Fred. Holidays (Fred. Rail Journeys) · Rail journey

GoldenPass Line

Panoramic Swiss rail route linking Montreux, Interlaken and Lucerne

GoldenPass Line, a rail journey with Fred. Holidays (Fred. Rail Journeys)

Fred. Holidays, through Fred. Rail Journeys, books travelers on the GoldenPass Line, which runs through the heart of Switzerland between Montreux, on Lake Geneva, and Interlaken in the Jungfrau region, continuing on to Lucerne via the Luzern-Interlaken Express. The full Montreux-Interlaken-Lucerne route takes around 5 hours, skirting Lakes Thun and Brienz and offering views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger through the Bernese Oberland. Between Montreux and Zweisimmen, travelers can choose the classic Belle Époque carriages or the more modern Panoramic carriages. New for 2023, the GoldenPass Express runs directly between Interlaken and Montreux using a gauge-changing mechanism, with a new Prestige Class carriage. This suits first-time rail travelers who want a scenic day out through central Switzerland without committing to a longer tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Two products share the GoldenPass name: the classic Montreux-Zweisimmen-Interlaken-Lucerne route with Belle Époque or Panoramic carriages, and the new (2023) GoldenPass Express running directly between Interlaken and Montreux in Prestige Class; check which one you are booking.
  • Fred. Rail Journeys does not publish a day-by-day itinerary or price for this journey.

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Questions travellers ask

What is the route and how long does it take?
Montreux to Interlaken to Lucerne, around 5 hours in total.
What are the carriage options?
Between Montreux and Zweisimmen, Belle Époque or Panoramic carriages; the new (2023) GoldenPass Express runs directly between Interlaken and Montreux in Prestige Class carriages using a gauge-changing mechanism.
What will I see along the way?
Lakes Thun and Brienz, and views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger through the Bernese Oberland.
Is this a new route?
The GoldenPass Line itself runs via Zweisimmen; the direct GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux launched new in 2023.

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