A detailed explanation of the Golden Pass Panoramic Train Line in Switzerland, prices and timetables

Everything you want to know about the Golden Pass Line

If you like the idea of traveling on the Golden Pass Panoramic Train , read on, as our guide provides an overview of the Golden Pass route map as well as useful information about prices, timetables, reservations and passes.

A quick summary of Golden Pass line prices

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Golden Pass Track

The Golden Pass train route allows you to feast your eyes on many of Switzerland's masterpieces, including central Switzerland and Lake Geneva . The Golden Pass route map shows that the journey covers 191 km and takes about 5.5 hours. You can travel on all three trains in one day or choose just one or two routes.

Flight times are as follows:

From Lucerne to Interlaken - 2 hours

From Interlaken to Zweissemen - 1 hour 12 minutes

From Zweissemen to Montreux - 1 hour 48 minutes

Golden Pass Express

In December 2022, a new direct service between Interlaken and Montreux known as Golden Pass Express will be available. On this route, the Golden Pass line will offer an additional travel class known as “Prestige Class”. The Prestige Class carriage will consist of 18 seats, which will be rotatable so that passengers can enjoy the surrounding scenery in a more distinctive way.

What to expect on each Golden Pass route

From Lucerne to Interlaken

Climb aboard the Lucerne - Interlaken Express train in Lucerne and sit next to the huge panoramic windows designed to help you get the best of the surrounding landscape. Expect to see stunning waterfalls, turquoise lakes and majestic mountain peaks.

Your Golden Pass panoramic journey will begin in charming Lucerne, the perfect way to start a scenic journey in Switzerland. You will pass the foot of Mount Pilatus and be able to catch glimpses of the beautiful Lake Lucerne. You will also get the chance to see the sparkling waters of Lake Sarner and Lake Lungern .

After passing these lakes, the train will take you over the Brünig Pass at 1,008 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy stunning views, and then descend to Meiringen in the depths of the valley. You will then pass through the Hasliberg Valley on your way to the beautiful city of Brienz , before arriving at your destination, Station Interlaken Ost .

From Interlaken to Zweismen

You can take the BLS Reggio Express train for the shortest Golden Pass route of about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You will travel along the Aare River before passing through the town of Spiez on the banks of Lake Thun . Bernese Oberland will definitely catch your attention. You can't help but notice the traditionally painted chalets and distinctive white churches dotting the landscape, as well as the lush green Simmental region that has its own character with its abundant forests, traditional villages and working farms.

From Zweissmen to Montreux

The final route of the Golden Pass Scenic Train Journey will take you on a 1-hour and 48-minute journey from Zweismen to your final destination, Montreux.

You'll begin your journey with a steep climb up the Saanenmoser Pass, and then continue on to the chic city of Gstaad, a popular destination attracting the rich and famous with its abundance of luxury boutiques and chic hotels.

It's time to say goodbye to German-speaking Switzerland and hello to the French-speaking region of the country, as the train travels through a winding valley before descending into charming Montreux. Make sure you have your camera ready as this will be your first chance to see the stunning Lake Geneva in all its glory, and we advise you to map out the best things to do in Montreux in advance to make the most of your visit.

Golden Pass Line schedule

The Golden Pass train schedule below provides an overview of the three departing and arriving trains traveling on the Golden Pass Line:

Trains from Lucerne to Interlaken:

The first Lucerne-Interlaken Express train departs from Lucerne at 06:05, and the following trains depart every hour from that moment as follows: 07:05, 08:05, 09:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12: 05, 13:05, 14:05, 15:05.

Trains from Interlaken to Zweissemen :

There are four trains daily from Interlaken to Zweismen, departing at the following hours: 09:08, 11:08, 14:08, 16:08.

Trains from Zweissemen to Montreux:

There are eight trains daily from Zweismen to Montreux, departing at the following hours: 8:02, 9:02, 10:02, 11:02, 13:02, 14:02, 16:02, 18:02.

In addition, there are two services running Belle Epoque coaches at 12:02 and 17:02.

If you prefer to travel in the other direction, the times are as follows:

Trains from Montreux to Zweissemen:

There are seven trains daily from Montreux to Zweissemen, departing at the following hours: 8:50, 10:50, 12:50, 13:50, 15:50, 16:50, 17:50.

