Our group of 4 have Swiss Passes for our travel within Switzerland. We are interested in taking the Golden Pass route from Montreux to Interlaken Ost in 2 weeks. As I understand it, there is construction on a small part of the line currently requiring a substitute bus ride in the middle of trip. I believe this is also the reason that I am unable to make reservations on that trip. Has anyone traveled on this route during the construction period? I would be interested in your experience. We will have carry on luggage with us.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Reservation is only relevant for the extra Golden Pass Express tourist train. And even then I think only for the panoramic coaches.
The regular hourly trains don't need reservations.
Information on the closure is here; https://rss.goldenpass.ch/download/72 It will last until 1st June.
Posted by
Green Bay
21226 posts
Not this particular route, but it happens. In Germany, it is often during the summer. Switzerland likes to get maintenance and construction closures wrapped up in the Spring so everything is running by Summer tourist season. It is easy, train stops at the last operating station and every one gets off and boards waiting bus(es). They drive to the station on the other side of the closure and everyone gets off the bus and boards the waiting train. Having minimal luggage certainly makes it easier.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
You are correct - they're not taking reservations during this period with the substitute bus.