This article will be updated when details of the 2024 prices and inclusions are finalized.
If your Switzerland vacation includes three or more days in the Bernese Oberland region, which includes Interlaken, it is worth considering purchasing a Berner Oberland Pass (previously called the Regional Pass Berner Oberland).
The Bernese Oberland (Switzerland) region is famous for its huge array of mountain excursions but they can get expensive if you plan on enjoying a few of them.
That’s where an all-inclusive Bernese Oberland pass can offer huge benefits. Not only does it mean you’re not always dipping into your pocket or purse to pay for excursions, it also saves you money.
In this guide to the Regional Pass Berner Oberland, I cover everything you need to know about the Pass including what it includes, what it costs, where to purchase it, and much more.
Note: the official name of the pass is the Regional Pass Berner Oberland but in this guide we’ll also refer to it by its more commonly known name, the Berner Oberland Regional Pass.
[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]
Click here to buy your Berner Oberland Regional Pass
(purchase only available from April to October)
What's in this Article
What is the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
The Bernese Oberland regional pass is a single travel pass that includes free train and bus transportation, ships and over 15 free cable car rides, and discounts on more than 40 other services in the region.
What does the Regional Pass Berner Oberland include?
The Bernese Oberland Travel Pass includes free travel on more than 15 cable cars, train rides and cruises including:
- Brienz Rothorn bahn steam train
- Grindelwald to First cable way
- Grindelwald to Mannlichen cable car
- Grindelwald to Pfingstegg cable car
- Grindelwald/Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg
- Grindelwald to Eiger Glacier cable car
- Harder Kulm funicular
- Luzern Interlaken Express
- Lake cruise on Lake Thun and/or Lake Brienz
- Stechelberg to Murren cable car
- Schynige Platte cog wheel train
- Niesen funicular
- Stockhorn
- Niederhorn
- Mountain railways Meiringen-Hasliberg
- Murren – Allmendhubel funicular
- Lake Oeschinen cable way (Kandersteg)
How long is the Bernese Oberland Regional Pass valid?
The Pass can be purchased for durations of 3, 4, 6, 8 or 10 consecutive days and can be used between 1 April and 31 December, 2024. (Some mountain railways, cable cars and funiculars commence service mid-April or May and close around 25 October.)
How does the Regional Pass Berner Oberland differ from the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
Whilst both Passes include free travel on the Harder Kulm funicular, Schynige Platte cogwheel railway and the Grindelwald-First cable way, as well as discounted travel on the Jungfraujoch train, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland also includes additional bonuses.
Free travel on the Stechelberg to Murren cableway, Brienz Rothorn steam train and the Pfingstegg cable car is included, as are free cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (only available on 5 to 8-day Jungfrau Travel Passes).
In addition to the bonuses mentioned above, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland offers free travel on almost all railways and bus routes throughout the whole region which stretches as far as Bern, Lucerne, Interlaken, Gstaad and Brig.
This means that you can travel between Lucerne and Interlaken on the Luzern-Interlaken Express absolutely free. Travel from Interlaken as far as Saanen (near Gstaad) on the GoldenPass Line is also included, with a 50% discount offered on the final leg from Saanen to Montreux.
A number of cable cars in Lenk, Adelboden and Kandersteg are also heavily discounted for Regional Pass holders.
More than 40 travel partners also offer discounts to Pass holders. These discounts apply to entry fees and activities in the region.
Where the Jungfrau Travel Pass includes transport and mountain excursions in the Jungfrau Region only, the Berner Oberland Travel Pass extends its reach to areas further afield.
To see the area of validity of the Pass, click here.
What other bonuses apply to the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
Bonus offers available to Pass holders include:
- Single or return fares on Gelmberbahn for just CHF 3
- Free travel on the Stechelberg to Murren cableway
- Half price travel on the Murren to Schilthorn cableway
- 10% discount on a number of adventure activities from Outdoor Interlaken including Canyon Swing, bungy jumping, family river rafting, Rope Park Interlaken, and more
- 50% off travel on the GoldenPass Line between Montreux and Saanen
- Special rate of CHF 99 for the Jungfraujoch excursion
- 50% discount on entry to Blausee lake
- 50% off Engelberg to Titlis cable car
- and many more
What does the Regional Pass Berner Oberland cost?
The Pass is, in my opinion, very reasonably priced. A 3-day Regional Pass Berner Oberland (2nd class travel) costs just CHF 230 with a 10-day pass costing CHF 399 per adult. Child passes can be purchased for just CHF 30 for the same duration as the accompanying adult’s pass.
See the table below for Pass costs for the available durations for both 2nd and 1st class travel.
Note: First class travel only applies to regular trains and lake cruises, not mountain trains or cable cars.
