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The GoldenPass Panoramic links German-speaking Lucerne with French-speaking Montreux on a spectacular train journey of 5.5 hours. Along the way you pass the Brünig Pass, Lake Brienz, the Bernese Alps and the Lavaux vineyards, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This route is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful railway lines and combines three different regions in a single journey. Discover why this route deserves a place in your travel plans.
Three sections that together form the full route
The journey from Lucerne to Montreux consists of three separate sections that connect well with each other. You change trains twice. The connections are organised in such a way that you have plenty of time. The full route takes around 5.5 hours.
The first part runs from Lucerne to Interlaken on the Lucerne–Interlaken Express. This train takes you along Lake Brienz and offers views of the Bernese Alps. The second part connects Interlaken with Zweisimmen by a regular train. The third and most special section runs from Zweisimmen to Montreux, where you can choose between the modern GoldenPass Panoramic or the nostalgic Belle Époque train.
The GoldenPass Panoramic trains run every hour between Zweisimmen and Montreux. The journey time is 2 hours and 8 minutes. Travellers who are interested in more scenic rail: panoramic trains and most beautiful railway routes in Europe can combine this route with other iconic lines.
‘ These views are among the most beautiful in Switzerland. ’
What makes this route special
The route offers a variety of landscapes and climate zones. You start in Central Switzerland with views of lakes and mountains. As you travel towards Montreux, the scenery changes from alpine meadows with traditional wooden chalets to the Mediterranean feel around Lake Geneva.
The Lavaux vineyards appear in the final part of the journey. These terraced vineyards have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 and cover almost 30 kilometres along the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The combination of the lake, the vineyards and the Alps in the background creates impressive scenes. These views are among the finest in Switzerland.
The train gradually descends from Zweisimmen. As you approach Montreux, Lake Geneva suddenly comes into view. This moment marks the transition from the Alpine region to the mild climate of the Swiss Riviera.
Two trains with different styles
Between Zweisimmen and Montreux you can choose between two special trains. The GoldenPass Panoramic is a modern train with large panoramic windows, ideal for photographers. These trains run every hour and offer modern on-board comfort.
The GoldenPass Belle Époque offers an experience in nostalgic carriages from the 1930s. This train is reminiscent of the Orient Express. It is popular for special occasions. The Belle Époque runs daily, departing at 09:50 and 14:50 from Montreux, and at 12:02 and 17:02 from Zweisimmen.
Both trains run on the same route and offer similar views. The choice depends on whether you prefer modern comfort or nostalgic charm.
Facilities on board
The GoldenPass Panoramic has large windows that extend into the roof. Seating is comfortable and you have an unobstructed view of the landscape. The train has standard seats and space for luggage. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially in high season.
The Belle Époque train has classic interiors with velvet upholstery and wooden finishes. The atmosphere is more luxurious and intimate. This train particularly appeals to travellers who see the journey itself as the experience.
Practical planning for your journey
There are several ways to plan this route. Many travellers use it as a transfer day between two destinations. You then travel from Lucerne or Interlaken to Montreux or vice versa, combining transport with a special train experience.
Another option is to break the journey. You can get off in Interlaken or Zweisimmen to explore the area. This does require extra travel time, but it gives you the opportunity to get to know the Swiss mountains better.
If you set off early, you can cover the entire route from Lucerne to Montreux in a single day. The journey time is then 5 hours and 30 minutes without intermediate stops. This is doable, but you will spend a large part of the day on the move.
‘ The route is not a seasonal attraction. ’
How to book this train journey
Tickets for the GoldenPass route are included with various travel passes. The Swiss Travel Pass, Eurail and Interrail cover the entire route. You also travel free with a GA or Saver Day Pass.
If you do not have a pass, you can buy point-to-point tickets via the Swiss railways. The price varies depending on the train chosen and time of day. Reservations for the GoldenPass Panoramic and Belle Époque are strongly recommended. You can book up to two months in advance via the official GoldenPass platform.
Reservation fees are added on top of your ticket or pass. The reservation guarantees you a seat on the panoramic train. Without a reservation you can use regular trains on the same route, but you will miss out on the special panoramic carriages.
