How to take the rail journey from Zurich to Interlaken

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Zürich / Zurich to Interlaken by train

There are two rotes which can be taken when taking the train from Zurich to Interlaken.
(1) travelling via Bern
(2) travelling via Luzern.
The route through Bern now has direct trains, but in the hours when they are not available, straightforward connections can be made in Bern station.

Routes you can take to go from Zürich / Zurich to Interlaken

When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.

Choose one of the following options:

Route Information

Option 1: taking a direct train
Travel Time (approx)

1hr 56min

Frequency

Daily

Travel Info

7 x direct trains per day
The usual departure times from Zurich HB station are at 06:02; 08:02; 11:02; 13:02; 15:02; 17:02 and 19:02; note that there is a three hour gap between departures between 08:02 and 11:02.


Is this journey from Zurich to Interlaken direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.


Is the journey scenic?
South of Thun there are some lovely lakeside views - see the images and videos and tips for making the most of the views in the Journey Information.


What other tourist locations are along the route from Zurich to Brig?
Bern and Thun and Speiz (connect for Frutigen and Kandersteg)


When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Interlaken Ost from Zurich on this journey option?
Before 08:00 daily, the train arrives at Interlaken West station around 7 mins earlier.
Source = European Rail Timetable


How easy is it to travel on from the station in Interlaken?
Interlaken West is within a 10 min walk from the town centre.


When is the usual approximate latest departure from Zurich to Interlaken by direct train on this journey option

  • From Zurich HB: Before 19:05 daily
  • From Zurich Flughafen / Airport: Before 18:45 daily
    Source = European Rail Timetable

How easy is it to get to the station in Zurich?
Zurich HB is at the northern edge of the heart of the city, the old town area is within a 10min walk and more than a dozen routes / lines use the two sets of tram stops.
See the Station Guide for more info, plus easy access to booking accommodation in its neighbourhood.


Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Zurich to Interlaken trains?
Yes


How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Zurich to Interlaken trains?
Typically up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though this period of time can be shorter, particularly when searching for journeys more than three months ahead during October and March.


What are the child ticket terms for these Zurich to Interlaken trains?

  • Children aged 5 or younger travel free of charge
  • Children aged 6-15 and travelling with a person aged 16 and over, pay 50% of the adult rate per journey - see the Ticket Guide for more info.

Does the ticket for these Zurich to Interlaken trains include assigned seats?
No, reservations are available, but are not mandatory.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train


Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Zurich to Interlaken trains?
No


Is catering available on the Zurich to Interlaken trains?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car and a restaurant
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.


What else is good to know about Swiss rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Switzerland.

Route Information

Via stations: Bern

Option 2: connecting in Bern

Route Information

Via stations: Luzern

Option 3: the more scenic option, connecting in Luzern
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