Short Answer: The Luzern–Interlaken Express is a panoramic Swiss train linking Lucerne and Interlaken in ~1h50, with hourly service, glass roofs and a bistro.
At a glance | Luzern–Interlaken Express — Quick facts (2026)
- Route & distance: Lucerne ↔ Interlaken via Brünig Pass — ~74 km, ~1 h 50 m end-to-end.
- Frequency: Hourly departures all year round (additional S-LIX services in summer peak months).
- Scenery: Crosses five mountain lakes and rivers (Lucerne, Sarner, Lungern, Brienz, Thun) with alpine panoramas and waterfalls.
- Tickets & passes: Covered by Swiss Travel Pass / GA; single 2nd-class fare ~CHF 34 (Half-Fare gives ~50% off) **(verify before publish)**.
- Reservations: Optional; guaranteed window seat costs CHF 12 (off-season) or CHF 16 (peak season) — recommended in summer.
- Best seats: Sit on the right side when travelling Luzern → Interlaken for the best lake & mountain views.
- Onboard: Modern low-floor cars with panoramic windows, power outlets, bistro with light meals; no public Wi-Fi reported.
- Family & bikes: Kids under 6 travel free; Swiss Family Card benefits apply; bikes allowed (self-load, usually no reservation).
- Accessibility: Barrier-free cars, wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available.
Lucerne to Interlaken train: route & schedule
The Luzern–Interlaken Express runs hourly year-round between Lucerne (Luzern) and Interlaken Ost. Typical journey time is about 1 hour 50 minutes (74 km), with the first train around 06:06 from Luzern and last around 21:06. Along the way it traverses the steep Brünig Pass (1,008 m) with a cogwheel section. It’s the first leg of the GoldenPass Line to Montreux, but you can ride just Luzern–Interlaken without switching trains. Modern ultra panoramic double-decker panorama cars feature enormous glass panels on the ceiling and sides. The route passes five stunning lakes (Lucerne, Sarner, Lungern, Brienz, Thun) and several waterfalls, all framed by snow-capped peaks. Trains run both directions (Luzern→Interlaken and return) on the hour every hour.
Fare Comparison
| Ticket/Pass | 2nd Class Fare (CHF) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Travel Pass | Covered | Full fare included. Seat resv. optional (CHF12–16). |
| Half-Fare Card | ~CHF 17 | 50% off standard fare. Seat resv. optional. |
| Single ticket | CHF 34 | Normal 2nd-class one-way fare (adults). 1st class CHF 58. |
| Reservation fee | CHF 12–16 | Seasonal surcharge to guarantee a window seat (winter vs summer rates). |
Passes covering the Luzern Interlaken Express
This train is fully included with most Swiss rail passes. A Swiss Travel Pass, FlexPass or GA Travelcard covers the entire fare, so you only pay the optional seat reservation. Half-Fare Card holders pay 50% of the above fares. Children under 6 travel free (no ticket needed), and those 6–15 travel free with a Swiss Family Card (issued with a parent’s pass). Also, regional passes like the Berner Oberland Pass and the Tell-Pass include this route. If you have a Eurail/Interrail Swiss pass, it covers the route as well. Note that passes must be validated on your device or paper before boarding.
Seat reservations
Seat reservations are optional but recommended, especially in peak season. A reserved seat guarantees you a place and is handy if your trip is timed, but it is not required. Reservations cost about CHF 12 in winter (Nov–April) and CHF 16 in summer. You can book seats via the Zentralbahn/SBB reservation system online or at Swiss stations. If you already have a pass covering this route, choose “reservation only” during booking. Reservations unlock a seat map where you can pick window seats; lower-row seats on the right side (heading to Interlaken) are best for lakes.
[Car1: 1st class (32 seats)] — [Car2: 2nd class (56 seats)] — [Car3: 2nd class (30 seats)] — [Car4: Bistro (30 seats)] → Tip: Sit on the **right side** (when traveling Luzern→Interlaken) for the best views:contentReference[oaicite:51]{index=51}.
Hop-off stops on the route
One of the charms of the Luzern–Interlaken Express is being able to hop off for local sights. Key intermediate stops include Sarnen (Lungerersee lake shore, historic castle), Lungern (Lake Lungern panorama), Meiringen (Sherlock Holmes/Reichenbach Falls), and Brienz (woodcarving museum, boat to Giessbach Falls). If you disembark, the next express back comes in roughly one hour (check timetable). This makes it easy for day trips: e.g. spend time at Brienz (famous for Alpine scenery) then continue onward. All these stops are along the route, so just tell the conductor where you want to get off – standard tickets/passes cover the whole journey.
