The Golden Pass Line

The Golden Pass Line is one of the most scenic train journeys in Switzerland, crossing a variety of landscapes and cultural regions. It’s not a single train but rather a series of connecting trains that take you from Lucerne to Montreux (or vice versa), and is also a branded rail experience. Some of the sections are serviced by regular regional trains, some with panoramic coaches, while others feature heritage-style trains, and gauge-switching direct services.

The route compresses an impressive range of scenery into a single day’s travel, rivalling the Glacier Express or Bernina Express routes. Beginning on the palm-lined shores of Montreux, the Golden Pass Line climbs steadily through vineyards into the Bernese Alps, past hillside chalets and crossing mountain passes, glacial rivers and forested ridges to reach the lakeside city of Lucerne.

This guide will walk you through the main ways to travel the Golden Pass Line, the trains you can choose from, and what to expect along the way.

MOB/CC

GoldenPass Panoramic exterior.

The Golden Pass Line: the train

Routes and operator details

There are a few ways to travel the Golden Pass Line: on the traditional multi-leg journey from Montreux to Lucerne with two or three transfers, where you can combine a variety of train services; or on the newer GoldenPass Express service (introduced in 2022), which runs directly between Montreux and Interlaken Ost with one transfer onwards to Interlaken.

The full Golden Pass Line route is run by three different Swiss rail companies and made up of three sections with unique train services on each:

• Montreux to Zweisimmen: operated by MOB (Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway), and serviced by regional Swiss trains, GoldenPass Panoramic trains, heritage-style Belle Époque (MOB) trains, and the GoldenPass Express train.

• Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost: operated by BLS (Bern–Lötschberg–Simplon Railway), and serviced by regional Swiss trains (which involve a change in Spiez), and the GoldenPass Express.

• Interlaken Ost to Lucerne: operated by ZB (Zentralbahn), and serviced by the regular Luzern–Interlaken Express (also a panoramic train).

The traditional multi-leg route with two or three transfers gives more flexibility and availability. It also allows you to break your journey along the way at smaller stops, with more trains to choose from and you can combine panoramic services with the heritage-style trains.

The journey consists of the three sections outlined above (with two transfers at Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost) if you're using the GoldenPass fleet. Alternatively, if you’re utilising the regular regional trains between Zweisimmen and Interlaken, you can take the following route:

• Montreux to Zweisimmen -> Zweisimmen to Spiez -> Spiez to Interlaken Ost -> Interlaken Ost to Lucerne.

Meanwhile, the GoldenPass Express offers a more direct service between Montreux and Interlaken (or Zweisimmen to Interlaken), but it is often busy with tourists and has limited availability in peak season. With this option, you will also need to change trains for onward travel to Lucerne.

Golden Pass Line train services

Travelling along the Golden Pass Line offers a variety of services, each with its own character and comfort level across different sections of the route. Here's what to expect from the main types of trains that operate along this scenic route.

MOB/CC

GoldenPass Express exterior.

The GoldenPass Express: Montreux to Interlaken Ost (direct)

Introduced in late 2022, the GoldenPass Express is the most direct way to travel between Montreux and Interlaken Ost. It runs four times daily in each direction and eliminates the need to change trains at Zweisimmen thanks to innovative variable-gauge technology, which allows it to switch between narrow and standard gauge tracks. This convenience makes it particularly appealing for those seeking a smooth, uninterrupted journey. You can also take the GoldenPass Express from Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost, if you want to experience a different train from Montreux to Zweisimmen. Once in Interlaken, travellers can easily continue on to Lucerne via the Luzern–Interlaken Express.

The train is equipped with panoramic windows throughout, and offers three classes of travel:

• Second Class is spacious and quiet, with large windows ideal for sightseeing.

• First Class provides more legroom and wider seats.

• Prestige Class features raised seating, heated and adjustable leather chairs, and dedicated seat service. A supplement is required for Prestige Class, and reservations are mandatory.

Food and drink can be served at your seat in all classes, which should be booked in advance. A selection of drinks and snacks is also available to purchase on board, but these are subject to availability. Due to limited capacity, advance booking is needed regardless of class.

Danyu Wang

Swiss regional train at Montreux.

