GoldenPass Express Prestige Class, Belle Epoque & VIP | Interlaken-Montreux | Swiss Panoramic Train

Join us on the journey from INTERLAKEN to MONTREUX on the GOLDENPASS EXPRESS! This SWISS PANORAMIC TRAIN train travels from mountains and glaciers to lakes and palm trees!
Learn how to book your tickets and seat reservations here:
➡️ aplinsinthealps.com/how-to-ri...
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// ABOUT THIS VIDEO //
All aboard the GoldenPass Express! This Swiss scenic train ride helps you travel in comfort while absorbing the incredible Swiss landscapes and scenery!
- GoldenPass Express SWITZERLAND
This panoramic train in Switzerland takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, passes through 3 different Swiss cantons, and connects the German-speaking and French-speaking regions of Switzerland.
- GoldenPass Express ROUTE
Join us on the journey from Interlaken to Montreux. (You can ride this scenic train in either direction!)
- GoldenPass Express TIMETABLE
There are 4 daily departures in both directions.
- GoldenPass Express CLASSES
There are 3 classes on the GoldenPass Express train: Prestige, First, and Second. Which one is best? Watch our video to get a glimpse of all 3 classes!
- GoldenPass Express TICKETS & SEAT RESERVATIONS
It’s simple to buy tickets and to make seat reservations. You can conveniently find all of the details and links in our blog!
- GoldenPass Express BELLE EPOQUE
Step back in time on this luxurious, historic train between Montreux and Zweisimmen.
- GoldenPass Express vs GOLDENPASS PANORAMIC
Have you heard of the GoldenPass Panoramic? We spill the beans about this train - including a SECRET RIDE that you won’t want to miss!!!
Learn how to book your tickets and seat reservations here:
➡️ aplinsinthealps.com/how-to-ri...
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// WATCH NEXT //
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Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, Lucerne, Zermatt, and beyond!
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// GET TO KNOW US //
If you love traveling Switzerland, getting off-the-beaten-path, or having foodie experiences, then you're in the right place!
🙋🏻‍♀️🙋‍♂️We're Jana and Brett - Aplins in the Alps.
We help you TRAVEL SWITZERLAND 🇨🇭WITH CONFIDENCE to maximize your experiences while minimizing your budget and planning time.
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#goldenpass #switzerlandtrain #interlakenswitzerland #montreux #swisstrains

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Learn how to book GoldenPass Express tickets and seat reservations on our blog: aplinsinthealps.com/how-to-ride-the-goldenpass-express-swiss-panoramic-train/ And while you're there, why not join our email newsletter to get insider tips in your inbox every Saturday?! aplinsinthealps.com/newsletter/

[@SabaFaizanMUA]

I love Jana smile. She is so pretty ❤

[@AplinsintheAlps]

You are too kind! Thank you

[@maggietang1858]

Thanks for posting, see you in Switzerland❤

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Thanks for watching! Say hi if you see us while you’re here! 🙂

[@MrGreatplum]

I’ve seen this trains (well, the old ones) at Interlaken before. These new trains look amazing and as a bit of train geek, I love that they change gauge! As ever, lots of top and useful information - excellent video - thank you both!

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Trains are so fun! And we totally needed out about the gauge change too - I mean, it’s a worlds first!!! 🤓

[@nickg2323]

Hey Jana and Brett, I'm simply lovin your content, and binge watching all your Switz vids. They're so informative as is your web site. I'm doing a solo trip in June and incorporating a 7 day bike tour around the 3 lakes, Nth Italy, Como etc, then to Crans Montana to watch world cup Mtb race. I was only going to stay a couple days but after watching your vids, I, staying in the Jungfrau region for a week now , but the more I watch, I'm finding that's not enough haha. Just going to have to come next year!!! thanks heaps guys!!!! Cheers from Australia

[@jenniferbalbo3744]

I go to Montreux from Kansas City every year for 2 weeks & I branch out from there. I have taken the Belle Epoque train which was gorgeous. Thanks to this video I'm definitely going to take the Golden Pass Express to Interlaken. The trains can be intimidating when you're not sure which ones go where. I felt like a pro when I wet to Gruyere & Rocher de Naye. 😆 Thanks for all the fabulous videos! They certainly help me when I plan my trip every year.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

You’re so right! We often tell people you’ll catch on to how the trains work pretty quickly and then feel like a pro 👍 We hope you enjoy this route on the GoldenPass Express!

