Golden Pass Belle Epoque train vs. Panoramic train

While the Glacier Express or Bernina Express might jump to mind when you think about famous train journeys in Switzerland, there's another route that's equally stunning, far more underrated and significantly cheaper.

The MOB GoldenPass line runs between Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva, to Zweisimmen, through the Gruyère district and Pays-d’Enhaut before reaching Interlaken.

I had seen a couple of photos on social media of this train journey and knew it was one I needed to add to our 10 day Switzerland honeymoon itinerary.

But as I did some research, I realised there's several services that run along this route, with different features to the trains and different services on board. It took me a while to figure out which was which and eventually I was deciding between the MOB GoldenPass Belle Epoque train vs the MOB GoldenPass panoramic train - both operated by MOB on exactly the same route between Montreux and Zweisimmen.

So what's the difference between the Belle Epoque train and the Panoramic train? Which one is better? Which one should you choose? And is the Golden Pass line worth it?

Despite only planning to ride one of these trains, I ended up riding on both the Belle Epoque and the Panoramic trains - here's my breakdown of both and everything you need to know.

Helena in a red jacket on a train sitting in a green patterned train seat surrouned by ornate dark wooden paneling. A white wintery landscape is outside the large windows of the train car.

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What is the MOB GoldenPass route?

The GoldenPass Express route runs from Montreux to Interlaken and the full route, one way, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

This charming train route takes you from the shores of Lake Geneva, climbing the mountains and passing through the Bernese Alps via the Pays-d'Enhaut, through beautiful villages like Chateau d'oex and iconic snow-covered towns like Gstaad, before continuing northeast in the direction of Interlaken.

Only the GoldenPass Express takes you all the way to Interlaken however. The Belle Epoque train service and the Golden Pass Panoramic follow the same route but terminate at Zweisimmen, which takes 2.5 hours.

What are the different train services available on the MOB GoldenPass route?

Despite following the same route, there are two main trains which take this route:

The MOB GoldenPass Express train
The MOB GoldenPass Belle Epoque train
The MOB GoldenPass Panoramic train

As well as these two routes, there are also two themed/experience services which run on a section of this route. Note that these are both seasonal services so check the dates available before booking:

• Chocolate train: usually running 3-5 days a week depending on the month between May and September, this train combines cheese and chocolate to visit the famous Gruyères to see how the cheese is produced. Followed by a visit to Cailler chocolate factory.

• The Cheese train: This service runs 4 days a week between Feb-October from either Montreux or Zweisimmen and takes you to Chateau d’oex where you’ll visit the famous Le Chalet restaurant where the farmer still makes cheese daily over an open fire

A wooden door with an oval window with a view of an ornate train car interior with green patterned seats and dark wood throughout the car — Belle Epoque first class

What is the difference between the Belle Epoque and the Panoramic trains?

Despite running on the same route, these two trains are very different.

The Belle Epoque is made up of luxury, dark wood-panelled carriages, iconic turquoise armchair seats, brass fixtures and a nostalgic charm that feels like you've stepped onto the Orient Express. The Belle Epoque of course offers stunning views just like the other train, but the aesthetic, the charm, the romance and the decor are part of the experience too.

The Panoramic train is a lot more modern and looks very similar to a standard train except with seat-to-ceiling windows, giving you an uninterrupted view of the stunning scenery as you travel the route. While the train is equally as comfortable, the focus is on the views and feeling immersed in the scenery.

And what about the Golden Pass Express vs Panoramic train?

The main difference between the GoldenPass Express and the GoldenPass Panoramic is that the Express has a longer route, travelling between Montreux and Interlaken rather than the shorter route that the Panoramic (and Belle Epoque) operate on between Montreux and Zweisimmen.

The GoldenPass Express does have large windows, similar to the Panoramic train however it also has a third class: Prestige Class and it offers onboard catering which neither of the standard Belle Epoque or Panoramic train journeys have. In this way it’s more similar to the Glacier Express experience when also has Prestige Class and onboard catering.

