The GoldenPass Line is one of Switzerland’s best-known scenic rail journeys, linking Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux through lakes, Alpine valleys and mountain villages. The important thing to know when budgeting is that “GoldenPass Line” describes a wider journey rather than one single train with one fixed price. Your cost depends on the section, travel class, ticket or rail pass, and any seat reservation or Prestige supplement you choose.
Quick Answer
The Swiss Travel Pass covers standard travel on both the Luzern–Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express. Reservations cost extra: GoldenPass Express reservations are CHF 20 in 1st or 2nd class, while Prestige requires 1st-class travel plus a CHF 49 supplement. Point-to-point fares depend on your exact journey and discounts.
Key Takeaways
- The wider GoldenPass journey links Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux, but Lucerne–Interlaken and Interlaken–Montreux are operated as separate train services.
- The GoldenPass Express runs directly between Interlaken Ost and Montreux via Gstaad in about 3 hours 15 minutes without a change at Zweisimmen.
- A Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex covers the normal transportation fare on the GoldenPass Express, but paid reservations and Prestige supplements are not included.
- GoldenPass Express reservations in 1st and 2nd class cost CHF 20 and are optional but strongly recommended. Prestige requires 1st-class travel plus a CHF 49 supplement and a mandatory reservation.
- The Berner Oberland Pass currently covers the whole GoldenPass Express journey between Interlaken and Montreux as well as the scenic Interlaken–Lucerne route, although reservations remain extra.
- Compare your entire Swiss itinerary rather than choosing a pass based on one train journey alone.
What the GoldenPass Line Includes Today
The GoldenPass name can be confusing because it is used for a scenic route as well as several train products. For most travelers going from Lucerne to Montreux, the journey can be understood in two main parts.
Lucerne to Interlaken: Luzern–Interlaken Express
The Luzern–Interlaken Express is operated by Zentralbahn. It travels over the Brünig Pass and passes lakes, villages and mountain scenery before reaching Interlaken Ost. The scheduled journey takes about 1 hour 50 minutes, with regular departures throughout the day.
This section is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and is also included on the relevant route with the Berner Oberland Pass. A seat reservation is not required for an individual traveler, although reserving can be useful in busy periods.
Interlaken to Montreux: GoldenPass Express
The modern GoldenPass Express provides a direct journey between Interlaken Ost and Montreux via places such as Gstaad. Its variable-gauge technology allows the train to continue through Zweisimmen without making passengers change trains. The published journey time is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
GoldenPass Express has 2nd class, 1st class and Prestige class. All three provide panoramic views, while Prestige offers a raised seating area and premium rotating seats.
Note: There is no single through GoldenPass train from Lucerne to Montreux. If you travel the complete scenic route, check your connection in the live SBB timetable because departure times and connections can change.
Understanding the Price of GoldenPass Line Tickets
There is no single “GoldenPass Line ticket price” that applies to every traveler. Your total depends on your origin and destination, class, rail pass or discount card, and whether you reserve a seat.
Instead of relying on a broad CHF 30–80 estimate, separate the cost into two parts: your transportation ticket and any reservation or premium-class supplement.
| Option | Transportation | Reservation / Extra Cost |
| GoldenPass Express 2nd class | Valid 2nd-class ticket or qualifying rail pass | CHF 20 seat reservation; optional but strongly recommended |
| GoldenPass Express 1st class | Valid 1st-class ticket or qualifying 1st-class rail pass | CHF 20 seat reservation; optional but strongly recommended |
| GoldenPass Express Prestige | Valid 1st-class ticket or 1st-class pass required | CHF 49 Prestige supplement; reservation required |
| Luzern–Interlaken Express | Normal point-to-point ticket or qualifying pass | CHF 16 from May 2–Nov. 1, 2026; CHF 12 from Nov. 2, 2026–Apr. 30, 2027; optional for individuals |
The GoldenPass Express publishes its current reservation and Prestige charges on its official fares page. For the actual transportation fare for your date and itinerary, check the live SBB or railway booking system because your price can depend on your class and any discount product you hold.
Standard Tickets vs. Advance Saver Fares
Do not assume that ordinary Swiss train fares simply become more expensive because it is summer. What can change is the availability of discounted advance-purchase products. SBB Supersaver Tickets, for example, can offer discounts of up to 50% when available, but they are limited in number and tied to a specific connection.
This means booking ahead can save money, but the saving comes from finding an eligible saver fare rather than from avoiding a universal “peak-season GoldenPass surcharge.”
Pro Tip: Price your complete travel day in SBB before buying separate point-to-point tickets. A saver product or rail pass can sometimes cost less than buying each leg separately, especially when you are continuing beyond the GoldenPass route.
Benefits of Using a Swiss Travel Pass for the GoldenPass Line
For visitors traveling widely around Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass can make the GoldenPass journey much simpler. You do not need to buy a separate normal transportation ticket for the Luzern–Interlaken Express or GoldenPass Express when traveling in the class covered by your pass.
The pass also covers a much wider Swiss public-transport network of trains, buses and boats, and includes additional benefits such as admission to more than 500 participating museums. That makes it more useful for a multi-city Swiss itinerary than for someone taking only one scenic train ride.
