walking within Bern Station

There's really no way to answer unless you know which platform you're moving to. It's like saying I'm changing flights at JFK, how close are my gates?

You should be able to pull up a train station map on the internet, but again you'll need to know platform numbers. My experience with Swiss trains is the transfers are timed for healthy adults without a lot of luggage who don't need/want to stop for food or bathroom use (not a criticism, just saying). Then again, it seems most routes have trains at least every hour.

Understood. You are absolutely right. Thanks. You gave me a belly laugh as well !

Thankfully for your planning, the SBB (swiss railways) journey planner will tell you precisely which platforms your trains use.
And there are escalators and elevators to change platforms from the footbridge on one side of the station.
Finally, if you miss a train, you can take the next one without buying new tickets (unless you buy a supersaver ticket restricted to a given train).

Thank you so much. Your info is so helpful and encouraging. All the best to you on your future travels !!!!

The main way to the platforms from the underground tunnel is a ramp on one side (not too steep but quite long) or stairs.

But a little distance down the platform towards the road there is an overbridge with lifts. Not the fastest lifts, but efficient. That's what I would plan on doing.

If you have data and a smartphone the SBB app is excellent and will tell you how late or on time you are, what platform you will arrive on, and what platform the train you are changing to is on, and how it is doing for time. All in real time. Well worth it in my opinion.

You might find it easier sitting downstairs in the train.

Where are coming in from?

The Bern station is quite large, so you are correct that you may have a longer walk there than many other stations in Switzerland. As others have said, even if you miss a train, there will be another one along in a hour or less, so it may be a good place to get a bite to eat (I remember lots of shops), use the restroom, etc.

Hello Nigel and thanks. .
thanks KelleyWe are coming from Luzern

I know this is probably getting boring - but from Luzern which way? There is the BLS route via the Emmental (Langnau)(more scenic but slower) and the fast SBB route via Olten (usually requires a change).

BUT - if you are going from Luzern to Interlaken Ost why don't you take the simple route, and with magnificent scenery?

Take the no-change narrow gauge Zentralbahn (sometimes marketed as Golden Pass route) up and over the Brünig Pass. It changes ends in Meiringen (Sherlock Holmes, Reichenbach Falls is just outside the station, with a funicular up the falls). It is predictable, and because it is narrow gauge and uses a cogwheel over the passes on the route it always uses platform 12 at Luzern. It takes 1:49. Goes like clockwork at 6 minutes past every hour, the local regional trains (not the fancy ones) go every hour and have tables at every seat and floor to ceiling panoramic in both 2nd Class and 1st Class and there is no extra charge, no reservation needed. Sit on the right leaving Luzern and look out for the lakes, mountains, valleys and waterfalls. When you change ends - the front becomes the back and the back becomes the front - in Meiringen stay on that side for great lakeside views along Lake Brienz.

Really - even if I didn't have a disability (my wife does have a disability) that's the route I'd choose.

Is there a reason you are going via Bern?

NIGEL, YOU ARE SO VERY RIGHT. i WAS JUST NOT THINKING !!! That is just a stellar idea. I am so excited !!! You started my day with clarity !!! I must think things through with all the options. Thanks ever so much. Case closed !!