I’d recommend the GoldenPass Express train if you have Interlaken on your itinerary as it’s the only GoldenPass MOB service that operates to there.

Where to buy tickets for the MOB GoldenPass trains?

Tickets for both the Belle Epoque and the Panoramic train, as well as the cheese and chocolate experience trains can all be purchased from the MOB GoldenPass website.

Note that as these are the special panoramic trains (as opposed to standard commuter trains) and a reservation is highly recommended.

While you can ride these trains without a reservation, there is no guarantee of getting a seat if you don't reserve one and you cannot sit in a seat which is labelled as reserved if you don't have a reservation for that seat.

We ended up riding sections of this route three times as we travelled between Montreux, Chateau d'oex and Gstaad and the first journey we absolutely needed a reservation as there were no spare seats. The second and third time, we did the short 20 minute section between Chateau d'oex (where we were staying) and Gstaad, and we were able to board and find seats without a reservation.

I really recommend purchasing a reservation ahead of time for 3 reasons:

1. If you're booking in 2nd class, this is the busiest and therefore fills up quickest

2. If you're booking 1st class, there are only 2 carriages of 1st class seats and with the seats being like armchairs, there are far fewer seats in the space

3. Reservations only cost 10 CHF so it's worth buying one for the peace of mind

ornate train car interior with green patterned seats and dark wood throughout the car. Through the large windows of the car is a white wintery landscape with snow coved hills and trees — Belle Epoque

How much do the tickets cost for the Belle Epoque train and the Panoramic train?

Both 1st and 2nd class tickets are available for both trains and the current prices for these are below. Note that these prices are for the full journey from Montreux to Zweisimmen, you can do sections of this route for cheaper fare, just select your journey on the website when booking.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque price:

1st class: 58 CHF

2nd class: 34 CHF

Seat reservation cost: 10 CHF

Buy Golden Pass Belle Epoque tickets here.

GoldenPass Panoramic price:

1st class: 58 CHF

2nd class: 34 CHF

Seat reservation cost: 10 CHF

Buy Golden Pass Panoramic tickets here.

As you can see, when it comes to the GoldenPass Belle Epoque vs Panoramic price, the cost is exactly the same.

Is GoldenPass included in the Swiss Travel Pass?

Yes.

We used our Swiss Travel Pass for all our GoldenPass journeys and this meant we did not need to buy a ticket for the trains as the Swiss Travel Pass was our ticket. We only had to pay the seat reservation fee of 10 CHF.

When you book your tickets on the MOB website, it will ask you if you already own a transport ticket, you can select yes and continue through the booking process to just make a reservation. You will just need to show your Swiss Travel Pass along with your reservation confirmation to the ticket inspectors on the train.

The Golden Pass Belle Epoque train vs. Panoramic train: which to choose?

I wholeheartedly have to recommend the Belle Epoque train, in my honest opinion.

While the Panoramic train was fun and the views were stunning, the views were just as stunning from the Belle Epoque windows, even without them being seat-to-ceiling windows!

Plus if you're planning to ride the Glacier Express on your trip too, the shape and the style of the Panoramic train is very similar to that of the Glacier Express, but not as luxurious inside. So I think that the Belle Epoque train offers a much more unique experience due to the interior decor and style, combined with the stunning views.

That being said, I do not regret going on either train - both were beautiful and both are honestly such an affordable alternative to the Glacier Express or the Bernina Express if you want to do a Switzerland panoramic train ride but don't have the budget for the 8-hour Glacier Express ticket.

Summary: GoldenPass Belle Epoque train vs. Panoramic train

The MOB GoldenPass have really come up with two incredible train routes with both the Panoramic train and the Belle Epoque train and they both give the Glacier Express a real run for its money!

Although I preferred the GoldenPass Belle Epoque train, If you're short on time or have a more restricted budget, you can't go wrong with adding either of these trains to your Switzerland itinerary.