Interlaken, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a dream destination for travelers seeking stunning landscapes, outdoor adventures, and traditional Swiss hospitality. Whether you’re hiking through the breathtaking mountains, exploring serene lakes, or indulging in Swiss cuisine, getting around this beautiful town is crucial to making the most of your visit. Fortunately, Interlaken offers an efficient, well-organized, and eco-friendly public transport system that allows travelers to move seamlessly between attractions and the surrounding areas.
Public Transport in Interlaken
Switzerland is renowned for its highly efficient public transport system, and Interlaken is no exception. The town offers a variety of transportation options, including trains, buses, and ferries, all of which are part of the Swiss Travel System. Public transportation in Interlaken is reliable, punctual, and covers both the town and the wider Bernese Oberland region, making it easy to explore everything from the bustling town center to remote mountain peaks.
Swiss Travel System
Before diving into the specifics of public transport in Interlaken, it’s worth mentioning the Swiss Travel System, which is ideal for tourists planning to explore multiple destinations in Switzerland. The system offers several types of travel passes that grant unlimited access to public transportation throughout the country, including trains, buses, and boats.
For tourists spending a few days in Interlaken, the Swiss Travel Pass is a fantastic option. It covers all modes of transport within the Swiss Travel System network and also includes free or discounted entry to many attractions. The pass can be purchased for durations of 3, 4, 8, or 15 consecutive days, and is an excellent value for money if you plan to travel around the country.
Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West
Interlaken is served by two main train stations: Interlaken Ost (East) and Interlaken West (West). These two stations form the backbone of the town’s transport system and are connected by frequent trains and buses.
- Interlaken Ost: The larger of the two stations, Interlaken Ost is the gateway to the surrounding mountains, lakes, and villages. It’s also the starting point for scenic rail journeys like the Jungfraujoch and the GoldenPass Line. If you’re heading to outdoor activities in the nearby mountains or planning to explore neighboring towns like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, you’ll likely start your journey from Interlaken Ost.
- Interlaken West: Closer to the town center, Interlaken West is smaller but still offers excellent connections to the Swiss rail network. Many visitors use this station to access the town’s hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as nearby attractions like Lake Thun.
Both stations are well-connected and within walking distance of each other (around a 20-minute walk), but there are also frequent buses and taxis that shuttle between them if needed.
Trains in Interlaken
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB)
The backbone of public transport in Interlaken is the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), which operates an extensive and efficient train network across Switzerland. The SBB trains are punctual, clean, and equipped with modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and power outlets.
From Interlaken, you can easily reach major Swiss cities such as Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern. Trains run frequently throughout the day, with travel times of around two hours to Zurich, 90 minutes to Lucerne, and an hour to Bern. Whether you’re arriving in Interlaken or using it as a base to explore the rest of Switzerland, SBB trains are your go-to for seamless travel.
The Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB)
One of the key rail services in Interlaken is the Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB), which connects Interlaken Ost with the charming mountain villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. These two destinations are must-visits for anyone staying in Interlaken, and BOB trains offer frequent, quick, and scenic routes.
- Interlaken to Grindelwald: The journey from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald takes about 35 minutes, passing through the stunning Lütschental valley. From Grindelwald, you can access a range of outdoor activities, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
- Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen: A quick 20-minute ride from Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most picturesque villages, famous for its waterfalls and proximity to the Jungfrau region. From here, you can take a cable car or train further into the mountains, including to the world-famous Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.
Jungfraubahn and the Journey to Jungfraujoch
For those looking to explore the heights of the Swiss Alps, a trip to Jungfraujoch is an unforgettable experience. Known as the “Top of Europe,” Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454 meters (11,332 feet) and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
To get to Jungfraujoch, you’ll need to start your journey from Interlaken Ost by taking the Berner Oberland-Bahn to either Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen. From there, you transfer to the Wengernalpbahn and continue to Kleine Scheidegg, where you switch to the Jungfraubahn for the final ascent to Jungfraujoch. The entire journey takes around 2.5 hours and is one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
While the trip to Jungfraujoch is not cheap, it’s well worth the cost for the stunning views and the once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll receive a discount on the Jungfraujoch fare.
