The Golden Pass route links Montreux on Lake Geneva with Lucerne in central Switzerland through Gstaad, Interlaken and the Brünig Pass, and it is most enjoyable when you ride light and send your luggage ahead by car. Montreux is about 91 km and 1 h 05 from Geneva Airport, making it an easy starting point. AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you from GVA to Montreux and take your bags directly to your Lucerne hotel while you travel by train.
- Start: Montreux, about 91 km / 1 h 05 from GVA
- Train route: Montreux, Gstaad, Zweisimmen, Interlaken, Brünig Pass, Lucerne
- Changes: usually one at Interlaken, sometimes also at Zweisimmen
- Luggage: sent ahead by road so you ride with a day bag
- Border crossing: none, the trip stays in Switzerland
What the Golden Pass route is
The Golden Pass is a scenic rail route across the heart of Switzerland, from the vineyards above Lake Geneva to Lake Lucerne. The first section climbs from Montreux, with views back over the lake, through the Pays-d'Enhaut and Château-d'Oex to Gstaad and Zweisimmen. From there it continues to Interlaken, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The final section, on the Luzern–Interlaken Express, follows Lake Brienz, climbs over the Brünig Pass and descends past several small lakes to Lucerne. Panoramic coaches on parts of the route give generous views, and the GoldenPass Express offers through journeys between Montreux and Interlaken on selected trains.
The changing landscapes are the reason to go: lake and vineyards, then Alpine pastures and chalets, then the turquoise lakes of the Bernese Oberland and finally the gentler hills of central Switzerland.
Starting in Montreux
From GVA, the drive along Lake Geneva via Lausanne to Montreux takes about 1 h 05 for 91 km in normal traffic. Spending a night in Montreux before the train is worthwhile: walk the lakeside promenade with its flowers and the Freddie Mercury statue, and visit Chillon Castle, set on a rock in the lake a short distance away. A relaxed morning departure then lets you enjoy the full day of scenery.
Why send your luggage by car
Changing trains with large suitcases, possibly twice, is the main drawback of this route. Panoramic trains also have limited luggage space. Sending bags ahead solves this:
- Your chauffeur collects luggage from your Montreux hotel and drives it to your Lucerne hotel, typically arriving before you.
- You travel with a small bag, free to step off at Gstaad or Interlaken for a few hours.
- Families can split up: some ride the train, others travel by car with the luggage and younger children.
The road from Montreux to Lucerne is a long drive across the country, comfortably done within the day, so the timing works well alongside the train.
Stopovers along the way
The route invites breaks. Gstaad, with its car-free Promenade and chalet architecture, is pleasant for lunch. Interlaken sits between two lakes, and from there trains climb into the Jungfrau region if you have an extra day; boats on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz offer another perspective. Breaking the journey with a night in Interlaken turns the day into a two-day trip and makes it more relaxed, especially in summer.
Seats on the panoramic and express services can be reserved, and doing so is wise in summer and around holidays, when the most popular trains fill up. Sit on the side facing the lake for the first section out of Montreux; after that, the views alternate, so a seat in a panoramic coach with windows on both sides is the simplest solution. Winter journeys are quieter and show the Pays-d'Enhaut and the Brünig under snow, which some travellers prefer to the summer greens.
Arriving in Lucerne
Lucerne is a compact, walkable city on the lake, best known for the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge with painted panels, and the Water Tower beside it. The Lion Monument, carved into a rock face, is a short walk away, and the old town's squares are lined with painted façades. Lake cruises and trips up Mount Pilatus or Rigi make good day excursions. From Lucerne, you can continue to Zurich or Engelberg, or return to Geneva.
Book the road legs with AirportsTransfers.ch
Reserve the GVA to Montreux transfer and the luggage run online. A fixed price per vehicle is shown before you pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. At the airport your chauffeur tracks your flight, holds a name sign in arrivals and waits if you are delayed. The E-Class Business Sedan suits two to three passengers, while the V-Class Van takes up to seven with ten bags, ideal for families with lots of luggage. Child seats can be added. For return trips from Lucerne to GVA or a chauffeur by the hour, minimum two hours, contact AirportsTransfers.ch on +41 78 346 56 77.
