I am trying to figure out how I can get from Venice to Luzern, Murren, or Lauterbrunnen by train so that I can see a lot of the Swiss Alps. Is this even possible? Also I will then need to get from Switzerland (one of the above locations) to Paris. I thought flying would be the quickest way. Does anyone have sugestions? This wiil be my frist time to Europe, and even though I am quite confused and intimidated by it all, my daughter and I are determined that we can do it on our owm without a tour. Any tips would be welcome.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
The best way to start is to check train schedules on the Swiss Rail site: www.sbb.ch/en
The quickest connection takes 8 hours, with four changes to Lauterbrunnen.
Theres is a high-speed TGV line that connects Switzerland to Paris. There are direct trains from Bern, Basel, and Zurich to Paris, travel time is about 5 hours. It is obviously possible to fly, but in my experience if a train journey take less than six hours it usually best to use the train since it will take you from city center to city center and you don't have to deal with airport security/ check-in hassles.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
It is very easy to get from Venice to Lauterbrunnen or Muerren. As Michael explains, it will take about 8.0hrs to get to Lauterbrunnen.
Now, the logistics. When buying the tickets in Italy, their computers will not bring up Venice/Lauterbrunnen. The closest you can get is Venice/Interlaken Ost. The reason for this, as explained to us, is that the Swiss want to be paid in Swiss Francs for travel out of Interlaken Ost into the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can't do that in Italy. This is not a problem. In fact, it's a small adventure that we really enjoyed. Lots of train changes and amazing scenery along the way. Go with the flow on this one.
CLICK HERE for a sample Venice/Interlaken Ost train schedule.
Book your ticket from Venice to Interlaken Ost. We did this at the Venice train ticket window when we arrived in Venice. You might try the ticket machine. When you get to Interlaken Ost, you'll notice that it's not a big station. You simply walk in and buy your ticket to either Lauterbrunnen or Muerren. Then, you walk out to track 2A and catch the train into Lauterbrunnen. It runs every 30 minutes.
HINT: For buying your tickets in Interlaken Ost, you can use your credit card. To get some quick Swiss Francs, you have about 12-15 minutes for the train change at Spiez. You quickly run around to the other side of the train station to the ATM. Your cash withdrawl will be in Swiss Francs. The station is not that big so you can easily do this. Try not to use Euros in this region. Many places will accept Euros but the conversion rate is not good.
For Luzern, you can take the Golden Pass or other trains on the same route from Interlaken Ost.