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GoldenPass Express - Prestige Class (for international guests)

Alpine rail journey from Lucerne to Montreux in prestige comfort

Illustration of GoldenPass Express - Prestige Class (for international guests)

Railtour Suisse's GoldenPass Express in Prestige Class is a 3-day, 2-night rail journey connecting Lucerne and Montreux through the heart of the Swiss Alps. You travel on two celebrated trains: first the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which climbs the Brünig Pass with unfolding views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, and the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau; then the GoldenPass Express itself, a single continuous train to Montreux that requires no change. The Prestige Class compartment seats rotate to follow the direction of travel and are set 40 centimetres higher than standard, so you sit as though embedded in the landscape. Two nights in 4-star hotels, breakfast included, bracket the journey. A Swiss Travel Pass grants access to over 500 museums and discounted fares on mountain railways. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking a slow-paced Alpine escape, and those with a camera or an interest in Lucerne's medieval bridges and the 12th-century Chillon Castle near Montreux.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are marked as standard double rooms in 4-star hotels with no detail on decor or views; confirm room type when booking.
  • Day 3 is mostly unguided; the return journey is individual and Chillon Castle is optional, not included.
  • No departure calendar is published; confirm available dates with Railtour Suisse.

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 with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains framing Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
  • Day 2The GoldenPass Express departs Interlaken for Montreux without a change of train, with Prestige Class seats that rotate to face the direction of travel.
  • Day 3Optional visit to Chillon Castle, a 12th-century fortress on a rocky island in Lake Geneva, located 4 kilometres from Montreux.

Included

  • Swiss Travel Pass 3 days in 1st class
  • 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
  • 50% discount on most mountain railways, free entry at more than 500 museums

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Travel Pass valid for 3 days in 1st class, seat reservations on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express in Prestige Class.
What is Prestige Class?
It is a premium carriage on the GoldenPass Express with individually adjustable, heated seats that rotate to face the direction of travel. The compartment is 40 centimetres higher than standard, creating a panoramic effect through large windows.
Which trains are used?
The Luzern-Interlaken Express (1st class) via the Brünig Pass, and the GoldenPass Express (Prestige Class) from Interlaken to Montreux with no change of train.
What hotels are included?
One night in a 4-star hotel in Lucerne and one night in a 4-star hotel in Montreux, both with breakfast and standard double rooms.
What else is included beyond accommodation and rail?
A 50% discount on most Swiss mountain railways and free entry to over 500 museums throughout Switzerland during the 3-day Travel Pass validity.
Is this trip escorted?
No. This is an independent rail journey. You travel at your own pace, though hotels and train seats are arranged by Railtour Suisse. Day 3 includes an individual return journey.

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