Golden Pass Express

The new Golden Pass Express launched in December 2022 and is the first direct train to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz. The route takes in some of the most stunning scenery in Switzerland. Immerse yourself in the landscape as you gaze out the panoramic windows of the brand-new specially designed carriages. You can book your Golden Pass Express tickets with Trainline. Read on for more information, including information on fares, timetables and what you can expect on board.

What is the Golden Pass Express route?

The Golden Pass Express begins in Montreux. It then weaves its way up through the national park of the Gruyère region to the famous ski resort of Gstaad. From there it continues to the town of Zweisimmen, where the train changes gauge. The journey continues through valleys flanked by mountains, before passing Lake Thun and coming to its destination: Interlaken. You can also make the journey in the opposite direction, starting in Interlaken and ending in Montreux.

Here are the main stops on the route:

Montreux — Montbovon — Gstaad — Zweisimmen — Spiez — Interlaken Ost

You’ll see the beauty of the Swiss mountains and lakes across the Valais and Bern cantons. The service opened only in 2022, but the idea of linking Montreux and Interlaken by direct train dates back 150 years.

What can I expect to see on the journey?

Lake Geneva: Marvel at the eastern end of Lake Geneva before the train winds its way up into the mountains directly above Montreux.

Lake Vernex: Take in the sight of this small lake in the heart of the Gruyère region before catching a glimpse of the Grand Chalet of Rossinière, the largest habitable wooden house in the country known as the “house for cheese”.

Gstaad: Well-known as a ski resort for the rich and famous, Gstaad is packed with shopping, bars and restaurants.

Stockhorn: One of the most beautiful peaks of the Bernese Alps, Stockhorn offers fantastic views (and opportunities for bungee jumping).

Lake Thun: Come face to face with the deep blue waters of Lake Thun, the largest lake in the Bernese Oberland region. Take a boat around the lake or even go for a swim!

How to buy Golden Pass Express tickets with Trainline

Step 1: Search for a journey

First, head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page and input your journey details. Add the origin and destination stations (Montreux and Interlaken), the date of travel and number of passengers.

Step 2: Find the Golden Pass Express train

Your search will give you results for trains between Montreux and Interlaken. Many of these will be non-direct, non-panoramic trains. Look for a train that takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes and has 0 changes. Also, look for PE GPX in the train code. This shows the train is a Golden Pass Express train.

Step 3: Book

Decide between Second Class or First Class tickets, and book! We'd also strongly recommend booking a seat reservation (for an additional fee) which you can add to your ticket on the next page in the booking flow, if the option is available. (If you can't find seat reservation availability for your journey on Trainline, please reserve your seats in advance from the Golden Pass Express website.) Once you've paid, you’ll be able to view your ticket in-app, and we’ll send you an email, so you’ll have your tickets ready when you travel.

Ticket cost: Montreux <> Interlaken Ost

Ticket type	First Class price per passenger*
Without any discount cards	CHF 96
With half fare travelcard (Demi-tarif Abonnement)	CHF 48
With GA Travelcard/Swiss Travel Pass (First Class)	CHF 0

Seat reservation fee

Seat reservations are optional but highly recommended.

Ticket Class	Booking fee per passenger*
Prestige	CHF 49**
First and Second Class	CHF 20

*Prices subject to change; accurate as of August 2024

**Requires First Class ticket

Prestige Class is the most luxurious option on Golden Pass Express trains. It is available to First Class ticket holders only. You cannot currently reserve Prestige Class seats on Trainline. To reserve Prestige Class seats, visit the Golden Pass Express website.

Interrail Pass holders can travel on the Golden Pass Express for no extra charge but are advised to reserve seats; you can reserve seats on the Golden Pass Express website.

Montreux to Interlaken

Station	Departs
Montreux	07:34	09:34	12:34	14:34
Montbovon	08:21	10:21	13:21	15:21
Gstaad	09:00	11:00	14:00	16:00
Zweisimmen	09:39	11:39	14:39	16:39
Spiez	10:23	12:23	15:23	17:23
Interlaken Ost	10:50	12:50	15:50	17:50

Interlaken to Montreux

Station	Departs
Interlaken Ost	09:08	11:08	14:08	16:08
Spiez	09:38	11:38	14:38	16:38
Zweisimmen	10:30	12:30	15:30	17:30
Gstaad	11:00	13:00	16:00	18:00
Montbovon	11:39	13:39	16:39	18:39
Montreux	12:20	14:20	17:30	19:30

Food and drink

You can purchase a selection of drinks and snacks on board and these will be served to you at your seat. The menu showcases local produce, including Gruyère cheese, Frutigen caviar, fresh fruit juice from Valais and wines from Lavaux. Payment is by card only.

Luggage

The carriages are equipped with luggage compartments and ski racks.

Accessibility

Low-floor carriages, in service from Summer 2024 (information subject to change), include an area in Second Class for passengers with reduced mobility. Prestige Class is not accessible for wheelchair users.