The most scenic way to travel between Lucerne and Interlaken/Jungfrau Region is on the Luzern-Interlaken Express train, which travels past gorgeous lakes and little villages and even over a mountain pass. The train cars have big windows to let in the view.

Note: Due to storm damage, the section from Meiringen to Interlaken is serviced by a replacement bus. Direct train service is scheduled to resume on 25 Nov 2025.

SCHEDULE

This is a direct connection (no transfers) that runs hourly all day. Check current schedule on SBB.ch. For your train stations, enter "Luzern" and "Interlaken Ost, Bahnhof."

The train ride is 1hr50

TICKETS

Unlike other Swiss panorama trains, you can buy a last minute ticket for this trip right before you board.

This train is free with the Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Pass. Discounted with Swiss Half Fare Card.

The train has a 1st class section, which has larger more comfortable seats with more leg room. These cars also tend to be less crowded and quieter. For this route, a one way 1st class ticket costs CHF 58/adult. First class is nice, but I never pay for it since Swiss trains are already quite expensive.

SEAT RESERVATIONS

You don't have to reserve for this train. But if you want to make sure you get a good seat or be able to sit with your group, you may want to pay a little extra for a seat reservation. Reserve online here.

This is one of the most affordable "panorama train" journeys in Switzerland, particularly compared to the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, both of which require expensive seat reservations.

WHERE TO SIT

I prefer the right side of the train (direction Interlaken) because you get the best views of the small lakes in mountains. But after going over the mountain pass and stopping briefly in Meiringen, the left side of the train is better as you travel along Lake Brienz as you approach Interlaken. I usually don't make a seat reservation and just switch seats when the views change.

Sometimes we sit in the Bistro car, where you can sit at a table next to a big window and order drinks and food. In the mornings, we'll order a cappucino, croissant and perhaps Bircher Müesli. If we are coming from from a ski day, we might get a beer or glass of wine and some salty snacks.

TRANSFERS

This train ends in Interlaken or Luzern. If you are not staying in these cities, you will need to transfer to a different train to your final destination.

If you are traveling to the Jungfrau Region, you would switch to a train that takes you either to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.

If you are in Interlaken and continuing to Montreux, you would transfer to the GoldenPass Express train, which requires a separate reservation.