The Luzern-Interlaken Express crosses the Brünig Pass past Lungern, Sarnen, Meiringen and Lake Brienz, ending in Interlaken between Lakes Thun and Brienz.
Interlaken lies in Canton Bern between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, about 65 km south of Luzern. The Zentralbahn Luzern-Interlaken Express takes about 1 hour 50 minutes each way, runs hourly and costs CHF 34 in second class one way, free with a Swiss Travel Pass. The route crosses the Brünig Pass and passes Lungern, Sarnen, Meiringen and Lake Brienz, which makes the journey itself a major attraction. By car the same route is possible via the Brünig Pass, with fuel costing about CHF 20-30. In Interlaken, visitors can walk the Höheweg promenade between Interlaken West and Ost with views toward the Jungfrau massif, ride the Harder Kulm funicular for a panorama above the town, or take a boat on Lake Brienz to Giessbach with its waterfalls. A suggested day takes the 09:00 express, arrives before 11:00, walks the Höheweg to Interlaken West, visits Lake Brienz at Interlaken Ost, and returns by the 17:00 train. The best season is May to October. Lunch typically costs CHF 25-40 and the total travel cost is about CHF 68 return plus meals. The long travel time makes this a full day, and visitors who want to go up to the Jungfrau region should consider an overnight stay. A panorama seat reservation starts at about CHF 16, but is recommended only on summer weekends when carriages fill. Walking is moderate, with several kilometres between stations and viewpoints.
| Distance | 65 km south |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 h 50 each way by Luzern-Interlaken Express |
| Getting there | Zentralbahn Luzern-Interlaken Express over the Brünig Pass |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Interlaken Ost station, Bahnhofplatz Ost, 3800 Interlaken |
How to get there
- Mode
- Luzern-Interlaken Express
- Cost
- CHF 34 (~$42.5 USD) second class one way; free with Swiss Travel Pass
- Frequency
- Hourly
- Mode
- Car via Brünig Pass
- Cost
- Fuel about CHF 20-30 (~$25-37.5 USD)
- Frequency
- Flexible
Location
Interlaken Ost station, Bahnhofplatz Ost, 3800 Interlaken
46.6904, 7.8690 View on map
Highlights
- Panoramic train ride past lakes and waterfalls
- Interlaken Höheweg promenade
- Harder Kulm funicular
- Lake Brienz boat to Giessbach
Tips for visiting
- Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express and sit on the lake side for the best views.
- Reserve a panorama seat (from about CHF 16) only on summer weekends.
- Catch the 09:00 departure to arrive before 11:00 and leave time for the return.
- Swiss Travel Pass holders ride the express at no extra fare.
- Consider an overnight stay if planning to go up to the Jungfrau region.
When to visit
May to October; take the morning express to allow time for the lake and mountain views.
Accessibility
The express trains and stations are accessible with assistance. The Höheweg promenade is flat, but Harder Kulm and other viewpoints include steps and slopes.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Luzern to Interlaken?
About 1 hour 50 minutes each way on the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
How much does the ticket cost?
CHF 34 one way in second class. It is free with a Swiss Travel Pass.
What can visitors do in a single day?
They can walk the Höheweg, ride the Harder Kulm funicular and take a Lake Brienz boat to Giessbach.
Is a seat reservation needed?
Only on summer weekends, when panorama seats start at about CHF 16.