Lucerne-Interlaken Express (2025): How to Ride this Scenic Swiss Train

The Luzern-Interlaken Express train is a scenic journey between the popular Switzerland destinations of Lucerne and Interlaken/Jungfrau Region. This train travels past beautiful lakes, alpine meadows, and many mountains, with big windows to maximize the view.

Unlike other Swiss panorama trains, you don’t have to book this train far in advance and it runs frequently throughout the day.

Keep reading for all the info you need to plan a trip on the Luzern-Interlaken Express train.

⚠️⚠️⚠️From 13 Oct – 21 Dec 2025, part of the Luzern-Interlaken Express will be closed to trains due to planned construction (the section from Meiringen-Brienz-Interlaken Ost). There will be replacement bus service for this section, but expect delays. Alternatively, you can instead travel via Bern/Olten, travel time about 2h30. Learn more.

Quick Info

Route: between Luzern main station and Interlaken Ost station

Duration: 1h48 

Timetable: Runs every day year round. Departs hourly. Check timetable on SBB.ch.

Book ahead: Seat reservations are optional. Book here. Learn where to sit ⬇️

Train route for Luzern-Interlaken Express

The Luzern-Interlaken Express is a direct train between the Luzern and Interlaken Ost train stations, shown as the orange line on the map below.  

This train is often combined with the GoldenPass Express, which continues from Interlaken to Montreux.

The train makes a few stops along the way, with passengers getting on and off the train.

Train Schedule

The Luzern-Interlaken Express runs every day year round, with departures hourly in both directions. Since the train runs so frequently and is used by many locals, it functions more as regular public transport than a tourist attraction. 

Check current schedule on SBB.ch or SBB Mobile App. For your train stations, enter “Luzern” and “Interlaken Ost, Bahnhof.”

Then you will see a list of departure times for that route, as shown here.

Note: If you are traveling from Zurich to Interlaken, you can still take this train. Just make sure to search for routes that connect through Luzern, not Bern. Connecting through Bern is faster, but not as scenic.

Tickets

Unlike other special scenic trains, you do not need to book the Luzern-Interlaken Express in advance.

On the same day of travel, you can easily buy a ticket on the SBB.ch website, SBB Mobile App, or ticket machines and ticket office at the train station.

However, you may want to reserve seats if you want to ensure that you are can sit together with your group and/or have window seats on the right side. Seat reservations are optional – learn more below ⬇️

2025 Ticket Prices

This is one of the most affordable “panorama train” journeys in Switzerland, particularly compared to the Glacier Express.

Ticket (2025 Prices)	Adult	Child (6-15)
2nd Class full fare one way	CHF 34	CHF 17
1st Class full fare one way	CHF 58	CHF 29

This train is free with the Swiss Travel Pass, Lucerne Tell Pass, Bernese Oberland Pass, Saver Day Pass, Eurail Global Pass, Interrail, and GA.

It is discounted 50% with the Swiss Half Fare card.

Children age 6-15 with a Swiss Family Card or SBB Junior Card ride free with a parent with a valid ticket or travel pass. Children under 6 ride free with a parent.

Ticket Types

If you get a “Point-to-Point” ticket, it’s valid on this route all day, as long as you keep traveling in the same direction. So you can get off the train and later back on and keep traveling.

If you purchase a discounted “Super Saver” ticket, it’s only good on the specific train you selected, no stops allowed. 

Seat Reservations

Seat reservations are not required on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. The train may be busy, but it does not sell out like other scenic trains. On this train, only some seats can be reserved and the majority of seats are first come, first served.

You can optionally reserve seats on one 2nd Class carriage and one 1st Class carriage, as noted on the diagram below. The seats on the other 8 carriages .

Cost for seat reservations

In 2025, a one-way seat reservation costs CHF 16/person in summer and CHF 12 in winter. The price is the same regardless of age.

➡️ Reserve seats on the Zentralbahn website.

Where to sit

The best views for the Luzern-Interlaken Express are on the right side of the train, in both directions. The right side faces the beautiful lakes you pass during the journey.

The Luzern-Interlaken Express FAQs says that when reserving seats, choose seats on the lower row on the diagram to sit on the right side. 

💡TIP: If you cannot reserve the seats you want, we think it’s better to not reserve and instead show up early to grab a window seat in one of the non-reservable carriages.

1st Class vs 2nd Class

The Luzern-Interlaken Express train has First and Second class cars. We always travel in 2nd class, as the advantages do not justify the price difference in our opinion. But if you prefer more comfort and less crowds, 1st class may be worth it for you.

Below shows the 2nd Class car, with two seats on both sides and large windows.