In addition, there are two Belle Epoque coaches departing at 9:50 and 14:50.

Trains from Zweissemen to Interlaken Ost:

There are four trains between Zweissemen and Interlaken departing at the following hours: 9:39, 11:39, 14:39, 16:39.

Trains from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne :

The Lucerne-Interlaken Express train departs every hour from 11:04 to 20:04.

Grades available on the Golden Pass line

You can purchase first or second class tickets for your trip on the Golden Pass Line. As the name of each ticket suggests, if you choose a second class ticket on the Golden Pass Scenic Train, you can travel in a second class carriage. If you choose a second class ticket on the Golden Pass Scenic Train, you can travel in a second class carriage. First, you can sit in a first or second class carriage.

Let's explore the difference between first and second class on a typical Golden Pass Express train:

first degree

1. Large panoramic windows allow you to enjoy the stunning views
2. Comfortable and spacious seating with large tables
3. The peaceful atmosphere allows you to take things easy, relax and enjoy the surrounding views
4. Bistro opens on the flight from Lucerne to Interlaken
5. Seat reservations are available, in addition to some front-row VIP seats available on the flight from Montreux to Zweissemen

Second degree

1. Large panoramic windows allow you to enjoy the stunning views
2. Comfortable seating at large tables
3. Seat reservation is available
4. A bistro opens in purslane from Lucerne to Interlaken

Golden Pass line fare

In addition to the optional seat reservation fee, you will need to make sure you have a valid ticket to travel on the Golden Pass Line. Since there are three trains, you will need to purchase Golden Pass train tickets for each leg of the journey.

Prices are as follows:

1. Lucerne to Interlaken: CHF 33 per adult one way (second class)
2. Interlaken to Zweissemen: CHF 27 per adult one way (2nd class)
3. From Zweissemen to Montreux: CHF 33 per adult one way (second class)

*The same prices apply to flights in the opposite direction.

Golden Pass line discounts

It should be noted that you can travel for free or at a discounted price on the Golden Pass train if you hold a railway card. Cards that offer a discount or offer free travel include:

Swiss Travel Pass : It is a comprehensive ticket, giving you the right to travel on the Golden Pass train line at no additional cost.

Regional Pass Berner Oberland : Holders of this card can travel for free between Lucerne, Interlaken and Saanen (near Gstaad), while the fare from Saanen to Montreux is 25 CHF per adult one way (second class).
The Regional Pass Berner Oberland offers excellent value if you plan to spend three or more days in the Bernese Oberland region (which includes the Jungfrau region).

Eurail International Card : If you hold the Eurail Card that covers Switzerland, you can travel on the Golden Pass line completely free.

*Note: Seat reservation fees are an additional fee for all train ticket holders.

Golden Pass seat reservation procedure

Reservations are not mandatory on the Golden Pass Line. You can board any train provided you have a valid ticket and sit in any unreserved seat in the class of travel for which your ticket is valid. But if you want to get the best view in the carriage, it is better to book in advance.

Reserving a seat on the Golden Pass allows you to choose exactly where you want to sit, along the entire Golden Pass route, including window seats that offer stunning views.

It is also advisable to keep in mind that July and August are particularly busy months, so if you want to sit with your travel companions, booking in advance is a wise option.

Fees for reserving a seat on the Golden Pass line

The cost of reserving your seat on the Golden Pass line is as follows:

1. Lucerne to Interlaken: 10 CHF (December to May) or 14 CHF (May to October)
2. From Interlaken to Zweissemen: 9 CHF all year round
3. From Zweissemen to Montreux: 9 Swiss francs all year round
4. Or, for a VIP experience, why not book a seat right at the front of the train? This once-in-a-lifetime experience costs just 15 CHF per leg of the trip. You just have to choose the Golden Pass VIP class when booking your seat.

Luggage storage on the Golden Pass line

Many passengers traveling on the Golden Pass Line will bring their own luggage, and the good news is that Golden Pass Line trains have ample space to store bags and other luggage between the seats.

If your bag doesn't fit in the space while standing upright, lay it on its side and push it inside.

We hope this guide to the Goldenpass line helps you plan your trip, as it truly is one of the most scenic Swiss train journeys at every stage of the journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy your ride.