Paris to Interlaken by train
Paris to Interlaken takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by train, changing at Basel and sometimes at Bern or Spiez. TGV Lyria reservations are compulsory.
- Origin
- Paris
- Destination
- Interlaken
- Main stations
- Paris Gare de Lyon to Interlaken Ost
- Countries
- France, Switzerland
Paris to Interlaken takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by train, changing at Basel SBB. Start at Paris Gare de Lyon on TGV Lyria, then continue on a Swiss train through Bern, Thun and Spiez. Some Swiss trains run through to Interlaken; with others you change again at Bern or Spiez. There is no direct Paris to Interlaken train in the current TGV Lyria network, including its seasonal services.
The journey through Basel and Bern
TGV Lyria runs six daily trains from Paris Gare de Lyon to Basel SBB, with departures spread from morning to early evening. The journey to Basel takes around 3 hours 4 minutes. These trains continue towards Zürich, so leave the Lyria at Basel for the onward journey to Interlaken.
Swiss trains leave Basel SBB for Interlaken about every 30 minutes and take around 2 hours. Some run through to Interlaken Ost; others need a change at Bern or Spiez. A through train may mean a longer wait at Basel, so the journey with fewer changes is not always the quickest.
Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost
Use the full station name when planning the last leg. West and Ost are separate stops, so an itinerary ending at West does not take you all the way to Ost. Interlaken Ost is the interchange for trains towards Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald Terminal in the Jungfrau region. If you are staying near West, you can end your journey there.
Tickets and seat reservations
TGV Lyria offers through tickets to Interlaken via Basel. When buying the trip, enter your intended Interlaken station so the Swiss connection is included in the journey you select. Ticket prices depend on your date, class and fare conditions; a low Paris to Basel fare is not the price of the whole journey to Interlaken.
Your TGV Lyria seat reservation is compulsory and included with an ordinary ticket. On the Swiss domestic trains, reservations are optional. An optional SBB InterCity reservation costs CHF 5 per seat; you still need a valid ticket or pass as well.
With an Interrail Global Pass valid for France and Switzerland on your travel day, you can use the Lyria and the Swiss mainline trains. Book the compulsory Lyria passholder reservation, which costs extra, before travelling. The Swiss trains do not require a paid reservation. If France or Switzerland is your country of residence, the Global Pass's home-country restrictions also apply.
A Swiss Travel Pass covers the Swiss section from Basel SBB to Interlaken on a valid travel day. It does not cover Paris to Basel: buy that international ticket separately, including its Lyria seat reservation. This avoids paying again for the Swiss journey already covered by your pass.
Engineering works into 2027
Until 12 December 2026, engineering works close the railway between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost. Trains arriving from the Bern direction terminate at West, with replacement buses for Ost and Wilderswil; the bus adds roughly 10 to 15 minutes, including the walk to the stop. A second closure is planned from 30 March to 15 May 2027, when replacement buses run between Spiez and Interlaken Ost, so allow extra time on that section.
Until early 2027, selected Paris to Basel TGV Lyria trains also run with altered stops, longer journey times or earlier or later times at Basel SBB, so the Swiss connection can change too. Check the whole journey for your travel date when you book.
Where to book
Train service
- Check times & prices
SBB is Switzerland's national railway, connecting cities, towns and mountain villages. InterCity trains generally do not require reservations.
Official website - Check times & prices
TGV Lyria links Paris with Geneva, Lausanne, Basel and Zurich in 3 to 4 hours. Fares from €29 or CHF 28, folding bikes only.
Official website
Find places to stay in Interlaken
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Paris to Interlaken?
No. The current TGV Lyria network has no direct or seasonal Paris to Interlaken train. Travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Basel SBB, then continue to Interlaken, with one or two changes overall.
How long does Paris to Interlaken take by train?
Allow roughly 5 to 6 hours. TGV Lyria takes about 3 hours to Basel, and the Swiss train takes around 2 more hours to Interlaken. The exact time depends on your connection and your arrival station.
Do I need seat reservations from Paris to Interlaken?
A reservation is compulsory on TGV Lyria and included with an ordinary ticket. Reservations on the Swiss domestic trains are optional; an SBB InterCity seat reservation costs CHF 5.
Can I use Interrail or a Swiss Travel Pass?
An Interrail Global Pass valid for France and Switzerland covers the trains, with an extra paid Lyria reservation and applicable home-country restrictions. A Swiss Travel Pass covers Basel to Interlaken on a valid travel day, but you need a separate Paris to Basel ticket.
Are engineering works affecting this route?
Yes. Until early 2027, selected Paris to Basel TGV Lyria trains have altered stops or times. Trains from Bern end at Interlaken West until 12 December 2026, with replacement buses to Interlaken Ost, and buses replace trains between Spiez and Interlaken Ost from 30 March to 15 May 2027.
More routes