Recommended retail prices are:
| Adult Fares | Full price | Reduced price* | ||
| Duration | 2nd class | 1st class | 2nd class | 1st class |
| 3 Days | CHF 240 | CHF 288 | CHF 168 | CHF 202 |
| 4 Days | CHF 280 | CHF 336 | CHF 196 | CHF 236 |
| 6 Days | CHF 350 | CHF 420 | CHF 254 | CHF 305 |
| 8 Days | CHF 395 | CHF 474 | CHF 287 | CHF 345 |
| 10 Days | CHF 435 | CHF 522 | CHF 316 | CHF 380 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
| Youth Fares (16 – 25 incl.) | 2nd class | 1st class | Child^ Fares (6 – 15 incl.) |
| 3 Days | CHF 168 | CHF 202 | CHF 30 |
| 4 Days | CHF 196 | CHF 236 | CHF 30 |
| 6 Days | CHF 254 | CHF 305 | CHF 30 |
| 8 Days | CHF 287 | CHF 345 | CHF 30 |
| 10 Days | CHF 316 | CHF 380 | CHF 30 |
| BUY NOW | BUY NOW | BUY NOW |
*Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card receive discounted rates on the Berner Oberland Regional Pass. See the table above for the applicable prices.
No discounts apply to the purchase price of the Pass for Eurail Pass holders.
Children aged 6 to 16 years can purchase a Regional Pass for CHF 30. If they hold a Junior Travel Card, Children’s Co-Travelcard or Swiss Family Card, they travel for free.
Where do you buy the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
The Pass is available to purchase online – CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR PASS – or at most railway stations and Tourist Offices in the Bernese Oberland, as well as at Zurich, Geneva and Basel Airports.
How do I use my Regional Pass?
When travelling aboard trains and buses, simply show your valid Pass to the conductor or driver onboard.
For other modes of transport – cableway, funicular, ship – present your Pass at the ticket office in exchange for a ticket.
Sightseeing in the Bernese Alps: What to do in Berner Oberland
Below you’ll find details on the top five activities to do in the Berner Oberland region.
– Jungfraujoch excursion
It’s great to enjoy some Bernese Alps travel and say you’ve been to the “Top of Europe.” While there are higher elevations in the Alps, Jungfraujoch is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres.
When you step off you’ll find an alpine resort complete with everything from restaurants to a viewing platform at 3,571 metres, to a Snow Fun Park (where you can enjoy some fun winter sports activities during the summer!).
Tour the Ice Palace with it’s amazing ice sculptures of animals or learn about the history of Lindt chocolate at a free exhibition on the mountaintop. You can even take an hour-long hike over a glacier to Mönchsjoch hut, no ropes or special equipment needed!
>> Cost with Berner Oberland Regional Pass: CHF 99 – Buy your pass here
– Schilthorn excursion
To get spectacular 360-degree views of the Alps, you’ll want to visit Schilthorn mountain and sit down for lunch in the revolving restaurant! Have you ever watched the 007 Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”?
This was the location for the film, so you won’t want to miss the Bond exhibition some 2,677 meters above sea level. (The restaurant also serves Bond-themed meals and drinks!).
Not afraid of heights? You can walk out on the grated-floor Skyline observation deck or even take the “Thrill Walk” – a 200 metre pathway which clings to the cliff face and includes a rope bridge and involves crawling through a clear tube!
And in winter, you can visit an Igloo village complete with famous Swiss fondue.
>> Cost with Berner Oberland Regional Pass: CHF 42.80 – Buy your pass here
– GoldenPass Line train
Take three different trains from Lucerne to Montreux on a panoramic journey called the The GoldenPass Line. You’ll chug through three different mountain passes including the famous 4000-metre Alpine peaks, as well as go past eight stunning lakes.
From start to finish, the journey will take you around 5.5 hours. During the third leg you’ll have a choice of riding either The Classic or Panoramic train. The first has an old historical luxurious feel to it, and the second is more modern.
>> Cost with Berner Oberland Pass: Free except for Saanen to Montreux sector which is discounted by 50% – Buy your pass here
– Harder Kulm excursion
Harder Kulm is Interlaken’s resident mountain which can be reached by a quick funicular ride. At the top you’ll find a wonderful restaurant, breathtaking views, and even a playground for kids.
After your meal, walk over to the Two Lakes Bridge where you can gaze down at Lake Thun and Lake Brienz through the glass floor and take in the stunning alpine views.
Harder Kulm also hosts seasonal Folklore Shows complete with traditional Swiss music and costumes!
>> Cost with Berner Oberland Regional Pass: Free – Buy your pass here
– Grindelwald-First excursion
Take a gondola ride to the top of First, and then get your adrenaline pumping. The First Glider straps four people to a mechanical eagle that zips down a zipline 800-metres-long at up to 83 km/h!
