GoldenPass Line Gstaad to Montreux
A legendary Swiss train journey offering panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and charming villages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
GoldenPass Line Gstaad to Montreux
Best Time
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Swiss train journey offering panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and charming villages.
"An unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Switzerland, gliding through a postcard."
🎯 Book Seat Reservations
Essential for panoramic/Prestige classes, especially on weekends.
💺 Choose Your Seat
Single row seats offer more space than four-plex sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Belle Époque Train
Montreux to Zweisimmen route
Step back in time on this vintage train, offering a fairytale journey through Swiss landscapes.
Panoramic Views
Entire route
Large windows provide unobstructed, breathtaking vistas of lakes, mountains, and villages.
Prestige Class
GoldenPass Express
Experience ultimate luxury with rotating seats and elevated views for an unparalleled journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Seat in Advance
Choose Your Carriage Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Seat Reservations
Essential for panoramic/Prestige classes, especially on weekends.
💺 Choose Your Seat
Single row seats offer more space than four-plex sections.
📸 Capture the Views
The right side of the train offers preferred views from Interlaken to Montreux.
💰 Budget Travel Tip
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card for savings.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Seat Reservations
Essential for panoramic/Prestige classes, especially on weekends.
💺 Choose Your Seat
Single row seats offer more space than four-plex sections.
📸 Capture the Views
The right side of the train offers preferred views from Interlaken to Montreux.
💰 Budget Travel Tip
Consider a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card for savings.
📱 Use the SBB App
Book tickets and check timetables easily.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers rave about the GoldenPass Line's breathtaking scenery and comfortable, modern trains, particularly the panoramic and Prestige classes. While the vintage Belle Époque carriages offer unique charm, some find the seating arrangements in four-plex sections restrictive and wish for more amenities like cupholders. Booking seat reservations is highly recommended, and navigating the ticketing system can sometimes be confusing.
"Loved the experience, and the Prestige section was a special treat. But they should give some thought to rearranging the layout a bit as you certainly can't use much of the deluxe chair features since you're totally constrained by the folks across from you in the four-Plex sections. Do yourself a favor and pick a seat from the single row sections - even if that means splitting up your party. Also, could really use some cupholders and places to stash your phones/cameras besides your lap or behind the front and back seats."
Michael Plasterer
"Really nice and smooth ride. The beauty of the sights you see really does feel like the time flies. I highly recommend reseving a seat, and even though all views are breathtaking, may be the right side of the train was of my preference. We traveled from Interlaken to Montreux, approximately 3,5 hours, and it felt like no other train ride before. Definitely a must."
Stella Kerankova
"An unforgettable way to experience the beauty of Switzerland! The Golden Pass railway is not only incredibly scenic—offering sweeping views of lakes, mountains, and charming villages—but also a practical and comfortable way to travel between regions. The journey is smooth, the trains are clean and well-maintained, and the panoramic windows make it feel like you’re gliding through a postcard. A must-do for anyone visiting Switzerland!"
Roxana Popa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Montreux train station is conveniently located in the city center, close to Lake Geneva and the lakeside promenade. It's easily accessible by local transport.
The GoldenPass Express offers a direct, scenic route between Montreux and Interlaken, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes without changes. +1
Yes, the GoldenPass Line is included with the Swiss Travel Pass, though a seat reservation is still highly recommended, especially for panoramic coaches.
While specific accessibility details can vary by train type, modern panoramic coaches generally offer better accessibility. It's advisable to check with MOB GoldenPass directly for detailed information.
The route from Montreux typically includes stops at Gstaad and Zweisimmen, with the full line extending to Interlaken.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by class and season. Second class starts around CHF 26.50 (normal fare) or CHF 13.25 (with Half-Fare card), while first class and Prestige are more expensive.
Seat reservations are highly recommended, especially for the Belle Époque, panoramic, and Prestige classes, as only a portion of seats can be booked in advance.
Tickets and seat reservations can be booked online through the official MOB GoldenPass website or the SBB Mobile app.
The GoldenPass Express is a modern panoramic train, while the Belle Époque is a vintage train with old-world charm. Both offer scenic routes. +1
While it's best to book in advance, if seats are available, you might be able to secure one on the day of travel, but it's not guaranteed.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey offers stunning photo opportunities. Focus on capturing the changing landscapes, from Lake Geneva to the Alps, and the charming villages.
Traveling from Interlaken to Montreux, the right side of the train is often preferred for its scenic vistas.
The vintage interior of the Belle Époque train itself is a fantastic subject for photos, along with the passing scenery.
Yes, the elevated and rotating seats in Prestige class offer unique perspectives for photography, though window cleanliness can sometimes be an issue.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and details. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on windows.
🎫 💺 Onboard Experience
Options typically include 2nd Class, 1st Class, Panoramic, and the luxurious Prestige Class, each offering different levels of comfort and views.
Some trains offer onboard service, but it's best to check the specific train you've booked. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is also an option.
Seats are generally comfortable and spacious, with panoramic windows. Prestige class offers rotating seats for optimal viewing.
Panoramic coaches often feature four-plex seating arrangements where passengers face each other. Single row seats are available in some sections.
Wi-Fi availability can vary. It's recommended to download any necessary information or entertainment offline before your journey.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Belle Époque train offers a unique, storybook-like experience that can spark imagination. 💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Opting for a window seat in the panoramic or Prestige class offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and charming villages, perfect for shared moments. 💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card can significantly reduce your expenses, as these passes often cover the base fare. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The GoldenPass Express vs. Belle Époque
In contrast, the Belle Époque train harks back to a bygone era. These vintage carriages, inspired by the Golden Mountain Pullman Express of the 1930s, offer a charming and romantic journey. While they may not have the expansive panoramic windows of the Express, they provide a unique atmosphere and a sense of stepping back in time.
+1 Travelers often choose based on whether they prioritize modern comfort and expansive views or historical charm and a nostalgic ambiance.Both train types traverse the picturesque route connecting Montreux to Zweisimmen (and often extending to Interlaken), showcasing the diverse beauty of Switzerland, from the shores of Lake Geneva to the heart of the Alps.
Maximizing Your Scenic Journey
Pay attention to the direction of travel. For the most iconic views between Interlaken and Montreux, opting for a seat on the right side of the train is often recommended, as it offers prime vistas of the most dramatic landscapes.
Finally, consider the value of a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare card. These can significantly reduce the cost of your journey, making this unforgettable experience more accessible.
Even with a pass, a seat reservation fee is usually required, so factor that into your budget.Budget-Friendly Travel on the GoldenPass
Leveraging travel passes is another smart strategy. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the GoldenPass Line entirely, meaning you only need to pay for a seat reservation.
Even without a pass, booking in advance can sometimes secure better prices, and looking for special offers or off-peak travel times can also lead to savings.Remember that seat reservations are often mandatory for certain classes, even with a pass. While the cost of a reservation might seem like an added expense, it guarantees your spot and avoids the stress of finding a seat on a busy day.
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