Switzerland is known for its breathtaking views and scenic train routes, and the Golden Pass Line is no exception.
Included in the Swiss Travel Pass, this panoramic train takes you through some of Switzerland’s most scenic landscapes, from Lucerne to Interlaken to Montreux.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what you can expect from the Golden Pass Rail Line, including its timetable, route, cost, and all other important details.
QUICK ANSWERS: GOLDEN PASS LINE
Below you will find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Golden Line Pass.
WHAT IS THE GOLDEN PASS LINE?
The Golden Line Pass is a train route that connects central Switzerland with Lake Geneva – from Lucerne to Montreux.
The Golden Pass train consists of 3 sections:
- Luzern to Interlaken Ost
- Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen
- Zweisimmen to Montreux
You can jump on the train to either Lucern or Montreux, which makes things convenient when traveling around Switzerland.
Needless to say, this train ride is a must-do for anyone visiting Switzerland.
RELATED GUIDE: 8-Day Switzerland Itinerary
WHERE TO BUY THE GOLDEN LINE PASS?
Despite the Switzerland Travel Pass being pretty easy to understand, the Golden Pass Switzerland is more complex, and you’ll be scratching your head.
Let me make it as easy as possible to understand the system – you have 3 options:
1. The Golden Pass train is made of 3 routes, and each route is managed by different companies and offers different trains.
So you can either buy all 3 routes in one go on the SBB website or buy each route individually:
- Lucerne to Interlaken Ost on the Luzern-Interlaken Express
- Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen on the train through Spiez
- Zweisimmen to Montreux on the GoldenPass Belle Epoque or GoldenPass Panoramic
2. A new route has been introduced back in 2022 – the Golden Express – which links Interlaken and Montreux – so you’ll take 2 trains instead of 3.
This route is more convenient and has a Prestige Class with rotating seats for better views. In this case, this is how you proceed:
- Buy the Lucerne to Interlaken Ost tickets on the SBB website
- Get your Golden Express tickets on the official website and take the Interlaken and Montreux route.
3. The most convenient option is to purchase the Swiss Travel Pass, which includes the 3 trains, and you won’t need to buy extra tickets.
Note that when taking the Golden Pass train with the Swiss Pass, you won’t even need to book your seats, and that is a massive relief.
However, during peak season, I recommend booking your seats beforehand to guarantee and get the best spot on the train.
READ MORE: Swiss Travel Pass – Ultimate Guide
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The prices slightly vary depending on the season and the time of the day, but generally, these are the average prices for each section:
- Lucerne to Interlaken Ost: From CHF 34
- Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen: From CHF 29
- Zweisimmen to Montreux: From CHF 34
On top of that, you’ll want to book a seat to make sure you get the best spot on the train.
IS IT INCLUDED IN THE SWISS TRAVEL PASS?
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass includes the train tickets on the Golden Line Pass.
The only element that is not included is the seat reservation, which is recommended during peak season.
While you’re at it, I recommend getting off in Interlaken and visiting Lauterbrunnen, one of the most scenic places in Switzerland!
READ MORE: BEST Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
GOLDEN PASS TRAIN ROUTE
The Golden Pass panoramic train route takes you from central Switzerland’s Lucerne to the glamorous resort town of Montreux on Lake Geneva.
But with 3 legs, there are so many sights you’ll have on the way – let me tell you everything about it.
LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN OST
Duration: 1 hour and 53 minutes
Change of train: 1 change in Brünig-Hasliberg
The first leg of the Golden Pass train route takes you from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost, a charming town nestled between two lakes and surrounded by the Swiss Alps.
Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint Swiss villages and witness some of the most stunning natural scenery you’ve ever seen, both in the winter and summer.
There’s a change of train involved, but it’s only a track change, so it’s quick and hassle-free.
INTERLAKEN OST TO ZWEISIMMEN
Duration: 1 hour and 29 minutes
Change of train: 1 change in Spiez
The second leg of the Golden Pass goes from Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen, a picturesque Swiss village known for its charming wooden chalets and traditional Alpine architecture.
And even if you’re not stopping in Spiez for the day, you’ll still be able to take the views in from the train, and that is such an experience.
