How to Get from Zurich to Interlaken: Train, Car & Private Transfer
Travelling from Zurich to Interlaken is one of the most popular journeys for visitors exploring Switzerland. Zurich is one of the country’s main international gateways, while Interlaken sits between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz at the entrance to the Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Region.
Getting from Zurich to Interlaken is relatively straightforward. You can travel by train, drive yourself or arrange a private transfer directly from your hotel, residence or Zurich Airport.
The best option depends on your itinerary, budget, luggage and how much flexibility you want along the way.
This guide explains how to get from Zurich to Interlaken, including train connections, journey times, driving, Zurich Airport options, private transfers and what to consider before choosing your route.
Zurich to Interlaken at a Glance
Travel Option | Approximate Travel Time | Best For |
Train | Around 2 hours | Convenient public transport |
Car | Around 1.5–2 hours | Flexibility and independent travel |
Private Transfer | Around 1.5–2 hours | Door-to-door travel, luggage and groups |
Zurich Airport to Interlaken | Around 2–2.5 hours | International arrivals |
Travel times can vary depending on the train connection, traffic, weather and your exact starting point or destination.
Interlaken is also one of the destinations featured in our best day trips from Zurich guide.
How Far Is Zurich from Interlaken?
Interlaken is approximately 120 km from Zurich by road.
Driving from Zurich to Interlaken generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours in normal conditions. Traffic around Zurich, roadworks, weather and busy holiday periods can increase the journey time.
By train, practical connections between Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB) and Interlaken take around two hours.
Although the distance is not particularly long, the journey takes you from Switzerland’s largest city towards the lakes and mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
Zurich to Interlaken by Train
Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to get from Zurich to Interlaken.
Switzerland’s extensive rail network provides regular connections between the two destinations, making the train particularly practical for travellers staying close to Zurich HB and those travelling without large amounts of luggage.
Zurich to Interlaken Train Route
Most travellers begin their journey at Zurich Hauptbahnhof (Zurich HB).
Interlaken has two main railway stations:
Interlaken West – convenient for the western side of town and many centrally located hotels.
Interlaken Ost – particularly useful for travellers continuing into the Jungfrau Region towards destinations such as Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald.
Direct long-distance services operate between Zurich and Interlaken, while additional connections may involve a change.
Always check the official SBB timetable before travelling, as schedules and connections can change.
Zurich to Interlaken Train Time
The Zurich to Interlaken train generally takes around two hours, although the exact journey time depends on the service you choose.
Direct services are particularly convenient because passengers can travel from central Zurich into the Bernese Oberland without transferring their luggage between trains.
If your accommodation is closer to Interlaken West, check whether leaving the train there is more convenient than continuing to Interlaken Ost.
Are There Direct Trains from Zurich to Interlaken?
Yes. Direct long-distance trains operate between Zurich HB and Interlaken Ost.
SBB’s IC81 line connects Zurich with Interlaken Ost, making it possible to travel between the two destinations without changing trains on direct departures.
Zurich to Interlaken Train Tickets and Prices
The price of a train ticket from Zurich to Interlaken depends on several factors, including:
first or second class
ticket type
travel date
discount eligibility
availability of saver fares
whether you hold a Swiss Half Fare Card or another travel pass
Rather than relying on a fixed fare published in a travel guide, check the current price for your specific journey.
Travellers planning several journeys around Switzerland may also want to compare individual tickets with the available Swiss travel passes.
Can You Use the Swiss Travel Pass from Zurich to Interlaken?
Yes. The regular rail journey between Zurich and Interlaken is included within the Swiss Travel Pass network.
The Swiss Travel Pass provides extensive travel on Switzerland’s public transport network, including trains, buses and boats.
Different conditions may apply to some mountain railways, cable cars and special services, so check the official area of validity when planning onward excursions from Interlaken.
Is the Zurich to Interlaken Train Scenic?
Parts of the journey offer attractive views of the Swiss countryside, lakes and mountains, particularly as you approach the Bernese Oberland.
However, the fastest Zurich–Interlaken connections are primarily designed for efficient transportation rather than as dedicated panoramic train journeys.
Travellers who prioritise scenery can also explore routes towards Interlaken via Central Switzerland and Lucerne. These generally take longer but offer a different experience from the faster connections.
Zurich to Interlaken by Car
Driving from Zurich to Interlaken gives you more flexibility than travelling according to a railway timetable.
The road distance is approximately 120 km, and the journey normally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your starting point, chosen route and traffic conditions.
A car can be particularly useful if Interlaken is only one stop in a longer road trip through Switzerland.
Driving from Zurich to Interlaken
Navigation systems may suggest different routes depending on current traffic and road conditions.
It is worth allowing additional time during:
weekday rush hours around Zurich
weekends and holiday periods
major events
roadworks
periods of heavy tourist traffic
difficult winter weather
If you are driving during winter, check the weather and road conditions before departure and ensure that your vehicle is appropriately equipped.
Parking in Interlaken
Parking is available in and around Interlaken, including facilities close to the railway stations.
If you are staying overnight, check whether your hotel provides parking before arriving.
Parking near Interlaken Ost can also be convenient for travellers who want to leave their vehicle and continue into the surrounding mountain regions by public transport.
Zurich to Interlaken by Private Transfer
A private transfer from Zurich to Interlaken combines a direct road journey with door-to-door transportation.
Instead of travelling to Zurich HB, carrying luggage through the station and following a railway timetable, your chauffeur can collect you directly from your hotel, residence, office or another agreed pickup point.
