There are many transportation options available when searching for ways to get from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen such as by car, by bus, and the most common route is the Zurich to Lauterbrunnen train.
I have put together this complete guide of how to get from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen to help you plan your trip.
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW
Here is a brief overview of how to get from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen that you will find in this post:
- Zurich to Lauterbrunnen train
- Zurich to Lauterbrunnen by bus
- Zurich to Lauterbrunnen by car
GETTING AROUND SWITZERLAND
When planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the best and most popular ways to get around the country is by using the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass which includes the majority of trains, buses, and boats throughout the whole of Switzerland.
Once you have purchased the Swiss Travel Pass online, you’ll receive an email with your tickets that you will have to print and keep with you at all times.
I also recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app from the App Store. You can use this app to check all train, bus, and boat timetables in Switzerland when you’re on the move.
Lauterbrunnen ValleyHOW TO GET FROM ZURICH TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
When visiting Lauterbrunnen, if you are arriving from another country, it’s quite likely that you will first fly into the city of Zurich.
So the next journey to plan on your agenda is how to get to Lauterbrunnen from Zurich.
There are three main transportation options and they are; catching the bus, renting a car, or taking the Zurich to Lauterbrunnen train.
Buses and trains run frequently to Lauterbrunnen Valley from Zurich and tickets can be booked online in advance so it’s quite likely you will be able to secure a travel time that suits your plans when arriving in Zurich.
ZURICH TO LAUTERBRUNNEN TRAIN
There are two route options for traveling on the train to Lauterbrunnen.
You can get the train from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen which passes via Lucerne or via Bern, both journeys require a change of train in these towns and also both have a change at Interlaken. Both routes offer fantastic scenery and views the whole ride and it’s an unforgettable journey whichever route you choose.
The journey via Lucerne takes around two hours in total and the one via Bern takes around three, however, depending on what time of year you travel, the train via Bern can sometimes work out a little cheaper if you are on more of a budget.
Both journeys for the train from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen will cost you around $60 USD.
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ZURICH TO LAUTERBRUNNEN BY BUS
If you prefer to travel by bus, you will travel the same roads as you do in the car, via Lucerne, however you will need to get train transfers at the end of your journey.
When looking for how to get to Lauterbrunnen by bus from Zurich, you would need to get the bus from Kloten and travel through the mountains to Interlaken.
In Interlaken, it is then a short train ride across into Lauterbrunnen. The bus journey takes just under two and a half hours and the train transfer from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen takes just twenty minutes, with these trains running every hour.
ZURICH TO LAUTERBRUNNEN BY CAR
If you have a car or are hiring a car, then your best route through the mountains is via Lucerne.
Although a twisty journey with some narrow roads, this is a fantastic choice of transport to get some beautiful views of Lauterbrunnen Valley and also the mountains en route, while enjoying the ability to stop when you want to along the way to take it all in.
Non-stop, the journey from Lauterbrunnen to Zurich by car should take you around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Search All → Car Rentals in Zurich
Mt. Schilthorn in Lauterbrunnen
Have you got travel insurance for Switzerland? We all know accidents can happen and having World Nomads Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong.
THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
Now that you know all the details on how to get from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen, you might like to check out my complete guide on the 15 Best Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen.
My Lauterbrunnen travel guide includes epic waterfalls, thrill-seeking activities, hiking and cycling, the best day trips from Lauterbrunnen, and lots more!
READ NOW → 15 THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
WHERE TO STAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
The majority of people visiting Lauterbrunnen choose to stay in Interlaken, a small city located just twenty minutes drive or twenty minutes on the train from Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken have hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorite places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations in Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
This 5-star hotel is centrally located in between two beautiful lakes in the picturesque town of Interlaken. Victoria Jungfrau Hotel features a spa, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The spacious rooms have elegant interiors and marble bathrooms, boasting views of the snowcapped mountains in the Jungfrau region. Wifi is free and breakfast is included.
Mid Range: Hotel Interlaken
Hotel Interlaken is where I based myself for one-night because it is conveniently located just five minutes’ walk from Interlaken East Train Station and a twenty-minute train ride to Lauterbrunnen Valley. Hotel Interlaken is the perfect accommodation for couples, families, solo travelers, and friends. Featuring large rooms, mountain views, and a delicious buffet breakfast.
Budget: Lauterbrunnen Valley Hostel
If you are traveling solo, the Valley Hostel is your best option for cheap accommodation. Located in the heart of Lauterbrunnen Valley. This hostel is within walking distance of nearby waterfalls, retail shops, restaurants, and the main train station. Valley Hostel offers dorms and private rooms for every sort of traveler!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEE MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAUTERBRUNNEN
The best time to visit Lauterbrunnen depends on what you plan to do. I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Switzerland (April – September) when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.
However, visiting Lauterbrunnen in winter (December – March) is absolutely magical because the landscapes are completely covered in glistening white snow. Visiting Lauterbrunnen in winter means you can go skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Lucerne City
BEST RESTAURANTS IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
I have put together a separate guide of where to eat during your visit which includes the 10 Best Restaurants and Cafes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks!
This guide will help you narrow down your choices and explore what each restaurant has to offer, hopefully, to make your decisions easier.
FULL BLOG POST → 10 BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN RESTAURANTS
Lunchtime
BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS
There are so many sights and experiences to take in. From the gorgeous valleys, the glacial waterfalls, and the beautiful mountain ranges, it can be hard to decide where to start.
Guided tours can be a perfect way to see the local area and have the on-hand experience from a knowledgeable guide to make your experience one to remember.
I have put together a separate blog post that you might also like to check out.
FULL BLOG POST → BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS
Scenic helicopter tour
BEST SWITZERLAND TOURS
MORE SWITZERLAND TRAVEL GUIDES
If you are planning a holiday in Switzerland, be sure to check out my other travel guides below that you might find useful while putting together your Switzerland itinerary!
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
- BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
- SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
- VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
- BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
- RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
- GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
- TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase World Nomads travel insurance
- TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free
Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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