As of August 2026, Switzerland Travel Centre lists the standard Swiss Travel Pass from CHF 254 for an adult 3-day, 2nd-class pass. Longer durations and 1st-class versions cost more.
A key limitation is that the Swiss Travel Pass covers the transportation portion of the GoldenPass journey, not every optional reservation or premium supplement. You still pay separately if you reserve a seat or choose Prestige.
Warning: Your travel class must match your ticket or pass. A 2nd-class Swiss Travel Pass does not by itself allow you to sit in 1st class or Prestige. Buy the required class upgrade before traveling, and remember that Prestige also carries its separate CHF 49 supplement.
Types of Swiss Passes and Their Coverage for the GoldenPass Line
| Pass / Ticket Type | GoldenPass Coverage | Best For |
| Swiss Travel Pass | Normal transportation on Luzern–Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express included; reservations/supplements extra | Several consecutive days of extensive travel around Switzerland |
| Swiss Travel Pass Flex | Same basic network benefit on activated travel days; reservations/supplements extra | Travel days spread across a longer stay |
| Swiss Half Fare Card | Around 50% off eligible train, bus, boat and many mountain-railway fares for one month; reservations remain separate | Travelers who want discounts without buying an unlimited-travel pass |
| Berner Oberland Pass | Entire GoldenPass Express Interlaken–Montreux journey and Interlaken–Lucerne route included in the corresponding class; reservations extra | Travel concentrated in the Bernese Oberland plus Lucerne/Montreux connections |
| Point-to-Point Ticket | Pay only for the chosen route; reservation or Prestige cost added separately when applicable | One or two journeys with little additional Swiss public-transport travel |
The tourist product commonly meant by “Swiss Pass” is the Swiss Travel Pass. It is available for several durations and is designed for visitors who want broad public-transport coverage.
The Swiss Half Fare Card currently costs CHF 150 for one month and gives visitors roughly half-price travel on trains, buses and boats and on many mountain railways. It can make sense when you want flexibility but do not expect to use enough transport to justify an unlimited-travel pass.
The Berner Oberland Pass is especially important for travelers staying around Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen or nearby areas. Its current coverage includes the entire GoldenPass Express between Interlaken and Montreux. The official Berner Oberland Pass GoldenPass information also confirms that seat reservations are separate.
The main price mistake to avoid is treating a rail pass and a seat reservation as the same purchase. A pass may cover your transportation while the reserved seat or Prestige upgrade still costs extra.
Individual Tickets vs. Swiss Travel Pass: Which Costs Less?
The cheapest choice depends on everything you plan to do in Switzerland, not just the GoldenPass journey.
Individual tickets may be better when:
- You are making only one or two longer rail journeys.
- You are not planning extensive boat, bus or intercity travel.
- You find an attractive Supersaver or other advance fare for your exact connection.
- You prefer paying only for journeys you actually take.
A Swiss Travel Pass may be better when:
- You will travel by public transport on most days of your trip.
- Your itinerary includes several cities and long-distance rail journeys.
- You expect to use included boats and local transport.
- You want the convenience of boarding covered trains without buying a separate standard ticket for each journey.
- You plan to use participating museums or other included benefits.
A Swiss Half Fare Card may be better when:
- You have several paid journeys but do not need unlimited travel.
- You plan to combine ordinary trains with mountain railways that accept the discount.
- You are comfortable buying a ticket for each journey after applying the Half Fare discount.
A Berner Oberland Pass may be better when:
- Most of your sightseeing is centered on Interlaken and the wider Bernese Oberland.
- You will use several regional trains, boats or included mountain transport services.
- You want both Interlaken–Lucerne and Interlaken–Montreux scenic connections included while the pass is valid.
There is no universal winner. Build a short list of the trains, boats and mountain excursions you expect to take, check their current fares, and compare that total with the applicable pass cost.
Tips for Getting the Best Value for Money on the GoldenPass Line
Check the complete route before buying. If you are traveling Lucerne–Interlaken–Montreux on the same day, calculate the whole journey rather than pricing the two scenic trains independently.
Look for saver fares early. Limited SBB Supersaver Tickets may reduce eligible point-to-point fares by up to 50%, but they tie you to the selected connection.
Reserve the panoramic train when the date matters. A reservation may not be compulsory in 1st or 2nd class on GoldenPass Express, but paying CHF 20 can be worthwhile when you have a fixed itinerary and want to avoid uncertainty on a busy train.
Do not pay twice for transportation. When a Swiss Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass or another valid travel product already covers your route, book only the reservation or supplement you actually need.
Compare class carefully. If you have a 2nd-class pass, calculate the cost of a route-specific class upgrade before deciding whether 1st class or Prestige is worth it.
Check the live timetable shortly before travel. GoldenPass Express specifically advises travelers to confirm current schedules through the official online timetable because published times can change.
Additional Fees and Charges to Consider When Using a Swiss Travel Pass for the GoldenPass Line
A Swiss Travel Pass removes the normal transportation fare on covered GoldenPass services, but it does not make every optional service on the journey free.