[@lexibearsmom8534]

Love your content! Visiting Switzerland this June and all of them has been very helpful

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Thanks for your kind words! We're thrilled that our videos have helped you plan your trip. We hope you have a wonderful time here in June!

[@mountainlover830]

Looking forward to taking the leg of this route I haven’t previously traveled this September. I’ve been on the new Goldenpass train and it is beautiful!

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Wonderful! We hope you enjoy it - the leaves should be pretty in September!

[@joelspence2011]

Looks amazing love Switzerland and Germany I’m heading to Austria in June 👍

[@AplinsintheAlps]

The Alps are beautiful! Enjoy your trip later this year!

[@HeatherKeyser]

We took the first 7:35 am Golden Pass Express out of Montreux in Sept of 2023 and also had the Prestige car to ourselves. Stop at Fleur de Pains outside the train station to purchase regional specialties to take on the train. We took the train to Montbovon then got off to take another train to Gruyere (use the train app to coordinate your journey) then walked to the old town area. We went straight to the castle at the opening and had it to ourselves for about an hour. While we were walking out hoards of ppl were walking it in. After we looked around the town we headed back to Montbovon to catch the next Golden Express to finish the journey. It was the best day of our trip to Switzerland. Taking the early train gave us exclusive access on a Saturday morning which was worth every penny.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

That’s a great idea! We always recommend going out early in the morning to avoid the crowds. So cool that you had the Prestige car to yourselves too - such a neat experience!!

[@ankuragarwal22]

Thanks for this great tip. We were also thinking of doing something similar. I had a small question....If we get down from the Goldenpass express train and then take the next Goldenpass express after a few hours, does the same ticket work? Or we need a different ticket? eg: if we buy a ticket from interlaken to montreux then is it allowed to get down somewhere in between, explore and then take the next train? your help would be highly appreciated.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Great question! You can definitely stop along the way, and then continue on a later train. Your ticket will still work (as long as you don't back-track or ride the same route twice). But keep in mind that any seat reservation you make will only work for that specific train at that specific time.

[@barbaramcintosh4360]

This was so enjoyable to watch and loved the scenery! We rode the GP from Montreux to Interlaken Ost on our way to Wengen in September 2022 with the Swiss Travel Pass & then from Spiez to Locarno in southern Switzerland, so we covered several regions on our trip! Last month I was in the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN, your home state. 🧡

[@AplinsintheAlps]

I love that you were able to see so many beautiful regions on this train ride! The Smokies are beautiful and we're glad you got to enjoy them!

[@codeskater1989]

You guys offered so much detail, just amazing. wish I saw this earlier, I booked my seat on the left side :(

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hey, no worries...you're going to have fantastic views, and the windows are so big you really can see both directions. It's a very close call anyway, and others might think the left side has the better views!

[@sarahb9699]

Thanks for all of your advice! You're helping me book my 2025 trip.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

So glad we're able to help you plan your trip! Hopefully you'll arrive confident and ready to explore!

[@austincooks4u]

we did that last year

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Did you enjoy it? I'd love to know!

[@cowboycork1]

Great video! You said that Prestige reservations can be made from mid Dec. ?? I'm looking today at Sept 8th, and Golden Pass Express website shows 2-months prior to travel. ???

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Sorry for the confusion! We meant that seat reservations can basically be booked from now up until about mid-December. So you should be able to buy your seat reservations for your September trip now. The tickets for the journey can only be booked on the GoldenPass website up to two months in advance. Funny enough, though...you can buy them on the SBB Mobile App up to six months in advance!!

[@DuneGames]

Hi - Nice train ride! I'll be in Montreux for the Jazz Festival in July and can't find any information on how to use the Montreux Riviera travel pass. There's lots of websites listing the benefits of having it, but none on actually how to use it. I'll be staying on the heights above Montreux overlooking the lake and traveling by train down to the city each day, and back in the evening. The Riviera pass is supposed to give me free travel by the trains, busses and reduced fare on other activities. Nobody explains how to use it. To I put it in the SBB app somehow, or simply show it at time of boarding? If not the app, how to 'flag down' a train such that it stops at my train stop so I can get on?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi there! For any ride completely covered by the Montreux Riviera Card, you basically don't need to do anything. Just have the card with you to show in case you're asked by a ticket inspector. Otherwise, you don't need to buy any special tickets or add anything to the SBB app. Hope that helps!