Buses in Interlaken
Interlaken also has an excellent bus network that complements the train services and provides easy access to attractions within the town and surrounding areas.
PostBus (Swiss PostAuto)
One of the most recognizable bus services in Interlaken is the PostBus (PostAuto), with its iconic yellow buses that crisscross Switzerland’s rural and mountainous areas. In Interlaken, PostBus routes connect the town with nearby villages, hiking trails, and lakes.
Key routes to note include:
- Bus 21: Runs between Interlaken West, Interlaken Ost, and the town of Thun, located on the shores of Lake Thun. This is a scenic route that allows you to explore the picturesque lakeside town of Thun, which features a beautiful medieval castle and a charming old town.
- Bus 103: This bus takes you from Interlaken West to Beatenberg, where you can catch the Niederhorn cable car for fantastic views of the surrounding Alps and lakes.
- Bus 104: Connects Interlaken Ost to the nearby village of Bönigen, located on the shores of Lake Brienz. Bönigen is a great spot for a quiet lakeside stroll or a boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
Tickets and Fare System
Bus tickets in Interlaken can be purchased from machines at bus stops, inside buses, or via the SBB Mobile App. If you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass, all bus rides are included, making it a convenient option for tourists.
For those without a travel pass, fare prices are based on the distance traveled, and you can buy single tickets, return tickets, or day passes depending on your itinerary. Tickets must be purchased before boarding, and it’s important to validate your ticket at the machine (or show it to the driver if purchased on board).
Boat Transport: Cruising Lakes Thun and Brienz
Interlaken’s unique location between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offers visitors the opportunity to explore the region by boat. Ferry services on both lakes are an enjoyable way to travel between towns and take in the beautiful surroundings from a different perspective.
Lake Thun Ferry
The Lake Thun Ferry connects Interlaken with the town of Thun, as well as other picturesque villages along the way, including Spiez and Oberhofen. The ferry ride is a peaceful, scenic journey that takes you past rolling hills, historic castles, and vineyards. A full round trip takes about two hours, and you can hop on and off to explore the towns along the route.
Lake Brienz Ferry
On the opposite side of town, the Lake Brienz Ferry offers cruises between Interlaken and Brienz, a charming village known for its traditional Swiss woodcarving. The ferry also stops at Giessbach Falls, where you can hike up to the spectacular waterfall. A round trip on Lake Brienz takes about an hour and a half, and the calm, turquoise waters make this ferry ride particularly serene.
Both lakes are included in the Swiss Travel Pass, and tickets can also be purchased at ferry terminals or online. It’s a relaxing way to travel, especially if you’re looking to take in the views without the rush of a train or bus.
Practical Tips for Using Public Transport in Interlaken
- Timetable: The Swiss public transport system runs like clockwork, but it’s always a good idea to check the timetables for trains, buses, and boats ahead of time. The SBB Mobile App and website are great tools for this, offering real-time updates and route planning.
- Swiss Travel Pass: If you’re staying in Interlaken for a few days and plan to use public transport frequently, the Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended. It provides unlimited access to trains, buses, and boats and includes discounts on many mountain excursions.
- Accessibility: Switzerland is known for its accessibility, and Interlaken is no exception. Trains, buses, and ferries are equipped to accommodate passengers with limited mobility, and most stations have elevators or ramps.
- Punctuality: Swiss public transport is famous for its punctuality. Make sure to arrive at the station or stop a few minutes before departure to avoid missing your connection.
Navigating Interlaken by public transport is not only convenient but also a scenic part of the experience. With well-connected trains, buses, and ferries, exploring everything from the town center to the breathtaking landscapes of the Bernese Oberland is easy and stress-free. Whether you’re heading to the peaks of Jungfraujoch, cruising on Lake Thun, or hopping on a bus to nearby villages, public transport in Interlaken offers a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly way to make the most of your Swiss adventure.
