The GoldenPass Belle-Époque feels very different from the modern GoldenPass Express.
Instead of huge panoramic windows and sleek carriages, this journey feels like stepping back in time. Think wood-panelled interiors, vintage-style seating and a slower scenic route through Switzerland where the atmosphere feels just as important as the views outside.
I took the Belle-Époque as part of my own Switzerland trip, boarding the 9:50am train from Montreux before spending a few hours in Zweisimmen and continuing onwards later in the day. If you're wondering whether it's worth adding to your own itinerary, here's everything to know before booking.
If you're still deciding which GoldenPass train is right for your trip, I've also put together an overview of all the GoldenPass trains in Switzerland.
📍 Route: Montreux → Zweisimmen
⏱ Journey time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes
🚆 Train type: Vintage-style scenic train
🎫 Included with Swiss Travel Pass: Yes
💺 Seat reservations: Recommended
🍴 Food available onboard: Drinks and snacks available
🧳 Luggage storage: Available
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The GoldenPass Belle-Époque is one of the scenic trains operating along the GoldenPass route in Switzerland, travelling between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
Unlike the GoldenPass Express which focuses on panoramic windows and a more modern experience, the Belle-Époque is all about atmosphere.
The carriages are inspired by luxury rail travel from the early twentieth century and immediately feel different when you step onboard. Dark wood interiors, brass details and vintage-style seating make it feel more like an experience rather than simply transport.
I boarded the 9:50am Belle-Époque train from Montreux on a drizzly July morning and the atmosphere inside the carriage stood out immediately.
Even before the train had started moving, it already felt different from a normal train journey. The wood-panelled interiors felt luxurious without feeling over the top and had much more character than modern train carriages.
I travelled in First Class and spent much of the journey relaxing with a glass of wine while watching the scenery outside gradually change.
What surprised me most was that I never really felt like I was missing the huge panoramic windows you find on trains like the GoldenPass Express.
The views were still beautiful and the experience felt much more about slowing down and enjoying the journey itself.
If you're trying to decide between the two experiences, I've also compared the GoldenPass Express and Belle-Époque in more detail.
The route runs between Montreux and Zweisimmen and takes approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Leaving Montreux, you'll initially travel alongside views of Lake Geneva before gradually climbing into countryside and mountain scenery.
As the route continues, traditional Swiss villages begin appearing alongside forests, rolling hills and mountain landscapes.
One of the things I liked most was that the scenery changed throughout the journey, making it feel much shorter than the two hours it actually took.
The Belle-Époque usually runs twice per day between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
📍 From Montreux
09:50 and 14:50
📍 From Zweisimmen
12:02 and 17:02
Timetables can change throughout the year, so I'd always double-check before travelling.
Seat reservations are not mandatory, however I would strongly recommend reserving seats in advance.
There are only a small number of Belle-Époque departures each day and this train is often included in wider Switzerland itineraries.
Prices can vary slightly throughout the year. To travel the full route, at the time of writing you can generally expect to pay:
🚆 First Class
Around 59 CHF plus reservation fee
🚆 Second Class
Around 34 CHF plus reservation fee
💺 Seat reservations
Approximately 10 CHF
Seat reservations are not required, but are recommended.
The cheapest 1st class ticket is 16CHF, and 2nd, 9.40CHF. This is a one-way ticket from Chateau-d'Oex -Gstaad.
As with most Switzerland transport costs, I'd always check the latest prices before booking.
The biggest difference between First and Second Class on the Belle-Époque isn't the scenery because you'll still enjoy the same route and views whichever you choose.
First Class gives you more space, fewer passengers and a quieter atmosphere onboard. I travelled in First Class and I found it suited the slower pace of the journey really well. It felt relaxed and comfortable without feeling overly formal.
Second Class is still a great option if you're trying to keep costs down. You'll still get the same vintage-style carriages and scenery outside the windows, but seating is generally more compact and carriages can feel busier.
For me, if this is part of a special Switzerland trip and you're doing the Belle-Époque for the experience itself, I can understand paying the little bit extra for First Class.
Tickets for the GoldenPass Belle-Époque can be booked through the official MOB/GoldenPass website or through the Swiss Travel Pass reservation system if you're already travelling with a pass.
If you're travelling without a Swiss Travel Pass, you'll need to purchase a standard train ticket in either First or Second Class.
If you already have a Swiss Travel Pass, the journey itself is included and you'll only need to pay any applicable seat reservation fees.
Although reservations aren't mandatory, I would personally book ahead if possible. There are only a limited number of Belle-Époque departures each day and seats can fill up quickly during busier travel periods.
Food onboard felt more relaxed than I expected.
Hot drinks, soft drinks, wine and snacks are available and payment is by card.
I spent part of the journey with a glass of wine and honestly it suited the slower pace of the train perfectly.
You're also free to bring your own food and drinks onboard if you prefer.
If you're travelling from Montreux towards Zweisimmen, the left side generally gives some lovely views over Lake Geneva early in the journey.
As the route continues both sides offer changing scenery, so I wouldn't stress too much if you can't reserve a particular side.
If accessibility is important for your trip, the Belle-Époque train does offer accessibility options, although space can sometimes be more limited than on modern trains due to the vintage-style carriage layout.
If you require wheelchair access or boarding assistance, I would recommend checking arrangements in advance.
Yes.
The GoldenPass Belle-Époque is included with the Swiss Travel Pass and you'll only need to pay any applicable reservation fees.
If you're travelling around Switzerland using several trains, the pass can quickly become worthwhile.
Luggage storage is available onboard, so travelling with suitcases shouldn't cause any problems.
Pets are also allowed onboard, although dogs require their own ticket.
One of the most well-known experiences linked to the Belle-Époque is the Chocolate Train from Montreux.
Running seasonally, this combines the vintage-style train journey with visits to Gruyères and the Cailler chocolate factory.
If you're visiting Switzerland and enjoy scenic rail journeys with a food twist, this is worth looking into.
I spent around two and a half hours in Zweisimmen before continuing on to Interlaken later in the day.
It's a small town rather than somewhere packed with attractions, but if you're breaking up the journey there are walking routes nearby and the Rinderberg cable car is one of the more popular things to do.
Stopping here helped make the day feel less rushed and turned the train ride into part of a wider Switzerland itinerary rather than simply travelling from one destination to another.
Looking back, I actually think combining the journey with time in Zweisimmen worked really well.
I would also reserve seats earlier next time simply to have more choice.
The Belle-Époque feels very different from the GoldenPass Express.
The Goldenpass Express feels more about the scenery itself, while the Belle-Époque felt much more about the overall experience.
For me, this felt less like transport and more like slowing down and enjoying the journey.
Sometimes that's exactly what Switzerland does best.
If you love scenic rail journeys, the Bernina Express is another Switzerland train experience worth looking at.
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