GoldenPass Express Line – Montreux to Interlaken

Experiencing Switzerland by train is not only one of the greenest ways of travelling the country but also one of the most beautiful and relaxing ways.

And one of the most scenic train rides in Switzerland is the GoldenPass Express Line from Montreux to Interlaken or vice versa.

The two operators BLS and MOB make this incredible scenic train journey possible without having to change the train on the entire GoldenPass Express line.

You just take a seat on the train in Montreux and relax for a good three hours, whilst this panoramic train passes through the amazing countryside via Zweisimmen to Interlaken.

This new train connects the Lake Geneva area via the Vaud Alpes with the Bernese Oberland. A long-awaited connection is now finally in place and not to be missed.

Below you can find out all about this “new” train line in Switzerland, find out when the GoldenPass Express runs, which ticket to book, and whether the Belle Epoque wagons on the GoldenPass Express are running or not.

This beautiful train experience is not to be mixed up with the Lucerne to Interlaken GoldenPass Line journey.

The Panorama Train Journey on the GoldenPass Express Line

Montreux – to Interlaken
Once you are comfortably installed, hopefully in the “Prestige” seats, the journey can begin.

After leaving Montreux Riviera, the train will first gain altitude and make its way around the many hairpins bends towards the high plateau of the Pays d’Enhaut.

Everything is simply perfect and will get you in a relaxing mood to enjoy this train trip ahead of you.

Passing through the beautiful Swiss villages of Château-d’Oex, Rougemont, Saanen, and the famous Gstaad, there’s plenty to discover through the panoramic train windows.

Watch out for Rougemont Castle and the iconic Gstaad Palace.

Travelling through the Saane valley will make you feel like in a storybook, and you will ask yourself a few times if this beauty is real.

Plan your GoldenPass Express journey

You can always make this a whole weekend experience and combine some activities before or after your trip. Below are just some ideas that would fit perfectly.

Accommodation in Montreux 

Hotels in Interlaken

Lane change on the GoldenPass Express train

Previously on this train journey from Montreux to Interlaken you had to change trains in Zweisimmen.

The reason was the two different mechanisms of the rails. From Montreux the line was built with a metre gauge because it made it easier to overcome the altitude difference and the rugged terrain than with a standard gauge.

But with the new cooperation between BLS and MOB, passengers can now stay seated in Zweisimmen, and the whole technical line change is over in less than 10 minutes.

You will not even realise the change of lane apart from a slight lifting.

The train changes its locomotive from the MOB to the BLS  and the journey carries on.

Whilst the train changes from the meter gauge to the standard gauge, check out the pretty train station building at Zweisimmen with its clock tower.

The final stretch on the GoldenPass Express train line

Because this is such a pretty train journey the time passes incredibly quickly.

From Zweisimmen you will spend the next 1.5 hours passing through the Simmental, which counts towards the most picturesque train routes in Switzerland.

The GoldenPass Express train continues curve after curve and loses altitude gently.

Get ready for the last stage of this most beautiful Swiss train journey towards Interlaken along the famous Lake Thunersee. Starting with the Swiss village Spiez with its fairy tale castle and onwards to Interlaken Ost.

What to expect on the GoldenPass Express Train

This is probably the most comfortable train ride you will ever do. Their new travel class “Prestige” is well worth booking as it even tops 1^st class.

Take a seat in the adjustable and heated luxury seats. To ensure not to miss any of the views and to be comfortable at all times the floor area is 40cm higher than a normal train carriage.

Incredibly generous leg space and storage facilities allow you to travel in the most relaxed way ever.

If you need to charge your phone or computer there are plenty of plugs to charge up.

As this train journey is not just a regular trip bringing you from A to B, but more an experience in its own right, we believe you should get the most out of it. Experience the full package and book the Prestige travel class.

Classes available on the GoldenPass Express line

 1^st and 2^nd class. As on any Swiss trains, you can purchase a 1^st or a 2^nd class train ticket. The classes differentiate in their seat quality, leg room space and ambience.

In first class trains your seat is mostly larger and, in some trains, even stand alone. As normally these wagons are not full of travelling passengers, it is a much quieter ambience.

Panoramic windows are available in both classes, and the Bistro is accessible from both classes.

