxurious GoldenPass Express.
  • Seat reservations are mostly not required, but we do recommend making them: this is a popular route.
  • The entire ride is free with a Swiss Travel Pass.
  • This is a perfect journey if you travel to or from Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport.
Min. time required: 5:30
Season: all year
Recommended season: early January to late February and early April to late October
Max. altitude: 1279 m (4196 ft)

What is the GoldenPass train? Copy link to clipboard

The GoldenPass is a scenic 5.5-hour train journey in several special trains between Lucerne (Central Switzerland), Interlaken (Bernese Oberland) and Montreux (Lake Geneva). Of course, you can travel the other way around too. These are the trains:

  • Between Lucerne and Interlaken: the "Luzern-Interlaken Express".
  • Between Interlaken and Montreux, option 1: normal regional trains to Zweisimmen, where you'll change to either the modern "GoldenPass Panoramic" with its large windows or the nostalgic "Belle Époque" train to Montreux.
  • Between Interlaken and Montreux, option 2: the modern "GoldenPass Express" train that features the luxurious Prestige class. You don't have to change in Zweisimmen.

You'll enjoy great scenery, including many lakes such as the Sarner- and Lungernsee, Lake Brienz, and Lake Geneva. The trains are comfortable. Most offer large panoramic windows and some have catering.

All about GoldenPass prices, tickets, and reservations Copy link to clipboard

Prices examples Lucerne-Montreux 2024, including reservations

2nd class (GoldenPass Panoramic or Belle Époque)2nd class (GoldenPass Express)1st class + Prestige class (GoldenPass Express)More informationApplies to the following ticket(s)
CHF 26CHF 36CHF 65more info and pricesSwiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex + reservations: CHF 10 for Lucerne-Interlaken. CHF 16 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in GoldenPass Belle Époque/Panoramic. CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class, CHF 49 for Prestige class.
from CHF 55from CHF 65from CHF 114more info and pricesSwiss Half Fare Card + discounted Saver Day Pass (from CHF 29 for 2nd class / CHF 49 for 1st class and Prestige class) + reservations: CHF 16 for Lucerne-Interlaken. CHF 10 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in GoldenPass Belle Époque/Panoramic. CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class, CHF 49 for Prestige class.
from CHF 78from CHF 88from CHF 153more info and pricesSaver Day Pass (from CHF 52 for 2nd class / CHF 88 for 1st class and Prestige class) + reservations: CHF 16 for Lucerne-Interlaken. CHF 10 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in GoldenPass Belle Époque/Panoramic. CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class, CHF 49 for Prestige class.
CHF 66CHF 76CHF 133more info and pricesSwiss Half Fare Card + discounted ticket (CHF 40 for 2nd class / CHF 68 for 1st class and Prestige class) + reservations: CHF 16 for Lucerne-Interlaken. CHF 10 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in GoldenPass Belle Époque/Panoramic. CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class, CHF 49 for Prestige class.
CHF 106CHF 116CHF 201more info and pricesFull-fare ticket (CHF 80 for 2nd class / CHF 136 for 1st class and Prestige class) + reservations: CHF 16 for Lucerne-Interlaken. CHF 10 for Zweisimmen-Montreux in GoldenPass Belle Époque/Panoramic. CHF 20 for Interlaken-Montreux in GoldenPass Express 1st or 2nd class, CHF 49 for Prestige class.

What the the GoldenPass price depends on

The GoldenPass route consists of several sections on which several trains operate. We've described each of them further down on this page. The price you pay depends on these factors:

  1. The travel pass or ticket you travel with. Some passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass, allow free traveling on the GoldenPass. Others, such as the Swiss Half Fare Card, provide discounts. Or you may not have a pass and buy regular tickets or Saver Day Passes instead.
  2. The class you travel in: 2nd class, 1st class, or Prestige class (available in the GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux).
  3. Whether or not you make reservations. They're mostly not obligatory, but recommended. The only exception is the GoldenPass Express Prestige class, for which reservations are always required. Per train, you can choose whether or not to reserve seats. The costs differ per train, and sometimes per class. For example: reservations for the GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux are more expensive than reservations for the GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque between Zweisimmen and Montreux.
  4. The season in which you travel. For the section Lucerne-Interlaken, the optional reservation is CHF 4 more expensive in high season (9 May to 27 October 2024) than in low season. For the other trains, your travel date doesn't matter.

