The GoldenPass Express links Montreux, on the shore of Lake Geneva, with Interlaken, gateway to the Bernese Oberland, in one of Switzerland's most scenic rail journeys — and, since 2022, one you can finally do without changing trains along the way. The route climbs from the lake through Gstaad and the Simmental valley before dropping to Lake Thun and Interlaken, and the train itself, with a specially engineered gauge-changing design, is as much a part of the story as the view outside the window. See our Switzerland by train guide for how this route fits into the country's wider rail network.
The route: Montreux to Interlaken through the Bernese Oberland
The GoldenPass Express runs directly between Montreux and Interlaken Ost in around 3 hours 15 minutes, passing through the ski resort town of Gstaad, over the Zweisimmen pass area, and along the shore of Lake Thun before arriving in Interlaken. It's one of the most consistently scenic rail corridors in a country not short of them — mountains, farmland, lakes and Alpine villages in fairly quick succession — and the journey is comfortably done as a day trip or as one leg of a longer Swiss itinerary.
The gauge problem this train was built to solve
For decades, the Montreux–Interlaken corridor was operated by two different railways using two different track gauges — the narrow-gauge MOB network on the Montreux side and standard-gauge SBB track further on — which meant travellers had to physically change trains partway through the journey, typically at Zweisimmen, adding time and hassle to what should have been a single scenic ride. The GoldenPass Express solves this with purpose-built trains that use a variable axle system, automatically adjusting their wheel gauge at the changeover point so the same train and the same seat carry you the whole way through. It's a genuinely unusual piece of railway engineering, and the direct, no-change service is the main reason this route is now marketed so heavily.
Prestige Class: the premium seats worth knowing about
Alongside standard second- and first-class seating, the GoldenPass Express offers a Prestige Class with forward-facing individual seats positioned close to the driver's cab, giving something close to a driver's-eye view down the line ahead through a glazed front section — a genuinely different way to experience the mountain scenery compared with a standard side-facing window seat. Prestige Class carries a supplement over the ordinary fare and has limited capacity per train, so it's worth booking well ahead if a forward-facing panoramic seat is the reason you're taking this train in the first place.
Continuing on: the wider GoldenPass Line to Lucerne
Interlaken isn't the end of the line for travellers who want to keep going — a further connecting panoramic train continues from Interlaken on to Lucerne, completing what's marketed as the full GoldenPass Line from Lake Geneva to Lake Lucerne. This onward leg does involve a change of train at Interlaken, but it's a straightforward cross-platform connection rather than the old multi-change hassle of the original Montreux–Zweisimmen–Interlaken routing, and the Interlaken–Lucerne stretch has its own strong scenery through the heart of central Switzerland.
Booking, reservations and the Swiss Travel Pass
Standard seats on the GoldenPass Express are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and by Eurail and Interrail passes valid in Switzerland, though a seat reservation is still strongly recommended in peak season, and Prestige Class always carries an extra charge on top of any pass. See our Swiss Travel Pass guide for how the pass works more broadly across Swiss trains, boats and buses. Outside of a pass, point-to-point tickets can be bought directly through SBB or MOB's own booking channels, with fares varying by class and how far ahead you book.
Versus the classic line: what actually changed
Before the current through-train existed, the same corridor was covered by what's still sometimes called the classic GoldenPass Panoramic route, including a heritage leg on vintage 1930s-style carriages between Montreux and Zweisimmen, with a mandatory change of train partway through. That classic panoramic rolling stock still operates on parts of the network for travellers who specifically want the older-style carriages and don't mind the change, but for most visitors the newer GoldenPass Express is simply the easier way to do the same route — same scenery, no change of train, and the option of Prestige Class if you want the premium experience.
Practical tips and what to see along the way
- Sit on the side of the train facing the mountains rather than the valley for the best views on the climb out of Montreux — staff or the operator's website can usually advise which side suits the current timetable.
- Gstaad is a worthwhile stop-off if you have time to spare — a well-known ski resort town with plenty to see even outside winter.
- Combine the trip with our Zurich to Interlaken guide if you're building a wider Bernese Oberland itinerary, since Interlaken is a common hub for onward trips into the mountains.
- If you'd rather drive part of this route yourself, our driving in Switzerland guide covers the motorway vignette and Alpine pass driving rules.
Frequently asked questions
Do I still need to change trains between Montreux and Interlaken?
No, not on the GoldenPass Express. Purpose-built trains with a variable-gauge system carry passengers through without a change, solving the old narrow-gauge-to-standard-gauge switch that used to require getting off partway.
What is Prestige Class on the GoldenPass Express?
A premium seating option with forward-facing individual seats near the driver's cab, offering panoramic views down the line. It carries a supplement and has limited seats, so book ahead.
Is the GoldenPass Express covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes, standard seating is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and by Eurail/Interrail passes valid in Switzerland. A seat reservation is recommended, and Prestige Class always costs extra.
Can I continue from Interlaken to Lucerne on the same route?
Yes, a connecting panoramic train continues from Interlaken to Lucerne, completing the wider GoldenPass Line from Lake Geneva to Lake Lucerne, though this leg does involve a straightforward change of train.
Sources and further reading:
- GoldenPass / MOB — official route, timetable and Prestige Class booking information.
- Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) — connecting timetables and Swiss Travel Pass details.
- Route details cross-checked with The Man in Seat 61.