What is the difference between GoldenPass Express and Golden Pass panoramic?

A: While both trains connect Zweisimmen to Montreux, the GoldenPass Panoramic offers modern panoramic windows for an immersive scenic experience, whereas the GoldenPass Belle Epoque provides a nostalgic journey with vintage carriages reminiscent of the Belle Époque era.



The primary difference between the GoldenPass Express (GPX) and the GoldenPass Panoramic lies in the route and the technology. The GoldenPass Express, launched in late 2022, is a direct "no-change" train that runs between Montreux and Interlaken Ost. It uses revolutionary "variable gauge" bogies that allow the train to physically widen its wheels to switch from the narrow tracks of the Montreux Oberland Bernois (MOB) to the standard tracks of the BLS railway in Zweisimmen. It also features a luxurious Prestige Class with heated, rotating seats. In contrast, the GoldenPass Panoramic (and the vintage Belle Époque version) primarily runs on the narrow-gauge section between Montreux and Zweisimmen. If you take the Panoramic train toward Interlaken, you must change trains at Zweisimmen to continue your journey. In 2026, both trains offer stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, but the GPX is the superior choice for travelers who want a seamless, high-end experience without the hassle of switching platforms. The Panoramic trains remain popular for their "Belle Époque" style coaches, which offer a nostalgic, Orient Express-style aesthetic that the modern Express train lacks.

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Zweisimmen to Montreux – GoldenPass Panoramic Train and GoldenPass Bell Epoque: From Saanenmöser's peak, pass through Gstaad, entering French-speaking Switzerland. The route winds through valleys to Les Avants, concluding with a stunning Lake Geneva panorama in Montreux. For the best view, choose the right side.

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From Montreux to Zweissman the best side to sit on is the right hand side, in the direction of travel. From Zweissman to Interlaken the best side to sit on is the left hand side, in the direction of travel.

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Most tickets are valid for 24 hours, so you can take a train at any time on the route you purchased within that window, or hop on/off as you like on that route. BUT, note that return tickets follow the same rules, so if you're not returning on the same day, you should buy two one-way tickets (it's the same price) vs.

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The world's first fully panoramic train! The GoldenPass Panoramic are very modern trains with unique features. In addition to their great comfort, they have panoramic windows specially designed by our workshops in Chernex. These allow you to be totally immersed in the surrounding nature.

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The GoldenPass Express journey from Interlaken to Montreux takes 3 hours 15 minutes. The route takes you from Interlaken and Lake Thun to Lake Geneva, via some beautiful countryside and stunning mountain scenery.

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The journey itself is covered by the GA or Swiss Travel Pass. Without a pass, the standard price for the complete journey (Zermatt-St. Moritz or the other way) is 152 CHF in 2nd class or 268 CHF in 1st class. With a half-fare card, you get 50% off this price.

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The GoldenPass Express provides a seamless and even more comfortable travel experience on one of Switzerland's most picturesque train routes. The new panoramic train will connect Interlaken with Montreux up to four times a day (from June 2023), offering uninterrupted views of the breathtaking panorama.

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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).

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