GoldenPass price 2024 with a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex)

With a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you don't need an additional ticket for your GoldenPass journey. If you don't travel in the GoldenPass Express Prestige class and don't make reservations, the entire ride is free.

If you do make seat reservations, you'll pay CHF 26 in high season for the cheapest option (a 2nd class journey that includes the GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque). You'll pay CHF 65 for the most expensive option (1st class between Lucerne and Interlaken, and Prestige class between Interlaken and Montreux).

Reservation costs are listed in the above table, and explained in detail further below.

GoldenPass price 2024 with a Swiss Half Fare Card

With a Swiss Half Fare Card and seat reservations, you'll pay at least CHF 55 in high season for the cheapest option (a 2nd class journey that includes the GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque). You'll pay at least CHF 114 for the most expensive option (1st class between Lucerne and Interlaken, and Prestige class between Interlaken and Montreux).

These prices are based on:

  1. The cheapest possible fares for a discounted Saver Day Pass (from CHF 29 for 2nd class, and from CHF 49 for 1st class). A discounted Saver Day Pass is mostly cheaper than discounted normal tickets, provided that you buy the pass well in advance.
  2. Reservation costs. They're listed in the above table, and explained in detail further below.

GoldenPass prices with rail other rail passes

Several other rail passes provide discounts too. Find a complete overview here.

GoldenPass price 2024 without a rail pass

If you don't have a rail pass and make seat reservations, you'll pay at least CHF 78 in high season for the cheapest option (a 2nd class journey that includes the GoldenPass Panoramic or GoldenPass Belle Époque). The costs are at least CHF 153 for the most expensive option (1st class between Lucerne and Interlaken, and Prestige class between Interlaken and Montreux).

These prices are based on:

  1. The cheapest possible fares for a Saver Day Pass (from CHF 52 for 2nd class, and from CHF 88 for 1st class). A Saver Day Pass is usually cheaper than normal tickets, but you'll have to buy it far in advance.
  2. Reservation costs. They're listed in the above table, and explained in detail further below.

Should you make GoldenPass seat reservations?

In nearly all cases, seat reservations for the GoldenPass are not obligatory. You can simply board with a valid ticket or pass. The only exception is the Prestige class of the GoldenPass Express trains.

The stretch Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux is a very popular route though. So seat reservations are recommended there, especially if you travel in high-season months: mostly May to October, and particularly July and August.

How to make GoldenPass reservations

  • Check the reservation options in our list of ticket and reservation options, or under our list of useful websites.
  • Consider whether you want to make reservations for a GoldenPass Panoramic, a GoldenPass Belle Époque, or a GoldenPass Express train. The Panoramic and Belle Époque trains (between Zweisimmen and Montreux) fall under a different reservation system than the GoldenPass Express trains (between Interlaken and Montreux).
  • GoldenPass Panoramic and Belle Époque reservations can be made from 92 days in advance.
  • GoldenPass Express reservations can be made earlier than that 3-month timeframe.
  • During the reservation process, you can indicate if you'll be having a valid ticket or travel pass for your travel date. This can be anything that pays for your ride: a Swiss Travel Pass, a Saver Day Pass, or a regular point-to-point ticket for example. If so, you can order a seat reservation only. If you won't be having a valid ticket or rail pass for your journey, you can buy a combined ticket plus seat reservation.

Reservation details and prices per train

1. Lucerne-Interlaken: the Luzern-Interlaken Express

  • Reservations for this train (the Luzern-Interlaken Express) are not required, normally not even in high season. But you can reserve seats if you want. This costs CHF 12 in low season (10 December 2024 - 8 May 2024), and CHF 16 in high season (9 May - 27 October 2024).
  • Catering doesn't have to be reserved in advance. You can simply order from your seat and have your meal delivered there. If you want a seat in the bistro car that's available on some trains, this should be arranged in advance.

