We are 4 seniors planning to take the Golden Pass route from Montreux to Interlaken Ost, Switzerland. According to the schedule, there is a 5 minute window to switch from the first train to the second, then a 6 minute change time for the next train change. We will each have a 20" suitcase and a daypack. Is it going to be possible for us to grab our bags, get out of the train, and find the right platform to catch our next train in that short amount of time? I'm probably just being a worry-wart, but that seems a bit daunting! Thanks.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You won't have a problem. The stations where you make changes are very small, only have a few platforms and easy to navigate.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17612 posts
Do not worry; that is plenty of time, assuming you do not dawdle. These are small stations and most likely you just walk across the platform from one train to the next. Get ready to disembark as you approach the station---gather up your things, move toward the exit, and be ready to open the door and disembark when the train comes to a stop. The next train will not leave until everyone on the platform is finished boarding. We have changed trains in Switzerland many, many times and never missed a connection. One time, when we had a 7-minute connection, the conductor came through the car and advised us that the train was running 4 minutes late, so we would have only 3 minutes for the transfer. It was still enough.
Posted by
OP
Livermore, California, USA
4 posts
Thanks, everyone, for the advice and input. I feel much better now, and looking forward to our adventure! :-)
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23784 posts
If you see a conductor you can ask which platform is for the next train. Often they will have that information on their handheld device. Also, there have been times when one train pulls out and the next one comes in behind it and there is no platform change. Also we focus on the station before. That way we will have seen that station so we know the next one is ours even if the announcement for the station is garbled we know that is our stop and can get ready. Do confirm it is the correct stop before getting off. Just ask one of the other passengers that is getting off.
Posted by
Yakima, WA, 98908
80 posts
We did the same trip in reverse last September with the same tyhpe of luggage. Was not a problem at all. Genrally, if it says the train will arrive in station at 4:12 it gets in at 4:12. On our trip last September we took 47 different train rides and never had a problem with connections.
Posted by
Kansas City
462 posts
One more tip. If you're on the platform (or getting off the elevator or just getting to the top of the stairs at the platform) and the train is about ready to leave look to the very end of the train and spot the conductor (he's always at the last car either on the platform or with his foot on the step of the car). Yell and wave your hands and make sure he sees you. As long as the train isn't moving, he'll make sure you get on.