The most scenic train route from Zurich to Interlaken is Zurich HB → Lucerne → Interlaken Ost, using the Luzern–Interlaken Express for the Lucerne to Interlaken section. It is usually slower than the fastest route via Bern, but it is the better choice if the train ride is part of the trip: lakes, mountain villages, waterfalls, panoramic windows, and the climb over the Brünig Pass.
The scenic section from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost is 74 km (46 miles) and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The full Zurich to Interlaken journey via Lucerne is normally around 122 km (76 miles) by rail, depending on the exact service and routing. The fastest Zurich to Interlaken trains usually go via Bern and are better if you simply want to arrive quickly.
Quick answer
Best scenic route: Zurich HB → Lucerne → Interlaken Ost
Main scenic train: Luzern–Interlaken Express
Main scenic section: Lucerne → Brünig Pass → Meiringen → Lake Brienz → Interlaken Ost
Distance of scenic section: 74 km (46 miles)
Duration of scenic section: about 1 hour 50 minutes
Best for: first-time visitors, photographers, slow travellers, Swiss Travel Pass users, and anyone who wants the journey to feel like part of the holiday
Not best for: late arrivals, tight Jungfrau connections, bad-weather travel days, or travellers who only care about speed
Scenic route vs fastest route: which should you choose?
There are two sensible ways to travel from Zurich to Interlaken by train. The first is the faster route, usually via Bern. The second is the scenic route, via Lucerne and the Luzern–Interlaken Express. Neither is “wrong”; they serve different types of trips.
| Route | Typical changes | Best for | Scenic value | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zurich HB → Bern → Interlaken Ost | Usually 0–1 | Speed, simple transfers, late arrivals | Moderate | You miss the Brünig Pass and the best lake section |
| Zurich HB → Lucerne → Interlaken Ost | Usually 1 | Views, photography, first-time Switzerland trips | High | Usually slower than going via Bern |
Choose the Lucerne route if you have daylight and want a memorable journey. Choose the Bern route if you are arriving late, travelling with tired children, connecting to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald the same evening, or trying to reach Interlaken as quickly as possible.
The best scenic train route from Zurich to Interlaken
The best scenic route is:
- Zurich HB to Lucerne by regular Swiss train
- Lucerne to Interlaken Ost on the Luzern–Interlaken Express
The first part, Zurich to Lucerne, is useful rather than spectacular. You leave Switzerland’s largest city and head toward central Switzerland. The real reason to choose this route begins after Lucerne, when the train starts moving through lakeside and mountain scenery toward the Bernese Oberland.
The Lucerne to Interlaken section is operated by Zentralbahn and is part of the wider GoldenPass route between Lucerne, Interlaken, Zweisimmen, and Montreux. However, it is important not to confuse this with the GoldenPass Express. The GoldenPass Express is the direct premium train between Interlaken Ost and Montreux. For Zurich to Interlaken via Lucerne, the scenic train you want is the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
Step-by-step: how to take the scenic route
1. Start at Zurich HB
Zurich HB is the main railway station in Zurich and the easiest starting point for this route. Search for your journey as Zurich HB to Interlaken Ost via Lucerne in the SBB timetable. Adding “via Lucerne” matters because otherwise the timetable may show the faster route via Bern.
If you are starting at Zurich Airport, search for Zurich Flughafen to Interlaken Ost via Lucerne. The airport station is directly connected to the Swiss rail network, so you do not need to travel into the city first unless you want to stop in Zurich.
2. Change trains in Lucerne
Lucerne is the key transfer point. If your connection is short, follow the platform information on the SBB app or station boards. If you have time, Lucerne is also the best place to break the trip. Even a 2–3 hour stop gives you time to walk across Chapel Bridge, see the lakefront, and return to the station without making the travel day too complicated.
For a relaxed version of the journey, plan a longer stop in Lucerne rather than rushing straight through. This is especially useful if you are travelling after a long flight, carrying luggage, or visiting Switzerland for the first time.
3. Board the Luzern–Interlaken Express
The Luzern–Interlaken Express runs between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost. The journey is 74 km (46 miles) and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. According to MySwitzerland, the train operates hourly and the route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and GA Travelcard.
This is the section that makes the route worth choosing. You pass lakes, villages, wooded slopes, waterfalls, and the Brünig Pass before descending toward Meiringen and Lake Brienz.
4. Arrive at Interlaken Ost
The scenic train arrives at Interlaken Ost, not Interlaken West. This matters because Interlaken Ost is the better station for onward travel into the Jungfrau region, including Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Jungfraujoch connections.