2. Interlaken-Zweisimmen: regional trains

  • Reservations for regional trains on the Interlaken - Zweisimmen leg are not required, except for groups of 10 or more.
  • Reservation usually costs CHF 5 per person. We don't advise this though. This is just a short stretch.

3. Zweisimmen-Montreux: GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque

  • Reservations for the GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque trains on the Zweisimmen - Montreux leg are not required, but recommended in high season and mandatory for groups of 10 or more.
  • Reservations cost CHF 10 per person, or CHF 8 per person for a group of 10 or more.
  • The availability of VIP seats (at the very front of the GoldenPass Panoramic between Zweisimmen and Montreux) is limited. You can mostly not book them in advance. Instead, you're advised to contact the train conductor once you're on board. If VIP seats are available, you can get seated there for a surcharge of CHF 5 to CHF 15 per person, depending on the length of your trip.

4. Interlaken-Montreux: GoldenPass Express

  • Reservations for 1st and 2nd class seats in the GoldenPass Express train between Interlaken and Montreux are not required, but highly recommended.
  • 1st or 2nd class reservations cost CHF 20 per person, or CHF 17 per person for a group of 10 or more.
  • Traveling in the Prestige class requires a 1st class ticket plus an additional reservation supplement of CHF 49 per person.
  • Catering packages should be reserved in advance, regardless of the class you travel in.

Traveling in 1st class or Prestige class with a 2nd class pass or ticket

Even if you have a 2nd class pass or ticket, you can still enjoy the Golden Pass ride in 1st class and Prestige class by buying an upgrade ticket. This costs CHF 56 for the entire route Lucerne-Montreux. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) or a Swiss Half Fare Card, you'll pay the discounted fare of CHF 28.

Get your GoldenPass tickets, reservations and tours Copy link to clipboard

If you don't have a rail pass that allows free traveling, you need to get GoldenPass tickets. Also check if you want, or need, seat reservations.

If you book a tour instead, tickets and reservations are usually included.

HappyRail
GoldenPass tickets
Scenic train trip
Tickets for the GoldenPass route.

Offered by HappyRail: www.happyrail.com

  • Excellent prices in all currencies. No additional fees.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
  • Experienced team of train travel experts
Lucerne - Interlaken Express Ticket and Reservation
Lucerne - Interlaken Express Ticket and Reservation
Travel with the Zentralbahn from Lucerne to Interlaken and ride a stage of the Golden Pass Panorama Train. Enchanting views of four Swiss lakes and the Alps await you.

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
MOB
GoldenPass Express reservation
Scenic train trip
Reservation of the GoldenPass Express trains on the Montreux - Zweisimmen - Interlaken section.

Offered by MOB: journey.mob.ch

  • Train operator in south-west Switzerland
  • No Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps cannot assist if you have questions about your order.
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Promotions Copy link to clipboard

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Various multi-day packages for guided and self-guided trips to Switzerland. The offerings change regularly. Packages including surrounding countries are available too.

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GoldenPass discounts with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

PassDiscount
Berner Oberland Pass Free:
  • Saanen to Lucerne (train)
More information:

Montreux to Saanen (train): 50% discount. Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Day Pass Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Eurail Global Pass Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Interrail Switzerland Pass Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps Free:
  • Montreux to Zweisimmen (train)
More information:

On a day you do not select: Montreux-Zweisimmen (train): 50% discount. On all days: Zweisimmen to Interlaken (train): 50%. Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Saver Day Pass Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Swiss Half Fare Card Discount 50%:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Swiss Travel Pass Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Free:
  • Entire route
More information:

Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Tell-Pass Summer Free:
  • Interlaken to Lucerne (train)
More information:

Montreux to Interlaken (train): no discount. Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

Tell-Pass Winter Free:
  • Interlaken to Lucerne (train)
More information:

Montreux to Interlaken (train): no discount. Seat reservations and surcharge for Prestige class in GoldenPass Express: no discount.

The GoldenPass route explained, with map Copy link to clipboard

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How does the timetable work?

The GoldenPass route can be traveled in both directions. It runs between the German-speaking Lucerne in Central Switzerland and the French-speaking Montreux in the Lake Geneva area. Towns along the way are Brienz, Interlaken, Spiez, Zweisimmen and Gstaad.

