Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen: Your Best Options

grindelwald to lauterbrunnen

Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are picturesque villages that attract countless visitors yearly. As you plan your trip, you might be considering the best way to travel between these two stunning Swiss towns.

Lucky for you, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are well-connected, offering various options for a memorable journey through the breathtaking Swiss landscapes.

Journey Options - Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen

  • Train: One connection at Zweilütschinen – 37 minutes
  • Car: Driving time of 27 minutes, distance 16.9 km
  • Gondola & Train: multiple connections, approximately 1 hour

Table of Contents

By Train

To travel from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen by train, you can take a train from Grindelwald to Zweilütschinen, then transfer to another train from Zweilütschinen to Lauterbrunnen. The train ride takes approximately 37 minutes in total and provides picturesque views of the Swiss Alps.

Trains normally start just before 6 am in the morning and the last train is close to midnight. Be aware that the later trains after 8 pm typically have worse connections at Zweilütschinen. This means it could take over an hour to get from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen at these times.

Be sure to check train schedules and ticket prices before your trip.

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By Car

If you prefer to drive from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen, you’ll need to know the road distance and driving directions.

The distance between the two towns is approximately 16.9 km, and the estimated driving time is around 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Remember that mountain roads are relatively narrow and windy, so drive carefully.

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Parking at Lauterbrunnen

There is a big multi-story parking lot on the left as you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, so keep your eye out for the turn-off. There is plenty of space there, however, it will fill up during peak summer months and weekends, so be sure to arrive earlier during those periods.

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Parking in Lauterbrunnen: All The Options

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Cable Cars and Gondolas

Another scenic alternative to travel between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen is via cable car and gondola. You can

  • Take a gondola from Grindelwald Terminal to Männlichen – 19 minutes.
  • Transfer to another gondola from Männlichen – Wengen – 5 minutes
  • Catch a train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen – 13 minutes

Overall, this route will likely take you at least an hour. However, you can also stop at the top and explore the stunning views of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch, especially via the Royal Walk or Panorama Trail that both start from Männlichen.

Bus Services

Although there is Bus 312 going from Grindelwald to Zweilütschinen, it does not make any sense to use the bus for this route. It is far faster to take the train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen.

However, if you are somewhere just outside of Grindelwald like:

  • Schwendi bei Grindelwald
  • Burglauenen
  • Lütschental

then it is helpful to get the bus to Zweilütschinen and change to the train to Lauterbrunnen. The bus continues to Interlaken Ost in any case, if you also need to get there.

Taxi and Transfers

Lastly, if you prefer a more convenient and direct mode of transportation, you can book a taxi or a private transfer service to take you from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen. This option is especially helpful for anyone with lots of luggage or those who prefer a more personalized travel experience.

Contact local taxi or transfer companies for pricing and booking information.

Written by Ashley Faulkes
As a twenty-year resident of Switzerland, I am passionate about exploring every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, I spend my days deep in the great Swiss outdoors, and love to share these experiences and insights with fellow travel enthusiasts.

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