Glacier Express & Bernina Express

Posted by adjust73 on 05/31/26 04:55 PM

We'll be arriving in Zurich on 9/3 departing 9/17.
Our first stop is Murren for 5 nights, onto Zermatt for 3 nights, Montreax 3 nights, and Lucerne 3 nights.
We'd like to take the Glacier Express and/or the Bernina Express and need recommendations as to how, what and from where and if we actually should do both or just one. We already purchased our Swiss Travel Passes and know we'll need to reserve seats in advance.
From what we've read we also definitely need to take the train between Lucerne and Interlaken!

Greatly appreciate any tips and suggestions!

Regards,
Rich & Cheryl

Posted by me.crewe

05/31/26 05:36 PM

434 posts

that list of stops doesn't really work for the Bernina Express or most of the Glacier Express, try changing Montreux for Pontresina.

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

05/31/26 10:00 PM

23679 posts

If you are serious about the Glacier Express, you should get seat reservations as soon as they become available for sale 3 months in advance of your planned travel date. They tend to get bought up quickly. As was mentioned, change Montreux to Pontresina. You can ride the frequent regional trains from there to Tirano and back at you leisure while in Pontrsina, as ther is really no need to ride the named Bernina Express.

If you are set on Montreux, there is a more scenic train by taking the RE1 from Spiez to Brig, then continue to Zermatt. The Golden Pass Express train from Montreux to Interlaken, then the Luzern-Interlaken Express train to Luzern is also a scenic train route.

Posted by adjust73 OP

06/01/26 12:27 PM

24 posts

Thank you!
Yes, we now plan on booking reserved seats on the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken and then take the Luzern-Interlaken Express (Interlaken to Luzern) as that works out perfectly for our itinerary!

We tried booking reserved seats for the GoldenPass Express on the SBB mobile app where we had already purchased our Swiss Travel Passes but I get the following message that I don't understand.

Can you help me navigate the app so we can buy our reserved seats as I also believe they will be discounted or even at no charge?

The app mentions a Customer number and shows a picture of a Travel Card which we don't seem to have.
We just have the Swiss Travel Passes with their corresponding QR codes.

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Regards,
Rich & Cheryl

Posted by adjust73 OP

06/01/26 12:57 PM

24 posts

Having trouble registering in the SBB mobile app and receiving the following message as trying to purchase a reserved seat in the GoldenPass Express.
We already purchased a Swiss Travel Pass so are confused as how to proceed .

Can't figure out how to register our Swiss Travel Pass.

I assume the 10 digit Reference no. On our Swiss Travel Pass ticket is also our Customer no. The app is asking for?

"You have not yet registered a SwissPass in your account.
Order SwissPass now"

Posted by adjust73 OP

06/01/26 01:16 PM

24 posts

Think I finally figured it out!
Assume the Point to Point 2nd Class upgrade for $20 each gives us a reserved seat on the GoldenPass Express Pass Express from Montreux to Interlaken OST in the SBB app?

How do I select our seats? Want to sit on the left side?

Regards,
Rich & Cheryl

Posted by Sam

Green Bay

06/01/26 06:13 PM

23679 posts

From your other post, you have the site to get seat reservations on the Golden Pass Express. These scenic trains are operated by private rail operators. SBB will sell you tickets, as they are public transportation, but the individual operator controls the seat reservations and sets the price. The Golden Pass Express is operated by the Montreux Oberland Bernois railway.

For the Luzern-Interlaken Express, Zentralbahn is the private operator. Seat reservations at https://shop.luzern.com/en/routing/zentralbahn-luzern-interlaken-express
This one you do want seats on the righthand side for the best views.