The Bernese Oberland Pass is a travel pass for Switzerland, which includes free travel on public transportation and mountain railways in the Bernese Oberland region.
This pass can be a convenient and cost-effective way to visit popular Swiss destinations including Interlaken, Gstaad, Grindelwald, Bern, Wengen and many others.
This guide explains what’s covered in the Bernese Oberland pass, how to buy and use the pass, and suggests the best excursions to maximize its value. We also compare it to other popular ravel passes is Switzerland to help you decide which pass is best for you.
Contents
Benefits of the Bernese Oberland Pass
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers a large part of Switzerland as shown on this map.
Free and discounted travel
The benefits of the Berner Oberland Pass include:
- Public Transport: free travel on most trains and buses inside the Bernese Oberland region
- Scenic Panorama Trains: free travel on Lucerne-Interlaken Express and part of Golden Pass Express (seat reservations extra)
- Intercity Connections: free train connections to this region from Bern, Lucerne, Brig, Saanen (then 50% to Montreux) and Domodossola.
- Mountain Railways: free travel on cable cars, gondolas, mountain trains and funicular at 25+ mountain resorts
- Popular Viewpoints: free travel to Brienzer Rothorn, Grindelwald First, Niederhorn, and many more. Large discount on Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and Titlis mountain excursions
- Boats: free cruises on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun
- Museums: discounts on entrance fees to 40+ museums and other attractions
- High Adventure: discounts on activities like climbing parks, canyoning, rafting, indoor sports
See detailed list of coverage below.
Convenience
For some travelers, the convenience of the Bernese Oberland Pass is one of the worth even more than the potential cost savings.
- With the pass, you don’t have to hassle with purchasing individual tickets
- You don’t have to worry that you bought the wrong ticket, as long as you stay within the covered network
- You will feel free to visit more mountains and do more activities because they are already included in the pass.
- At most mountain transport, you can skip the ticket line and scan your pass directly at the turnstile
Flexibility
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers a larger area and more attractions than the Jungfrau Travel Pass. So it’s easier and more cost effective to change your plans, particularly if there is poor weather.
For example, if there is rain or lots of clouds in Mürren, you could use your pass to go to a city like Bern or Lucerne or even other mountain areas with better weather, perhaps Gstaad or Engelberg.
Price for Berner Oberland Pass
You can purchase the Bernese Oberland Pass for 3, 4, 6, 8, or 10 days. The more days you buy, the better value you get on a per day basis. The days must be used consecutively.
1st Class pass option
If you purchase the first class version of the Berner Oberland Pass, you can travel in 1st class on the intercity trains and boats.
On trains, the first class cars tend to be little less crowded, quieter, and the seats are a bit larger. On boats, the first class section is usually on the upper deck, which usually has better views and more comfortable seating.
Note: Mountain railways do not have 1st class, so there is no benefit of having a 1st class pass for mountain excursions.
Discounts for Bernese Oberland Pass
If you have a valid Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Half Fare Card, or GA travelcard, you pay a reduced fare for the Bernese Oberland Pass.
Youth aged 16-24 also pay the reduced fare price. Youth may be asked to show an ID for proof of age when using the pass.
Note: No discount on the Bernese Oberland Pass for those with Eurail or Interrail passes.
Children price for Bernese Oberland Pass
For children aged 6-15, the Berner Oberland Pass costs just CHF 30, regardless of the number of days. For families with 2 or more children in this age range, this cost savings alone can justify purchasing the Bernese Oberland pass.
Without a travel pass, children aged 6-15 usually pay half-fare for public transport and mountain railways. But with the Berner Oberland Pass, these children ride free on everything.
You must purchase the child pass at the same time as the parent’s pass. When using the child pass, you may be asked to show an ID for proof of age for the child.
Note: If you have a Swiss Family Card, Junior Travel Card or Children Co-Travel Card, you do not need to also buy a the BOP for your child.
For children under 6, they ride free in any case, no ticket or pass required.
Which travel pass is better for Switzerland?
If you are visiting the Bernese Oberland region, you have a variety of travel passes to consider. The best pass depends on how long you are visiting this region, what activities you plan to do, and what other places in and outside Switzerland you are also visiting.