[@SreeNivassrini]

Thank you for the video , its amazing. Just wondering, do we need to book the seat reservation on both sides of the journey? what i meant is if we book seat reservation from Interlaken to Montreux , does this allow us to travel from Montreux to Interlaken without seat reservation?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Unfortunately you would need a separate seat reservation for each direction of travel

[@meg8343]

Thanks for the tips! Your videos and blogs have really helped us in planning our trip. We are traveling to Switzerland in mid June and are trying to decide which train type to ride from Montreux to Interlaken. Do you find that reservations are needed in mid June or can we wing it?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

We’re so happy our resources have been helpful - that’s our goal! Yes, we do recommend making reservations, especially for the summer season. We’ve seen it so full that people are standing in the aisles!

[@meg8343]

Thank you! That’s what I figured. Do you know if one of the train types are less likely to have people standing in the aisles? A super crowded train, even if we have seats, doesn’t sound great.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

The GoldenPass Panorama would be the least likely to have standing room only. But of course you can make reservations on any of these trains if that's a concern!

[@cendrabinarto]

Hi Jana and Brett, nice video as always! i booked prestige ride for my family trip in this coming jun. do you happen to know whats the difference between coach 10 and 20 in the prestige class as i only managed to book seats in coach 20 earlier for my scheduled departure. i counted from your video that coach 10 alone seems to have all the 18 seats. does it mean coach 20 is not actually prestige class or the total might not be 18?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi there! Nope, there were only 9 seats in our Prestige Class carriage, so you will be a-okay! Every train only has 2 Prestige Classes with 9 seats each.

[@SabaFaizanMUA]

If i understood right with Berner oberland pass half price is only for first and second class. Prestige class is full price?

[@JulieWilliams-mj7ry]

Hi Brett & Jana, i love your videos, so informative! Can you please tell me if I already have purchased the Eurail global pass for 2nd class, but, would like to do prestige class on the Golden Express from Interlaken to Montreaux, what would my cost be? I understand the reservation is $49. For prestige class, but, is there an upgrade fee as well for the class change? We will be traveling in September. .

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Great question! Yes, you will need to purchase a class upgrade in addition to the reservation fee!

[@nadinebyrne6344]

Swiss trains are so confusing!! I have worked out that I need the Swiss half and the Berner O pass. Do I just purchase the journey from Saanen on the SBB app or do I have to purchase the rest of the trip to Montreux through BO?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi Nadine! It sure can be confusing! We would personally purchase the ticket between Saanen and Montreux on the SBB Mobile App. Make sure you get the Half Fare Card discount too!

[@kargerstreet9687]

Hi Jana and Brett, we have a day pass and reserve a seat from Interlaken OST to Montreux prestige. In Julycan we change the train to Belle Epoque at Zweisimmen? Do we need to reserve the seat?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi there! Yep, you can change to the Belle Epoque in Zweisimmen no problem. Highly unlikely you'd need a seat reservation, but you can make one if you'd like just to be safe. Enjoy!

[@ThomNguyen-bj8te]

Good Afternoon! Thank you for the videos. I have a trip coming this July. So obsessed with the prestige seat. I have a question wish you could help. I bought the Saver Day pass 1 month ago for 2.Class on the day July.08. ( 52 CHF ) Could you please help which is the right tickets should I booked for this route with prestige Class on the July/08? Thanks so much.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi Thom! Along with your Saver Day Pass, you'll need to purchase a class upgrade. You can either buy the upgrade for this specific route or for the entire day. And of course you'll also need the Prestige Class seat reservation. Hope this helps!

[@deedeeungetheim5786]

We think we want to take the Belle Époque from Montreax to Zweisimmen. We will have the BO pass. I heard you all say that we probably don't need a reservation on that part of the journey. Because we are traveling on to Interlaken from Zweisimenn,, would we be on the Panorama train at that point? Do you recommend reservations for that portion of the trip?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

If we were taking that trip we would probably do so without seat reservations, especially for the GP Panorama train. But maybe seat reservations for the Belle Epoque could be good "insurance" just in case.

[@raypeppers9890]

I would be doing this as a Day Trip. Do you have to pay for both ways or is it RT?

