Golden Pass

thank you for your input. So 5 Swiss franc per person reservation is optional? If I don't make reservation for golden pass there is no fee as long as I carry eurorail pass?
I found a VIP seat but the travel time is 18:26 to 20:13 going toward Montreaux. Isn't it too dark by then to benefit from VIP seat? Thanks again

You're welcome. Correct, reservations are optional...you can simply walk-on the train with the eurorail pass. VIP seat are at the very front of the train above the driver. These seat offer commanding views, but are only useful heading towards Montreax on the Zweismann segment. If you have a second-class pass you will have to pay a supplement for the VIP because you will be upgrading to first class. So you would need to make the VIP seat reservation which can be done at www.goldenpass.ch, and when you arrive in Switzerland pay for the supplement at any Swiss Rail station before your journey.

I am traveling with my wife so i have a first class saver pass. So if you have a first class pass you don't have to pay extra for VIP seats? When I tried to reserve a VIP seat it was asking for 15 swiss franc per seat. One other issue is the travel time. It was 18:26 to 20:12 toward Montreaux. Doesn't it get too dark to see anything from the VIP seats?
Thank you again.

Have you already made the reservation? If so, according to goldenpass.ch, reservations can't be refunded or changed. Reservations are optional on the Golden Pass train. Off season in May, I wouldn't bother unless you want the VIP seats.

15 Francs is indeed the cost for the VIP seat reservation. Since you already have a first-class pass, you just need to purchase the seat reservations....the pass covers the train journey.
I'm not sure about the evening train, as I've only taken the journey during the day. My instinct tells me the VIP seat are still worth it. The highlight of the journey is when the train arrives at the top of the mountain above Montreux, and zig zags it's way down to the city and shore of Lake Geneva. At that hour the city and the the lake shore will be lit up and will probably be a little romantic;)

Why don't you just wait until you get to Switzerland and check with a rail agent at the station? You really don't have to have everything set up from the USA.
I agree that the highlight is the descent into Montreux but perhaps a daytime view would be best so that you see the lake and the mountains across. Just go and enjoy!

I disagree, for the VIP seats it's best to book in advance.

I appreciate all of your inputs. I still have questions. I went to Golden Pass website and put in departure:Lucerne arrival:Montreaux I only see one train (Zweisimmen to Montreaux segment) with VIP seats departing at 18:30 to 20:15 all day! There are only 4 VIP seats available as well.
Is this real?

The gauge of the track changes at Zweisimmen, so you have to switch to a different train at that station. Only trains on the Zweis.-Montreax segment have the VIP seats. What date are you traveling? I can help check if there are other departures with VIP seats.
Each train only has about 6 VIP seat available...which is why it's essential to reserve way in advance:)

I'm planning on getting on Golden Pass line at Interlaken on 5/19 toward Montreaux. I reviewed the schedule from goldenpass.ch and there is one with VIP seats (train 2119) leaving Zweisimmen at 12:26 but does not show. Could it be because it's too early?
Anyways, thanks alot again!!!

Yeah it looks like there only three trains that day with VIP seating. The train in the morning is sold-out. The 12:26pm train still has seats available: 81-85...those are the VIP seats.