In general, I recommend the Bernese Oberland Pass if:
- you are visiting the Jungfrau Region / Bernese Oberland for 5+ days – this gives you more options for day trips
- you plan to do 2+ day trips outside the Jungfrau Region (like Oeschinensee, Brienzer Rothorn, Bern, Aare Gorge, Emmental, etc)
- you want to visit places inside the Jungfrau Region not covered by the Jungfrau Travel Pass: Pfingstegg, Grindelwald Bus to Grosses Scheidegg, Schilthorn (discounted)
The Jungfrau Travel Pass is a better choice if:
- you are visiting just the Jungfrau Region for 3-6 days
- you aren’t doing day trips outside the Jungfrau Region
- the Jungfraujoch is a top priority – it’s cheaper with the JTP
- learn more about Jungfrau Travel Pass…
The Swiss Travel Pass is a good choice if:
- you are visiting 2 or more regions in Switzerland (Lucerne, Zermatt, Montreux, etc), since the STP covers all of Switzerland
- you like museums – STP includes free entrance to 500+ museums
- See more reasons.
In a few cases, you might consider these other passes:
- Eurail Global Pass – you are visiting other European countries and only visiting Switzerland for a few days
- Swiss Half Fare Card – you are driving (not using public transport for day trips) or aren’t sure how many expensive mountains you might visit
Compare prices of travel passes
The following table shows the price of the Bernese Oberland pass compared to the Jungfrau Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass. I’ve included the approximate per/day cost to help you compare the value.
See current prices for Jungfrau Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass
Compare train and mountain ticket prices
The following table compares the price for a few popular cable cars, trains, and boats, applying the travel pass discounts.
Where to buy the Bernese Oberland Pass
You can purchase the Bernese Oberland Pass up to six months in advance. But it does not sell out, so you purchase it shortly before your trip.
We suggest purchasing your pass through Get Your Guide, because they offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you buy through the Bernese Oberland Pass website, they do not offer refunds.
Here are links to GetYourGuide for the different pass versions.
- Bernese Oberland Pass – 2nd Class
- Bernese Oberland Pass – 2nd Class Reduced Fare (with Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card & Youth 16-24)
- Bernese Oberland Pass – 1st Class
- Bernese Oberland Pass – 1st Class Reduced Fare (with Swiss Travel Pass/Half Fare Card & Youth 16-24)
You can also purchase the pass through the BLS Webshop and at railway station ticket offices, most tourism offices and Zürich and Geneva airports. But for convenience, we suggest purchasing the pass online.
When you purchase the pass, you select the start date and the number of days.
If you have children 6-15 or dogs, you need to buy their pass at the same time as yours. But remember that if you already have Swiss Family Card or SBB Junior Card, you don’t have to also get them a Bernese Oberland Pass.
How to use the Bernese Oberland Pass
Depending on where you buy the pass, you will either get a printable pass or digital pass with a QR code. Review the ticket carefully in case there are any special instructions, as the procedure may differ depending on where you purchase the pass.
If you purchase through GetYourGuide, you usually receive a digital pass that is loaded into the GetYourGuide mobile app. If you have several people in your group that may not always be together, you may find it more convenient for each adult to have the app on their own phones. For children, you can have multiple passes on the same phone.
On trains, buses and boats, you usually do not need to show your pass when boarding. Instead there are random ticket checks. If a ticket controller asks for your ticket, show the pass QR code either in the app or printed ticket.
On most included gondolas, funiculars, and some mountain trains, you can scan your pass QR code directly at the turnstile/gate without visiting the ticket desk.
Avoiding fines – important!
Before your trip, verify the valid dates of the pass and make sure you do not use the pass to travel outside the network (see current map of validity). You can get a fine of CHF 100/person if you do not have a valid travel pass or ticket for your travel date or route.
If you have the ticket on your phone, make sure you have enough battery for your journey. If you cannot show the ticket when required, even if you have purchased a valid ticket, you may still get the fine.
10 Best Excursions with the Berner Oberland Pass
Below I highlight our favorite excursions to do with the Bernese Oberland Pass. I’ve chosen mostly ones not covered by the Jungfrau Travel Pass, so you can see what additional benefits you get. But the BOP also includes the Jungfrau Region excursions.
See my Bernese Oberland Destination Guide for many more ideas.
1. Brienzer Rothorn
This tall mountain is just east of Interlaken, with a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lake Brienz and the infamous Hardergrat ridge.
From the shores of Lake Brienz, you board a vintage cogwheel train that brings you slowly up the mountain. At the top, you can do a short walk to panorama viewpoint, enjoy a meal at one of the panorama terraces, or hike the stunning ridge trail.
