Are you ready for a train journey through some of the most stunning scenery in Switzerland? Then hop aboard the Golden Pass Line! This iconic train route connects the picturesque towns of Montreux, Gstaad, Interlaken and Lucerne, offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps along the way.
The Golden Pass Line is a rising hot favourite among tourists and locals alike, and it’s not hard to see why. From the comfort of your seat, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and towering mountains. This is also the train line most recently featured in MySwitzerland’s latest campaign in 2023, starring Swiss ambassadors Roger Federer and Trevor Noah!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Switzerland or a seasoned traveler, the Golden Pass Line is an experience that’s not to be missed. Read on to find out more about this ride of a lifetime!
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Golden Pass Line: Route
The Golden Pass Line is a spectacular 150 km long railway journey through Switzerland, taking you through three distinct regions of the country – the French-speaking Lake Geneva Region, the German-speaking Bernese Oberland, and Central Switzerland. The journey starts in Montreux, a charming town on the shores of Lake Geneva, and ends in Lucerne, a beautiful city in the heart of Switzerland.
The journey can be broken down into three sections. You can travel in both directions and take all three trains in one day, or only opt to travel on one leg of the full route.
Journey times are as follows:
- Lucerne to Interlaken β 2 hours
- Interlaken to Montreux β 3 hours 15 minutes
Note that with the exception of the Golden Pass Express, there are different train types on each section of the route, as they are operated by different railway companies, but more about that later.
Section 1: Lucerne to Interlaken
The first leg of the Golden Pass Line takes you from Lucerne to Interlaken via the Luzern-Interlaken Express. This route covers approximately 67 kilometers (42 miles) and takes approximately two hours.
The scenery on this leg is simply breathtaking, with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and picturesque Swiss villages.
Highlights of this leg include the tranquil waters of Lake Lucerne, the towering peaks of Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, and the scenic town of Brienz on the shores of Lake Brienz.
I didn’t take this part of the train journey hence no photos here!
Section 2: Interlaken to Montreux
The second leg of the Golden Pass Line takes you from Interlaken to Montreux, passing through some of the most spectacular scenery in Switzerland. This route covers approximately 191 kilometers (119 miles) and takes approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
This leg is split into two sections: the first takes you from Interlaken to Zweisimmen, and the second takes you from Zweisimmen to Montreux.
Along the way, you’ll see lush green meadows, deep gorges, and rushing mountain streams. You’ll also pass by charming Swiss villages, including the picturesque town of Gstaad, famous for its luxury boutiques and ski resorts. If you plan to head to the Glacier 3000, this is the stop where you should alight.
The highlight of this leg is the stretch of the journey between Montreux and Zweisimmen, where you’ll experience some of the most stunning views of the Swiss Alps, including the towering peaks of the Diablerets and the breathtaking Lake Geneva. This was the route that I took for my trip! As I was heading to Lenk for the Lenkerhof Gourmet and Spa Resort, I transferred to a connecting local train and didn’t continue on to Interlaken and beyond.
Types of train on the Golden Pass Line
What’s a scenic train ride without, well, a scenic train? The Golden Pass Line offers not one, not two, but THREE different train options to suit your fancy!
1. Classic Paranomic train
With its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable seating, the panoramic train offers unobstructed views of the stunning scenery outside. Whether you’re traveling through rolling hills, quaint Swiss villages, or towering mountains, you’ll feel like you’re right in the midst of the landscape!
2. Belle Γpoque train
The Belle Γpoque train on the Golden Pass Line is a true gem and a nod to the early 1930s, a bygone era of luxury and sophistication. One of the most unique features of the Belle Γpoque train is its wooden carriages, which have been lovingly restored to their original glory. You will feel like you’re stepping into a different world as you board the train, with its polished brass fittings and plush velvet seats.
This romantic train is perfect for those who want to experience the charm of a vintage train ride, complete with elegant carriages! So much feeeeels.
Our back story: THIS was the train ride I was looking so much forward to for our weekend trip (obviously sucked in by Tiktok videos!!). My girlfriends and I initially planned to take this for our journey from Montreux to Zweisimmen, BUT our connecting train from Lausanne to Montreux in the morning had a train fault, and we missed our train, explaining why we took the paranomic train instead.
LUCKILY there was an evening Belle Γpoque train for our return journey. It turned out for the better because there was no rain by the next day, and were treated to beautiful sunset views on our way back from the train!
But that’s not all – the Belle Γpoque train also features a stunning restaurant car, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the scenery passing by outside.
3. Golden Pass Express
Are you ready to take luxury train travel to the next level? Then you’ll want to experience the newest addition to the Golden Pass Line – the Golden Pass Express. Launched in 2022, this train is all about indulgence and comfort!
One of the BEST features of the Golden Pass Express is that it’s a non-stop journey from Montreux to Interlaken, meaning you won’t have to change trains throughout the entire journey. This is a huge plus for those who want to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery without any interruptions or disruptions to their journey. This is made possible by a new ground-breaking track-changing device, specifically designed to handle the steep gradients, winding tunnels, and sharp curves of the Swiss Alps. You can read more about it here.
