Plan Your Visit to the Bernese Oberland: Operating Hours of the Trains and Cable Cars
Plan Your Visit to the Bernese Oberland: Operating Hours of the Trains and Cable Cars
Prepare for your adventure in the Swiss Alps by finding out details about operating hours of trains and cable cars as well as best visiting times of the region. Gain valuable insight into how much time to allow for each visit and explore the variety of ticket options and top-rated tours to ensure a memorable and seamless experience as you explore Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt.
Operating Hours in Interlaken
Operating Hours in Grindelwald
Operating Hours in Zermatt
When is the Best Time to Visit Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt and the surrounding Alpine Peaks?
The best time to visit Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Zermatt depends on what activities you want to do. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season.
Summer (June – September)
- Pros: Warmest weather, ideal for hiking, biking, sightseeing, mountain biking, and exploring the towns. Many festivals and events take place during this time.
- Cons: Most crowded and expensive time to visit. Accommodation and activities will be at their peak prices. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular hotels and restaurants.
Autumn (September – October)
- Pros: Pleasant weather with beautiful fall foliage, good for hiking and sightseeing. Fewer crowds than summer.
- Cons: Some high mountain trails may start to close due to snow. Days become shorter with less daylight. Be prepared for occasional rain and cooler temperatures.
Spring (April – May)
- Pros: Pleasant weather, good for hiking and sightseeing. Wildflowers are in bloom, creating a stunning landscape. Fewer crowds and lower prices compared to summer.
- Cons: Some high mountain trails may still be closed due to snow. Weather can be unpredictable with a chance of rain or snow.
Winter (December – March)
- Pros: Winter wonderland setting, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Festive atmosphere during Christmas and New Year’s.
- Cons: Coldest weather and shortest daylight hours. Some mountain facilities and trails may be closed due to snow. Avalanche risk can be higher in certain areas.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide
For scenic beauty with comfortable weather: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant landscapes.
For a classic summer experience: July and August provide long daylight hours and lush greenery, but be prepared for crowds.
For a winter wonderland experience: December-February offers a magical snowy landscape, but with shorter days and potentially colder temperatures.
Weekends vs Weekdays
Weekends (Fridays – Sundays)
- Expect higher visitor numbers, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and winter).
- Tourist attractions, cable cars, restaurants, and popular trails will be busier.
Weekdays (Mondays – Thursdays)
- Enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.
- This is a great time to visit popular attractions and navigate the charming villages without feeling rushed.
Time of Day
Mid-Morning (10:00 am – Mid-Afternoon 3:00 pm)
This is typically the busiest time for cable cars, restaurants, and tourist attractions, especially during peak seasons. Expect lines and waiting times.
Early Mornings and Evenings
Take advantage of these quieter times. Arrive early (before 10:00 am) for cable cars and popular viewpoints to avoid queues. Similarly, explore towns and restaurants in the evenings (after 3:00 pm) for a more peaceful atmosphere.
Important notes
Avoid major holidays and school breaks! Swiss national holidays and school breaks attract significantly higher visitor numbers. Check the calendar beforehand to avoid peak congestion.
Purchase tickets online in advance!
Consider guided tours! While they might not completely avoid crowds, they offer dedicated guides navigating through the tower efficiently. To book a guided tour, check out our tickets & tours section.
How Much Time Should I Plan to Visit Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt and the surrounding Alpine Peaks?
The amount of time you need to visit the Interlaken, Grindelwald and Zermatt and the surrounding Alpine peaks depends on the guided tour you book. They typically last 12 hours. For top-rated guided tours and current prices, check out our tickets & tours section.
If you’re traveling independently and want to explore the region on your own, you’ll also need to plan at least a full day, even if you’re already in one of the three towns. Please note that the train and cable car rides to the respective peaks and back take some time as they only leave at certain times. In addition, there are activities on the mountain of your choice such as hiking, skiing and other activities.
It’s best to stay for several days so that you can enjoy as many summit trips as possible, because every trip with a mountain railway or cable car is something very special in its own way. Not to mention the peaks themselves, from which you have unique views of the picturesque Alpine landscape.
Book Zurich to Interlaken Tickets & Tours
Explore below your Zurich to Interlaken ticket options and pick from the finest selection:
Most Preferred Train Passes
Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% Discount on Train, Bus & Boat Tickets for 1 Month
250+ Reviews
€127.53
Headout
We were in Switzerland for only 9 days but the half fare card saved us some dollars as we visited 3 cities via train and made bookings for sightseeing. It was very much worth it.
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
270+ Reviews
€264.61
Headout
Truly a must for touring Switzerland at your leisure, without worrying about tickets. We got on several trains, streetcars and boats, without paying anything extra. Very simple and comfortable.
Most Popular Zurich to Interlaken Day Trips
Most Preferred Train Passes
Swiss Half Fare Card: 50% Discount on Train, Bus & Boat Tickets for 1 Month
Explore Switzerland affordably with this flexible 1-month Swiss Half Fare Card. Get 50% off on all regular and premium panoramic trains – including the Glacier and Bernina Express (res. fees not included), mountain railways, lake cruises, and public transport in cities. Perfect for travelers designing their own route at their own pace, this card lets you ride in 1st or 2nd class, covering over 90 towns and top destinations like Zermatt, Geneva, and Interlaken.
Important: Only valid for residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Note: You must still purchase discounted tickets per ride. Seat reservations for panoramic trains must be made separately.
“We were in Switzerland for only 9 days but the half fare card saved us some dollars as we visited 3 cities via train and made bookings for sightseeing. It was very much worth it.“ Nalini, June 2025
Swiss Travel Continuous Pass: Unlimited Travel on Train, Bus & Boat
The Swiss Travel Continuous Pass offers unlimited travel on Switzerland’s trains, buses, and boats for 3 to 15 consecutive days. It includes free rides on scenic trains, city transport, and lake cruises, plus access to over 500 museums. Travelers also get up to 50% discounts on popular mountain excursions like Pilatus and Titlis.
Important: Only valid for residents outside Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
“Truly a must for touring Switzerland at your leisure, without worrying about tickets. We got on several trains, streetcars and boats, without paying anything extra. Very simple and comfortable.” Victor, July 2025
Most Popular Zurich to Interlaken Day Trips
Zurich: Day Trip to Grindelwald & Interlaken by Bus & Train
Experience a captivating 12-hour Day Trip to Grindelwald and Interlaken departing from Zurich. This guided tour offers comfortable coach transportation from Zurich and back. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Explore the charming “Glacier Village” of Grindelwald and enjoy a scenic train ride to Interlaken.
“I really liked our guide Jorge. He was thorough in his explanations (which helped mitigate miscommunication among passengers) and the bus ride was enjoyable. The views were spectacular! Highly recommend it. …!” Bethia, Sep. 2024
From Zurich: Guided Day Trip to Jungfraujoch with Train Ride
With this 12-hour day trip, explore Jungfraujoch’s snow-capped mountains, Europe’s highest train station, and stunning High Alps scenery. Begin with a scenic bus journey from Zurich along Brünig Pass and Lake Brienz’s shores to the Bernese Oberland. Take a cable car to Eiger Glacier and change to a cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch’s summit called Top of Europe. Witness the breathtaking Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Visit the Sphinx Observation Terrace, the Ice Palace, and the “Alpine Sensation” tour. Descend to Lauterbrunnen via Wengen before returning to Zurich by bus.
“This is a must do trip. it’s an experience you will never forget, amazing view if clear day. Just breath taking. the different trains are special too. marrian our guide was outstanding…”-Steve, Sep. 2024
