We are traveling to Switzerland in June. I've read online that there are less expensive passenger trains that travel the same route as the Golden Pass (our route is Montreux to Interlaken then change trains for final destination of Lauterbrunnen). You give up the panoramic window but otherwise see the same sights. Does anyone know if this is true?
Posted by
San Diego, California
4746 posts
Yep- these are the regional trains that run on the same tracks, are much less crowded, don't require seat reservations, and offer more flexible schedules. I haven't done that route, but we did the Bernini Express route on the regional trains, and would do so again.Have a great time!
Posted by
1 posts
Has anybody done a day trip to Zermatt from Lucerne/Zurich? I'm trying to find the least expensive way to get there and back. Do you suggest buying the Eurorail Pass or just get tickets from the station? Thanks in advance :)
Posted by
Thun, Switzerland
486 posts
there are less expensive passenger trains
All the trains that run this route are the same price, the panorama cars are not more expensive. Using the SBB app or website look-up Montreux - Interlaken Ost and in the 'Via' section you can put Gstaad, that way you will get the prices for this route only vs. other, shorter routes. When I look, it says the cost is 26.50 (with half fare card) no matter which train it is.
If you see the route has no train changes, that is the Golden Pass Express train (currently running only at 9:35 am). Still the same price as the others.
You pay more if you want to be in any class other than second. You pay for reservations, but they are not compulsory on this route.
I usually just take whatever train leaves at the time I want to go. I have been in the panorama cars of the train, and even on the new Express train without reserving a seat or paying any more money.
Posted by
Wengen
1684 posts
Golden Pass is the name of the route. The trains on the route are all normal service trains, used by locals to go about their daily business. There is no special tariff, no compulsory reservation. The new "Golden Pass Express" trains are quite nice, and they do Montreux - Interlaken direct. From June there should be 4 daily returns with these trains.
Posted by
Pennsylvania
18 posts
This is perfect!!
Posted by
1 posts
I’ve been looking at the Golden Pass route and have not been able to reserve seats on the normal trains that can be booked thru SBB.ch. Does anyone have insight on how far in advance those seats can be reserved or why the seats reservations appear to be greyed out on sub.ch? Thanks.