The GoldenPass Express looks like one of those bucket-list Switzerland experiences. Huge panoramic windows, mountain scenery and luxury seating sound amazing, but Switzerland isn't exactly known for being cheap and I always find myself asking one question before booking anything there: is it genuinely worth the cost?
If you're planning a Switzerland trip, chances are you've already seen photos of the GoldenPass Express all over social media. The journey between Montreux and Interlaken is often described as one of the most scenic rail routes in the country and for many people becomes part of the trip itself rather than simply a way of getting from A to B.
I took the GoldenPass Express as part of a solo Switzerland trip, spending one night in Montreux beforehand and then two nights in Interlaken afterwards. If you're considering adding it to your own itinerary, here's everything to know before booking including prices, classes, food onboard, luggage, seat reservations and whether the Swiss Travel Pass covers it.
📍 Route: Montreux → Interlaken
⏱ Journey time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
🚆 Train type: Panoramic train
🎫 Included with Swiss Travel Pass: Yes
💺 Seat reservations: Recommended
🍴 Food available onboard: Yes
🧳 Luggage storage: Available
The GoldenPass Express is a panoramic train connecting Montreux and Interlaken in Switzerland. Launched in late 2022, one of the biggest changes it introduced was allowing passengers to travel the route without needing to change trains at Zweisimmen.
Previously travellers had to swap trains part way through the journey, but the GoldenPass Express created one continuous route instead.
The train itself has been designed around the scenery. Large panoramic windows stretch high above the seats, giving uninterrupted views throughout the journey.
What makes this route different from some other Swiss train journeys is that the scenery changes dramatically along the way. You are not simply travelling through mountains for several hours.
The route starts beside Lake Geneva, climbs through vineyards and traditional Swiss villages before moving into more mountainous scenery and eventually arriving in Interlaken.
It almost feels like several different parts of Switzerland rolled into one journey.
The full route runs between Montreux and Interlaken and takes just over three hours.
Montreux itself feels very different from the Switzerland many people imagine. Sitting on the shores of Lake Geneva, you'll find lakeside promenades, vineyards climbing hillsides and views across the water towards the mountains.
As the train leaves Montreux, the scenery gradually starts changing. The route climbs away from the lake and begins winding through smaller villages and countryside.
One of the highlights for many travellers is passing through the Gstaad region. Even if you're not getting off the train here, you'll notice the scenery becoming more recognisably Swiss postcard material.
Traditional wooden chalets start appearing, mountain landscapes begin opening up and suddenly you find yourself reaching for your phone to take another photo.
As you approach Interlaken, lakes and mountain scenery begin taking over again.
I found myself spending much of the journey simply watching outside rather than scrolling through my phone.
If you're trying to decide between the more modern panoramic experience and the vintage-style carriages, I've also put together a full guide to the GoldenPass Belle-Époque train.
The full journey between Montreux and Interlaken takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes.
At first that might sound like quite a long train journey, but honestly it never felt long to me.
The scenery constantly changes and unlike many train journeys where you spend most of your time waiting to arrive, this one felt like part of the experience itself.
If you're already travelling around Switzerland, this route works really well as a travel day between destinations rather than feeling like time lost sitting on transport.
Switzerland and cheap do not usually belong in the same sentence and the GoldenPass Express is no exception.
Prices vary depending on which class you choose and whether you add optional seat reservations. At the time of writing, prices are generally around:
🚆 First Class
From approximately 96 CHF per person
🚆 Second Class
From approximately 59 CHF per person
⭐ Prestige Class
Additional supplement payable on top of the First Class fare
Seat reservations in First and Second Class are optional, although if you're travelling during school holidays or busier periods I would personally book in advance for peace of mind.
Prices can change throughout the year, so I'd always check the latest prices before booking.
Prestige Class is probably the section you've seen most often on social media.
Seats are raised slightly higher than the rest of the carriage, giving better viewing angles through the panoramic windows. The cream leather seats recline, rotate and include extra comfort features.
There are only a small number of Prestige seats available which makes it feel more exclusive.
Of course, that exclusivity comes with a much higher price tag.
For me, whether Prestige is worth it probably depends on the type of trip you're taking. If it's a special occasion or a once-in-a-lifetime Switzerland trip I can understand why people book it.
First Class sits between Prestige and Second Class and gives you larger seating areas and more space than standard carriages. You still get the same panoramic windows and views throughout the journey, without moving up to the additional Prestige experience.
Second Class still gives you the same huge windows and scenery.
You're not missing out on the views at all.
The main difference is simply more compact seating and busier carriages.
Seat reservations are mandatory in Prestige Class.
For First and Second Class they are optional, although I would strongly consider reserving during busier travel periods.
There is nothing worse than planning a scenic train journey and then spending it worrying about seating arrangements.
Food was something I didn't really need to worry about as I had already arranged catering onboard.
There are food options available including breakfast boxes and aperitif plates featuring local cheeses and meats. Snacks and drinks are also available during the journey.
One thing I really liked was that having food during the journey somehow made the experience feel more relaxed.
Sitting back with food while watching Switzerland pass outside the windows made it feel more like an experience and less like simply travelling between destinations.
Of course you're also free to bring your own food and drinks onboard if you prefer.
Yes.
The GoldenPass Express is included with the Swiss Travel Pass which can make a big difference to overall costs if you're travelling around Switzerland.
If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, you'll only need to pay any applicable reservation fees.
If you're planning multiple train journeys, it's definitely worth checking whether a pass works out cheaper overall.
Yes, luggage can be brought onboard and there is storage space available within the carriages.
If you're travelling between destinations and carrying suitcases, you shouldn't have any issues.
Looking back at my own trip, there are a few things that stood out.
I did this as a solo trip and I actually think journeys like this work really well when you're travelling alone. Normally I feel the need to keep myself occupied on longer train journeys, but on this one I genuinely spent most of my time looking out of the windows.
I spent one night in Montreux before taking the GoldenPass Express and then stayed two nights in Interlaken afterwards. Looking back, I think that worked really well because it stopped the journey feeling rushed. Montreux gave me time to enjoy Lake Geneva beforehand while Interlaken worked perfectly as a base afterwards for exploring more of Switzerland.
Food also wasn't something I needed to think about as I already had catering arranged onboard. Sitting back with food while watching Switzerland roll past outside somehow made it feel less like transport and more like part of the trip itself.
The only thing I'd probably do differently next time would be reserving seats earlier during busier periods simply to have more choice.
The GoldenPass Express definitely isn't cheap, but Switzerland rarely is.
For me, this felt less like paying for transport and more like paying for part of the experience itself.
If you're simply trying to get from one place to another, there are cheaper options available. But if scenic rail journeys are part of the reason you're visiting Switzerland in the first place, I can completely understand why the GoldenPass Express appears on so many itineraries.
Sometimes getting there ends up being one of the best parts of the trip.
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