Our tour group reserved a train car for the trip from Lucerne to Montreux, Switzerland. Swiss trains ran on time to the minute, and we were lined up ready to go, when our tour leader, at the last moment, boarded a different car from where we were standing. Critical mistake, as we went from front of the line to the second half of the party of 42 boarding. Of course the first 22 people took all the front facing seats, with we having to get back facing seats. And no changing train cars as our tour group had seats reserved only in that train car. We ended up having to twist our necks for the next 4 hours to take pictures between the photo bombing trees of waterfalls, snow covered mountain peaks towering over luscious green alpine valleys, with immaculate swiss chalets dotting the countryside. And whoa if you have motion sickness, as backward facing seats only exacerbate the condition! Trains have comfortable angled seats, similar to front car seats, complete with tables. Windows stretched the entire length of the car, and vertically from seating level to wraping around the curve of the ceiling edge. Best views were on Lake Geneva, on the incline down to Montreux, the Swiss Riviera, with calm deep blue green waters, with mountains in the background. Even in Switzerland nothing is perfect. Once we got to Montreux and the rail yards, you had graffiti covered bridges and delivery transport! read more

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A highlight of our recent trip in Switzerland was our several day adventures on the MOB Golden Pass Line. We had purchased a Eurail Pass to use on our 4 country trip and I knew the Golden Pass was going to be one of the highlights. I not only found it to be much easier to book than the trains in Italy or the UK but I found it to be cleaner and they ran flawlessly. We used the MOB ( Montreux Oberland Bernois) first class Belle Epoque car to go from Montreux to Zweismman via Gstaad just for the pure scenery and then we did the Prestige Class car to Guyeres via Montbovon for the pure luxury and again ALL scenery. It's relatively easy to book on the MOB site with a Swiss Rail pass or Eurail Pass but you must book a seat reservation for 1st class in the Belle Epoque car ( which feels straight out of the Orient Express!) or the Prestige Class Car. You will pay an up charge and to me it was worth it. We just used the MOB Golden Pass last week ( March 20-22) and the Zweissman to Interlakken Ost was not in service due a service issue. We did run into an issue on the way back from Zweissman and had to get off the train at Montbovon wait for a bus and ride a bus to another stop and then get on a random train because of a rail issue. That was not fun as the roads are super twisty; there was no refund or apology and I suppose one should feel safety is the upmost importance but I did find that annoying. We used the other MOB Golden Pass line one day to go up to Rocher de Naye via funicular and again the scenery is superb. This funicular climbed and climbed via rail and if you have ever or NEVER experienced the Swiss alps, you should just once in your life. This is one way to see it in all of its beauty and glory for the heaven that it is. The trains do run on time and the service is standard. Except for the day we had Prestige Class, we had champagne in that first class car there was no snack etc. so bring your own-- first or second class. I still recommend this as a way to see Switzerland landscape and its alpine glory for all that it is. We hopped off in a village and had lunch in Haut de Caux and hopped back on after a lunch of fondue and feel we lived a dream. Even the Montreux station is pretty! read more

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This Golden Pass Line is NOT the golden pass express that is advertised in all the websites. This train is a very old train, no beverage service or any kind of service at all. This is your basic train. Additionally, the 1st class ticket seats are the exact same as the 2nd class seats, don't pay the over price. Save your money and make sure you get the ONLY golden pass express train. There should be only 1 departure a day from Montreux to Zweissman. read more

Are you traveling through Switzerland? Is time not-so-much an issue? Do you want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes known to mankind? The GoldenPass rail line is quite possibly one of the most beautiful (and actually, easy!) ways to see the Swiss countryside. I took a solid afternoon to do the trek from Zurich to Montreux, my destination for a weekend of rest, relaxation and fresher air. Actually, all of Switzerland is full of fresh air and chocolate, so really...why aren't you visiting? I took a regular train from Zurich to Luzerne...it is here that the Golden Pass rail can start to a variety of destinations. I happened to miss my connection by 1 minute (the Swiss trains are NEVER late they told me...lies!) but was easily able to catch the next one. I changed 3x on the way (they are one track for much of the way), but the rest of the way was smooth...the last leg being my absolute favorite, coming in over Lake Geneva in Montreux. Absolutely breathtaking and timed perfectly at sunset (unintentional). Here's the scoop on tickets: *you'll purchase a Swiss Train ticket to cover the whole journey from A to B. I did this at the rail center in Zurich. It was about 100 CHF. Credit cards accepted. You could also do this online. You can do it all online but it is very confusing at times, so it was nice to speak with an agent. They all speak English, obviously. *you can then purchase additional seat reservations for the panoramic trains. Suggested during high season. Honestly, all the views are beautiful from any seat but if you really want to be front and center, spring the extra 8-10 CHF and reserve a seat. *I missed all my seat reservations on accident (because of my first missed train) and they are non-refundable. It didn't end up being a problem though, my last train was nearly empty! *Some have food/drinks, some do not. Most of the train stations have snack carts, small stores, cafes, etc if you've got some time in between. The whole trip took me about 5.5 hours...this is very much the scenic route, as the direct train back from Montreux to Zurich airport took me 2.5 hours. So it will be long, but it is very relaxing, the trains very comfortable, the scenery out of this world...and its a very cool way to see the country without needing to hike a mountain or swim through a lake. Though you can surely stop along the way and do those things as well! Especially during ski season, this line stops at many small ski villages... Highly recommended for anyone traveling through Switzerland! Highlight of my trip...with just a bit of coordination and a stellar timetable from the Zurich and Luzerne train stations, all went very smoothly and I saw a TON of green trees, mountains and lakes (and even a fox!) for roughly $100. Plus, it got me to Montreux. Now that is the kind of multi-tasking I can get on board with.... ***side note, this train can obviously be taken from any point along the way (check stations), Montreux just happens to house the main office for GoldenPass. read more

GoldenPass Line - photos from the train. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montreux, VD

We took the train from montreux to rocher de naye and had a wonderful experience. I think this would have been an icing on the cake if it was a guided tour or some kind of information was provided along the course. Nevertheless the brochure gave some information that was good to know. There was a construction zone along the leg of our trip and the company had arranged a bus in the middle of the route and the connecting train. No delays. Pretty good experience. Would have been beyond 5 stars if the drivers could speak/understand english. read more

GoldenPass Line - Inside of the train. Very clean and comfy seating. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Montreux, VD

We took the Golden Pass from Montreux to Rochers De Nay, & also from Montreux to Interlaken & then Interlaken to Luzerne. The train is excellent. As others have said, Swiss in general are excellent & many have the same large windows that make the Golden Pass famous. However, I do recommend paying extra to reserve a seat at the front of the train as this was the only train (Montreux to Interlaken) where you could sit at the front with windows in front, above & to the sides. The views are breathtaking & for those of us from countries (like the USA) that lack trains, this is great. There were many empty seats so not sure that you have to reserve a seat. Also, there are other trains running this route, so don't feel like you have to take the Golden Pass line itself to get the scenic view afforded by the route. We also took Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz & that was also great. read more

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Tickets are quite expensive but it is definitely worth it! It's a must see if you are visiting Switzerland. The inside of the train looked vintage and classy, and the view are just amazing. Take the black train which has the vintage and classy look! read more