Drive from Paris area to Lauterbrunnen

And where would you go after Mürren? If dropping off the car in Switzerland, are you aware of the high drop off fees for dropping in a different country than you rented from? Are you aware that you can't drive to Murren, but need to park in Lauterbrunnen and then take a cable car and train? Google says it takes roughly the same time (61/2 hours) to drive as it takes for the train to Lauterbrunnen. But driving would almost assuredly take at least 20% longer or more, since estimates don't take enroute stops for gas, meals etc into account. Add another hour or so to get up to Mürren. So your 2 nights really only gives you one day there.

Then, of course, you need to plan how to get to your next stop, and how long that trip will take.

We were renting the car from CDG airport and returning it there as well. I was going to park in Lauterbrunnen and ride the train up to Mürren. I had researched it pretty well. I had only found a 9 hour train route - that’s the reason behind the car rental - but if it would average out the same - I’d definitely prefer the train. We love to drive too - not opposed to spending the day on the road at all - we normally only stop for gas/restrooms. Not sure if the drive is scenic or not. My dream has always been to see the town of Lauterbrunnen … my daughter is seeing the Harry Styles concert in Paris. Attempting to fulfill all wishes …. Not an easy task! This might be our one and only trip to Europe. Hopefully not as I really want to see Tuscany some day!

Seems problematic if you are arriving on a transatlantic flight, then want to drive 8 hours. Not advisable.
If you are already in Paris, it would be a lot easier to take a train from Gare de Lyon to Basel and connect to trains to Lauterbrunnen than going to CDG to rent a car to drive. Besides tolls, gas and parking, you will have to purchase a Swiss vignette sticker for your car as you enter Switzerland.

It's 392 miles to Lauterbrunnen and about a 7 hour drive if going through all the construction zones doesn't hold you up. France also gets you for road tolls along the controlled access highways.

I agree that The Alps are best seen from behind the steering wheel. But you've also got to get back to the same country you picked up the rental car to avoid return fees. Backtracking can get expensive.

For Sam … we will have been in Paris 5 nights before picking up the car and have 3 days to travel to and from Lauterbrunnen before we return to Paris for 2 nights. If I can get there via train in under 8 hrs that’s my new plan … now I need to start reading up on the rail system ;)

If I had just three days, there's no way I'd travel so far. You'll have barely more than one full day at your destination. And we're talking mountains here; the weather could be terrible.

Go to https://www.sbb.ch/en
Starting at Paris Gare de Lyon, ending Muerren BLM.
I see 2 itineraries at just over 6 1/2 hours, one at 7:20 am and the other at 2:20 pm.

Thank you Sam! I see these little warnings pop up about very short exchange times - fingers crossed the connection is easy and close! Newbies here! And I know a lot of people think it’s a waste to spend a lot of time traveling to see a vista… but I am 53 and with 4 kids that are either in college or about to go, it will be a long long time - if ever - the I get to go back. In the states we drive 7-8 hrs to go somewhere and stay a night or two and head back and never think twice about it. I have dreamed of seeing Lauterbrunnen for at least 15 years now. Can’t wait!!!

Changes are part of going to Muerren. Otherwise they are pretty easy. You have 30 minutes in Basel. Get off the train and walk to the escalator, go up and walk about 50 feet and go down the escalator at the track for your next train. There are a few shops along the walk and you will have time to grab a snack or cup of coffee. The 7:20 departure has an extra change in Bern, but that is a cross-platform change, as easy as they get. Just get off the train and walk across the platform for your next train. Interlaken is quick where you have to go downstairs for the crossover to the other track then back upstairs. But if you were to miss it, the next train is 30 minutes later, and in Switzerland, your ticket is good on any train along your route for the day. At Lauterbrunnen, you will ride a gondola cable car up the hill to another train station, then a 20 minute train ride to Muerren.

Thank you so much Sam! I really appreciate the tips/advice and guidance :)