--- title: "Trains from Zurich to Interlaken | EveryRail" description: "Direct IC81 trains take about two hours from Zürich HB to Interlaken Ost; the Luzern-Interlaken Express adds a change for a scenic alternative." image: "https://everyrail.com/api/route-image/zurich-to-interlaken/" --- [Home]()[Europe by train]()[Switzerland]()Zurich to Interlaken by train [Home]()[Europe by train]()[Switzerland]()Zurich to Interlaken by train **Share** - - [Share on WhatsApp]() - [Share on X]() - [Share on Facebook]() - [Share by email]() **On this page** - [About Zurich to Interlaken by train]() - [Where to book]() - [Find places to stay in Interlaken]() - [Frequently asked questions]() - [More routes]() [Book now]() Last updated September 2026 # Zurich to Interlaken by train Direct IC81 trains take about two hours from Zürich HB to Interlaken Ost; the Luzern-Interlaken Express adds a change for a scenic alternative. ![Lake Thun and the Swiss Alps near Interlaken]() Origin [Zurich]() Destination [Interlaken]() Country [Switzerland]() Take a direct SBB IC81 from Zürich HB to [Interlaken]() Ost in about two hours, or add a change in Luzern for the scenic Brünig route. ## At a glance - Fastest direct journey: about two hours - Direct service: SBB IC81 via Bern and Thun to Interlaken Ost - Scenic alternative: Zürich HB to Luzern, then the Luzern-Interlaken Express - Arrival choice: Interlaken Ost for onward mountain trains; West for some central hotels For most trips, the direct train is the simplest choice. Departures and journey times vary by date; choose the Luzern connection when you want a longer journey through the Brünig area. ## Direct and scenic train options IC81 trains run directly from Zürich HB to Interlaken Ost via Bern and Thun. Staying on one train is practical with luggage or a tight onward plan. The scenic alternative starts at Zürich HB, changes in Luzern, and continues on the Luzern-Interlaken Express. It crosses the Brünig area and takes longer than the direct service. Follow the route printed on a point-to-point ticket when it specifies a via point. ## Stations in Zurich and Interlaken Zürich HB is [Zurich]()'s main railway station in the city centre. Zürich Flughafen is a separate station, so travellers arriving by air need the airport station as their origin and time to reach the platform after landing. Interlaken Ost is the useful arrival for onward Berner Oberland-Bahn trains to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald. Interlaken West is closer to some central hotels and can be the better stop for parts of the town. Let your accommodation and onward connection determine the arrival station. ## Tickets, passes, and reservations Point-to-point tickets for this corridor are priced in Swiss francs. The fare varies with the travel date, selected route, class, and any discount entitlement, so an older price is not a reliable guide. A Swiss Travel Pass can cover the rail journey between Zurich and Interlaken, but mountain railways and cable cars around Interlaken can have different validity or discount rules. Eurail and Interrail passes also have their own Swiss coverage and reservation terms. Buy any uncovered section rather than assuming that onward mountain transport is included. Reservation rules depend on the service and fare. Keep any reservation with the valid ticket, and allow time at Zürich HB to find the platform in the large station. ## Service updates and departure planning Engineering works and short-notice disruption can change departures, journey times, or the Luzern connection. When timing matters, allow a buffer and look up your date shortly before travel, especially if you have a flight, hotel check-in, or mountain connection to make. ## Choosing between the two routes Take the direct IC81 when arriving quickly and avoiding a change matters most. Choose the Luzern-Interlaken Express when you want a more scenic day and can build the transfer at Luzern into your plans. ## Where to book ### Train tickets - Omio Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning. [Check times & prices]() - Trainline Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies. ### Train service - [SBB CFF FFS]() CFF is Switzerland’s national rail operator, known for punctual, fully electrified train services across the country and beyond. [Official website]() [Check times & prices]() ## Find places to stay in Interlaken [![Bright bedroom with white bedding and a breakfast tray on the bed]()**Browse stays in Interlaken**Hotels and apartments via Booking.com]() ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a direct train from Zurich to Interlaken? Yes. The direct IC81 service links Zürich HB with Interlaken Ost, normally following the Bern and Thun corridor. Which departures run depends on your date. ### How long does the train from Zurich to Interlaken take? The quickest direct trips take roughly two hours. Luzern itineraries take longer because they add a transfer and continue on a different service. ### Is the route via Luzern more scenic than the direct train? The Luzern option is the scenic choice: the Luzern-Interlaken Express crosses the Brünig area. Choose it when views matter more than speed. ### Should I arrive at Interlaken Ost or Interlaken West? Use Ost for Berner Oberland-Bahn connections towards Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. West can save time for some central hotels, so let your onward destination decide. ### Does a Swiss Travel Pass cover Zurich to Interlaken? A Swiss Travel Pass may include the main rail journey, but mountain railways and cable cars follow their own validity or discount rules. Check the specific onward leg. ### Do I need a reservation for the Zurich to Interlaken train? Reservation rules vary with the train and fare. Travel with a valid ticket, and check your pass terms if you are using a rail pass. ## More routes [![View of the old town in Zurich, Switzerland]()Interlaken to ZurichInterlaken to Zurich in 1h55m with one change at Bern. Trains run hourly. Standard 2nd-class fare: CHF 76 one way.]()[![View of the old town in Zurich, Switzerland]()Munich to ZurichMunich to Zurich: direct EuroCity trains in \~3h32m. Advance tickets from €30 to 35. Around 8 to 10 direct departures daily.]()[![View of the old town in Zurich, Switzerland]()Paris to ZurichParis to Zurich is served by direct trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Zürich HB with the fastest direct journey about 4 hours. SNCF Voyageurs operates trains on this route.]()[![Milan Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo]()Zurich to MilanZurich to Milan is served by direct trains between Zürich HB and Milano Centrale. Trenitalia operates trains on this route.]()[![Aerial view of Munich Marienplatz and church towers at sunset]()Zurich to Munich by Train: Times, Tickets and StationsDirect EuroCity trains link Zürich HB and Munich Hbf in about 3½ hours, with eight daily departures and selected fares from CHF 37.]()[![Notre-Dame gargoyle overlooking Paris and the Eiffel Tower at sunset]()Zurich to Paris by Train: Times, Tickets and StationsDirect TGV Lyria trains link Zürich HB and Paris Gare de Lyon in as little as 4h04, with six daily departures and fares from CHF 47 or EUR 49.]()[![Matterhorn reflected in an alpine lake near Zermatt]()Zurich to ZermattTrain from Zurich to Zermatt takes around 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 35 minutes, changing at Visp. 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