--- title: "Zurich to Interlaken by Train (2027): Times, Tickets, Tips" description: "Zurich to Interlaken by train in about 2 hours via Bern, or the scenic Luzern-Interlaken Express: 2026 fares, Swiss Travel Pass, where to sit, stops on the way." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/zurich-to-interlaken" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124S47Q8K8ZNK4B7GW39.Dn32OOgG_Z1bb9sE.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Zurich to Interlaken by Train: Times, Tickets and the Best Route [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Zurich to Interlaken by Train: Times, Tickets and the Best Route Zurich to Interlaken by train in about 2 hours via Bern, or the scenic Luzern-Interlaken Express: 2026 fares, Swiss Travel Pass, where to sit, stops on the way. By [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien), Global Manager · Published on October 22, 2026 · 6 min read ![Zurich](/_astro/01M5J4124S47Q8K8ZNK4B7GW39.Dn32OOgG_Z2gEpCQ.webp) Zurich to Interlaken by train takes about 2 hours, with one change in Bern. Trains leave Zurich HB every 30 minutes, and in 2026 a full-fare second-class ticket costs around CHF 76 (about $94), less with a Supersaver ticket or a Half Fare Card, and nothing extra with a Swiss Travel Pass. If you have time, there is a slower and far prettier option via Lucerne on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. We put travelers on both routes every week, and here is how we choose between them. > **Quick answer** > > - **Fastest:** Zurich HB to Bern on an InterCity (about 56 min), then Bern to Interlaken Ost (about 50 to 55 min): 1 h 55 min to 2 h 10 min in total. > - **Price in 2026:** about CHF 76 one way in second class at full fare, roughly 1.7 times that in first; Supersaver tickets from about CHF 29 to 39; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. > - **How often:** two connections an hour, all day. > - **Stations:** Zürich HB to Interlaken Ost (the train also stops at Interlaken West). Use Ost for Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau trains. ## Zurich to Interlaken: every option compared | Option | Time | Price range (2026) | Comfort | Luggage | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | SBB train via Bern | 1 h 55 min to 2 h 10 min, 1 change | about CHF 76 full fare, Supersaver from about CHF 29 | Double-deck InterCity, first or second class | Racks above seats and between seat backs | | Train via Lucerne and the Luzern-Interlaken Express | about 2 h 40 min to 3 h, 1 change | similar to the Bern route, plus an optional seat reservation of CHF 12 to 16 | Panorama windows, bistro | Limited racks, lay wheeled cases flat | | Private driver from Zurich Airport | about 2 h for 134 km | from about CHF 260 per sedan, CHF 300 to 400 per minivan | Door to door | Unlimited | | Rental car | about 2 h, plus parking | rental, fuel and the CHF 40 motorway vignette | Flexible | Unlimited | There is no flight, and no bus worth considering. For most travelers we book the train via Bern on travel days and keep the Lucerne route for when the journey itself is part of the plan. ## The fastest route via Bern, step by step 1. **Board at Zürich HB.** InterCity trains to Bern leave every 30 minutes; the track is shown on the boards and in the SBB app. If you are coming straight from Zurich Airport, many Bern trains start or stop there, which adds 10 to 15 minutes. 2. **Ride to Bern.** About 56 minutes on a double-deck InterCity, much of it on the high-speed line through the Mittelland. 3. **Change in Bern.** The connecting train to Interlaken usually leaves 6 minutes later. Swiss connections are timed for this; you will often find your next train on a nearby platform, and the boards show it as you step off. Some are German ICE trains that continue from Bern to Interlaken. 4. **Ride along Lake Thun.** The train calls at Thun and Spiez, then follows the shore of Lake Thun to Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. 5. **Arrive at Interlaken Ost.** The Bernese Oberland trains to Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen leave from the same station. Check engineering works before you travel: in autumn 2026, for example, buses replaced trains between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost from October 19 to December 12. The SBB app shows these changes on the connection. ## The scenic route via Lucerne Take a direct train from Zurich to Lucerne (about 41 to 50 minutes), then the Luzern-Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass, which takes 1 hour 50 minutes and runs hourly. The line passes Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern and Lake Brienz before reaching Interlaken Ost. The train is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass; a seat reservation is optional and cost CHF 16 between May and early November 2026 and CHF 12 the rest of the year. This is the route we book when travelers have a