Geneva to Interlaken train with SBB

Trains from Geneva to Interlaken

When planning to visit the emerald waters in Interlaken from Geneva, taking a train is an efficient way to cover the 88 miles (142 km) in between. The trains from Geneva to Interlaken are regular and generally take approximately 3 hours. The travel time can change, however, depending on the number of stops along the way: there are faster trains that complete the trip around 2 hours and 40 minutes, but trains with more than 3 transfers can take more than 7 hours to complete the journey.

Geneva to Interlaken Train Time: Daily Departures

The Geneva-Interlaken route is busy, with more than 67 trips happening daily. The trains take off throughout the day, beginning as early as 4:14 a.m. Usually, around 3 trains leave at each departure time. There are also days with trains as early as 12:20 a.m. The latest trains of the day leave Geneva for Interlaken around 11:20 p.m. and often take the longest.

How long is the journey by train from Geneva to Interlaken?

The average travel time for trains from Geneva to Interlaken can vary greatly depending on the number of transfers. There are no direct trains, and the fastest trains are those with only one change. There are around 34 daily trains with one transfer and an average travel time of 2 hours and 57 minutes. Trips with more than 3 transfers can take more than 7 hours.

What is/are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Geneva to Interlaken?

Departure train station: Geneva Cornavin. This is the main railway station in the city - located in the city centre, it is accessible via buses, trams and taxis. You can also walk to the town. Some of the facilities at the station include washrooms, an information office, restaurants and cafés, ticket machines, and many shops.

Arrival train stations: Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West. Trains from Geneva to Interlaken can either of these two train stations to make their final stop. Interlaken Ost (Interlaken East) is the main railway station in the city, from which you can use buses and taxis to access different parts of the city. Only 1 mile (1.5 km) away is the Interlaken West station. Both stations have facilities such as currency exchanges, ticket offices, a baggage area, toilets, phone cabins, an information office and parking.

Which train companies travel from Geneva to Interlaken?

The Swiss Federal Railways is the national railway company in Switzerland. It goes by three different abbreviations depending on the language: SBB in German; CFF in French; FFS in Italian. It runs passenger, cargo and freight trains in Switzerland and beyond. Passenger trains include regional (RE), interregional (IR), commuter, intercity (IC), and euro city (EC). Most trains from Geneva to Interlaken use IC and IR trains, but the most extended overnight routes often have RE trains for one leg of the journey.

SBB Geneva to Interlaken

SBB operates all the trains between Geneva and Interlaken. The trains are regular, with some trips starting as early as 12:20 a.m. and others as late as 11:20 p.m. Many of the trains that travel overnight have up to four transfers. Unfortunately, there are no direct routes available, but you can book journeys with only one transfer if you're looking for the fastest route. 

Geneva to Interlaken Trains: Services on Board

Services on the trains can vary depending on the type of train taken. Most of the trains on the route have an onboard restaurant, family zones, power sockets, baby changing areas and plenty of storage. First-class travellers can also access quiet zones and business zones. Passengers with a disability can reserve priority seats for people with reduced mobility. There is also boarding assistance at all stations, including lifts for passengers on wheelchairs. The trains have wheelchair-accessible toilets. Guide dogs can travel with their owners for free as long as they meet the specified criteria. Small pets can travel on the trains for free as long as they don't exceed 30 cm in height and stay in a container or pet bag. For large dogs, you should purchase a second-class half-fare ticket, which is valid for both the first and second classes. You could also use the 1-day travel pass for dogs, especially when covering long distances. Dogs can sit anywhere with their owners except in food carriages. There is ample storage space for luggage on all the trains. You can also bring bikes and prams on board, but you should confirm the availability of dedicated bike storage on the train before booking your ticket and reserve a space.

How to find cheap train tickets from Geneva to Interlaken

Book your train tickets early for the best prices - ticket prices go up as the travel date draws closer. With this route, more transfers may not lower ticket prices: overnight trains which have around 3 changes cost more than rides with one or two transfers. It's wise to compare different travel dates and check for various discounts for cheap tickets through Omio.