Riding the Belle Epoque train in Switzerland: Step Back in Time

Step onto the beautifully restored vintage train and experience the elegance and luxury of 1930s travel aboard the iconic Belle Époque that runs between Zweisimmen and Montreux. Switzerland is home to many scenic train journeys, but this one is truly special. It isn’t just a way to get from one destination to another, it's an experience of the golden age of rail travel.

No wonder the Belle Époque is already on it's own a reason many travellers head out to the small Swizz towns it stops at. The ride is really one of those rare travel moments that feels cinematic. No wonder it's trending on social media!

However, we all know social media makes everything look better than real life. This post covers everything you should know about riding the historical Belle Époque to decide if it's worth adding to your Switzerland itinerary.

Is the Belle Époque train worth it?

It's no secret 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. 

What Makes the Belle Époque Train Special?

The Belle Époque isn’t simply a “nice train with vintage seats.”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.

If you value an experience that blends history, design, scenery, and romance, the Belle Époque train deserves a spot on your Switzerland itinerary.

Personally, it became one of the highlights of my train journey across Switzerland. The nostalgic charm combined with panoramic views of the Swiss Alps made the ride fly by.

Route and tickets – all you need to know

The train is a part of the larger Golden Pass line, one of Switzerland’s most famous panoramic routes. 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:

How to book the Belle Epoque?

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.

You can easily ride just the Belle Époque section on its own and book the Zweisimmen - Montreal connection on the SBB site.

Or, if you're looking for a longer train journey, look into the Golden Pass!

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. 

Most social media posts show the famous blue and green velvet seats of the first-class carriage. But the reality is far more nuanced.

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.

This surprises many travelers.

• 1 First-Class Belle Époque Carriage

• 1 Second-Class Belle Époque Carriage

• All other carriages? Modern trains.

This means:

• The historic section can fill up quickly, especially in summer

• If you board late, you may not get a seat in the vintage cars

• You may spend the ride in a regular carriage if everything is full

  
  

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: the real differences

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! 

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. 

It’s much prettier in real life than in photos, and because fewer people post about it, expectations are often low - resulting in a great experience.

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.

Is 1st Class Worth It?

It depends on your priorities.

• Traveling in high season and want guaranteed elegance? → Choose 1st class

• Want the experience without the cost? → 2nd class is lovely

• On a pass? → Pay the reservation, then upgrade onboard if seats are free

• Traveling for photos? → Walk through both carriages. Just don't take too long so other passengers can travel in peace too!

Tips for Ensuring You Get the Historic Carriage Seat

1. Book early

Especially from June–September and during holiday periods.

2. Board the train at its origin station

Meaning:

• If traveling toward Montreux → Start in Zweisimmen

• If traveling toward Zweisimmen → Start in Montreux

This ensures you board BEFORE crowds joining at intermediate stops.

3. Arrive 15–20 minutes early

People line up early for the historic cars.

4. Look for the Belle Époque signage

Carriages are clearly labeled on the outside—but only if you get to the front of the queue on time.

5. Consider seat reservations

Some days they make all the difference.

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!

Truthfully, both sides of the train offer beautiful landscapes, but here’s how to optimize:

Between Montreux → Zweisimmen

• Sit on the right side for dramatic lake views descending toward Montreux.

Between Zweisimmen → Montreux

• Sit on the left side for sweeping hillside and vineyard vistas.

Don’t miss the zigzag climb/descend above Montreux

This is where you get those jaw-dropping views over Lake Geneva.

History of the Belle Époque: A Journey Through Time

To fully appreciate this train, it helps to know its past.

The term Belle Époque refers to a period between 1871 and 1914, when Europe was flourishing culturally, artistically, and technologically. Luxury train travel became symbolic of this era—comfortable, stylish, and sophisticated.

Switzerland embraced this movement early, building grand hotels and iconic railways for wealthy European travelers. The modern Belle Époque carriages recreate this spirit with historical accuracy, allowing today’s passengers a taste of the glamour enjoyed by travelers over a century ago.

This blend of cultural heritage and modern scenic travel is what makes the experience feel so special and so distinctly Swiss.

What Makes This Journey Unique Compared to Other Swiss Scenic Trains?

Switzerland offers many famous scenic routes - Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express - but the Belle Époque stands out because:

• It’s historic, not futuristic

• It’s shorter (2 hours), making it easy to fit into itineraries

• It’s far less expensive

• You get a true vintage experience, not just panoramic windows

If you’re choosing between several scenic trains, the Belle Époque is perfect for travelers who want nostalgia, design, and atmosphere - not just views.

Happy Railing!
xx, Irene

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Belle Époque journey?

Around 1 hour 50 minutes.

Is food served onboard?

No full dining service, but you can bring snacks.

Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Access may vary by carriage - check with SBB before booking.

Can you walk between the carriages?

Yes, and it’s the easiest way to see both classes.