If you are planning a trip to Switzerland, there is one scenic train journey that absolutely belongs on your itinerary: the Luzern–Interlaken Express.
This isn’t just a way to get from Lucerne to Interlaken; it is an unforgettable two-hour experience right through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Whether you’re just starting to dream about your trip or ready to secure your seats, here is everything you need to know about why you should take it, when it’s most important to plan ahead, and how to book your journey using the official portal.
🌟 WHY Take the Luzern–Interlaken Express?
The journey between Lucerne and Interlaken Ost takes just 1 hour and 50 minutes, but it packs in some of the most spectacular scenery Switzerland has to offer.
And if you don’t have time for any of the other Panoramic Trains, then this is a must-do option!
Not Going To Lucerne?
- The Views: Thanks to the massive, crystal-clear panoramic windows, you’ll enjoy front-row seats to five different glittering lakes (including the stunning Lungernsee and Lake Brienz), romantic waterfalls, and the rolling terrain of the magnificent Brünig mountain pass.
- The Comfort: The trains are fully air-conditioned, wheelchair-accessible (with low-floor access and dedicated spaces in carriage 3), and feature a bistro restaurant right in the middle of the train, so you can sip Swiss coffee or enjoy a snack while watching the Alps roll by.
So, even if you are heading straight to the Interlaken Region from Zurich, it’s worth the extra 1-hour detour to go via Lucerne and soak up the amazing views (the standard route via Bern is 75% less inspiring!).
For a deeper dive into what makes this journey so magical, check out the official Luzern–Interlaken Express Story Page.
đź“… WHEN Is It Important to Book? (And Insider Tips!)
While the train runs every hour throughout the day, booking at the right time makes a massive difference to your travel experience.
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Here is why timing matters:
- Book 6 Months in Advance: You can reserve seats up to 6 months prior to your departure date. Because this is one of Switzerland’s premier scenic routes, seats fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.
- The “Right Side” Rule: To get the absolute best, unobstructed views of the lakes and valleys, you want to sit on the right side of the train in the direction of travel (whether departing from Lucerne or Interlaken – the train switches sides midway, so it’s always the right-hand side).
- When booking, keep an eye on the seat layout mask to secure the right-hand rows! (more on that below)
- Know Your Rail Passes: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass (Flex), a GA subscription, or a Tell-Pass, the journey is fully included! BUT NOT THE SEAT RESERVATION. You do not need to buy a transport ticket, but you will want to pay a small fee to reserve a seat during high season.
đź’» HOW to Book Your Tickets: Step-by-Step
Booking is straightforward if you use the direct Zentralbahn Luzern–Interlaken Booking Interface. Here is how to navigate it seamlessly:
- Step 1: Choose Your Route and Time. Enter your departure point (Lucerne or Interlaken Ost), date, and preferred hourly slot.
- Step 2: Pick Your Seats. Use the visual booking mask to select your seats—and remember the insider tip to choose the rows on the right side (Panoramic View)
- Step 3: Check out. Complete your details, check out securely, and get ready for an amazing Swiss adventure.
Seats vs Tickets – What’s the difference?
The above is the process for booking your seat.
When I talk to many of my video consult clients, they ask me, “But what about the ticket?” What is this then, a seat? Why a seat?
Tickets – you need a ticket to travel on any train, including panoramic trains. This is your right to get on the train from Point A to Point B. You could be traveling from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and you buy a ticket for the whole journey.
Seat Reservation (above) – This gives you the right to sit in a specific seat on a specific train on a specific date/time. So, once you are on the train, and have found your carriage (number) you find your seat (on the right) and enjoy the view.
Without the seat reservation (which is not mandatory) you would have to get there early to find a good seat on the non-reservable carriages. But given it’s only 16 CHF for a seat reservation and you are only coming once, then book the seat!
Ready to watch the Swiss Alps unfold outside your window? Head over to the official Booking Interface to lock in your panoramic seats today!