Until 10 June 2023, due to a technical fault between Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost, the GoldenPass Express trains are no longer running on this section, but only between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
The Golden Pass Line Timetable
From Lucerne to Interlaken
The first Luzern-Interlaken Express departs at 6:06 a.m. and then every hour (7:06, 8:06 and so on) until 3:06 p.m. From 11 June 2023 onwards, the 13:06 train is the latest you can depart from Lucerne if you want to connect all the way to Montreux.
From Interlaken to Montreux
there is only one GoldenPass Express train per day between 11 December 2022 and 10 June 2023, departing from Interlaken Ost station at 9:08 a.m.
Between 11 June and 9 December 2023, there will be four trains per day departing from Interlaken Ost at 9:08 a.m., 11:08 a.m., 2:08 p.m., and 4:08 p.m.
If you’re interested in traveling in the opposite direction, here are the train times:
Trains from Montreux to Interlaken Ost:
Between 11 December 2022 and 10 June 2023, there is one train per day departing at 9:35 a.m. From 11 June to 9 December 2023, there are four trains per day departing at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m., 12:35 p.m., and 2:35 p.m.
Trains from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne:
The Luzern-Interlaken Express runs every hour at four minutes past the hour from 7:04 a.m. to 8:04 p.m.
It’s important to note that the timetable may be subject to change due to various factors, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Golden Pass Line website or speak with a ticket agent for the most up-to-date timetable information for your specific journey.
Class options available on the Golden Pass Line
Standard/Second Class: This is the most affordable option and provides comfortable seating with ample legroom. You’ll also have access to basic amenities such as restrooms and luggage storage.
First Class: This option provides additional space, more comfortable seats, and often includes amenities such as power outlets, and more spacious seats in a 2-1 configuration. First Class also typically offers a quieter and more spacious atmosphere.
Prestige Class: This is the additional class available between Interlaken and Montreux on the Golden Pass Express.
You can expect individually adjustable and rotatable heated seats so that you always travel in the direction of travel. The 40 cm higher compartment makes you feel as if you are sitting in the middle of the landscape!
Best time to take the Golden Pass line
Each season in Switzerland has its own unique charm, and the Golden Pass Line offers stunning views and experiences year-round. Here are some tips on when to take the Golden Pass Line based on the seasons:
Spring (April – June): In spring, the Swiss Alps come to life with blooming wildflowers, and the weather is mild and pleasant. This is a great time to take the Golden Pass Line if you’re looking for colourful scenery and fewer crowds.
Summer (July – August): Summer is peak tourist season in Switzerland, and for good reason. The weather is warm, the days are long, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. This is the perfect time to take the Golden Pass Line if you want to experience the Swiss Alps in all their glory, with lush greenery, sparkling lakes, and plenty of sunshine.
Fall (September – November): Fall in Switzerland is a magical time, with the changing leaves creating a stunning landscape of golds, oranges, and reds. The crowds are also thinner during this season, making it a great time to take the Golden Pass Line if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience. Just be aware that some mountain attractions may start to close from November onwards
Winter (December – March): Winter in Switzerland is all about snow, and the Swiss Alps are transformed into a winter wonderland. This is the perfect time to take the Golden Pass Line if you’re a fan of winter sports, with plenty of skiing, snowboarding, and sledding opportunities along the way. However, some sections of the train journey may be disrupted due to snow and ice, so be sure to check the train schedule before planning your trip.
Note: Due to construction work, the Golden Pass Express is not available until June 2023, during which it will then run one round trip in each direction per day, after which it will be stepped up for the summer.
Prices on the Golden Pass Line
| Section | Full fare: 2nd/1st class | With Swiss Travel Pass | With Half-Fare card: 2nd/1st class | With Berner Oberland Pass | With Eurail Pass |
| Lucerne to Interlaken | 33/58 CHF | Free | 16.50/29CHF | Free | Free |
| Interlaken to Zweisimmen | 27/48CHF | Free | 13.50/24CHF | Free | Partially Free |
| Zwesimmen to Montreux | 33/58CHF | Free | 16.50/29CHF | Free | Partially Free |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Golden Pass Line
Do I need to make a seat reservation?
While it is not mandatory to make a reservation for most classes on the GoldenPass Line, it is recommended to reserve your seat in advance if you want the best views or prefer to have a guaranteed window seat. This is particularly important for the Prestige class on the GoldenPass Express, where reservations are compulsory.
If you have a valid ticket, you can board any train and sit in any unreserved seat within your class of travel. However, to ensure you get the most out of your journey and enjoy the stunning views of the Swiss Alps, it’s a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time.
Can I bring luggage on the Golden Pass Line?
Yes, you can bring luggage on the train, but be sure to check the size and weight restrictions. There is limited storage space on the train, so pack lightly if possible.
Final Thoughts
I really think that Switzerland is a country that is best enjoyed by train, and the Golden Pass Line is one unique way to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in Switzerland. It might not be as well-known as compared to the Glacier Express or Bernina Express, but the views it affords is no less stunning.
I do think that the full journey from Lucerne to Montreux is a lengthy one (nearing 6 hours), whereas a normal SBB train ride would only take 2.5 hours. So it may be more suitable for travellers who have a longer itinerary in Switzerland and are not in a rush for time. Otherwise, another option is to just take one part of the journey as a daytrip.
Love, Ollie
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