Is there a panoramic train from Zurich to Interlaken?

This scenic route passes five lakes (including Lake Lungern, pictured) and numerous waterfalls. The journey time for this scenic train from Zurich to Interlaken via Lucerne is as follows: Zurich HB to Lucerne – 41 minutes. Transfer time – 15 minutes.



Yes, there is a spectacular panoramic train journey from Zurich to Interlaken, although it usually requires a transfer in Lucerne. The most iconic way to do this is via the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which is the first segment of the famous GoldenPass Line. First, you take a standard high-speed Swiss train from Zurich HB to Lucerne (about 45–60 minutes). From Lucerne, you board the specialized panoramic train that features massive floor-to-ceiling windows. This 2-hour journey climbs over the Brünig Pass, glides past five crystal-clear Alpine lakes (including Lake Lungern and Lake Brienz), and offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and traditional Swiss chalets. In 2026, these trains are equipped with modern amenities and bistro cars. For the best views, sit on the right side of the train when departing Lucerne. While there are direct regional trains from Zurich to Interlaken via Bern, they utilize standard commuter cars; for the true "panoramic" Swiss experience, the route through Lucerne is the undisputed "scenic gold standard."

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The Glacier Express - known as the 'Slowest Express Train in the World' (and arguably the most scenic) - connects the mountain resort towns of Matterhorn adjacent to Zermatt and St Moritz in the Swiss Alps.

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Glacier Express Topping our list is none other than the Glacier Express, probably the most iconic and luxurious scenic Swiss rail journey. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the entire journey will grant you with undisputed panoramic views of the country's most dramatic scenery, no matter the season.

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  • GoldenPass Express.
  • Gotthard Panorama Express.
  • Luzern–Interlaken Express.


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You can expect the journey from Zürich to Interlaken Ost by train to take around 2 hours 15 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 1 hour 54 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 32 trains per day running on this route, which spans 92 km.

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With a Swiss Travel Pass you get unlimited travel on trains, buses and boats to reach popular cities such as Bern, Basel, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne, Innsbruck, Zurich and Lausanne as well as the country's greatest natural highlight, the Swiss Alps.

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Day trip from Zurich to Grindelwald and Interlaken It includes a scenic rail journey between Grindelwald and Interlaken. You'll see the peaks of the Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger, and shop for Swiss goods in the Bernese Oberland. There's also free time in Grindelwald included to spend as you wish.

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You can reserve your seats on Swiss trains at SBB.ch, SBB Mobile, via SBB Contact Center 0848 44 66 88 (CHF 0.08/min.) or direct at the ticket counter. It costs CHF 5 per seat to make a reservation.

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You can enjoy the Bernina Express as a day trip - this is the highest railway across the Alps, yet the train negotiates 55 tunnels, 196 bridges and steep inclines with ease. The carriages have panoramic windows so that you can enjoy unrestricted views of the stunning landscape through which you are travelling.

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Luzern is more comfortable, old money and beautiful setting on the lake. Interlaken is closer to the big mountains, hiking, etc. I prefer Interlaken, but Luzern is more comfortable for first time to Switzerland. I would not want to spend 4 hours on the train to commute from one to the other however.

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If you're looking for views then this route will most likely disappoint, especially if you're used to Swiss standards. There is some token scenery in the form of two lakes en route to take in however.

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Interlaken itself is small and walkable, and so are all the other towns. You might want to consider staying higher up in the mountains though. Public transport is excellent and will get you everywhere.

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