As shown below, 1st Class has slightly larger seats with more leg room and larger tables. The windows are about the same. In 1st Class, there is a grouping of four seats on the right side of the train (best views) and grouping of 2 seats on the left side.

Dining Car

In the Bistro dining car, you can sit at a table next to a big window and order drinks and food. 

In the mornings, we’ll order a cappuccino, croissant and perhaps Bircher Müesli. If we are coming from a long hike or ski day, we might get a beer or glass of wine and some salty snacks. See current menu.

Ticket control

In Switzerland, you do not have to show your ticket before boarding trains or other public transport. Simply get on the train and be ready to show your valid ticket when asked by a train ticket agent later in the journey.

If you purchased your ticket on the SBB Mobile App or SBB.ch website or have a Travel Pass, you will need to show your QR Code, which will be scanned by the ticket agent.

⚠️Wrong ticket? If you purchased an incorrect ticket, you will be fined by the ticket agent and will also need to purchase the correct ticket. Sometimes you have to pay immediately, typically CHF 100 per person. Typical mistakes includes purchasing a half-fare version instead of full fare or using a discounted “Super Saver” ticket at the wrong time.

Suggested itineraries

Transfer between destinations

This train ride is easy to include in your itinerary, simply as your transfer day between Lucerne and the Jungfrau Region

Since the ride is less than 2 hours, you could do this in the morning and arrive at the next destination by 10 or 11am. Then drop your luggage at your hotel or store in a luggage locker and have fun in the afternoon. In this case, check the closing times of the mountain lifts/attractions to make sure you have enough time for your hike, etc. Many close at 5pm in summer.

If you are moving hotels, you could alternatively take this train in the late afternoon or evening, storing your luggage at your hotel or train station during the day. Both Lucerne and Interlaken have luggage lockers.

Scenic tour with other panorama trains

The Luzern-Interlaken Express connects many other popular destinations.

In Interlaken, you can transfer to:

• GoldenPass Express that continues to Montreux, requires a separate reservation
• train to Lauterbrunnen / Grindelwald
• train to Bern

In Lucerne, you can transfer to:

• train to Zurich city (46 mins) or Zurich airport (1h10)
• train to Lugano (2h35)

Day trip from Zurich

If you want to travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express as a day trip from Zurich, we suggest doing it as part of a visit to the Jungfrau Region. 

Here’s an itinerary we like that rides the Luzern-Interlaken Express in the late afternoon on your way back to Zurich. 

1. Early morning train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost (via Bern, about 2 hours).
2. Train to Lauterbrunnen. Then cable car up to Grütschalp.
3. Then ride mountain train or hike across to Mürren. Short wander through cute alpine village. With kids, detour to Allmendhubel Flower Playground.
4. Cable car or walk down to Gimmelwald for lunch (we like Pension Gimmelwald).
5. Cable car down to Stechelberg and bus back to Lauterbrunnen. Optional stop at Trümmelbach Falls.
6. Short walk through Lauterbrunnen village to visit Staubbach Falls.
7. Train from Lautebrunnen to Interlaken Ost. 
8. Transfer to Luzern-Interlaken Express train and ride to Lucerne.
9. Optional stroll through Lucerne old town and dinner along river.
10. Train back to Zurich.

All the train and cable cars in this journey are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Day Pass. If you purchase in advance, you can get a significant discount with the Saver Day Pass.

Best times to ride this train

This train runs daily year round and is beautiful in all seasons. For the class green alpine meadows, we suggest planning your trip between late May and August.

If you want a snowy landscape, best to travel between middle of December and February. But no guarantee on the snow, as much of the trail route is at lower elevations where the snow can melt even in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I store luggage on the Luzern-Interlaken Express?

This train has room to store luggage under your seat and between seats. For large suitcases, some of the train cars have extra room for luggage near the doors. If the train is quite full, do not to take up extra seats with your luggage, as this is impolite to other travelers that may need a seat.

Is the Luzern-Interlaken Express accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the Luzern-Interlaken Express has an accessible entry and seating suitable for wheelchairs. The Lucerne and Interlaken train stations have ramps and elevators, making it possible for wheelchairs to reach the trains. For more info, see SBB Travel with Reduced Mobility. 

Can dogs travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express?

Yes, dogs are allowed on all trains within Switzerland. However, you need a train ticket for your dog. This is either a half-fare ticket or Dog Day Pass, which in 2025 costs CHF 25. Learn more about Dogs on Swiss Trains.

Can I bring a bike on the Luzern-Interlaken Express?

Yes, you can bring a bike on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. For this route, you should purchase a day pass for your bike, which costs CHF 15 (2025). You can purchase this bike ticket in all places you can buy regular tickets. Learn more about traveling with bikes on Swiss trains.