Is train travel included?

Yes. The price includes 2nd class train travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express, with seat reservations included. The fare assumes the Half Fare Travelcard basis.

Which trains are used?

Day 2 uses the Luzern-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass, then the GoldenPass Express panorama coach from Interlaken to Montreux.

What hotels are included?

One night in a Lucerne 3-star hotel and one night in a Montreux 3-star hotel, both with breakfast included. Rooms are standard doubles.

Is this tour escorted or independent?

Independent. You travel on scheduled trains and stay overnight in hotels. Day 3 includes an individual return journey, and Chillon Castle is an optional activity.

What is not included?

Lunch and dinner are not included. Chillon Castle entry and the return journey after Day 3 are at your own expense.

railtour suisse · Rail journey

GoldenPass Express

Swiss rail journey from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken, 3 days

The GoldenPass Express, operated by railtour suisse, is a 3-day rail journey through Switzerland's most scenic regions. Starting in Lucerne on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the trip takes you east through the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken, then south to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Day 1 arrives in Lucerne, where you overnight in a 3-star hotel and explore the medieval city with its Chapel Bridge and lakeside setting. Day 2 is the highlight: the Luzern-Interlaken Express crosses the Brünig Pass with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks before you board the GoldenPass Express, whose panorama coach winds toward Montreux without a train change. Day 3 is free to explore Montreux or visit the 12th-century Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva's shore before your return journey. This trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking a short, scenic route with comfortable hotels, and couples drawn to mountain and lake scenery.

What to know before you look closer

Train fares assume the Half Fare Travelcard basis, which requires purchasing or owning a Swiss Half Fare card; confirm this requirement and any additional cost with railtour suisse.
The complimentary Alpine aperitif platter is offered only on the GoldenPass Express when booked with overnight stays in July; availability in other months is not stated.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne
Arrival in Lucerne by train. After a relaxed arrival, you will immediately be enthralled by this charming city, as you are right in the middle of the action after just a few metres. Lucerne offers an impressive combination of water, mountains and city. It is located on one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Lucerne. The city's landmarks are the 14th century Chapel Bridge and the Water Tower. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 2railovernight: Montreux
GoldenPass Line (5h15)
Breakfast at the hotel. While the beautiful scenery of the Brünig Pass passes you by your window, you travel in comfort with the Central Railway to Interlaken. Interlaken is the gateway to the three mighty mountains Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and is embedded between Lake Thun and the shimmering turquoise blue Lake Brienz. Enjoy the beautiful view of the mountain panorama of the Bernese Oberland. Then continue with the GoldenPass Express to Montreux. The journey takes you through the Bernese Oberland along Lake Thun, past Zweisimmen to the breathtaking vineyard terraces of Lavaux, which nestle along the shores of Lake Geneva. When you stroll along the lake after arriving in Montreux, you will pass the statue of the legendary Freddy Mercury. He too appreciated the tranquility of the place and wrote some of his songs in Montreux. Overnight in Montreux.
Day 3
Montreux and return journey
Breakfast at the hotel. Take the opportunity to visit Chillon Castle, an architectural gem located about 4 km from Montreux. This historic monument has stood on its rocky island on the shores of Lake Geneva since the 12th century. Individual return journey. This tour can also be booked in the opposite direction.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The Luzern-Interlaken Express traverses the Brünig Pass with views of the Bernese Oberland and the three peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau before arriving at Interlaken.
Day 2Ride the GoldenPass Express panorama coach from Interlaken to Montreux without changing trains, passing along Lake Thun and toward Lake Geneva.
Day 3Optional visit to Chillon Castle, a 12th-century fortress on the shores of Lake Geneva near Montreux.

Included

Train journey in 2nd class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
Seat reservation in the Luzern-Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express
1 night in Lucerne, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
1 night in Montreux, 3*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. The price includes 2nd class train travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express, with seat reservations included. The fare assumes the Half Fare Travelcard basis.
Which trains are used?: Day 2 uses the Luzern-Interlaken Express from Lucerne to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass, then the GoldenPass Express panorama coach from Interlaken to Montreux.
What hotels are included?: One night in a Lucerne 3-star hotel and one night in a Montreux 3-star hotel, both with breakfast included. Rooms are standard doubles.
Is this tour escorted or independent?: Independent. You travel on scheduled trains and stay overnight in hotels. Day 3 includes an individual return journey, and Chillon Castle is an optional activity.
What is not included?: Lunch and dinner are not included. Chillon Castle entry and the return journey after Day 3 are at your own expense.

Similar journeys

railtour suisse