I am using the SBB train app to schedule travel from Murren Switz. to Strasborg France on Sunday 9 June. SBB has me taking small train from Murren to Grutschalp. At Grutschalp, I have 2 minutes to transfer to the gondola going to Lauterbrunnen where I catch a train onward toward France. Although I have read other forums saying it’s quite easy & well marked, I’m trying to determine if 2 minutes is enough time to disembark the train and get on the gondola. Next gondola is 30 mins later which would not allow me to make my train connection in Lauterbrunnen.
Anyone done this transfer? Is 2 minutes enough time dragging a wheeled suitcase? Thanks.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
466 posts
10 seconds is enough time. Everyone on the train from Murren gets on the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen. You all go together.
And just so you’re clear on your plan, the train to France isn’t from Lauterbrunnen, you’re going to have to change at Interlaken Ost and then again atleast 1 other time.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16407 posts
And you do not have to drag your roller bag. You can hand it to the guy at the luggage wagon attached to the train before you board in Mürren. They attach it below the cable car to take the luggage fown. You pick it up in Lauterbrunnen.
Sometimes there isn’t much room on the cablecar for all the people and their luggage, so this works better.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Perfect! Yes, I understand I’m not going direct to France from Lauterbrunnen train. Thank you Wanderweg & Lola!
Posted by
Wengen
1800 posts
In June the new trains should be running, so level boarding. You just walk a few metres dragging your suitcase. Changing trains etc... is all very easy and trivial, as you will find out. And your ticket is flexible, so if you miss a connection you take the next one. Trains run half hourly all the way to Strasbourg.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
cs,
As the others have mentioned, that's a very easy trip and you should have no trouble making your rail connections. This video is somewhat recent, and shows the trip going in the other direction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDeAdJllOdI . As you'll see at about the 1M:30S mark, it's a very short walk from the cable car to the BLM train.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I am convinced! Quick & easy. Thank you all for your quick & thorough responses. Never used the RS forums before…I certainly will from now on.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
986 posts
No, I would not chance it on a Sunday as that is the day that we do maintenance on the Swiss railway network and that means that there is always the possibility of delays.
Posted by
Wengen
1800 posts
No, I would not chance it on a Sunday
I would absolutely "chance it". If there are works on that Sunday the timetable would show the change times. You can safely assume that what you see on www.sbb.ch is indeed what you will get.
And trains run every half hour along the whole route, so if you were to miss a connection, you take the next one. So best case: everything is on time. Worst case: You are half an hour later at your destination.
Posted by
Nashville, TN
466 posts
There is nothing to chance. Everyone who exits the train car in Grutschalp walks together over to the cable car and everyone gets on together.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Jim, thx for letting me know of risk of maintenance. I have already purchased our tix from Murren to Colmar France. I presume if there is a delayed train, then SBB would honor my need to get on a later train in Lauterbrunnen to complete my journey.
Appreciate all the info , video’s and super helpful comments. I think I will try & figure out how to close this discussion now. Thanks all!
Posted by
Green Bay
20256 posts
A full fare ticket in Switzerland is good for any train on that route that day. TER trains from Basel to Colmar are also valid for the day.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
More good news. Thanks Sam.