Seat reservations are possible and recommended at an extra cost of Chf 20.- per seat

Prestige class. This is the new VIP class. Large heated seats that swivel around. Adjustable foot rests and incredible space on all sides. This is for sure the ultimate way to travel on a train.

The catering service is slightly different in the Prestige class offering as well a hamper with caviar and champagne.

The panoramic windows in the Prestige class go from the floor to the ceiling, which allows once more for a unique travel experience.

As there are only 18 luxury heated seats in the Prestige class, reservations are compulsory and cost Chf 35.- per seat.

In all classes, the views and scenic Swiss landscapes are the same.

The Belle Époque Carriage

The Belle Époque carriage is once again a unique experience that combines comfort, elegance and romance.

Feeling like travelling the Orient Express but in Switzerland. This special train carriage is only available between Montreux and Zweisimmen. Due to the logistic problems in these carriages, there are only catering options for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or groups of more than 10 persons.

Catering Service

If you have chosen to reserve and purchase the onboard catering service, you will be getting the following.

Food & Beverages

At this moment the catering service offers the following.

• Breakfast basket Chf 12.- , with croissants, confi, butter, orange juice and hot drink.
• Aperitive Plate Chf 27.- , the choice of regional cheese and meat specialties or the veggie aperitif plate, with a glass of wine from the Laveaux Grapes , beer or mineral water.

Exclusively for 1st class and the “Prestige” seats,

• The Luxury treat, Chf 89.-, 20g Oona caviar from Frutigen, blinis, sour cream and a glass of Duval Leroy Brut Champagne.

If you want to take advantage of this offer, advance reservations are necessary to ensure this service.

NOTE: The catering services are payable extra and are NOT included in the train ticket.

If you feel just a little hungry or peckish during your train journey, the on-board catering service also offers snacks and various soft drinks to buy.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, this is not just a travel option choice. A trip on the GoldenPass Express is an activity and entertaining experience.

Traveling in the “Prestige” class is particularly comfortable. So enjoy, the view through the large panoramic windows and the on-board service to the fullest! If you like, you could always add the Interlaken Ost to Lucerne GoldenPass Line to your journey.

Good to know when travelling on the GoldenPass Express Train

Train Time Table

At this moment you can travel in both directions Montreux – Interlaken or vice versa once a day leaving Montreux at 9.35h. (From Interlaken Ost departure is at 9.08)

But the plan as of June 2023 is to extend the service and have four daily departures in each direction.

The whole journey from Montreux via Gstaad to Interlaken or vice versa, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Travel Class Prestige

It is necessary to make your reservation if you would like to travel in Prestige class.

If you ask yourself how much is a Prestige ticket on the GoldenPass Express, the answer is Chf 35.- BUT you also need to have a 1^st Class train ticket which is Chf 93.- one way.

A second class Ticket will set you back chf 52.- plus 20.- if you make a seat reservation.

You can find all prices and categories on the GoldenPass Express train line on their website under: GoldenPass Express fares

Reservations and Abo’s

No matter which category you are travelling in, it is recommended to make a reservation. This can be done up to two months prior to your travel dates. GoldenPass Express website reservations

If you have a GA it is valid on the route, but the reservation will cost Chf 20.-. Half-tax card holders also receive a reduction on ticket price.

Stops along the GoldenPass Express train

You do not have to join the entire journey from Montreux to Interlaken. The train stops at several stations and passengers can board the GoldenPass Express Train.

When you order your online ticket, you can enter your train station of choice.

Things to do around Montreux

• 10 Things to do in Montreux
• Visit Glacier 3000 on a day trip
• Stroll along the World famous Lavaux Vineyards 
• 4 day Vaud Alps Itinerary
• Visit Chaplin’s World

Things to do In Interlaken

• Day trips from Interlaken
• Things to do in Lauterbrunnen
• Day trip to the Jungfraujoch
• Discover the Bernese Oberland & Jungfrau Region
• How best to visit Grindelwald-First Cliff Walk 
• Bachalpsee – Hike to the Swiss Alpine Lake in Grindelwald First
• Visit Lake Blausee – All you need to know for a perfect visit
• A day at the Hasliberg – Marblerun and Trottibike
• Oeschinensee hike with Kids 

I hope that the information provided here will prove useful when you are planning to ride the GoldenPass Express Train from Montreux to Interlaken.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. So that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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