Regional Trains: Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost (via Spiez)

In addition to the scenic panoramic trains, regular regional trains also operate along the Golden Pass route between Zweisimmen and Interlaken Ost, with a change of trains at Spiez. These services run hourly and are a practical option for travellers prioritising flexibility over views.

While these trains lack panoramic windows and the stylistic touches of the GoldenPass fleet, they offer reliable and comfortable transport through the Bernese Oberland. The connection at Spiez is typically well-timed, with minimal waiting between trains.

There is no need for reservations, and Interrail passes are fully valid with no supplements. These trains are commonly used by locals and tend to be quieter than the tourist-focused panoramic services. They also provide ample space for luggage and are ideal for travellers bringing bikes or travelling on short notice.

Though the scenery remains impressive (especially along Lake Thun), these trains are geared more toward everyday travel. They offer an efficient and straightforward way to complete the journey to Interlaken or connect to long-distance services at Spiez.

MOB/CC

GoldenPass Panoramic train exterior.

GoldenPass Panoramic: Montreux to Zweisimmen (direct)

The GoldenPass Panoramic trains are regular services, with a practical, modern vibe. They run hourly between Montreux and Zweisimmen, requiring a transfer to a regular regional train (or the GoldenPass Express) to continue to Interlaken, and then the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne. The GoldenPass Panoramic services are a favourite among those who enjoy more flexibility and frequent departures.

Panoramic windows are standard in both First and Second Class, while some carriages also feature the popular Gran Vue seats located at the front of the train, providing a driver’s-eye view of the tracks ahead. The Gran Vue seats are limited in number and must be reserved in advance.

There is no onboard catering, but passengers are welcome to bring their own picnic. The trains offer generous space for luggage and provide a relaxed and comfortable ride.

Seat reservations are optional, but generally not recommended. Reserved carriages tend to be busier and attract more tourist groups. Those in the know often prefer the unreserved sections towards the rear of the train, which are typically quieter and frequented by locals.

MOB/CC

Belle Époque train exterior.

Belle Époque: Montreux to Zweisimmen (direct)

The Belle Époque train offers a nostalgic (and photogenic) travel experience, operating twice daily between Montreux and Zweisimmen. To reach Interlaken, passengers must transfer to a GoldenPass Panoramic train or a regional service at Zweisimmen, then the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne.

This train is styled in a vintage 1920s design, with polished wooden interiors that evoke the glamour of the era. First Class features the often-photographed teal armchairs and requires a reservation, while Second Class provides stylish but simpler wooden benches, which are slightly less comfortable.

Although there is no catering service, passengers are welcome to bring their own food. Power sockets are available in both First and Second Class, adding some modern convenience to the old-world ambience.

Most carriages on the Belle Époque are unreservable. Each class has one reserved carriage, but these are frequently the busiest, especially in high season, and often attract groups with photography setups and a livelier atmosphere. For a quieter and more relaxed experience, it’s best to opt for the unreserved carriages whenever possible.

Kim Sokola/ZentralBahn

Luzern–Interlaken Express exterior.

Luzern–Interlaken Express: Interlaken Ost to Lucerne (direct)

Completing the journey to Lucerne, the Luzern–Interlaken Express runs hourly and provides a smooth, scenic ride through central Switzerland. This segment is operated by Zentralbahn (ZB) and connects seamlessly with the GoldenPass route.

The train consists of clean, modern coaches with large panoramic windows, designed to highlight the scenery (look out for the stretch between Lake Brienz and Lake Lungern). While it is marketed as a scenic express, the interiors are similar to those of standard Swiss regional trains, offering practical comfort and efficiency.

The service is popular with both locals and tourists. Reservations are neither required nor recommended, and passengers can enjoy food and drink from the onboard bistro car. The journey offers a quiet, pleasant atmosphere with memorable views throughout.

Tickets and passes

Interrail passes are valid across the entire Golden Pass Line, with no passholder supplements required unless you choose to travel in a reserved carriage, a Gran Vue seat on GoldenPass Panoramic trains, or Prestige Class on the GoldenPass Express.

