Complete guide to riding the Belle Epoque train in Switzerland
Step on this time machine and experience the luxurious travel style of the 1930s with the Belle Epoque train in Switzerland!
This train journey is no ordinary ride. It captures the essence of a bygone era, inviting passengers to relive the golden age of train travel. A journey aboard the Belle Epoque is not just a travel experience; it’s a voyage through history. The impressive carriages have elegant interior design that radiate the Orient Express glamour.
Ticket prices vary from around 16,50 CHF to 58 CHF depending on what time of the year you are traveling and whether you choose to ride in the 1st or 2nd class.
The beautiful wooden paneling and elegant blue/green seating of the 1st class catches the eye in awe. No wonder most pictures and reels online are often showcasing the best the Belle Epoque has to offer.
However, you rarely find too much information about the differences between the 1st and the 2nd class. What you see on instagram definitely is not the whole truth. There are still a lot of details you should know to get the most out of riding the Belle Epoque.
I was traveling off season in October, but this made me wonder whether normal ticket holders would even be able to sit in the historic carriages at all during peak season. Take into account the time of the year when traveling and consider options like the Golden pass when planning your holiday. I would definitely recommend looking into seat reservations if you want to ensure you’ll get a seat!
The second class has wooden booths with an old fashioned table lamp and dark green detailing on the seats. Even though the first class obviously has a more luxurious feel to it, in my opinion the second class is not a bad option. 
Happy Railing!
xx, Irene
This train journey is no ordinary ride. It captures the essence of a bygone era, inviting passengers to relive the golden age of train travel. A journey aboard the Belle Epoque is not just a travel experience; it’s a voyage through history. The impressive carriages have elegant interior design that radiate the Orient Express glamour.
Be sure not to miss this gem of Swiss rails on your travels! It’s an absolute must for those seeking a unique and unforgettable experience topped off with magical views of the Swiss mountain scenery.
Route and tickets – all you need to know
The train is a part of the Golden Pass, covering a scenic route in Switzerland. However, you can also just buy individual tickets for the Belle Epoque on the SBB site. (This is where you can also check the timetables). Or include it in your Interrail or Eurrail ticket like I did!So, where and when does the Belle Epoque run?
The train runs twice a day between Zweisimmen and Montreux. Trains leave every hour, but usually only two connections a day will be serviced by the historic Belle Epoque. So be sure to check that you choose the correct departure time!1. Navigate to the SBB site.
2. Search trains between Zweisimmen and Montreux
3. Search the available options to see which times are serviced by the Belle Epoque train:
1st and 2nd class – what you don’t see on instagram
The interiors of the vintage carriages are a true testament to the romantic charm of luxury train travel. They captivate passengers from the moment they step on board. With meticulous attention to detail, the Belle Epoque train’s elegant design transport passengers to an era where every train journey was a celebration of the finer things in life.The beautiful wooden paneling and elegant blue/green seating of the 1st class catches the eye in awe. No wonder most pictures and reels online are often showcasing the best the Belle Epoque has to offer.
However, you rarely find too much information about the differences between the 1st and the 2nd class. What you see on instagram definitely is not the whole truth. There are still a lot of details you should know to get the most out of riding the Belle Epoque.
TIP 1. There is only one 1st class carriage and only one 2nd class carriage
The first thing I noticed when catching the historic train from Zweisimmen was the fact that the train had several normal local train carriages in addition to the two historic Belle Epoque ones.I was traveling off season in October, but this made me wonder whether normal ticket holders would even be able to sit in the historic carriages at all during peak season. Take into account the time of the year when traveling and consider options like the Golden pass when planning your holiday. I would definitely recommend looking into seat reservations if you want to ensure you’ll get a seat!
TIP 2. Choosing between 1st and 2nd class
Depending on when you book your tickets, the price between 1st or 2nd class can make you wonder whether it’s worth the money. When booking my ticket, I got frustrated trying to find any pictures or descriptions on the differences.
So to make your decision easier, here is what you don’t see on instagram!
If there are free seats, you are also able to purchase an upgrade to the first class on board. However, since there is just one second class and one first class carriage, during the peak season I'd definitely look into seat reservations ahead to make sure you will get a seat. If the train is full you might have to travel in one of the normal, modern train carriages and you'll miss the whole experience.
As there weren’t too many people onboard, we still walked through first class to catch the glamour before finding our seats in second class. This way we got to witness the beautiful interior and snap our pictures but saved a good amount of money since the upgrade to first class would have cost us 25CHF each onboard.
Where to sit for best views?
Once you’re onboard, in my opinion it doesn’t really matter on which side of the train you sit down. There will be breathtaking views on both sides throughout the journey! Just make sure to keep your eyes open just before arriving or right after leaving Montreux depending on your travel direction. The train climbs up the mountain in zig zag and you will have amazing views over lake Geneve!Happy Railing!
xx, Irene
