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Start your journey exploring the Pearl of Lake Geneva – discover the mystical Chillon Castle, click a picture with the statue of Freddie Mercury, and listen to some world-class tunes at the Montreux Jazz Festival held every July.
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GoldenPass Express Tickets
Book by Nov 30, 2025 & get up to 2 extra days on select passes for trips between Oct, 2025–Mar, 2026!
- Everything you get: This pass gives you unlimited travel on the Swiss rail network for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. You’ll get discounts on mountain trips to Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, and more, free entry to 500 museums, and free rides on scenic trains like the Glacier and Bernina Express.
- Why choose this: It’s the easiest way to experience more of Switzerland in less time, combining flexibility, convenience, and value. With seamless access to transportation and attractions, you can make the most of every day of your Swiss journey.
- Upgrades: Book a pass between Sept 11–Nov 30, 2025 for trips between Oct 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026 and enjoy 1 extra day on a 4-day 1st class pass or 2 extra days on an 8-day 1st class pass!
Book by Nov 30, 2025 & get up to 2 extra days on select passes for trips between Oct, 2025–Mar, 2026!
- Everything you get: This pass gives you unlimited travel on the Swiss rail network for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days. You’ll get discounts on mountain trips to Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat, and more, free entry to 500 museums, and free rides on scenic trains like the Glacier and Bernina Express.
- Why choose this: It’s the easiest way to experience more of Switzerland in less time, combining flexibility, convenience, and value. With seamless access to transportation and attractions, you can make the most of every day of your Swiss journey.
- Upgrades: Book a pass between Sept 11–Nov 30, 2025 for trips between Oct 1, 2025–Mar 31, 2026 and enjoy 1 extra day on a 4-day 1st class pass or 2 extra days on an 8-day 1st class pass!
Inclusions
- Pass valid for 3/4/6/8/15 consecutive days
- Unlimited access to trains, boats & buses across Switzerland
- 1st or 2nd class seats (based on the option selected)
- Premium panoramic trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass MOB, Gotthard Panorama Express & Luzern Interlaken Express
- Mountain excursions: Mount Rigi, Monte Generoso & more
- Cruises: Lake Lucerne and Zurich, Lakes Thun and Brienz, Lake Geneva & more
- Discounts: 50% off on Pilatus, Titlis, Glacier 3000, 25% off on Jungfraujoch & more
- Access to intra-city public transportation
- Access to 500+ museums
- See all inclusions here
Exclusions
- Seat reservation on Bernina and Glacier Express
- This pass is valid only for residents outside of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Children aged 15 years and under travel free when accompanied by a parent.
- Seat reservation is mandatory for panoramic trains. Please follow the reservation instructions in the ticket you receive post-booking.
- Staff is available for guests requiring disability assistance.
- After booking your pass, you will receive a PDF in the confirmation email.
- Download the ticket and show either the printed version or use the digital ticket containing the QR code to the conductor to board the trains.
- Your pass will be activated on the day selected during booking.
- Your pass is valid for the consecutive number of days chosen. For instance, if you picked the 3-day pass, your pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. It ends at 5am on the day following the last day.
- Access the handy Swiss map here and begin your travel adventure!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Plan your perfect mix of travel & rest days with this pass valid for any 3-15 days within 1 month.
- Create a flexible itinerary with the Swiss Travel Flex Pass and enjoy the freedom to explore Switzerland without a rigid daily schedule.
- Choose to travel on any 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days over a month with this must-have pass, perfect for adventurers seeking flexibility and spontaneity.
- See the best with one pass: get access to scenic train routes, public transit, museums, mountain excursions, and discounts for an unforgettable journey.
- Experience spacious, quieter rides with 1st class or embrace the vibrant atmosphere of 2nd class, both offering unforgettable Swiss train journeys.
Plan your perfect mix of travel & rest days with this pass valid for any 3-15 days within 1 month.
- Create a flexible itinerary with the Swiss Travel Flex Pass and enjoy the freedom to explore Switzerland without a rigid daily schedule.
- Choose to travel on any 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 days over a month with this must-have pass, perfect for adventurers seeking flexibility and spontaneity.
- See the best with one pass: get access to scenic train routes, public transit, museums, mountain excursions, and discounts for an unforgettable journey.
- Experience spacious, quieter rides with 1st class or embrace the vibrant atmosphere of 2nd class, both offering unforgettable Swiss train journeys.
Inclusions
- Pass valid for any 3/4/6/8/15 days
- Valid for 1 month after activation
- Unlimited access to trains, boats & buses across Switzerland
- 1st or 2nd class seats (based on the option selected)
- Premium panoramic trains: Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Golden Pass MOB, Gotthard Panorama Express & Luzern Interlaken Express
- Mountain excursions: Mount Rigi, Monte Generoso & more
- Cruises: Lake Lucerne and Zurich, Lakes Thun and Brienz, Lake Geneva & more
- Discounts: 50% off on Pilatus, Titlis, Glacier 3000, 25% off on Jungfraujoch & more
- Access to intra-city public transportation
- Access to 500+ museums
- See all inclusions here
Exclusions
- Seat reservation on Bernina and Glacier Express
- This pass is valid only for residents outside of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Children under 16 travel free when accompanied by a parent.
- Seat reservation is mandatory for panoramic trains. Please follow the reservation instructions in the ticket post-booking.
- Staff is available for guests requiring disability assistance.
- To activate your Swiss Travel Flex Pass, simply head to www.activateyourpass.com, enter your reference number, and fill in the required details to get started.
- Follow the step-by-step activation instructions provided in the ticket that you receive post-booking.
- If you picked the 3-day pass, your pass is valid for any 3 days and can be used within one month from the first date of use.