Best side to sit on the Luzern Interlaken Express
For photographers and sightseers, right-side windows (facing the direction of travel from Luzern) are ideal. From Lucerne to Interlaken, the right-hand side faces the lake and mountains. Even after the train reverses at Meiringen (engine swap), the right side remains better for views of Lake Brienz and the Brünig Pass. In short, if you book a window, aim for a right-hand seat from Luzern; coming from Interlaken choose the other side. Lower-level seats (rows 1–10) have unobstructed lake views on the right side. (If traveling with friends, consider reserving seats 1A and 1C, which span both classes.)
Seasonal disruptions for Luzern Interlaken Express
Track work on Swiss trains often happens in autumn. Notably, from 13 Oct–21 Dec 2025, the section between Meiringen–Brienz–Interlaken Ost is closed for maintenance; replacement buses run that portion. However, the Luzern–Brienz segment still operates normally. Always check the SBB/Zentralbahn “operating situation” before travel during those months. In winter, heavy snow rarely halts the line since it’s well-equipped with cogwheel traction on steep parts. In summer, trains can be very busy (locals and tourists alike). Book seats early for July/August. Apart from maintenance, disruptions are few – Swiss trains are very punctual. In case of a disruption, SBB’s real-time alerts (see next) will update you instantly.
Accessibility on the Luzern Interlaken Express
The train is fully barrier-free. All cars are low-floor with wide doors, and there are wheelchair spaces in each panoramic carriage. Boarding from the station is level or ramp-assisted at both Lucerne and Interlaken Ost. An accessible toilet is provided in one car. Guide dogs and service animals are welcome (they travel free). There are no steps between cars, so parents with strollers and travelers with reduced mobility can move freely. (However, if you need special assistance, ask staff at the station or call SBB/Zentralbahn ahead of time.)
Origin-specific arrival tips
From Zurich (ZRH): Take the direct train to Luzern (45 min), then board the Express. With a Swiss Pass, no extra tickets needed beyond reservation. From Geneva/Basel: Go via Bern or Olten to Luzern, or via Zurich. From Italy (Milan): Travel on the Gotthard/Simplon line to Luzern (via Chiasso/Arth-Goldau). From Bern/Spiez: There is a fast Interlaken–Bern route; some passengers travel Bern→Spiez→Interlaken and reverse. However, a scenic alternative is Bern→Burgdorf→Langnau→Lucerne (GoldenPass). For air travelers, flights land in Zurich or Geneva – then it’s a Swiss rail trip to Luzern. In short, thanks to the Swiss travel network, Lucerne and Interlaken Ost are easily reachable with a few convenient transfers. Always validate your Swiss Pass or ticket at departure station.
Onboard amenities
The Luzern–Interlaken Express features full air-conditioning, comfortable reclining seats and large panoramic windows in all cars. Overhead racks and luggage areas are provided for bags. Free Wi-Fi is not available onboard (mobile coverage is usually good). Electrical outlets (Swiss Type J) are at most seats for device charging. An à la carte bistro car serves snacks, sandwiches, beer, wine and coffee; it’s cashless (card payment). Restrooms are clean and kept stocked. First-class tickets (larger seats) offer extra legroom, but otherwise facilities are the same. For families, there are no special play areas on board, so bring toys or tablets for kids. There is also a small partitioned area for bicycles or ski gear (no supplement required, but space is first-come).
| App/Website | Use-case |
|---|---|
| SBB Mobile / SBB.ch | Official Swiss rail app: buy tickets and passes (incl. Swiss Pass), view real-time schedules and platform changes, set travel alerts (notifications of delays or work). |
| Zentralbahn.ch | Central Swiss Rail site: reserve Luzern–Interlaken seats (choose coach/seat map) and check “operating situation” for disruptions. |
| Swiss Travel System (mobility.swiss) | Plan routes and transport: compare travelcards (Swiss Pass, Half-Fare, Swiss Family Card) and multi-modal itineraries (train+bus+boat). |
| MySwitzerland / Trip planning apps | Tourist info: tips, maps, and updates on Swiss trains (e.g. MySwissAlps, Switzerland Mobility apps). |
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Luzern–Interlaken Express
Short, clear answers to the most common questions travellers ask about the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
What is the Luzern–Interlaken Express?
How long is the ride?
Is this route covered by the Swiss Travel Pass?
Do I need a seat reservation?
How much is a single ticket from Lucerne to Interlaken?
Which side has the best views?
Can I hop off along the way?
Is there food on the train?
Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Are children free or discounted?
Can I bring my bike?
Are there toilets onboard?
Is there Wi-Fi on the train?
How often do trains run?
Are there planned closures?
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