With the Bernese Oberland Pass, this mountain train is free, while full fare is CHF 96/adult. The pass also covers either the boat or train to reach the base of the mountain.
- Learn more about Brienzer Rothorn.
2. Oeschinensee
The spectacular Oeschinensee lake is becoming one of the most popular excursions in Switzerland. The bright blue waters fed by glacier melt are surrounded with tall mountain peaks and lush forests. It’s a popular spot for picnics and hiking.
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers your train from Interlaken to Kandersteg and the Oeschinensee cable car up the mountain. Then a 2km walk out to the lake or a more challenging hike on the panorama trail high above the bright blue water.
- Learn more about Oeschinensee.
3. Hasliberg
The Hasliberg mountain resort has lots of fun activities and hikes for families, as well as more challenging mountain trails for experienced hikers.
The Muggestutz trail tells the story of dwarves from this region, with fun activities and play houses scattered along the trail. The trail leads to a big playground with a view and nice picnic area by a pond.
You can continue hiking down the Marble Run trail, where kids visit a dozen elaborate marble runs along a easy downhill trail.
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the train to reach this area and the cable cars necessary for the trail.
- Learn more about Hasliberg.
4. Niederhorn
This tall mountain near Interlaken has so much drama, with steep cliffs on one side and lush alpine meadows on the other. Non-hikers can safely enjoy amazing vistas from the viewpoint near the cable car station.
Experienced hikers will love the beauty and challenge of the trail leading along the ridge, skirting the cliffs.
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the train to the base of the mountain as well as the funicular and cable car to reach the viewpoint.
- Learn more about Niederhorn
5. Lucerne-Interlaken Express
This scenic train connecting Lucerne and Interlaken is one of the most beautiful train journeys in Switzerland. It passes beautiful lakes, charming villages, alpine meadows and tall mountains.
The train ticket is completely covered the Bernese Oberland Pass, seat reservation extra. If you are moving hotels from Lucerne to Interlaken / Jungfrau Region, you could start your Bernese Oberland Pass on this transfer day.
- Learn more about Lucerne-Interlaken Express
6. Jungfraujoch
The Jungfraujoch viewpoint is one of the most famous attractions in Switzerland. A series of cable cars and/or mountain trains brings you to the highest rail station in Europe at 3,454m (11,332 ft).
At the top, you get a breath-taking view of the immense Aletsch glacier, the longest in the alps, over 20 km long. You can also walk through an ice cave, wander on the glacier snow, and even sled at the snow fun park.
The Bernese Oberland Pass provides a big discount on the Jungfraujoch excursion, “just” CHF 99 versus CHF 227 full fare (2024 prices). But if this activity is your top priority, it’s even less with the Jungfrau Travel Pass, only CHF 75.
- Learn more about visiting Jungfraujoch
7. Gstaad
Gstaad is an upscale resort town and beautiful alpine region west of Interlaken. Despite its reputation as a hot spot for royalty and celebrities, it’s a also lovely destination for families and regular travelers like you and me.
To get there from Interlaken, you can ride the GoldenPass Express panorama train to Gstaad. The train ticket is free with the Bernese Oberland Pass, seat reservation extra and required for the Express train – learn more.
The pass also includes some of the Gstaad cable cars and mountain buses, including our favorites: Wispile, Rinderberg, and Lauenensee mountain bus.
8. Niesen
This triangle-shaped mountain has one of the nicest views of Lake Thun, Interlaken, and countless mountain peaks in all directions. To reach the top, you ride a series of two steep funicular trains that drop you off at the viewpoint and restaurant.
You can do a short wander around the top to catch all the views, then enjoy refreshments on the restaurant’s panorama terrace. Or you can hike along the ridge and down the mountain, soaking in the views from a different perspective.
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the train to the base of the mountain and the funicular trains up the mountain.
- Learn more about Niesen.
9. Adelboden
Adelboden is a beautiful mountain resort southwest of Interlaken. It has one of the largest waterfalls in Switzerland, beautiful hiking, and a large network of mountain biking and scootering trails.
Our favorite in the Adelboden area is Engstligenalp, which the big waterfall shown above and beautiful hiking trails around a high alpine valley.
The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the train and bus to the Adelboden village, as well as the Engstligenalp, Sillerenbühl, Hahenmoos, and Tschentenalp mountain lifts.