If your hotel is near Interlaken West, check whether it is easier to take a short connecting train, local bus, taxi, or walk depending on your luggage and location.
Which side of the train has the best views?
For the Luzern–Interlaken Express, Zentralbahn advises sitting on the right-hand side in the direction of travel from Lucerne to Interlaken for the best views. This is one of the most useful details to know before boarding because the best lake and mountain views are not evenly distributed throughout the journey.
That said, do not panic if you cannot get the perfect seat. The train has large panoramic windows, and views appear on both sides at different points. If the carriage is quiet, you may be able to move during the journey. If it is busy, take the seat you can get and enjoy the route rather than spending the ride worrying about the “perfect” side.
Seat tip
Lucerne → Interlaken: try the right-hand side.
Interlaken → Lucerne: try the right-hand side again according to Zentralbahn’s route advice.
Travelling in peak season: board promptly in Lucerne if you want more choice of seats.
What you see on the Lucerne to Interlaken train
The scenery builds gradually. It is not one single viewpoint; it is a sequence of lakes, slopes, villages, and mountain transitions. That is why this route is more rewarding in daylight than after dark.
Lake Lucerne and central Switzerland
Leaving Lucerne, the route begins in central Switzerland, with mountain shapes appearing quickly around the lake region. This section sets the tone but is not yet the most dramatic part of the ride.
Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern
As the train continues, the scenery becomes more open and alpine. Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern are two of the most attractive parts of the journey, especially in clear weather. This is where the route starts to feel very different from the faster Zurich–Bern–Interlaken option.
The Brünig Pass
The Brünig Pass is the high-point experience of the route. The train climbs through a mountain pass rather than simply crossing flat country, which is why the Lucerne route feels more like a scenic rail journey than a standard intercity transfer.
Meiringen
Meiringen is a practical landmark on the route and a useful stop if you want to break the journey. It is associated with the nearby Reichenbach Falls and is also a gateway to the Haslital area. Most Zurich to Interlaken travellers stay on the train, but Meiringen is worth considering if you want a less obvious stop than Lucerne or Brienz.
Lake Brienz
The approach to Interlaken along Lake Brienz is one of the best sections of the journey. The lake’s colour can be striking in good light, and the train gives you a calmer, more spacious view than you get when simply arriving by road. This is the part many travellers remember most.
Should you stop in Lucerne, Brienz, or Meiringen?
You can take the route straight through, but the best version depends on your schedule.
| Stop | Best for | How long to allow | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucerne | First-time visitors, lakefront walk, Chapel Bridge, easy sightseeing | 2–4 hours | Yes, especially if this is your only chance to see Lucerne |
| Meiringen | Waterfalls, quieter mountain-town stop, less obvious detour | 2–3 hours minimum | Good if you prefer less crowded stops |
| Brienz | Lake views, slow travel, photography, village atmosphere | 1–3 hours | Yes in good weather; less essential in rain |
If you only have one stop, choose Lucerne for the easiest sightseeing. If you want the journey itself to feel more personal and less like a transfer, choose Brienz or Meiringen.
Is the scenic route covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. The Lucerne to Interlaken section is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and GA Travelcard according to MySwitzerland. Zentralbahn also states that the route is included in the Swiss Travel Pass and GA Travelcard.
You do not need a special panoramic-train ticket for the Luzern–Interlaken Express. A normal valid ticket or accepted rail pass is enough. Seat reservations are not required, although they may be available for a surcharge if you want extra certainty during busy periods.
Do you need a reservation?
No, a reservation is not normally required for the Luzern–Interlaken Express. This is one of the reasons the route is easier to use than some of Switzerland’s premium panoramic trains.
Consider reserving or boarding early if you are travelling:
- in July, August, or around major holiday periods
- as a family or group that wants to sit together
- with large luggage
- on a day with excellent weather when scenic trains are more popular
Is first class worth it?
First class can be worth it if you want a quieter ride, more space, and a better chance of sitting comfortably near the windows. It is not essential for the views. Second class still gives you the same route, the same mountains, and the same lakes.
If you are travelling on a careful budget, spend your money on extra time in Lucerne, Brienz, or the Jungfrau region rather than upgrading automatically. If this train ride is one of the highlights of your trip, first class may feel worthwhile.
When not to take the scenic route
The scenic route is not always the best route. Take the faster route via Bern instead if:
- you are arriving in Zurich late in the day
- you will be travelling mostly after dark
- the weather is poor and visibility is low
- you have a tight hotel check-in or activity in Interlaken
- you need to continue to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, or Wengen the same evening
- you are travelling with tired children after a long flight
The Lucerne route is best when you can see the scenery and enjoy the journey slowly. If the train ride becomes stressful because you are racing the clock, the faster route is the better choice.
