Revolutionary Height-Adjusting Train Connects Three Charming Swiss Towns

The GoldenPass Express: A Seamless Journey

Riding the rails from Switzerland’s Montreux to Interlaken has long been one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, passing through the Vaud Riviera with the Bernese Alps and Pays-d’Enhaut. However, it previously required passengers to endure the inconvenience of two transfers due to the different sizes of tracks along the route.

Now, travelers can enjoy a seamless experience with the debut of the GoldenPass Express, fondly known as GPX, which offers a direct ride lasting approximately three hours and 15 minutes. Currently, this scenic journey operates once daily in each direction, with plans to increase to four round-trip journeys per day starting June 11, 2023.

History of the Route

The concept for the direct route can be traced back to 1873, intending to connect three of Switzerland’s economic centers by exploring the mountainous regions. Nevertheless, significant challenges arose due to different gauge widths of the tracks, making it impossible for the same train cars to travel across varying sizes.

Initially, a metric gauge of one meter was used for Montreux to Zweisimmen, while a standard gauge of 1.435 meters was in place for Zweisimmen to Interlaken. The GoldenPass Association, founded in 1924, proposed technical solutions, including the installation of a third rail. Despite this, various challenges, both technical and financial, continually impeded progress.

Technical Aspects and Train Features

In 2008, the initiative shifted focus from modifying the rails to adapting the train cars themselves. By utilizing variable gauge bogies and a gauge adapting ramp, the trains can transition seamlessly between different track widths, often referred to as “jumping” the tracks. During these transitions, the trains adjust their height from 350 millimeters to 550 millimeters to accommodate different platform heights.

This gauge width change occurs within eight minutes, where the train travels approximately 15 kilometers per hour during the transition. Most of the duration is spent changing locomotives and conducting related checks, primarily on Tracks 6 and 7 in Zweisimmen.

Following successful trials in 2019, the approval process began, though the pandemic postponed the launch. Finally, commercial operations commenced on December 11, 2022.

Passenger Experience and Comfort

Passengers may choose from three different classes aboard the scenic ride: second class, first class, and prestige class. The prestige class features heated seats that face the direction of travel and are raised by 40 centimeters for an expansive view of the stunning landscapes.

Moreover, a variety of drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard, along with the option to pre-order meals, which include choices like a breakfast box or an apero-plate package.

Current Schedule and Ticket Pricing

The present schedule includes a train departing from Montreux at 9:35 a.m., making stops at Montbovon, Château-d’OEx, Gstaad, Zweismmen, and Spiez before arriving at Interlaken Ost at 12:50 p.m. Conversely, the train from Interlaken Ost departs at 9:08 a.m. and follows the same route. With the new summer schedule starting, departures from Montreux will be at 7:35 a.m., 9:35 a.m., 12:35 p.m., and 2:35 p.m., while Interlaken departures will be at 9:08 a.m., 11:08 a.m, 2:08 p.m., and 4:08 p.m. Tickets may be purchased two months ahead of travel.

For reference, prices for second class seats start at CHF 73 (approximately $78), while first class tickets are CHF 113 ($120). The Prestige Class upgrade costs CHF 35 ($38) on top of the first class fare. For detailed information, visit the GoldenPass Express site.