10. Jungfrau Region
The Bernese Oberland Pass also includes or discounts almost everything in the Jungfrau Region including Grindelwald First, Männlichen, Mürren, Gimmelwald, Wengen, and Schynige Platte.
It actually covers more in this region than the Jungfrau Travel Pass, including Pfingstegg cable car, Allmendhubel funicular, Grindelwald Bus, Lauterbrunnen valley bus, Stechelberg-Gimmelwald-Mürren cable cars, and discount on Schilthorn cable car.
More benefits
I’ve listed the best excursions covered by the pass, grouped by mountain regions. I updated this list in 2024, but it may change without notice. See the full validity map on BerneseOberlandPass.ch.
Interlaken & Lakes
Mountain railways
- Harder Kulm: free
- Brienzer Rothorn mountain train: free
- Sörenberg: Rosswied Mooraculum and Rothorn cable cars free
- Niederhorn – mountain railways free, 50% off scooter rental
- Niesen funiculars: free
- Stockhorn cable car: free
Boats
- Lake Brienz boats – free
- Lake Thun boat – free
Attractions
- Ballenberg open-air museum: discount
- Interlaken Ropes Park – discount
- Heimwehfluh – 50% off funicular train, no discount on coaster
- St Beatus Caves – discounted admission
- Giessbach funicular – discount
Jungfrau Region
Mountain railways
- Jungfraujoch: discount to CHF 99/person
- Grindelwald First: gondola free
- Männlichen: cable cars from Grindelwald or Wengen free
- Mürren & Gimmelwald alpine villages: cable cars and mountain train free
- Allmendhubel playground: funicular free
- Schilthorn: discount on cable car from Mürren
- Pfingstegg: cable car free
- Wengen: mountain trains from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg free
- Schynige Platte: mountain train free
Attractions
- Grindelwald Glacier Gorge – 10% off
- Grindelwald Canyon Swing – 10% off
- Mürren Via Ferrata – 10% off
- Indoor Ropes Park Grindelwald: discount
Haslital
- Hasliberg: cable cars free
- Aare Gorge – 30% off entrance fee
- Reichenbach Falls: discount on funicular
- Rosenlaui Gorge: 20% off entrance
- Tällibahn: discount on cable car
- Gelmerbahn: covers bus to get there, but no discount on funicular
Kanderstag / Adelboden
- Oeschinensee: gondola free
- Sunnbüel: cable car free
- Adelboden: most gondolas free including Sillerenbühl, Tschentenalp, Engstligenalp
- Lenk: Betelberg gondola free
- Leukerbad: Gemmi cable car 50% off
- Grimmialp: discount on chair lift
- Lötschental: bus and cable cars free
Gstaad
With the Berner Oberland Pass, you travel to the town of Gstaad, Schönried or Zweisimmen free of charge by train and bus. The following cable cars in this region are also covered.
- Rinderberg: gondola free
- Schönried – Horneggli gondola: free
- Höhi Wispile: gondola free
- Lauenensee: includes special mountain bus to reach lake
- Glacier 3000: includes bus to cable car, but no discount on cable car
Lucerne Region
The Berner Oberland Pass covers the train to Lucerne. It also gives you a discount on the train to the Engelberg and Melchsee Frutt mountain regions.
- Engelberg: 50% on train and mountain lifts Titlis, Trübsee, Brunni
- Melchsee Frutt: 50% on bus and cable car to reach the mountain
Other Travel Passes
If you are curious about other travel pass for Switzerland, see:
4 Responses
If I am travelling from Zürich to Wengen, can I purchase a ticket from Zurich to Bern then use my Berner Oberland pass to travel from Bern to Wengen at no additional cost?
Hi Sharon, The Bernese Oberland Pass covers the train from Bern to Wengen. So as you described, you can purchase the Zurich to Bern ticket separately for that part of the journey. I did the same thing this summer. Have fun!
How to I buy Bernese-Oberland-Pass to get printable pass and not a digital pass? Same question for Swiss Half Fare Card get printable pass and not a digital pass?
Hi Jake, if you prefer a printed version, you can purchase the Bernese Oberland Pass through this site: https://www.berneseoberlandpass.ch/all-in-1-ticket-bernese-oberland/. For the Swiss Half Fare Card, I don’t see an option to have it as a printed ticket.