Before my Switzerland trip, I assumed the GoldenPass trains would feel fairly similar. After all, they're travelling through some of the same scenery and following sections of the same route.
After doing both though, I quickly realised they felt completely different experiences.
The GoldenPass Express felt modern and designed around panoramic scenery, while the Belle-Époque felt more like stepping back in time.
If you're trying to decide which one deserves a place in your own Switzerland itinerary, here's how they compare.
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📍 GoldenPass Express
Montreux → Interlaken
📍 Belle-Époque
Montreux → Zweisimmen
⏱ Express: 3 hours 15 minutes
⏱ Belle-Époque: 2 hours 10 minutes
🎫 Swiss Travel Pass: Accepted on both
💺 Reservations: Recommended on both
The biggest difference between these trains is that they don't actually cover identical routes.
The GoldenPass Express travels the longer route between Montreux and Interlaken.
The Belle-Époque operates between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
If Interlaken is already part of your itinerary, the Express may fit more naturally into your plans.
I don't think this one has a clear winner.
Both journeys pass through beautiful scenery including lakes, villages and mountain landscapes.
The difference is more about how you experience it.
The GoldenPass Express feels built around the views. Huge panoramic windows stretch upwards and make the scenery feel like the main event.
The Belle-Époque still offers lovely views, but I found myself paying more attention to the overall atmosphere onboard.
For me these trains felt special for completely different reasons.
The GoldenPass Express felt impressive because of the panoramic windows and Prestige seating.
The Belle-Époque felt special because of the atmosphere. The wood-panelled interiors and vintage details made it feel like more than just another train journey.
If someone asked which felt more unique, I'd probably say the Belle-Époque.
GoldenPass Express:
⭐ Prestige Class
🚆 First Class
🚆 Second Class
Belle-Époque:
🚆 First Class
🚆 Second Class
Prestige is something the Belle-Époque doesn't have.
I travelled in Prestige on the GoldenPass Express and loved the raised seating position, while I travelled First Class on the Belle-Époque which suited the slower pace perfectly.
Both trains offer food and drink options onboard.
On the GoldenPass Express I had catering arranged and it made the journey feel more like an experience.
On the Belle-Époque I spent part of the journey with a glass of wine which somehow suited the slower atmosphere perfectly.
You're also free to bring your own food and drinks onboard.
If this is your first Switzerland trip, I'd probably lean towards the GoldenPass Express.
The longer route, panoramic windows and Interlaken connection make it feel like a big Switzerland experience.
One thing that makes choosing between the GoldenPass Express and Belle-Époque easier is that both are included with the Swiss Travel Pass. If you already have a pass, you won't need to purchase the train journey itself separately, although seat reservation fees can still apply.
The main difference is how reservations work:
✔ Swiss Travel Pass accepted
✔ Prestige Class reservations mandatory
✔ First and Second Class reservations optional but strongly recommended
✔ Swiss Travel Pass accepted
✔ Seat reservations optional
✔ Recommended during busier periods
Neither train sits in the "cheap Switzerland" category, but the costs can vary depending on class and whether you're travelling with a Swiss Travel Pass.
GoldenPass Express
🚆 Second Class: Around 59 CHF
🚆 First Class: Around 96 CHF
⭐ Prestige Class: Additional supplement
💺 Seat reservations: Around 20 CHF
GoldenPass Belle-Époque
🚆 Second Class: Around 34 CHF + reservation fee
🚆 First Class: Around 59 CHF + reservation fee
💺 Seat reservations: Around 10 CHF
Looking purely at cost, the Belle-Époque is usually the cheaper option. The GoldenPass Express starts making more sense if you're already planning to travel onwards to Interlaken because it covers the longer route.
If budget is the biggest deciding factor, the Belle-Époque usually works out cheaper. If you're treating the train itself as part of the experience, I can understand paying extra for the Express.
Both trains allow luggage onboard.
The GoldenPass Express may feel slightly more practical if you're already moving on to Interlaken as part of a wider Switzerland itinerary.
This is actually harder than I expected.
If I wanted huge scenery and a train journey that felt like part of the main event, I'd choose the GoldenPass Express.
If I wanted atmosphere, slower travel and something that felt a little different, I'd choose the Belle-Époque.
Honestly though, I would happily do both again.
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