The first part of the journey only lasts about 20 minutes, while the train from Spiez to Zweisimmen takes about 50 minutes, plenty of time to enjoy the show!
ZWEISIMMEN TO MONTREUX
Duration: 2 hours and 9 minutes
Direct Train
The last leg of the journey is from Zweisimmen to Montreux, and it’s the most scenic route on the Golden Pass rail by far.
The train ride starts in the charming village of Zweisimmen, where you’ll pass by lush green meadows and rolling hills before climbing up into the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps.
As you descend towards Montreux, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of Lake Geneva and the surrounding vineyards – trust me when I say you’ll love the ride!
I would recommend booking your seat on this leg to make sure you get the best views. Plus, this is the best part of the Golden Pass Switzerland train and you expect lots of people onboard.
GOLDEN PASS TRAIN TIMETABLE
The trains run from early in the morning until late in the afternoon, and it’ll be easy for you to find a good time.
The trains leave as follows:
- Lucerne to Interlaken Ost: The first train leaves at 6.06 am and departs every hour until 9.06 pm.
- Interlaken Ost to Zweisimmen: The first train leaves at 5.31 am and departs every 30 minutes to 1 hour until 10 pm.
- Zweisimmen to Montreux: The first train leaves at 8.02 am and departs every hour until 5.02 pm.
And on the other direction, here are the timetables:
- Montreux to Zweisimmen: The first train leaves at 7.50 am and departs every hour until 5.50 pm.
- Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost: The first train leaves at 4.58 am and departs every hour until 10.04 pm.
- Interlaken Ost to Lucerne: The first train leaves at 5.39 am and departs every 30 minutes until 10 pm.
Check out the available trains on the SBB timetable.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS ALONG THE GOLDEN PASS PANORAMIC TRAIN
The Golden Pass Panoramic Train takes you through some of Switzerland’s most popular and picturesque destinations, including:
- Meiringen
- Interlaken
- Spiez
- Zweisimmen
- Montreux
- Gstaad
All towns and areas along the Golden Pass train route are famous for their natural beauty and outdoor activities.
And while the train system is a little difficult to understand, the multi-leg route allows you to stop on the way to explore the Swiss countryside – how cool!
With so many incredible destinations along the way, it’s no wonder that riding the Golden Pass Panoramic Train is one of Switzerland’s most popular must-dos.
RELATED GUIDE: 15 Most Beautiful Places In Switzerland
GOLDEN PASS RAIL – FAQ
IS THE GOLDEN LINE PASS WORTH IT?
Absolutely!
You should definitely take the Golden Line panoramic train when in Switzerland, as it’s the best way to take in the views and travel from one part of the country to another.
On top of that, it’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass, so there’s no reason to skip it!
Get the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!
Get unlimited rides on trains, buses, and boats throughout Switzerland with an all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass!
Simply show your Swiss Travel Pass e-ticket on your smartphone to instantly start your rail adventure.
CAN I START THE GOLDEN PASS IN MONTREUX?
The Golden Pass Train line starts in Lucerne and Montreux, and you can ride the train in either direction.
You can get off at any stop on the way and take a train back whenever you want if you have the Swiss Travel Pass.
If you do not, you’ll have to make a new reservation for each train you’re taking.
WHAT CLASSES ARE THERE ON THE GOLDEN PASS TRAIN?
There are 2 classes on the Golden Pass train – 1st and 2nd classes, with the former costing a little more and offering more legroom.
On the other hand, in case you go for the Golden Express, you can also choose the Prestige Class, which has rotating seats but costs more.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH LUGGAGE ON THE GOLDEN LINE TRAIN?
Sure, there is enough room on all trains for your luggage and backpack, and if there’s no space overhead, you’ll be able to store it near the train doors.
WHERE TO STAY IN SWITZERLAND?
If you need to book accommodation for your trip, be sure to check out my full guide on where to stay in Switzerland with the best areas and hotels.
Alternatively, use the interactive map below to search all the available accommodations in Switzerland.
Simply enter your dates of stay and hit the search button!
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SUMMARY – GOLDEN PASS RAIL
This was everything you needed to know about the Golden Pass Switzerland, the train routes, and inclusions.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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