The GoldenPass route in Switzerland isn't actually one train.
Before planning my own Switzerland trip, I assumed GoldenPass simply meant booking one scenic journey between Montreux and Interlaken and hopping onboard.
It was only when I started researching that I realised there are actually several different train experiences along the route.
From modern panoramic carriages and Prestige seating to vintage-style Belle-Époque interiors, each train offers something slightly different.
I've travelled on both the GoldenPass Express and GoldenPass Belle-Époque and although they share parts of the same route, they felt surprisingly different experiences.
If you're trying to decide which GoldenPass train is right for your own trip, here's a guide to all three.
If you're still planning your route around Switzerland, my Switzerland Travel Guide brings together all of my itineraries, scenic train guides and destination advice in one place.
Some of the links in this guide are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services and experiences I would genuinely use myself and it helps support Build a Break so I can continue sharing free travel content.
Main route: Montreux → Zweisimmen → Interlaken
Number of train experiences: 3
Swiss Travel Pass accepted: Yes
Seat reservations: Recommended
Luggage allowed: Yes
Food onboard: Available depending on service
The GoldenPass route runs through some of Switzerland's most scenic landscapes, linking Montreux with Interlaken through vineyards, lakes, forests and mountain scenery.
Rather than being one specific train, GoldenPass is actually a collection of train experiences operating along the route.
Depending on which service you choose, you'll either travel the full route between Montreux and Interlaken or a section of the route between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
The GoldenPass Express is the newest and most modern option within the GoldenPass collection.
Large panoramic windows stretch upwards towards the roof and are designed to make the scenery part of the experience.
I travelled in Prestige Class on both legs of my own journey and for me this felt much more than simply travelling between destinations. Sitting slightly higher than the rest of the carriage meant you almost felt surrounded by the scenery rather than just looking out of a train window.
Journey time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
Route: Montreux to Interlaken
Classes available:
- Prestige Class
- First Class
-Second Class
Best for:
- First-time Switzerland visitors
- Panoramic scenery
- Longer scenic journeys
- Travellers wanting a more premium experience
Read my full GoldenPass Express review
I also travelled the GoldenPass Express as part of my 4 Day Switzerland Itinerary, combining it with Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
The Belle-Époque feels completely different from the GoldenPass Express.
Instead of modern panoramic windows and sleek interiors, this train focuses much more on atmosphere and nostalgia.
The vintage-style carriages feature wood-panelled interiors, brass details and traditional seating inspired by luxury rail travel from the early twentieth century.
I travelled on the Belle-Époque from Montreux to Zweisimmen and what stood out immediately was how different it felt from a normal train journey. I spent much of the trip with a glass of wine simply enjoying the slower pace and scenery outside.
Journey time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Route: Montreux to Zweisimmen
Classes available:
- First Class
- Second Class
Best for:
- Vintage train lovers
- Unique experiences
- Slower travel
- Travellers wanting atmosphere over panoramic windows
Read my full GoldenPass Belle-Époque review
For a longer Switzerland rail trip, I also included the Belle-Époque in my 6 Day Switzerland Rail Itinerary, using it for the return journey to Montreux.
The GoldenPass Panoramic offers another way to experience the route between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
It sits somewhere between the modern GoldenPass Express and the more historic Belle-Époque experience.
Large panoramic windows allow passengers to enjoy the scenery throughout the journey, but without the additional Prestige seating and luxury extras available on the Express.
Journey time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
Route: Montreux to Zweisimmen
Classes available:
- First Class
- Second Class
Best for:
- Travellers focused on scenery
- Scenic journeys without luxury extras
- Flexible Switzerland itineraries
Yes.
All three GoldenPass train experiences are included with the Swiss Travel Pass, although seat reservation fees can still apply depending on the service and class you choose.
If you're planning multiple train journeys around Switzerland, a Swiss Travel Pass can quickly become worthwhile.
If you're unsure whether it's worth buying, my Swiss Travel Pass guide explains when it offers good value and when individual tickets may work out cheaper.
After travelling on both the GoldenPass Express and the Belle-Époque, I honestly don't think there is a wrong choice because they felt very different.
✔ Panoramic windows
✔ A longer journey between Montreux and Interlaken
✔ A more modern experience
✔ Prestige seating options
✔ Vintage-style carriages
✔ A slower pace
✔ Atmosphere over modern luxury
✔ Something that feels a little different
✔ Scenic views
✔ A simpler train experience
✔ Flexibility without additional luxury extras
If you're deciding specifically between the GoldenPass Express and Belle-Époque, I've also put together a more detailed comparison guide.
Both trains also feature in my guide to the best scenic train journeys in Switzerland, where I've compared them alongside the Bernina Express and other iconic Swiss rail routes.
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