how do I use the Swiss pass on the Golden route (Lucerne-Interlaken) without a seat reservation? Will we be able to get seats in mid-Aug? Or will it be standing room only? How much are seat reservations, if we get them just to be safe? thanks, Elaine
Posted by
OP
washington, dc
398 posts
Thanks,--tehre is no way I am paying $12 for 6 persons thru Raileurope. At most, I would buy when in Switzerland.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
Wait to get the reservations when you arrive in Switzerland. You shouldn't have a problem getting a reservation even on the same day you travel.....there are departures every hour. The most popular segment is Interlaken to Montreaux, between Interlaken and Luzern there are usually lots of seats to go around.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Elaine, here is the response that I received from the Golden Pass people some time back.
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in our company.
They’re not required; only advisable on weekends or during peak season from July through September.
We are remaining at your disposal for any further information.
Best regards and have a great weekend.
Renate Ammann
RailCenter
GoldenPass Services
One thing you might do is inquire about getting one of the 8 seats over the engineer's cab. These seats may require a few Swiss Francs or they could be included to Swiss pass holders. It's a great view.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
One thing you might do is inquire about getting one of the 8 seats over the engineer's cab. These seats may require a few Swiss Francs or they could be included to Swiss pass holders. It's a great view.
These seats are only available on the Zweisimmen-Montreux segment of the journey.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
123 posts
I asked about this too. If you want to splurge for the VIP seats - Zweissimen to Mntreaux apparently you need to have a first class pass or upgrade if you have a 2nd.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17612 posts
Between Luzern and Interlaken we've never had trouble finding seats (in 2d class). One time we practically had the car to our selves. Lots of trains serve this route in addition to the designated Golden pass trains.
The one place we found crowded trains was between Montreux and Geneve (at commuter hours), but that's not part of the Golden Pass route.