The route consists of 3 main sections. If you travel by GoldenPass Express, a change in Zweisimmen is not necessary.

Section 1: Lucerne to Interlaken Ost

The train departs from Lucerne and passes the foot of the Pilatus mountain. You can see Lake Lucerne every now and then, but you will soon leave it behind you.

You'll pass two more lakes, the Sarnersee and the Lungernsee, before the train starts climbing the Brünig Pass. The pass has an altitude of 1008 m, which isn't very high for Swiss standards. Next, the train has to descend 413 m to reach Meiringen at 595 m on the valley floor, and it uses the cogwheel track to do so.

The train changes direction in Meiringen. A flat stretch through the Hasli Valley follows before the train reaches Brienz on beautiful Lake Brienz. About 20 minutes later the train arrives at Interlaken Ost ('East'), which is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region.

Section 2: Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen

First, the train runs along the river Aare to the other side of Interlaken. It continues its way to Spiez, a town at a scenic location along Lake Thun. You can see the pyramid-shaped Mount Niesen from here.

The GoldenPass line proceeds into the Simmen Valley: a typically Swiss green valley with farms, small villages, and forests.

Section 3: Zweisimmen to Montreux

The train climbs to the highest point of the entire GoldenPass line, near Saanenmöser, at 1279 m. Next up is the upper-class town of Gstaad, with luxurious shops and hotels. Soon after you will leave the German-speaking part of Switzerland and enter the French-speaking regions.

The train winds its way through the valley, which is quite narrow in some places. The valley ends in a tunnel that leads to Les Avants. From there, Montreux is just 3 km as the crow flies, but there are still 578 meters left to descend. A cogwheel track and many curves are required to complete the last 20 minutes of the journey, and you will have a wonderful view of Lake Geneva along the way.

Map of the GoldenPass train route: Lucerne-Interlaken-Zweisimmen-Montreux

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Map

Operation dates, schedules and timetable Copy link to clipboard

GoldenPass: 2024 operation dates

The GoldenPass trains run all year long.

Planning your GoldenPass journey with the timetable

You can consult the GoldenPass schedules through the links here. The trains can also be found in the Swiss timetable:

  • Enter your departure and destination stations.
  • Select your travel date and your preferred departure or arrival time.
  • Enter one or more via-stations along the route to force the timetable to show GoldenPass trains. If you don't, the timetable shows quicker connections via Bern and Lausanne instead by default. You can enter "Meiringen" and "Gstaad" as via-stations between Lucerne and Montreux.

GoldenPass train abbreviations in the Swiss timetable

Once you've entered your journey, date, and time, you'll see an overview of available train connections. This overview contains several labels/abbreviations. You can recognize scenic trains by the label "PE", which stands for "Panorama Express".

The exact GoldenPass train names are indicated too: "Luzern-Interlaken Express", "GoldenPass Panoramic", "GoldenPass Belle Époque", or "GoldenPass Express". 

Normal trains on the stretch Interlaken-Spiez-Zweisimmen can be labeled "R" or "RE" (indicating regional trains), "IR" (interregional trains), or "IC" (intercity trains).

Daily availability of each train type

Luzern-Interlaken Express (between Lucerne and Interlaken)

There are 13 Luzern-Interlaken Express trains each day, operating at one-hour intervals. They depart at:

  • xx:06 (6 minutes past each full hour) from Lucerne to Interlaken
  • xx:04 from Interlaken to Lucerne

These trains run from about 06h00 until 18h00. Before and after, you can use other trains to travel between Lucerne and Interlaken. These may involve a change of trains in Meiringen, or another route via Olten.

GoldenPass Express trains (between Interlaken Ost and Montreux)

There are 4 GoldenPass Express trains each day. They depart at:

  • 09:08, 11:08, 14:08 and 16:08 from Interlaken Ost to Montreux
  • 07:34, 09:34, 12:34 and 14:34 from Montreux to Interlaken Ost.

GoldenPass Panoramic trains (between Zweisimmen and Montreux)

You can choose from 8 or 9 GoldenPass Panoramic trains, operating on a 1- to 2-hour interval between approximately 08h00 and 18h00.

