Montreux to Interlaken by Train
High-speed service · from €44
Route Overview: Montreux to Interlaken
The GoldenPass Express is the world's first variable-gauge passenger train, launched in December 2022 after more than a century of planning. Using adjustable bogies that switch between metric and standard gauge tracks, it provides the first direct service from Montreux on Lake Geneva to Interlaken in the Bernese Alps — 115 km in approximately 3 hours 15 minutes, up to 4 times daily.
The route crosses three cantons — Vaud, Fribourg, and Bern — passing through the Lavaux vineyard terraces, the village of Château-d'Oex, the resort of Gstaad, and the Simmental valley with its traditional Bernese farmhouses. As the train approaches Interlaken, the peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau come into view.
Three travel classes are available: Standard, Comfort, and the Prestige Class — 18 heated rotating leather seats elevated 40cm for panoramic views. Seat reservation is mandatory only for Prestige Class. The broader GoldenPass Line extends from Montreux to Lucerne via the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
How Long Is the Montreux to Interlaken Train?
The direct GoldenPass Express (MOB/SBB) from Montreux to Interlaken takes approximately ~3h 15m, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Montreux to Interlaken Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €44 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Montreux to Interlaken?
Up to 4/day trains operate daily on the Montreux to Interlaken route.
Train Operator
GoldenPass Express (MOB/SBB)
Direct high-speed service · ~3h 15m max
Which Stations Serve the Montreux to Interlaken Route?
Montreux
- Location: Eastern shore of Lake Geneva, Vaud canton
- SBB trains to Geneva (1h) and Lausanne (25 min). Local bus network.
Interlaken Ost
- Location: Between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, gateway to Jungfrau region
- Jungfrau Railways (Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch). Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne (~2h). BOB trains to Grindelwald.
What Classes Are Available on Montreux to Interlaken Trains?
2nd Class (Standard)
- Panoramic windows
- 2+2 seating configuration
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant service available
- Power outlets
1st Class (Comfort)
- Panoramic windows
- 2+1 wider seating
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant service available
- Power outlets
Prestige Class
- 18 heated leather seats that rotate to face the best views
- Elevated 40cm above standard level for panoramic views
- Premium food and beverage service
- Mandatory seat reservation
How to Book the Montreux to Interlaken Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class (Standard) class. Prices shown are based on ERA API data as of March 2026, starting from €50. Actual prices vary by date, class, and availability.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Montreux to Interlaken Trains?
Variable-Gauge Technology
The GoldenPass Express uses variable-gauge bogies that automatically adjust between metric gauge (Montreux-Zweisimmen) and standard gauge (Zweisimmen-Interlaken). This solved a 100-year engineering challenge and enabled the first direct service.
Reservation Not Mandatory (except Prestige)
Seat reservations are recommended but only mandatory for Prestige Class. You can board Standard and Comfort class without a reservation, though seats may be limited in peak season.
Prestige Class — 18 Seats Only
Prestige Class offers 18 heated leather seats that rotate to face the best views, elevated 40cm above standard level. Mandatory reservation. A premium Swiss rail experience.
Extended GoldenPass Line to Lucerne
The GoldenPass Express covers Montreux to Interlaken. To continue to Lucerne, change at Interlaken Ost for the Luzern-Interlaken Express (~2 hours). The full Montreux→Lucerne journey takes about 5.5 hours.
Year-Round Daily Service
Up to 4 departures daily, 365 days a year. No seasonal closure.
Faster Connections Available
The direct GoldenPass Express takes about 3h 15m. Faster connections with a change (2h 16m) are available but use standard trains without the panoramic experience.
No Passport Required
The entire route is within Switzerland — no border crossings.
Swiss Currency
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Prices on EuroTrain are shown in EUR. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions: Montreux to Interlaken
The direct GoldenPass Express takes approximately 3 hours 15 minutes from Montreux to Interlaken Ost. Faster connections with a transfer are available in about 2 hours 16 minutes, but these use standard trains.
Prices on EuroTrain start from €50. Prices vary by date, class, and availability.
No — the GoldenPass Express runs direct from Montreux to Interlaken with no train change required. This is made possible by variable-gauge bogies that switch between track widths.
Only for Prestige Class. For Standard and Comfort class, reservation is recommended but not required.
18 heated leather seats that rotate to face the best views, elevated 40cm above standard level. Mandatory reservation required.
Yes — change at Interlaken Ost for the Luzern-Interlaken Express. The combined Montreux to Lucerne journey takes about 5.5 hours.
December 2022. It was the result of over 100 years of engineering efforts to create a direct Montreux–Interlaken service across two different rail gauge systems.
No — the entire route is within Switzerland.