On GoldenPass Express, a reserved seat in 1st or 2nd class currently costs CHF 20. Prestige requires a valid 1st-class ticket or pass plus the CHF 49 Prestige supplement, and a reservation is mandatory.
On the Luzern–Interlaken Express, a reservation is optional for individual travelers but currently costs CHF 16 during the May 2 to November 1, 2026 period. Zentralbahn lists the fee at CHF 12 from November 2, 2026 to April 30, 2027.
Mountain railways, cable cars and other excursions elsewhere in Switzerland also have their own coverage rules. Some are fully included in a Swiss Travel Pass, some are discounted, and others require a separate ticket. Always check the validity of the specific excursion rather than assuming that broad rail coverage means every mountain attraction is free.
Families should also check the Swiss Family Card rules when comparing costs. Eligible accompanying children can receive valuable travel benefits when a parent holds a qualifying tourist rail product, so a family calculation can look very different from an adult-only calculation.
Making the Most of Your Journey on the GoldenPass Line with a Swiss Travel Pass
The GoldenPass route remains one of the easiest ways to combine Lucerne, Interlaken, Gstaad and Montreux with scenic rail travel. The modern route is also simpler than older descriptions suggest: the Luzern–Interlaken Express handles the Central Switzerland section, while GoldenPass Express provides a direct Interlaken–Montreux journey without a passenger transfer at Zweisimmen.
If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, the main extra expense to consider is your seat choice. You can travel in your pass class without buying another normal GoldenPass ticket, then decide whether the added certainty of a reservation is worth CHF 20 on GoldenPass Express or the applicable reservation charge on Luzern–Interlaken Express.
If you do not have a pass, compare ordinary point-to-point fares, available saver products, the CHF 150 Swiss Half Fare Card, the Swiss Travel Pass and, for a Bernese Oberland-focused itinerary, the Berner Oberland Pass. The best option is the one that saves money across your complete Switzerland itinerary rather than simply producing the lowest price for one scenic train.
Before departure, confirm the current timetable, reservation availability and fare rules with the operating railway. This is especially useful for a trip with a tight connection or a fixed hotel itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GoldenPass Line?
The GoldenPass Line is a scenic rail journey linking Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux. It is not one single through train. Lucerne–Interlaken is served by the Luzern–Interlaken Express, while the GoldenPass Express runs directly between Interlaken Ost and Montreux via Gstaad.
What is the price of a GoldenPass Line ticket?
There is no single GoldenPass Line fare because the price depends on your start and end stations, class, discount card and ticket type. Check the live fare for your exact journey. On GoldenPass Express, a 1st- or 2nd-class seat reservation currently costs CHF 20 in addition to your valid transportation ticket or pass.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass cover the GoldenPass Line?
Yes. The Swiss Travel Pass covers standard transportation on the Luzern–Interlaken Express and GoldenPass Express in the class of your pass. Paid seat reservations, Prestige supplements and any necessary class upgrades remain separate.
Do I need a seat reservation on the GoldenPass Express?
Reservations are optional but strongly recommended in 1st and 2nd class. They currently cost CHF 20. A reservation is mandatory in Prestige class.
Is GoldenPass Express Prestige included with a Swiss Travel Pass?
Not completely. Prestige requires 1st-class travel rights plus the CHF 49 Prestige supplement. A traveler with a 2nd-class Swiss Travel Pass would therefore also need the appropriate class upgrade.
Does the Swiss Half Fare Card work on the GoldenPass route?
Yes. The Swiss Half Fare Card provides roughly 50% off eligible public-transport fares for one month. It currently costs CHF 150 for an adult visitor. Seat reservations and premium supplements are separate from the discounted transportation fare.
Does the Berner Oberland Pass cover the GoldenPass Express?
Yes. Current Berner Oberland Pass information confirms free travel in the corresponding class on the entire GoldenPass Express route between Interlaken and Montreux. Seat reservations are not included and are strongly recommended.
How can I buy GoldenPass tickets and reservations?
You can check transportation connections and fares through SBB and use the official GoldenPass Express booking system for GoldenPass Express tickets, seat reservations and Prestige bookings. Luzern–Interlaken Express reservations can be booked through the reservation service linked by Zentralbahn.
Should I buy a Swiss Travel Pass just for the GoldenPass Line?
Usually, the decision should be based on your full Switzerland itinerary rather than one train ride. If you are taking only the GoldenPass route, compare point-to-point and saver fares first. A Swiss Travel Pass becomes more attractive when you also plan several other train, boat and local public-transport journeys.
Sources
- GoldenPass Express — Fares and Discounts — official GoldenPass Express reservation and Prestige pricing.
- GoldenPass Express — Timetable — official journey time, timetable and schedule guidance.
- Zentralbahn — Luzern–Interlaken Express — route, Swiss Travel Pass coverage, journey time and reservation fees.
- Switzerland Travel Centre — Rail Passes — current Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex and Swiss Half Fare Card information.
- Berner Oberland Pass — GoldenPass Line — current GoldenPass Express coverage and reservation rules.
- SBB — Supersaver Tickets — advance-purchase saver fare rules and discounts.
