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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Jungfrau Express & Interlaken

Alpine rail journey to Europe's highest train station from Interlaken

Illustration of Jungfrau Express & Interlaken

Great Rail Journeys offers a 5-day independent tour combining rail travel and a return flight from London to the Swiss Alps. The journey begins with a flight to Zurich, followed by a train ride through Swiss landscapes to Interlaken, the alpine resort town between two lakes. You stay four nights in a 4-star hotel in Interlaken with two full free days to explore the town, visit the local lakes by boat, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and browse Swiss chocolates and watches in the boutique shops. The centrepiece is Day 3, when you board the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, ascending past flower-filled meadows, snow-covered slopes, and rock faces before entering a tunnel carved through the Eiger with viewing windows onto tumbling glaciers. At the summit, you visit the Sphinx Observatory overlooking the Swiss Alps and Aletsch Glacier. Day 5 gives you a choice: return by flight to Zurich and London, or continue by train to Paris and on to St Pancras. This trip suits first-time rail travellers, independent explorers who value free time, and couples seeking a relaxed alpine escape.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price covers accommodation, rail in Switzerland, return flights, and the Jungfrau Express ticket. Meals beyond breakfast and optional activities such as Schilthorn, Harder Kulm, and e-biking excursions cost extra.
  • Two hotels are offered as options; your final accommodation depends on availability and tier choice.
  • Day 5 offers a choice: return to the UK by flight from Zurich, or continue by rail to Paris and London St Pancras via Basel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Interlaken

    Arrival in Interlaken

    Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Zurich. On arrival in Zurich, you'll take the train through pretty Swiss landscapes to Interlaken, the picture perfect alpine resort town that sits between two lakes. On arrival in Interlaken you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 2overnight: Interlaken

    Free Day in Interlaken

    Enjoy a free day in Interlaken, the town between two lakes, where a boat trip on one of these beautiful lakes is a must-do. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town, and wander the pretty streets and shop for Swiss souvenirs. Alternatively, choose one of the optional excursions which are bookable at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    The Jungfrau Express

    Today you'll journey to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, on the Jungfrau Express, experiencing the 'Top of Europe'. Choose to ascend and descend by gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or by traditional cogwheel train. From the Eiger Glacier you'll travel by cogwheel train through the final section of the route, into an incredible tunnel which cuts through the Eiger, where carved-out viewing windows show the scenery of tumbling glaciers from inside the tunnel. At the terminus, enjoy the famous Sphinx Observatory, which sits atop a rock formation overlooking the Swiss Alps, with spectacular views across the Aletsch Glacier.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Interlaken

    Free Day in Interlaken

    Enjoy another free day in Interlaken where you can shop for Swiss chocolates and browse the Swiss watches on display in the boutique stores amid the charming streets. Or, choose one of the optional excursions which are bookable at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Interlaken to the UK

    Your journey comes to a close today as you take the train back to Zurich airport and board your flight back home to the UK. Alternatively, continue your journey by rail and take the train from Interlaken to Basel, then from Basel to Paris Gare de Lyon, and from Paris Nord back to St Pancras Station.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Zurich and travel by train through Swiss landscapes to Interlaken, the alpine town between two lakes.
  • Day 3Journey on the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, passing through the Eiger tunnel with carved viewing windows onto tumbling glaciers.
  • Day 3Visit the Sphinx Observatory overlooking the Swiss Alps and Aletsch Glacier at the summit.

Included

  • 4 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland & Italy
  • Return ticket on the Jungfrau Express
  • Return flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes return flights London to Zurich, standard class rail from Zurich to Interlaken, the return Jungfrau Express ticket, and optional rail continuation to Paris and London. First Class rail upgrades are available at extra cost.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent. You receive train tickets and hotel accommodation but no guide. Days 2 and 4 are free to explore Interlaken or book optional activities at a supplement.
What is included in the accommodation?
Great Rail Journeys includes four nights bed and breakfast in a 4-star hotel in Interlaken, your choice of Hotel Stella or Grand Hotel Beau Rivage.
How high does the Jungfrau Express climb?
The Jungfrau Express reaches Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station. You can ascend and descend by gondola from Grindelwald Terminal or by traditional cogwheel train. The final section travels through a tunnel carved into the Eiger.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are not included and must be arranged separately.
How much walking and activity is involved?
Days 2 and 4 in Interlaken are self-directed and can involve as much or as little activity as you wish. Day 3 includes train and optional gondola or cogwheel train travel; walking is moderate.

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