Before and after, other regional trains on this route are available. Alternatively, you can travel via another route: through the Lötschberg Base Tunnel and Visp in the Rhone Valley.

GoldenPass Belle Époque trains (between Zweisimmen and Montreux)

The availability of GoldenPass Belle Époque trains is limited to 2 connections in each direction. There's:

  • 1 in the late morning/early afternoon and 1 in the late afternoon/early evening from Zweisimmen to Monteux
  • 1 mid-morning and 1 mid-afternoon from Montreux to Zweisimmen

Best seasons for the GoldenPass Copy link to clipboard

You need good, clear weather for the best views from the GoldenPass trains. That could be in any season. We prefer early January to late February and early April to late October.

  • Spring (April-June) is wonderful as nature is green and fresh in the valleys and there's still snow at higher altitudes.
  • Summer (July-mid September) is a beautiful time around the several lakes. The trains can be more crowded than in other months. Seat reservations are recommended.
  • In fall (mid-September-late October), the brilliantly colored trees make the trip a special experience.
  • Winter (January and February) is great for a snow-covered landscape. The GoldenPass ride isn't at very high altitude, so snow along the route isn't guaranteed. But you will see snow-capped mountains.

In our view, March and November are the least attractive. Nature can be brown and a bit dull in the regions crossed by the GoldenPass.

Weather Copy link to clipboard

Clear skies are best for a GoldenPass ride. This will get you the best views of the beautiful scenery. Clouds are no problem: you'll still see most of landscape. As the trains are comfortable and an attraction on their own, the GoldenPass ride can even be a perfect rainy-day excursion.

Low clouds, fog, heavy rain, and thick snow can partially block the views though.

Since seat reservations are not obligatory for most GoldenPass trains, you can check weather forecasts shortly in advance. Then decide whether or not to make the journey.

Weather forecasts for Interlaken, halfway on the route

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At which side of the trains to sit

If it’s not too busy and you can move around in the train, these are the suggested sides for each section of the GoldenPass route:

  • Section 1, Lucerne-Interlaken: sit on the right side of the train for the best view of the lakes and the view while descending from the Brünig Pass down to Meiringen.
  • Section 2, Interlaken-Zweisimmen: you can best sit on the right side for the view on Lake Thun, but this is only a short section.
  • Section 3, Zweisimmen-Montreux: we think the right side provides a slightly better view, but it doesn’t make a huge difference.

In most cases, seat reservations aren’t obligatory. Without a reservation, you can take any available seat on your preferred side of the train. Of course, you shouldn’t sit on seats that are reserved for other travelers. Reservations are indicated directly on, or above, the seats.

Details about each of the GoldenPass trains

These are the trains on each section, plus the transport companies they’re operated by.

1. Between Lucerne and Interlaken: the Luzern-Interlaken Express

Between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost there are modern, air-conditioned trains with large panoramic windows. This train is referred to as the Luzern-Interlaken Express. It’s operated by the Zentralbahn.

There’s excellent catering and we love dining on board these trains. You can order during the train ride and be served at your seat. In some Luzern-Interlaken Express trains, separate bistro cars are available.

2. Between Interlaken Ost and Zweisimmen: regional trains

Between Interlaken Ost and Zweisimmen, you can use regular but comfortable trains, operated by BLS (the Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon railways). If it happens to fit your schedule better, you can also opt for a connection with an additional change halfway in Spiez.

Note that you don’t need any of these trains if you travel by GoldenPass Express, which provides a direct connection between Interlaken Ost and Montreux.

3. Between Zweisimmen and Montreux: GoldenPass Belle Époque and GoldenPass Panoramic

Between Zweisimmen and Montreux you can choose between GoldenPass Belle Époque and GoldenPass Panoramic trains, operated by the MOB (the ‘Montreux–Oberland Bernois’ railways).

The Belle Époque train has coaches with a historical, luxurious atmosphere. The modern Panoramic trains have panoramic windows, and some of them have a few 1st class VIP seats in the front of the train, offering the same view the driver has. There’s limited catering service.