- Download the ticket and show either the printed version or the digital ticket to board the trains.
- Access the handy Swiss map here and begin your travel adventure!
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
What is the GoldenPass Express?
The GoldenPass Express is a panoramic train that runs between Montreux and Interlaken. The journey lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, during which you can kick back in your seat and soak up spectacular views of the Swiss countryside.
Connecting the shores of Lake Geneva to the alpine valleys surrounding Interlaken, the GoldenPass Express cuts through three prominent Swiss cantons: Vaud, Bern, and Freiburg. So, keep your eyes peeled for the palm fronds of Montreux, the picturesque hamlets dotting Gstaad, and the weeping glaciers of the Bernese Oberland.
A quick overview of the GoldenPass Express
- Distance: 115.34 km (71.6 miles)
- Duration: 3 hr 15 min
- Frequency: 4 trains per day
- No. of stops: 14
- Popular sights: The chalets of Gstaad, the vineyards of Lavaux, the hot air balloons of Château-d’Oex, and and more.
Choose 1st or 2nd class seats
Both first and second-class carriages on the GoldenPass Express are air-conditioned and have comfortable seats with wide panoramic windows that reach the ceiling. While the train does not have a dining car, it offers food packages you can order in advance to be served during your ride.
If you’re unsure about which seats to choose, consider some of these differences before booking your tickets.
First-class seats
First-class carriages have wider legroom for passengers to stretch their legs. There is also extra aisle space for you to move around the carriage during their three-hour journey. With only three seats in a row (two on one side of the aisle and one on the other side), first-class seats are ideal for you if you’re looking for a luxurious experience coupled with a quiet atmosphere. However, note that there are only 48 first-class seats. So, book them as early as you can before the train fills up.
Second-class seats
With four seats in a row (two on either side of the aisle), second-class carriages are more compact and have less space to move around compared to first-class. However, there is a more vibrant and communal atmosphere in second-class, where the carriages are arranged in groups of four, with two seats facing each other, separated by a table in the center. Depending on the train, you can expect 118 to 172 seats in second-class carriages, so you have a wider range of seats to choose from. If you’re looking for an affordable panoramic train experience with standard comfort and a dynamic atmosphere, second-class seats are the way to go.
GoldenPass Express with rail passes
If you’re exploring Switzerland with any of the following rail passes, you can travel on the GoldenPass Express for free or at a discounted rate.*
- Swiss Travel Pass: Traveling with a continuous or flexible Swiss Travel Pass? You can ride the GoldenPass Express for free as the pass gives you unlimited access to Switzerland’s public transport network, which includes panoramic trains.
- Eurail Pass: Non-European residents with a Eurail Pass have free access to the rail networks in 33 European countries. So, if you have a valid Eurail Pass, you don’t have to pay for your GoldenPass Express tickets.
- Interrail Switzerland Pass: Enjoy a free ride on the GoldenPass Express with the Interrail Switzerland Pass, which grants European residents free and unlimited access to Switzerland’s national rail network.
- Swiss Half-Fare Card: The Swiss Half-Fare Card offers 50% discounted access to the Swiss Public Transportation network. So when you book your tickets for the GoldenPass Express, you only have to pay half the price.
*Seat reservations for panoramic trains, including the GoldenPass Express, are exempt from any rail pass-related discounts and must be purchased separately.
Sights to see along the GoldenPass Express route
Montreux
Similar experiences
Frequently asked questions about the GoldenPass Express
Can I get off the GoldenPass Express and explore towns along the route?
If you have a seat reservation, you cannot disembark from the train and will have to finish your journey on the same day. Travelers without a seat reservation, however, are free to get off and explore any small towns and alpine villages that catch their eye. You can always catch a later train to continue the rest of your journey.
Where can I find the current timetable for the GoldenPass Express?
Refer here for the updated timings and schedule of the GoldenPass Express.
Is seat reservation mandatory for the GoldenPass Express?
No, it isn’t. You can travel on the GoldenPass Express without a seat reservation. However, if you’re traveling during peak season (May to October), we recommend purchasing one in advance as seats can sell out pretty quickly.
Is the GoldenPass Express suitable for families with young children?
Yes, it is! The picturesque scenery outside their windows is sure to keep your little ones entertained. Children under six can also ride on the GoldenPass Express for free, provided they don’t require their own seats.
How accessible is the GoldenPass Express for travelers with mobility issues?
The GoldenPass Express trains are designed with accessibility in mind. Most carriages have step-free access and dedicated spaces for wheelchairs. However, it's best to contact the railway operator in advance to ensure they can accommodate your specific needs and arrange for any necessary assistance.
Does the GoldenPass Express offer Wi-Fi?
No, there is no Wi-Fi available aboard the GoldenPass Express. However, there will be plenty of astonishing sights demanding your attention and awe that you will barely even think of going on the internet. Spend these three hours reconnecting and immersing yourself in the wild beauty of the Swiss countryside.
What should I bring with me on my GoldenPass journey?
To make the most of your Golden Pass adventure, pack a fully charged camera or smartphone (don't forget a power bank!). Wear sunglasses to combat the glare from snow-capped peaks or glistening lakes. A light jacket or sweater can come in handy, as temperatures can vary in the mountains. Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and some snacks, if you haven’t reserved food packages in advance. And, of course, your valid ticket and any necessary travel documents! Carry a book or download a podcast to keep you company as you pass through long tunnels!
Can I bring my bike on the GoldenPass Express?
No bikes are allowed on the GoldenPass Express. However, some of the non-Express regional trains might allow you to travel with your bike. We recommend checking the SBB website for such details.
Can I cancel or modify my ticket after booking?
Yes, you can cancel your tickets 24 hours before the start of your train journey.