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railtour suisse · Rail journey

GoldenPass Express - Prestige Class

Swiss panoramic rail from Lucerne to Montreux via Interlaken, three days.

Illustration of GoldenPass Express - Prestige Class

The GoldenPass Express Prestige Class is a 3-day rail journey operated by railtour suisse connecting Lucerne and Montreux through the heart of Switzerland. Starting in Lucerne on Lake Lucerne, you board the Luzern-Interlaken Express for a 1st-class journey over the Brünig Pass, arriving in Interlaken between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. From Interlaken, the GoldenPass Express in Prestige Class carries you without changing trains to Montreux on Lake Geneva. The Prestige Class compartment sits 40 centimeters higher than standard cars, offering panoramic window views of Alpine scenery as you descend from the Bernese Oberland to the lake shore. You overnight in 4-star hotels in both Lucerne and Montreux, with breakfast included. The pace is relaxed, ideal for couples and returning rail travellers who appreciate high-comfort seating and curated mountain-to-lake scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of 604 CHF (approximately 752 USD) is based on the Half Fare Travelcard; confirm the cost of the travelcard itself before booking.
  • Day 3 is largely unguided; the itinerary notes an individual return journey and suggests a Chillon Castle visit as optional rather than included.

Day by day

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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 climbs the Brünig Pass while the GoldenPass Express continues without a change of train from Interlaken to Montreux, passing the mountain peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
  • Day 3Optional visit to Chillon Castle, a 12th-century fortified island castle on Lake Geneva about 4 kilometers from Montreux.

Included

  • Train journey in 1st class from/to domicile, Half Fare Travelcard basis
  • Seat reservation in the Luzern-Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express in the Prestige Class
  • 1 night in Lucerne, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast
  • 1 night in Montreux, 4*-hotel, standard double room with breakfast

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes train fares in 1st class from your point of origin, seat reservations on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express in Prestige Class, based on a Half Fare Travelcard.
Which trains are used?
The Luzern-Interlaken Express (1st class, via the Brünig Pass) and the GoldenPass Express (Prestige Class, Interlaken to Montreux with no change of train).
What hotels are included?
One night in a 4-star hotel in Lucerne with breakfast, and one night in a 4-star hotel in Montreux with breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary emphasizes relaxed arrival and city visits. A day-by-day breakdown of walking distances is not provided; contact railtour suisse for specific details.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Independent. You arrive in Lucerne by train, stay in hotels with breakfast, and travel between cities on named trains with reserved seats. Day 3 includes an individual return journey.

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