4. Between Interlaken and Montreux: the direct GoldenPass Express

Between Interlaken and Montreux, there’s also a direct GoldenPass Express train. It’s operated by a cooperation of the rail companies BLS and MOB. We explain all about this comfortable ride below.

What the GoldenPass Express is like

The GoldenPass Express train was introduced in December 2022. It provides a direct 3h15-connection between Interlaken and Montreux. The train can switch from standard gauge (between Interlaken and Zweisimmen) to narrow gauge (between Zweisimmen and Montreux). That’s why changing trains in Zweisimmen is not necessary with the GoldenPass Express.

These are the main features:

  • There are 3 classes: 1st, 2nd, and Prestige.
  • All travelers benefit from large windows with reduced reflection and a comfortable, modern interior.
  • Drinks and snacks are available in all classes. Additional catering packages can be reserved in advance. Some packages are available in the Prestige class only.
  • The Prestige area offers heated seats that can be rotated on request. They’re raised by 40 cm compared to 1st and 2nd class seats, for an even better view of the scenery.
  • For 2024, low-floor coaches for easy access with wheelchairs and prams are planned.

GoldenPass Panoramic, GoldenPass Belle Époque and GoldenPass Express: how to choose?

All 3 trains operate on all days. The timetable shows which train is available for your preferred departure time. We think that all are special in their own way, so you can choose the connection that suits your itinerary best. If the type of train matters more to you than your schedule, here’s how to choose:

  • If you like a nostalgic experience and don’t mind a change in Zweisimmen, pick the GoldenPass Belle Époque.
  • Travel by GoldenPass Panoramic if you prefer a modern train and don’t mind a change in Zweisimmen. If you’d like to experience the driver’s view from VIP seats, the GoldenPass Panoramic is the right choice too. But note that these seats are only available occasionally.
  • If you want to experience the most modern and luxurious ride, or prefer a direct connection between Interlaken and Montreux, travel by GoldenPass Express.

GoldenPass or another Swiss scenic train: how to choose?

If you can make just one scenic train journey during your stay, these may be reasons to choose the GoldenPass line:

  • It’s an ideal route if you enter or leave by plane. Zurich Airport is just one hour from Lucerne, and Geneva Airport is just 75 minutes from Montreux.
  • You’ll get to experience several trains, other than at most other Swiss panoramic train routes.
  • The GoldenPass line makes sense if you stay in any of the regions along the route: Lake Lucerne, Lake Brienz, the Jungfrau Region, western Bernese Oberland, the Fribourg area, or Lake Geneva.

How to combine the GoldenPass ride with other scenic trains

How to combine the GoldenPass and the Lötschberg Mountain Railway

If you are based in the Bernese Oberland you can consider this round trip:

  • Take a GoldenPass train to Montreux.
  • Take a regular train to Brig.
  • Board the Lötschberg train via Goppenstein and Kandersteg to Spiez.
  • Take a train back to your base town.

How to combine the GoldenPass and the Voralpen Express

The GoldenPass line starts or ends in Lucerne. That’s where you can get on or off the Voralpen Express as well.

How to combine the GoldenPass and the Gotthard Panorama Express

The GoldenPass line starts or ends in Lucerne. That’s where you can get on or off the Gotthard Panorama Express too.

GoldenPass FAQ

  1. The connection time at Zweisimmen is short. Is that doable?

    Yes, you can change trains at the small station of Zweisimmen within minutes. The Swiss timetable is designed for efficient and quick transfers.

  2. Can I choose the side of the train when making reservations?

    Yes, in some cases you can. If you can select your seats on a plan of the coach and the travel direction is indicated, you’ll know on which side you’ll be seated.

  3. What’s the best leg of the GoldenPass route?

    All sections are worth your time. If we had to choose one, it would be Zweisimmen-Montreux. This is where the line is at its narrowest, tram-like sometimes. And the descent to (or ascent from) Montreux with the view of Lake Geneva is beautiful.

    If you don’t have time to do the complete GoldenPass route, just pick the section that is closest to your base town.

  4. Can I eat or drink on board the trains?

    Yes. You’re allowed to have your own food and drinks on all trains.

