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Geneva-Montreux -Interlaken OST- Lucerne- Zurich

We are a group of 5 people (two seniors) planning to take the Golden-pass route by train late June.We will be in Switzerland for 3 days. I have purchased reservations for 5 people on Golden-Pass Express for the Montreux to Interlaken leg.

1) What is the best train to take from Interlaken OST to Lucerne ( prefer a panaromic view)? Do I need to reserve train tickets for that route as well? If so, which website?
2) I haven't bought the train tickets yet. Do you recommend we all buy 3 day swiss pass (looks pretty expensive)? Or is it safe to buy them on the day of travel each day?

Please advise.

Thanks!

Posted by
7278 posts

Hi!
Regarding 1), you do not need reservations. I am not even sure they are available. You will want to take the direct train marketed as "Luzern-Interlaken express". Find free seats on the right-hand side for best views, and enjoy the ride!

Regarding 2), do you have any excursions planned around Interlaken besides just taking the Golden Pass railway? A benefit of the Swiss Travel Pass is that you can hop on any train to any town/villages without needing to buy tickets. Mountain railways above villages cost extra, with a typical 50% discount over base fare (25% for Jungfrau).

Posted by
17276 posts

Are you traveling from Montreux to Interlaken Ost to Luzern all in the same day?

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks for the prompt replies!

We don't plan to do much on the way to Lucerne. It's gonna be a one day trip on the golden pass.

Day 1: Geneva to Montreux
Day 2: Montreux - Interlaken - Lucerne
Day 3: Zurich
Day 4: Fly out from Zurich

Posted by
21022 posts

You might spend a day in Luzern and go to Zurich airport in the morning of your flight. It is only a 70 minute direct train to the airport from Luzern.
You should be able to buy today, Saver Day Passes for 52 CHF per person. The price goes up as you get closer to your travel day, so buy them now. That will save you 24 CHF per person over buying tickets day of travel. For what you are doing, the Swiss Travel Pass will be more expensive.

Posted by
7278 posts

Yes, without any side trips, the Saver Day Pass is the best option by far!

Posted by
5 posts

Hi All,

I am back with another question.

One family member decided to join us rather late. I could not find him a seat on the golden pass express from Montreux to Interlaken OST (9.30 train on June 22). It's sold out in all classes. Does this mean no seats will be available at all?

There are seats available for reservation for the Zweisimmen- Interlaken OSt leg. If I go ahead and buy the reservation for Zweisimmen-Interlaken OSt leg (reaching Interlaken OST the same time as we would), will he be able to get on the train ?That is will our express train stop at Zweisimmen for him to join us? If that is the case, then what should he do for the Montreux-Zweisimmen leg? Which train to get on?

We are about to start our trip this weekend. Any help/suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Posted by
5 posts

Also, is there a way we could change our 9.30 reservation to an earlier slot 7.30 am (which has available seats)?

Posted by
2445 posts

First of all: You will always, always be able to get on the train. You do not need a reservation to board a train. Not for any train in Switzerland except for the Glacier Express. To only risk you run without a reservation is that you may not find a free seat.

So rest assured, your family member will be able to travel with you.

I would not bother with separate reservations for Zweisimmen - Interlaken Ost. They do add a car to the train in Zweisimmen, so that leg has more seats, but don't forget that these trains also serve as local transport. And the locals never reserve.