When is the best time to travel
The GoldenPass Panoramic runs all year round. Each season offers different scenes. In winter you see snow-covered peaks and white landscapes. In spring and summer the meadows are green and cows graze everywhere. In autumn the vineyards turn golden and red.
The route is not a seasonal attraction. The trains run daily and the views remain impressive. However, it is busier in the summer months, so booking early is wise.
What to expect along the way
The first section from Lucerne to Interlaken runs along Lake Brienz. The water has a striking turquoise colour caused by glacial silt. The train follows the shoreline and constantly offers views of the water and surrounding mountains.
After Interlaken the landscape becomes narrower. You travel through valleys with meadows and villages. The train gradually climbs towards Zweisimmen, where you change trains. From Zweisimmen the descent towards Lake Geneva begins.
This final section shows the Switzerland of postcards: wooden chalets, grazing cows and mountain meadows. The train passes small villages and follows a route where the vegetation becomes lusher and more varied. Near Montreux you see the palm trees and Mediterranean plants that characterise this region.
Combining with other destinations
The GoldenPass route connects well with other Swiss regions. From Lucerne, cities such as Zurich and Bern can be reached within an hour. Interlaken is a base for the Jungfrau region with its famous peaks and glaciers.
Montreux lies on Lake Geneva and is close to Lausanne and Geneva. You can extend your journey with a visit to Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on the water, or a walk through the Lavaux vineyards.
Many travellers combine this route with other rail journeys in Switzerland. The Glacier Express and Bernina Express are other well-known panoramic routes, each showcasing their own landscapes.
‘ The views are constantly changing and there are countless moments you will want to capture. ’
Tips for a comfortable journey
Choose your seat carefully. On the GoldenPass Panoramic all seats are by the window, but some places offer more legroom. Book early if you have specific preferences.
Allow enough time for transfers. Connections are generally generously timed, but delays can occur. Check up-to-date departure times via the Swiss railways app.
Don’t forget your camera. The views change constantly and there are countless moments you will want to capture. The large windows of the Panoramic train are ideal for photos without reflections.
Take drinks and perhaps a light meal with you. The train has basic facilities but no full restaurant service. Especially on the longer section from Zweisimmen to Montreux it is convenient to have something with you.
On the Traveler Tips website you will find more information about train journeys across Europe and practical tips for planning your route. Discover more options for your next rail adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Reserve as early as possible via the official GoldenPass or SBB reservation system and select specifically the GoldenPass Panoramic between Zweisimmen and Montreux. If available, choose seats on the side facing Lake Geneva (usually right-hand side towards Montreux, left-hand side towards Zweisimmen). If in doubt, consult the seat map or ask when booking for a window seat on the “lake side”. Also check the timetable on the GoldenPass platform to make sure you are on a Panoramic service and not on a standard train.
On the journey from Zweisimmen to Montreux you see the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards along the shore of Lake Geneva, with terraces stretching across the hillsides. You will also pass traditional wooden chalets, alpine meadows and enjoy wide views over Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains. The best photo opportunities are shortly before arriving in Montreux, when the lake comes fully into view, and on the sections where the train descends along the hillsides with views of the vineyards. Sit on the lake side (usually the right-hand side towards Montreux) for the finest panoramas.
The GoldenPass Panoramic (on the Zweisimmen–Montreux section) is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, GA, Saver Day Pass, Eurail and Interrail; you only pay any (optional) seat reservations. The smartest way to integrate the journey is as a “travel day link” between two regions, for example from Lucerne via Interlaken to Montreux (or the other way round), so you combine sightseeing and travelling. Plan an earlier or later train and use the rest of the day for a mountain excursion around Interlaken/Jungfrau or a wine walk near Montreux/UNESCO Lavaux. Consider one longer stop on the way (for example in Interlaken or around Zweisimmen) so you don’t spend the whole day just sitting on the train.
You will usually have the best experience in daylight and in clear weather; ideally choose a journey around the middle of the day so you can see the scenery at its best. The Zweisimmen–Montreux section with the GoldenPass Panoramic takes around 2 hours, which is ideal for enjoying the views without it feeling too long. There are generally snacks and drinks available on board, but there is no full restaurant service as on some long-distance trains. It is sensible to check in advance what catering is available on your specific train.
