Interlaken and Montreux in Switzerland are now connected by a direct daily rail link via the GoldenPass Express trains, which can switch from standard gauge to narrow gauge to make the journey in one go.
One of the two trains (travelling Montreux-Interlaken) was inaugurated by Canadian singer-songwriter Shania Twain recently, who christened the locomotive ‘Shania Train’.
The other (travelling in the opposite direction: Interlaken-Montreux) has been named ‘Gstaad’ after the ski resort in the Swiss Alps, was welcomed by world-famous skier, Michael von Grünigen. Gstaad is one of the destinations that the trains pass by, along with the Brünig Pass, the lakes of the Bernese Oberland, the Simmen valley, and Lake Geneva.
Travel time is three hours and 15 minutes, and the trains offer first, second, and Prestige class. Drinks and snacks are available for all classes, with additional catering packages reservable in advance. Prestige area seats are raised and heated and can also be rotated on request.
From 2024, there will be low-floor coaches for easy access with wheelchairs and prams.
From June 11, the schedule will expand to two morning connections and two afternoon connections for both trains.
The pre-existing GoldenPass Express trains (GoldenPass Panoramic and GoldenPass Belle Époque), linking Interlaken with Montreux on an indirect route including a stop in Zweisimmen, are still available for booking.