For those without a pass, point-to-point fares for the full journey from Montreux to Lucerne start at approximately CHF 75 in Second Class. Seat reservations are generally optional on most trains along the route, except for the reserved carriages and seats mentioned above, which do require advance booking.

Sara Hobbs

View from the Belle Époque.

The Golden Pass Line: the journey

Montreux

Montreux is built along the edge of Lake Geneva, also known as Lac Léman, with a backdrop of steep vineyards and distant peaks. The town is best known for its summer jazz festival (in July), lakeside promenade, and as a base for exploring the Château de Chillon.

If you’re staying the night before, start the day of your train trip with a stroll along the flower-lined promenade or grab a coffee at Sleepy Bear Coffee, then walk up to the station to begin the Golden Pass Line journey into the mountains.

Ruben Vermeulen

Montreux.

Montreux to Château-d’Oex

The train climbs rapidly from Montreux’s lakefront through terraced vineyards and hillside gardens. From Les Avants, you’ll pass wooded slopes and open pastures before entering the Jaman Tunnel. The landscape on the other side is more alpine (think smaller farms, forested hills and ridgelines).

Château-d’Oex sits in a wider valley and is known for its hot air balloon festival in January, alongside being a top ski destination. Even outside winter, the town is worth a pause for alpine adventure in the nearby Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut, and Le Chalet, a restaurant that hosts traditional cheesemaking demonstrations three times a week.

Xavier von Erlach

Parc naturel régional Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut.

Château-d’Oex to Gstaad

From Château-d’Oex, the line follows the river valley through pastures and woodland. Gstaad appears in a bend in the valley, framed by ski slopes and high ridges. With its luxury reputation, Gstaad is a popular stop and is home to independent shops and hiking trails. One highlight is the Gstaad Chocolate Shop, tucked away off the main street, which sells handmade chocolates, local produce and the best coffee in town. There’s also a vending machine on the train station platform, and in the city, selling local cheeses (ideal for a train picnic).

Xavier von Erlach

Horneggli-Panoramaweg near Gstaad.

Gstaad to Zweisimmen

Beyond Gstaad, the train begins to drop slightly, winding through farmland with chalets scattered across the hillsides. This stretch is particularly atmospheric in winter, and you’ll catch glimpses of ski runs in the distance.

At Zweisimmen, if you’re not on the Express, you’ll change trains for the regional or panoramic service to Interlaken Ost. The gauge change for the Express is automatic, so there’s no need to get off.

Sara Hobbs

Gstaad to Zweisimmen.

Zweisimmen to Interlaken Ost

The line follows the Simme River through quiet villages like Erlenbach and Wimmis. Watch for river views alongside the track and occasional mountain backdrops. At Spiez, Lake Thun comes into view. The train then hugs the lake’s shoreline before arriving in Interlaken Ost, backed by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Sara Hobbs

Lake Thun.

Interlaken Ost to Lucerne

From Interlaken, the Luzern–Interlaken Express runs through some of the journey’s most open landscapes. The line follows Lake Brienz, then climbs toward the Brünig Pass. In Brienz, the Rothornbahn offers a mountain extension in summer.

The line curves around Lake Lungern and Lake Sarnen, where the train passes small harbours and fishing boats. As you approach Lucerne, the mountains recede into the distance, the lake returns, and you roll into the city.

Tucker Monticelli

Interlaken.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a popular overnight stop, with plenty of lakeside hotels, restaurants and cultural sights, like the Chapel Bridge (a visual icon of the city), and the Swiss Transport Museum, while the Sammlung Rosengart art museum and the KKL concert hall are both a short walk from the station.

Local ferries and cogwheel railways to Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi depart nearby, and from Lucerne, you can connect to many of Switzerland’s scenic train routes, such as the Bernina and Glacier Express routes via Zürich, or the Gotthard Panorama route to Lugano (where you can travel onwards to Italy easily).

Joshua Kettle

Lucerne.

Take a slow travel trip along the Golden Pass Line and other scenic Swiss train routes, or check out more holidays to Switzerland by train.

Short on time? Take the GoldenPass Express as a side-trip from Zürich on one of our bite-sized excursions.

Read more about the art of slow travel, why we love the local train, or discover six of the best scenic rail routes in Europe and the UK.

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