    Some trains also have catering services. In the Luzern-Interlaken Express, you can have snacks, coffee, tea, and complete dishes at your seat. For the GoldenPass Express, you can reserve culinary packages in advance.

Other websites of interest

  • www.zentralbahn.ch: Luzern-Interlaken Express seat reservations
  • www.zentralbahn.ch: Luzern-Interlaken Express catering
  • www.mob.ch: GoldenPass Panoramic/Belle Époque seat reservations Zweisimmen-Montreux
  • www.mob.ch: GoldenPass Panoramic VIP seats Zweisimmen-Montreux
  • www.gpx.ch: GoldenPass Express seat reservations Interlaken-Montreux
  • www.gpx.ch: GoldenPass Express culinary packages

Schedules

  • www.mob.ch: GoldenPass Panoramic/Belle Époque timetables
  • www.gpx.ch: GoldenPass Express timetables

Prices

  • www.mob.ch: GoldenPass Panoramic/Belle Époque ticket prices
  • www.gpx.ch: GoldenPass Express ticket and reservation prices

Itineraries including the GoldenPass Copy link to clipboard

Panoramic Bernina Express train at Alp Grüm

Ultimate scenic trains

Enjoy a week of scenic rail traveling all across the Swiss Alps, including famous panoramic trains. A must-do for train …
Jungfrau, Breithorn, Tschingelhorn and Lauterbrunnen valley from Männlichen

Best of the Alps

This extremely varied trip includes the famous Jungfrau, cogwheel train rides, cable cars, the Rhine Falls, Zurich and more: the …
The RegioExpress Lötschberger near Mitholtz in winter

Scenic trains winter

8 days across Switzerland in winter, using the most scenic winter trains such as the Glacier Express and Bernina Express. …

Our info about connecting panoramic trains Copy link to clipboard

RegioExpress Lötschberger between Lalden and Brig

Lötschberg Mountain Railway

The Lötschberger trains cross the Swiss Alps and connect Bern in the north to Brig in the south. It's an …
Traverso locomotive - Voralpen Express

Voralpen-Express

The Voralpen-Express is a scenic train journey between Lucerne and St. Gallen in north-eastern Switzerland. Find out what to expect …
1st class seat in panoramic Gotthard Panorama Express coach

Gotthard Panorama Express

The Gotthard Panorama Express is a scenic boat and train journey between Lucerne and Lugano. Prepare with our info about …

About the regions and towns on the GoldenPass line Copy link to clipboard

Lake Lucerne region seen from Stanserhorn

Lake Lucerne

The Lake Lucerne region in Central Switzerland is a wonderful holiday area close to Zurich. The large lake, the city …
Rosenlaui valley towards Grindelwald, Wetterhorn and Eiger from Hasliberg

Bernese Oberland

The Bernese Oberland is a popular Swiss holiday region south-east of the city Bern. You'll find a very diverse landscape …
Lake Geneva seen from Corseaux in spring

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a sunny, vibrant holiday region in western Switzerland. Get to know Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux, the beautiful …
Chapel Bridge/Kapellbrücke over river Reuss in Lucerne

Lucerne

Lucerne is an appealing city in Central Switzerland. It's ideal for first-time visitors: the historic town center, lake and nearby …
Passenger ferry at Lake Brienz arriving at dock in Brienz

Brienz

Brienz is a scenic village in the Bernese Oberland. Located on Lake Brienz, it's a good base to cover the …
Höheweg main street in center of Interlaken

Interlaken

Interlaken is the central town in the Bernese Oberland, and the gate to the famous Jungfrau Region. We share our …
Main street of Gstaad in winter

Gstaad

Gstaad is a scenic village in the west of the Bernese Oberland, directly on the GoldenPass train line. It's mainly …
Montreux seen from Lake Geneva boulevard toward Veytaux

Montreux

Montreux is a pretty town on eastern Lake Geneva, with one of the most beautiful lake promades of Switzerland. It's …

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Arno
Page author: ArnoI have visited Switzerland countless times since 1997. I've explored most of the country, but find myself staying in the Bernese Oberland and Graubünden most frequently. The alps and the rail network remain very impressive, even after all these years.