Golden Pass route For lovers of Swiss lakes and mountains, this route is two hours of sheer heaven. It's a journey that many make as a one-day round trip from either end of the route (ie. from either Lucerne or from Interlaken).

The train journey from Lucerne (Luzern) to Interlaken Ost, which is the first leg of the famous Golden Pass line, takes exactly 1 hour and 50 minutes in 2026. This specific route is operated by the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a premium panoramic train designed with large windows to showcase the stunning Swiss scenery. The train departs hourly (usually at 6 minutes past the hour) and covers a distance of approximately 74 kilometers. Along the way, passengers are treated to views of five crystal-clear alpine lakes, including Lake Brienz and Lake Sarnen, as well as numerous waterfalls. A highlight of the trip is the ascent over the Brünig Pass, where the train utilizes "cogwheel" technology to climb the steep gradients. While you can take a slightly faster "standard" regional train with a transfer, the Luzern-Interlaken Express is the preferred choice for its comfort and the sheer beauty of the route. It is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, though seat reservations are recommended during the peak summer and winter tourist seasons.