Murren to Appenzell

Go to www.sbb.ch/en and put in "Muerren BLM" to "Appenzell", date and time you would like to go. You will get a list of train connections that will get you there, and even a price. Hint: double the price you see at first glance as it says "fares from" assuming you have a half fare card, which could be something you might want to get if spending any time in Muerren and Switzerland.
You will probably pass through Zurich.

Travel by train will be the best option, although there will be at least five changes. For example, you could depart from Mürren at 08:58, arriving Appenzell at 14:00 (time 5H:02M, 6 changes at Grütschalp, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken Ost, Bern, Zürich HB and Gossau SG). It sounds complicated but it's actually a very straightforward journey. With their usual efficiency, the Swiss even provide platform numbers, which makes changing trains easier. There are numerous other departures with various travel times and number of changes, so you'll have lots to choose from.

The final segment of the trip into Appenzell uses a local railway and they have some distinctive coaches. You'll know you're getting close when you see THESE coaches which as I recall were parked in Gossau*.

We did this trip in reverse a few weeks ago and chose to go through Lucerne rather than Zurich after receiving advice on how scenic the route is between Lucerne and Interlaken. It was all very simple in spite of the multiple changes. Enjoy!

By the way Ken, nice pics. Might have crossed paths at Burg Eltz if you were there in September. We hiked up from Moselkern.

Thank you everyone for replies. Think we might look at going thru Lucerne, sounds nice. Did it add any extra time to the trip ? Just checking - you still go thru Zurich ? Karen

Sam,

Thanks for the compliment! I visited Burg Eltz a couple of years ago but took a Taxi up from the station (it's a long story).

Our trip going through Lucerne took a little longer - maybe 30 minutes?? We did not go through Zurich at all. Appenzell - Herisau - Luzern - Interlaken Ost - and then the usual up to Murren. About 6 1/2 hours total.

Happy travels!