[@amaldonadolutomirsky]

It is not an RT ticket. You do have to pay for both ways except if you bought the Swiss Travel Pass. In that case you just need to pay for reservations and class upgrades for both ways. However, you can also consider taking the GoldenPass Express from Interlaken to Montreux, visit the Montreux region (including the Chillon Castle) and then in the afternoon, take a faster route back to Interlaken or Luzern. On the way back (faster connections) you will need to change trains, but you can take advantage of the fact that IC trains have a restaurant. As a bonus, if you have the Swiss Travel Pass, the entrance to the Chillon Castle is also included, as are the bus rides to and from Montreux and Chillon Castle. If you plan it right, you might be able to take a boat (also included in the Swiss Travel Pass) from Montreux to Chillon Castle.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Hi Ray! @amaldonadolutomirsky gave you great feedback! In addition, look into buying a Saver Day Pass on the SBB Mobile App. This would probably be a great deal for you, a lot cheaper than buying two one-way tickets!

[@markbolton7561]

How do you reserve a seat if you have the BO pass? Please help!

[@kerrineilson597]

I just wanted to ask you a question about Glacier Express. I hope this appropriate on this video. Yesterday I bought two seat reservations and also two half fare tickets. After purchasing I realized that I had somehow purchased seats that were not together. After researching And seeing that they were not refundable, I went ahead and bought another seat reservation but not another half fare ticket. Do you think that’s all I need to do?? Thank you so much for being so helpful!

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Ah so sorry that happened to you! Yes, you should be good to go...no need to purchase additional tickets.

[@kerrineilson597]

@@AplinsintheAlps Thank you so much! You are the best! Always willing to answer my questions. ❤️

[@AplinsintheAlps]

You're welcome!

[@ZhiyunXu]

Is it necessary to make a seat reservation for 2 class seat?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Great question! It's not necessary, but generally we would recommend it if you really want to ride this train. When we rode in mid-March, Prestige Class was totally empty but 2nd Class was completely full!!

[@happynjvlogs7264]

Hi . We are planning to try the golden pass train from Interlaken to montruex. Can you pls tell is it possible to hop off Gstad in between and later we can go to montruex and return our trip to Interlaken ? We are planning to take a saver day pass +half fare card for this train ride ( since we travel in car )will this plan work ???I am totally confused .i heard like hop on hop off is not available in saver day pass? Is it true

[@brucepetersen1011]

I believe you mentioned that you have lived in Switzerland for a year, how did you accomplish that? Thought it was difficult to do something that long.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

We both have Italian citizenship so it’s easy to move here as a European citizen (well, easier than as a American from the USA!)

[@BrucePetersen68]

@@AplinsintheAlps Ahhhh, so was Italian easy or at least easier to get?

[@brucepetersen1011]

LOVE your channel, thanks for the info!@@BrucePetersen68

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Jana was able to get Italian citizenship because her great-grandparents came from there!!

[@dorsli5751]

Hi! Can we do the Golden Pass for a day from Interlaken to Monttreuz & back?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Yes, you could ride it as a round trip journey!

[@dorsli5751]

@@AplinsintheAlps thank you!

[@grlcanrock]

Was a little confused in general on that site, for purchasing a transport ticket and reserving a seat on the GoldenPass Express. For September, it said I could reserve a seat but the transport ticket can only be purchased 1 day in advance. Do transport tickets ever get sold out? I would just be worried about paying to reserve a seat and then not being able to even buy the transport ticket for that day when the time comes.

[@AplinsintheAlps]

The seat reservation is what’s most important! Tickets will never sell out, but reservations can sell out. Buy a reservation now and you can buy your ticket anytime before the train departs (1 month, 1 day, 1 hour - doesn’t matter!)

[@litapich]

Hi, if I were to buy OB pass, can I just hop on and off the golden pass train? Or is there something else I need to do?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

Unfortunately, the BO Pass doesn't cover the entire route so you'll need a ticket from Gstaad. And seat reservations are recommended because it can get quite busy during peak season. But you could theoretically hop on and off between Interlaken and Gstaad using the BO Pass.

[@litapich]

@@AplinsintheAlps thank you so much for ur reply. If I reserve the ticket should I reserve the whole trip from interlaken to Montreux but buy a separate ticket at the station where the pass doesn’t cover? I want to do the golden pass belle-epoque.

[@shammad7887]

Can you live in Swiss with US citizenship?

[@AplinsintheAlps]

You can! But we’re both legally here with an Italian passport (Jana’s family is Italian, and Brett gained citizenship through marriage.)

[@shammad7887]

Thank you so much for the quick reply. You guys rock!

[@minecraftminer59mineboymin38]

you guys sure are annoying to watch, with all the fake happy stuff

[@AplinsintheAlps]

So sorry you feel that way. We were genuinely happy to take this journey, especially to learn about the gauge changes and to ride in the awesome VIP car!!!