You can then travel directly to your accommodation or destination in Interlaken.
A private transfer can be particularly convenient for:
families travelling with children
groups
travellers with several suitcases
guests carrying ski or sports equipment
business travellers
travellers arriving after a long-haul flight
passengers who prefer door-to-door transportation
Destinata provides chauffeur-driven journeys between Zurich and Interlaken with premium vehicles, including luxury sedans and spacious Mercedes-Benz V-Class vans.
For travellers with substantial luggage or larger groups, a V-Class can provide additional luggage capacity compared with a standard sedan.
Zurich to Interlaken Private Transfer
Travelling privately also provides greater flexibility regarding departure time. Instead of planning your journey around a train schedule, your pickup can be arranged according to your itinerary.
For travellers who value privacy, luggage assistance and direct transportation, explore our Zurich to Interlaken private transfer service.
Zurich Airport to Interlaken
Many international visitors travel directly from Zurich Airport to Interlaken without staying in Zurich city first.
The airport is well connected to Switzerland’s transport network, making both rail and private road transfers practical options.
If you are arriving at ZRH for the first time, our Zurich Airport Guide covers terminals, transport, lounges, restaurants, hotels and other useful information.
Zurich Airport to Interlaken by Train
Zurich Airport has its own railway station directly connected to the airport complex.
Travellers can therefore begin their rail journey towards Interlaken without first making a separate trip into central Zurich.
Depending on your departure time, direct or connecting services may be available. Check the current SBB timetable for the most convenient connection after your arrival.
When planning a train shortly after a flight, remember to allow enough time for immigration where applicable, baggage collection and possible flight delays.
Zurich Airport to Interlaken by Private Transfer
A private airport transfer provides direct transportation from Zurich Airport to your accommodation in Interlaken.
This can be particularly convenient after a long flight or when travelling with children, several suitcases or ski equipment.
Instead of navigating the railway station and managing luggage, travellers can be met at the airport and continue directly towards Interlaken.
For other journeys starting or ending at ZRH, learn more about our Zurich Airport Transfer service.
What Is the Best Way to Get from Zurich to Interlaken?
There is no single transport option that suits every traveller.
Choose the train if: You want convenient public transportation between central Zurich and Interlaken and are comfortable travelling with your luggage.
Choose a car if: You want greater independence, plan several stops or are continuing on a longer Swiss road trip.
Choose a private transfer if: You prefer door-to-door transportation, are travelling with substantial luggage, have children or are travelling as a group.
Travelling directly from Zurich Airport? Both rail and private transfers are practical. The train provides convenient access to Switzerland’s public transport network, while a private transfer removes the need to manage luggage or coordinate your journey with a timetable after your flight.
The right choice therefore depends on your itinerary, budget and travel preferences rather than journey time alone.
Can You Visit Interlaken on a Day Trip from Zurich?
Yes, visiting Interlaken on a day trip from Zurich is possible.
With around two hours of travel in each direction, an early departure gives you more time to explore once you arrive.
Interlaken itself can be explored relatively easily, but many travellers visit the town because of its access to Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountain regions.
If you have only one day, avoid trying to fit too many distant attractions into the same itinerary. The wider Jungfrau Region has enough to fill several days.
What to Do When You Arrive in Interlaken
Interlaken’s location between two lakes and close to the Alps makes it one of the best-known bases for exploring the Bernese Oberland.
Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s local mountain and provides panoramic views over Interlaken, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
It is a popular excursion for visitors looking for elevated views over the town and its two lakes.
Lake Brienz
East of Interlaken, Lake Brienz is known for its turquoise water and mountain surroundings.
The lakeside region includes destinations such as Brienz and Iseltwald and can easily form part of a longer stay around Interlaken.
Lake Thun
West of Interlaken lies Lake Thun, surrounded by mountains, lakeside communities and historic attractions.
Travellers spending more than one day in the region can combine Interlaken with destinations around both lakes.
Jungfrau Region
Interlaken Ost is an important gateway for journeys deeper into the Jungfrau Region.
Popular destinations include:
Lauterbrunnen
Grindelwald
Wengen
Kleine Scheidegg
Jungfraujoch
If exploring these destinations is a major part of your itinerary, staying overnight in Interlaken or elsewhere in the Jungfrau Region gives you considerably more time than attempting everything as a day trip from Zurich.
Interlaken to Zurich
The return journey from Interlaken to Zurich is just as straightforward.
Direct trains operate on selected departures, while additional connections are available with transfers.
If you are returning from Interlaken directly to Zurich Airport for an international flight, allow sufficient time for the rail or road journey as well as airport check-in and security.
Travellers using a private transfer can arrange collection directly from their hotel or accommodation in Interlaken for the return journey to Zurich or Zurich Airport.
Planning Your Zurich to Interlaken Journey
Travelling from Zurich to Interlaken is straightforward whether you choose the train, car or a private chauffeur.
The train is particularly convenient for travellers who want to use Switzerland’s extensive public transport network. Driving provides additional independence for a wider road trip. A private transfer offers direct door-to-door transportation from your hotel, residence or Zurich Airport to your destination in Interlaken.
Whichever option you choose, Interlaken provides an excellent starting point for exploring Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and the mountains of the Bernese Oberland.
If you are still planning the Zurich part of your journey, learn more about our private chauffeur service in Zurich.
Private Chauffeur from Zurich to Interlaken
Destinata provides private transfers from Zurich and Zurich Airport to Interlaken for individual travellers, families and groups, with premium sedans and spacious vans available according to your journey.