full day, or when they want a few hours in Lucerne on the way. Store your bags at Lucerne station, walk across the Chapel Bridge, have lunch by the lake, then continue in the afternoon. ## Where to sit - **Bern to Interlaken:** sit on the **left-hand side** in the direction of travel from Thun onward for Lake Thun, the Niesen pyramid and, on clear days, the Jungfrau massif ahead. The upper deck is best. - **Luzern-Interlaken Express:** Zentralbahn recommends the **right-hand side** in the direction of travel, whichever way you go. ## Tickets, passes and booking windows - **Where to book:** sbb.ch or the SBB Mobile app. Tickets go to your phone, and there is no need to book a specific train on a standard ticket. - **Supersaver tickets** are tied to one train and get cheaper the earlier you buy. Full-fare tickets cost the same whenever you buy them. - **Swiss Travel Pass:** covers this route in full, including the Luzern-Interlaken Express. In 2026 the 3-day pass costs CHF 254 (about $315) in second class. Our [Swiss Travel Pass calculator](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/tools/swiss-travel-pass-calculator) shows whether it beats single tickets for your route, and our guide to the [Swiss Travel Pass vs Half Fare Card](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-travel-pass-vs-half-fare-card) explains the choice. - **First class:** worth it in summer, when second class on the Bern to Interlaken leg fills with hikers and their bags. ## Stops worth making on the way - **Bern:** the arcaded old town is a UNESCO site, and the Zytglogge clock tower is a 10-minute walk from the station. Leave bags in the station lockers and catch a later train. - **Thun:** a castle above the River Aare and the start of the Lake Thun boats. - **Lake Thun by boat:** from Thun or Spiez, the boats continue to Interlaken West, and they are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. It turns the last hour of the trip into a cruise in summer. - **Brienz:** on the Lucerne route, a woodcarving village on the lake, and the starting point of the Brienz Rothorn steam railway. ## Accessibility on the Zurich to Interlaken trains Zürich HB, Bern and Interlaken Ost all have step-free access to the platforms with lifts or ramps, and the double-deck InterCity trains have a wheelchair area with an accessible toilet. Book help through the SBB Contact Center Handicap at least one hour before you travel (0800 007 102 free in Switzerland, +41 800 007 102 from abroad, daily 5 a.m. to midnight), and staff will meet you with a ramp at Bern for the change. On the Luzern-Interlaken Express, wheelchair spaces and low-floor access are in coach 3, in the middle of the train. ## How we handle this transfer on a private trip On the trips we design, we usually avoid Zurich to Interlaken on an arrival day: we prefer one night in Zurich or Lucerne first, then a late-morning train. We book first class, and we often ship the larger suitcases ahead with the SBB luggage service so you travel with a day bag only. When the change in Bern is a concern, we arrange a private driver instead, or a driver from Lucerne over the Brünig Pass with stops at Lake Lungern and Brienz. Not sure whether to base yourself in the Jungfrau region or by the lake? Our [Interlaken vs Lucerne comparison](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/interlaken-vs-lucerne) helps, and our guide to [Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat and Schilthorn](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/jungfraujoch-vs-gornergrat-vs-schilthorn) covers the excursions once you arrive. Both [Switzerland in 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) and our [12-day Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) itinerary include this route, and more ideas are on our [Switzerland page](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland). For a version built around your dates and pace, [ask one of our designers](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip). More guides: [Getting around](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/routes)[Switzerland by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/swiss-trains) ## Related destinations - [Switzerland](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/switzerland) ## Contents Written by ### [Valentine Julien](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) Global Manager · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Grew up between the French and Swiss Alps; designs our scenic train and mountain itineraries and has strong opinions about hotels. [More about Valentine](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/valentine-julien) ## Trips for this guide - [![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_ZyK0QU.webp)**Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train**From €1,999 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z1oIPLB.webp)**Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express**From €3,499 · 12 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) - [![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_2ePJvK.webp)**Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days**From €2,199 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken? Most journeys need one change, in Bern, and the connection is timed so you wait about six minutes. The whole trip takes about two hours. The alternative is a change in Lucerne onto the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which adds 40 minutes to an hour but crosses the Brünig Pass and passes three lakes. ### How much is the train from Zurich to Interlaken? In 2026 a full-fare second-class ticket costs about CHF 76 one way, and first class roughly 1.7 times that. Supersaver tickets bought early for a specific train start around CHF 29 to 39. With a Half Fare Card you pay half, and with a Swiss Travel Pass the journey is fully included. ### Should I get off at Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost? Interlaken Ost if you are heading to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or the Jungfraujoch, since those trains start there, or if your hotel is near Lake Brienz. Interlaken West is closer to the main shopping street, the Höheweg and the Lake Thun boat pier. The two are about two kilometers apart. ### Which is more scenic, Zurich to Interlaken via Bern or via Lucerne? Via Lucerne. The Luzern-Interlaken Express climbs over the Brünig Pass with views of Lake Sarnen, Lake Lungern and Lake Brienz, and has large panorama windows. The Bern route is faster and still pretty along Lake Thun, but its first hour crosses the flatter Mittelland. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![7 days in Switzerland : mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124MCR5WBXAPXY8BMN83.COn9YTWr_Z1l0N9k.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Switzerland in 7 Days: Lucerne, Jungfrau, Zermatt & Lavaux by Train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-switzerland-mountains-lakes-and-chocolate) Six nights by train through Lucerne, Grindelwald, Zermatt and Montreux: Pilatus, a free day in the Jungfrau region, sunset on the Matterhorn and a wine walk in Lavaux. Central 4-star hotels; a good first Switzerland. From **€1,999** per person ![Switzerland : 12 day scenic train rides, mountains, lakes and chocolate](/_astro/01M5J4124NCCP82JJ7FY8RXAQ4.CeI7SiQJ_Z2aYD41.webp) 12 days / 11 nights ### [Switzerland by Train in 12 Days: Lavaux, Jungfraujoch, Glacier Express](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/switzerland-12-day-scenic-train-rides-moutains-lakes-and-chocolate) Eleven nights by train from Montreux to Zurich: Lavaux, the Chocolate Train, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and the Glacier Express to St. Moritz. Well-placed 3-star hotels keep the price down; we upgrade one or two stops on request. From **€3,499** per person ![Legendary Swiss Trains](/_astro/01M5J4124NCZ8M7GK939T8W5Z8.DuO0OEHt_1szWel.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Legendary Swiss Trains: Glacier Express, Bernina & Gornergrat, 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/legendary-swiss-trains) Six nights by train from Interlaken to Lucerne, with the GoldenPass, the Gornergrat, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, in 4-star hotels beside each station. For first-time visitors who want the big views without a car. From **€2,199** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Zermatt, Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](/_astro/01M5J4124FWDNBFP6TJXZ10AGA.DJ5sBxMU_eGJB9.webp) Switzerland ### [Christmas Markets in Switzerland 2026: Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Lucerne](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/swiss-christmas-markets) Christmas markets in Switzerland for 2026: official dates and hours for Basel, Zurich, Montreux and Einsiedeln, train times between them and a 7-day route. ![Seine](/_astro/01M5J4124PDJYTRJDZMP92H6QZ.COs7phuX_1IBbyt.webp) Europe ### [Anniversary Trip to Europe: Ideas by Style, Pacing, Surprises and Budgets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/anniversary-trip-europe) Anniversary trip to Europe ideas from our designers: romantic cities, the Alps, the Riviera or wine country, with pacing, surprises and real 2026 budgets. ![Lake Orta and Lugano, Italy & Switzerland in 7 Days: Milan, Lake Maggiore, Lugano & Zurich](/_astro/01M5J4124P851R85FVNAJGXK0C.CKbGOWGR_Z1D24RM.webp) Switzerland ### [Switzerland in January: Snow, Ski Races and Quiet Cities](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/switzerland-in-january) Switzerland in January: real temperatures by region, which mountain trains run, Lauberhorn and balloon festival dates for 2027, crowds and what to pack. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. 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