The Belle Epoque train in Switzerland is a bucketlist experience for any traveler. It is seriously the most beautiful train journey in Europe. Switzerland has so many scenic trains including the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express, but the Belle Epoque is really special. That’s because the train is vintage and has the most gorgeous blue interiors.
Suprisingly, it’s also more affordable than the other train in Switzerland. You can ride free (read the post to learn how) or pay around €40 for first class seats!
Now, let’s get into the Belle Epoque train routes, how to book this train, and everything else you need to know about this epic train ride.
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About the Belle Epoque Train
The Belle Époque Train is a beautiful 1930s vintage-style journey that runs between Montreux and Zweisimmen in Switzerland. The route takes about 2 hours and 8 minutes, winding through stunning scenery—Alpine valleys, charming villages, vineyards, and views of Lake Geneva. First class offers beautiful blue interiors inspired by the 1930s, with bigger windows and comfier seats. It’s a great way to experience a nostalgic glimpse of Swiss rail travel with some of the country’s best views.
What is the difference between the Golden Pass and the Belle Epoque Train?
The GoldenPass Line is the full route running between Lucerne to Montreux. It passes through Interlaken and Zweisimmen and offers some of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The Belle Epoque runs through a portion of the GoldenPass Line. The Golden Pass does not have the same vintage inspired seats and exterior as the Belle Epoque. The windows are ceiling high and the interiors look like standard seats.
If you’re choosing between the two, I’d highly recommend booking the Belle Epoque. That’s because you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time riding this vintage train!
Belle Epoque Train Routes
The train runs twice daily in each direction and is included with passes like Interrail or the Swiss Travel Pass. Seat reservations are not required but to avoid disappointment, it’s recommended. You just pay a small reservation fee.
Here’s the train schedule:
From Montreux 09:43 and 14:43
From Zweisimmen 12:02 and 17:02
💡 Pro-tip: If you’re looking for a shorter or more affordable option, boarding from Gstaad is a smart hack—especially if you want the experience of the vintage-style train without committing to the full route. Since Gstaad is roughly halfway along the route, tickets from there are generally cheaper but still give you access to the most scenic Alpine stretches.
That means if you’re in Gstaad, you can catch the Belle Époque around:
To Zweisimmen: ~10:55 or ~15:55
To Montreux: ~12:40 or ~17:40
Be sure to check the up to date timetables for the Belle Epoque train on the official website mob.ch.
Where to fly into & how to get there
| Airport | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva (GVA) | Montreux base, start of the Belle Époque | ~1h20 train to Montreux; best for west Switzerland |
| Zurich (ZRH) | Gstaad, Interlaken, or Zweisimmen bases | ~2h–3h to key towns; better for round trips via Lucerne |
| Bern (BRN) | Closest to Zweisimmen | Small airport; limited flights but very convenient |
| Basel (BSL) | Budget airlines + good rail access | ~2.5h–3h train to Montreux or Zweisimmen |
Where to Stay
If you’re wondering where to base yourself to catch the Belle Epoque train, there’s several options.
I decided to base myself in Bern as it was a good halfway point during my epic Christmas market tour through Europe.
I stayed at the most Christmassy hotel in Switzerland and LOVED it! You can find out more about it in my full blog post on Christmas in Bern.
Other options convenient to the train journey include Montreux where you can visit the Christmas Market with the flying santa. You could stay in Interlaken, a hub for adventure and you could even take a day trip to day trip to Lauterbrunnen which I’ve perosnally been dying to do! Or opt to stay in Zweisimmen, a quieter, budget-friendly end point.
How much are the Belle Epoque Train tickets?
The Belle Époque train tickets cost CHF 59 (~€61) for first class and CHF 34 (~€35) for second class one way. Seat reservations are an additional CHF 10 (~€10.30) per person, per direction. As mentioned earlier, you can hop on a shorter route from Gstaad to save even more money (CHF 48 for first and CHF 28 for second).
.While second class offers the same beautiful route, it’s worth upgrading to first class if you can. The iconic plush blue velvet seats and the vintage Belle Époque ambiance make the journey extra special and photogenic. Second Class only offers plain seating. Plus, it’s not too expensive for first class. It’s also usually quieter and more spacious, making it perfect for a relaxing scenic ride.
Continue reading below on how you can essentially travel for free on the Belle Epoque train too!
How to Book the Belle Epoque Train
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, Interrail/Eurail, or standard Swiss ticket, you’re covered—no extra fare needed. Essentially allowing you to ride free! Otherwise, you can book the through MOB GoldenPass website (journey.mob.ch) or Omio which makes things a lot simpler and you can display the ticket via your mobile app.
By Interrail/Eurorail
Interrail is my biggest travel hack in saving money on train travel. I’ve done numerous Interrail journeys. Basically, you pay for a pass which starts around €200 depending on how many days you need for travel. Then you get unlimited train tickets during that time and it really does work out to be cheaper if you have multiple journeys. Some trains require a seat reservation. The Belle Epoque does not require one, but I got one anyway because I wanted to make sure I got a good seat with a view.
By Swiss Travel Pass
The Swiss Travel Pass is an all-in-one ticket that gives you unlimited travel across Switzerland by train, bus, and boat—including scenic routes like the Glacier Express and Belle Époque (seat reservations extra). It also covers public transport in 90+ cities and free entry to over 500 museums, plus discounts on mountain excursions. Prices start at CHF 244 (around €200) for 3 days and vary depending on the number of days and class you choose. It’s a convenient and flexible option for anyone planning to explore multiple destinations around Switzerland.
By Omio
Omio makes it easy to buy train tickets across the world. You won’t find a language barrier like on many foreign train websites. You can book the Belle Epoque train on Omio by searching the specific train route available and making sure to select the correct timing as per the routes I outlined above. Usually it will say Golden Pass/Belle Epoque underneath when booking.
Which side of the Belle Epoque Train should you sit on?
For the best views, you should sit on the right side when traveling from Zweisimmen → Montreux. On the opposite route, you should sit on the left side. There’s great views on both sides, but in particular you will find the most spectacular views of Lake Geneva on the respective sides. You can of course switch sides if the train happens to have no one sitting there.
How to get the Belle Epoque train empty?
On social media this train goes super viral. Everytime I find it empty in people’s shots. I also wanted to see it empty and wasn’t sure if I’d have the same luck. I was traveling on a week day but during December when everyone was traveling to the Montreux Christmas market.
I got to Zweisimmen early, hoping to be the first one on. People quickly got on the train and I was a bit worried to not get that empty shot. My cabin was actually half full and I felt a bit disappointed. But then I decided to venture to a different cabin and found it mostly empty for a huge chunk of the time on the 2 hour train journey.
I simply coudn’t stop taking photos the entire time! It’s just so gorgeous. I did hear a friend of mine tried going on this train a week before me without the same luck as me. She checked most the carraiges and they were full on her trip. But see if you have luck I think you could probably get it empty for some time!
Visiting Montreux, Switzerland by Belle Epoque Train
One of the highlights of taking the train to Montreux is visiting this stunning lakefront town. It’s known for its breathtaking views over Lake Geneva. You’ll also find a charming promenade lined with flowers and sculptures. Don’t miss the famous Château de Chillon, a fairytale castle nestled right on the water’s edge.
Montreux Christmas Market
If you’re lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, you’ll get to experience one of the most magical Christmas markets in Europe. Every hour, a real-life Santa Claus soars across the river in a flying sleigh—yes, really!
You may also like these posts:
🚆 Best European Christmas Markets by Train
🌙 Nightjet Sleeper Train with Capsule Pods
🎅🏼 Christmas Markets in Bern, Switzerland