Best time of day to travel
Travel in daylight. Morning and early afternoon departures are usually better than evening departures because the scenery is the reason to choose this route.
If you are visiting in winter, check sunset times carefully. A train that feels perfectly timed in June may be too late in December if most of the scenic section happens after dark. In summer, you have far more flexibility.
Suggested one-day scenic itinerary
This is a practical version of the route if you want the train journey to feel like an experience rather than just transport.
- Morning: Depart Zurich HB for Lucerne.
- Late morning: Spend 2–3 hours in Lucerne. Walk the lakefront and Chapel Bridge area.
- Early afternoon: Take the Luzern–Interlaken Express toward Interlaken Ost.
- Mid-afternoon: Arrive at Interlaken Ost. Continue to your hotel or onward to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald if you still have time.
If you want an even slower version, add a stop in Brienz before continuing to Interlaken. This works best in good weather and when you are not carrying heavy luggage.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mistake 1: Searching Zurich to Interlaken without adding “via Lucerne”
If you do not add Lucerne as a via point, the timetable may prioritise faster options via Bern. That is fine for speed, but it may not show the scenic route you actually want.
Mistake 2: Confusing the Luzern–Interlaken Express with the GoldenPass Express
The Luzern–Interlaken Express runs between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost. The GoldenPass Express runs between Interlaken Ost and Montreux. They are connected in the broader GoldenPass route, but they are not the same train.
Mistake 3: Arriving at Interlaken West when you need Interlaken Ost
Interlaken has two main stations. Interlaken Ost is usually the station you want for onward travel to Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen, and Jungfraujoch. Interlaken West may be closer to some hotels, but it is less useful for many mountain connections.
Mistake 4: Taking the scenic route after dark
The route is still efficient transport after sunset, but you lose the main reason for choosing it. If you will travel after dark, take the fastest convenient train instead.
Mistake 5: Treating “panoramic train” as meaning “expensive special train”
The Luzern–Interlaken Express has panoramic windows and scenic value, but it does not require the same planning mindset as premium reservation-heavy trains. A normal valid ticket or accepted pass is usually enough.
Zurich to Interlaken scenic train FAQ
Is there a direct scenic train from Zurich to Interlaken?
Not in the way most travellers mean it. The most scenic route normally requires changing in Lucerne. The scenic train section is Lucerne to Interlaken Ost on the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
What is the most scenic train route from Zurich to Interlaken?
The most scenic route is Zurich HB → Lucerne → Interlaken Ost. The highlight is the Luzern–Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass and along Lake Brienz.
Is Zurich to Interlaken via Lucerne better than via Bern?
Via Lucerne is better for scenery. Via Bern is better for speed. If you are visiting Switzerland for the views and have enough daylight, go via Lucerne. If you are tired, late, or connecting onward quickly, go via Bern.
How far is Lucerne from Interlaken by train?
The Lucerne to Interlaken train route is 74 km (46 miles).
How long does the Luzern–Interlaken Express take?
The Luzern–Interlaken Express takes about 1 hour 50 minutes between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost.
Is the Luzern–Interlaken Express included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
Yes. The route is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and GA Travelcard according to MySwitzerland.
Do I need to reserve a seat?
No, reservations are not normally required. They may be available for a surcharge if you want a guaranteed seat, especially during busy travel periods.
Which side should I sit on from Lucerne to Interlaken?
Zentralbahn advises sitting on the right-hand side in the direction of travel for the best views.
Is the GoldenPass Express the train from Zurich to Interlaken?
No. The GoldenPass Express runs between Interlaken Ost and Montreux. For Zurich to Interlaken via Lucerne, the scenic train section is the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
Can I travel from Zurich Airport to Interlaken on the scenic route?
Yes. Search Zurich Flughafen to Interlaken Ost via Lucerne in the SBB timetable. You can connect from the airport into the Swiss rail network without needing to stay overnight in Zurich.
Final recommendation
If this is your first trip to Switzerland and you have daylight, take the scenic route from Zurich to Interlaken via Lucerne. It gives you a better sense of the country than the faster route via Bern: lakes, mountain passes, villages, and a proper panoramic train experience without complicated booking rules.
If you are short on time, travelling after dark, or continuing straight into the Jungfrau region, take the faster route via Bern and save your scenic rail time for another day. But if the journey matters as much as the destination, Zurich HB → Lucerne → Interlaken Ost is the route to choose.