GoldenPass Express Switzerland – How to Book, Passes & Views

The GoldenPass Express is the most iconic section of Switzerland’s GoldenPass Line, connecting lakeside Montreux with the Jungfrau region’s Interlaken in around 3 hours. The route features peaceful lakes, green valleys, and postcard-perfect alpine villages. Unlike other panoramic trains, it doesn’t take you through dramatic terrain—but the beauty is so gentle and immersive that you won’t want to look away. This article shares my personal experience riding the GoldenPass Express, including how to book tickets, how to use the Swiss Travel Pass (STP) or Swiss Half Fare Card, onboard facilities and meals, highlights of the route, and whether it’s worth it.

How to Book the GoldenPass Express? Using STP vs. Half Fare Card

The GoldenPass Express is a popular scenic train with reserved seating, and it’s recommended to book in advance—especially during the high season from April to October. Even if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass （STP） or Swiss Half Fare Card , you still need to pay a seat reservation fee. The key difference lies in whether or not you also need to purchase a separate ticket.

• Seat Reservation Fees:：
  • Prestige Class: CHF 35
  • 1st Class / 2nd Class: CHF 20

GoldenPass Express Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Go to the GoldenPass Express booking page
2. Scroll down to the Tickets & Reservations section and choose your preferred class: 1st class, 2nd class, or Prestige class
3. Enter your departure station, arrival station, and travel date (e.g. Montreux → Interlaken Ost)
4. Select your preferred departure time
5. Choose between one-way or round-trip
6. Follow the prompts to select your seat (you can choose seat location)
7. Choose whether to pre-order meals
8. Enter passenger details
9. Under the Travelcard and Discount section, select the type of pass or ticket you’re using. Common options include:
   • No Discount
   • Swiss Half Fare Card
   • Swiss Travel Pass (choose either 1st or 2nd class)
10. If you are using a Swiss Travel Pass (STP)
    • tick the box that says: “I already have a valid ticket for the selected class and route”
    • This tells the system to waive the base fare and only charge you the seat reservation fee
11. If you are selecting “No Discount” or using a Half Fare Card but have not yet bought your train ticket
    • leave the box unchecked
    • The system will automatically add the appropriate ticket price plus the reservation fee
12. After completing all fields, click Checkout to confirm and pay
    • You’ll receive a confirmation email.
    • On the travel day, you must show both this confirmation and your valid travel pass (STP or Half Fare Card) to the conductor when boarding

Onboard Experience｜I Chose 2nd Class

For this trip, I rode the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken Ost, and chose 2nd class. The layout is 2+2 with large panoramic windows, comfortable space, and clean interiors. The views from the seat were already fantastic.

I did not pre-book a meal when reserving my seat, planning to order on the day. A member of the train staff let me know that table service is only available in Prestige and First Class, and is not offered in second class.

However, they were kind enough to let us know that we could head to the self-service counter at the rear of the train, order from there, and bring our meals back to our seats.

• We ordered:
  • Ham and cheese platter with a glass of white wine (CHF 30.90)
  • A bottle of Swiss beer (CHF 6.50)

No table service, but the presentation was barely distinguishable from First Class. Eating at our seats with the scenery passing outside felt relaxed and unhurried, and by Swiss standards the prices were reasonable.

Scenic Views｜Gentle Lakes and Charming Villages

What sets the GoldenPass Express apart is its tranquil and layered scenery. Unlike the Glacier Express, which climbs steep mountains and twists through dramatic gorges, this journey takes you through peaceful lakes, rolling green hills, and quaint alpine villages—a route that feels calm and comforting throughout.

Shortly after departing Montreux, the train glides along the shores of Lake Geneva, where sunlight dances across the water. As the journey continues, it passes open fields, forests, and hillside hamlets dotted with wooden chalets. Distant mountains frame the background, turning the entire landscape into a living painting.

In spring and summer, the valleys come alive with lush greenery and blooming flowers, paired with blue skies and shimmering lakes—every photo looks like a ready-made postcard.

Is the GoldenPass Express Worth It?

If it’s your first time visiting Switzerland, or you want a comfortable and scenic train ride, the GoldenPass Express is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

• Clean, quiet carriages perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families
• Surprisingly decent food options with reasonable prices—even in 2nd class
• Scenic variety without visual fatigue—ideal for relaxed sightseeing
• Convenient connections between Montreux and Interlaken, with many attractions nearby

This is a relaxed journey with a strong sense of place. It suits travellers who want to sit, look out the window and let Switzerland do the rest, no hiking required.

Read More：

• GoldenPass vs Glacier Express – Which Swiss Scenic Train to Take?
• Glacier Express Review｜Booking, Scenic Route & Real Impressions