If the eagle seems too tame, you can always take the First Flyer instead and simply sit alone in a harness suspended over the valley below.
Not interested in an adrenaline rush? The mountain karts that you can ride down the mountain are much less terrifying but still tons of fun!
>> Cost with Berner Oberland Regional Pass: Free (cable car from Grindelwald to First – activities are additional) – Buy your pass here
Do I need to make reservations for any of the trains?
Most trains and mountain excursions do not require advance reservations. I do recommend you make seat reservations for the Jungfraujoch excursion (CHF 10 per person, payable at any train station ticket office in the region) and if you plan to travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and/or the GoldenPass Line.
How much money can I save with the Regional Pass Berner Oberland?
To show you how much you can save by purchasing the Regional Pass Berner Oberland, I have created two itineraries which include a range of train rides and mountain excursions.
The first itinerary includes train travel between Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Gstaad, Bern and back to Zurich, as well as numerous mountain excursions and a lake cruise.
One trip on the Luzern-Interlaken Express and two trips on the GoldenPass Line are included.
8 day itinerary : Zurich – Lucerne – Interlaken – Gstaad – Bern – Zurich | Pass cost CHF 370*
Day 1 – Zurich to Lucerne
Travel by intercity train – cost with Pass CHF 25.00 / regular price CHF 25.00
Day 2 – Lucerne | Mt Titlis excursion
Train Lucerne to Hergiswil (return) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 8.20
Hergiswil to Engelberg to Mt Titlis (return) – cost with Pass CHF 62.40 / regular price CHF 124.80
Day 3 – Lucerne to Interlaken | Lake Cruise and Harder Kulm excursion
Lucerne to Interlaken on Luzern Interlaken Express – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 33.00
Lake Thun cruise – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 70.00 (1 day, 2 lakes ticket)
Harder Kulm funicular – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 34.00
Day 4 – Interlaken | Jungfraujoch excursions
Jungfraujoch excursion from Interlaken – cost with Pass CHF 99.00 / regular price CHF 210.80*
Day 5 – Interlaken | Grindelwald with First and Pfingstegg excursions
Train from Interlaken to Grindelwald (return) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 22.40
Grindelwald-First cable car – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 66.00
Grindelwald Pfingstegg cable car – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 28.00
Day 6 – Interlaken to Gstaad by GoldenPass Line
Interlaken to Zweisimmen – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 27.00
Zweisimmen to Gstaad on GoldenPass Line – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 11.20
Day 7 – Gstaad to Bern by GoldenPass Line and Bern Old Town walk
Gstaad to Zweisimmen on GoldenPass Line – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 11.20
Zweisimmen to Bern – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 35.00
Bern Old Town stroll with audio guide – cost with Pass CHF 12.50 / regular price CHF 25.00
Day 8 – Bern to Zurich
Bern to Lucerne – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 35.00
Lucerne to Zurich – cost with Pass CHF 25.00 / regular price CHF 25.00
Total cost of the above itinerary with Regional Pass – CHF 593.90
Total cost of the above itinerary without Regional Pass – CHF 789.60
You save – CHF 195.70 CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR PASS
Subject to modifications. *Low season fare.
The second itinerary is for an extended stay in Interlaken, allowing more time to experience the attractions in the Jungfrau region. This itinerary includes numerous mountain excursions, a lake cruise and castle visit and a visit to the Swiss Open Air Museum.
As you will see from this itinerary, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland is still good value even if you are driving to the region and don’t need to use the train from Lucerne or Bern to get to Interlaken.
6 day Interlaken Itinerary | Pass cost CHF 340*
Day 1 – Visit to Ballenberg and Harder Kulm funicular
Train and bus from Interlaken to Ballenberg (return) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 23.60
Swiss Open Air Museum Ballenberg – cost with Pass CHF 25.00 / regular price CHF 32.00
Harder Kulm funicular – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 34.00
Day 2 – Jungfraujoch excursion
Jungfraujoch excursion from Interlaken – cost with Pass CHF 99.00 / regular price CHF 210.80*
Day 3 – Grindelwald with First and Pfingstegg excursions
Train from Interlaken to Grindelwald (return) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 22.40
Grindelwald-First cable car (return trip) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 66.00
Grindelwald Pfingstegg cable car (return trip) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 28.00
(each Pass holder is also entitled to one free ride on the toboggan run)
Day 4 – Lake Thun cruise and visit
Lake Thun cruise (one way) – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 45.00
Visit Thun Castle – cost with Pass CHF 8.00 / regular price CHF 10.00
Train from Thun to Interlaken – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 17.40
Day 5 – Schilthorn excursion
Schilthorn excursion from Interlaken – cost with Pass CHF 54.00 / regular price CHF 130.40
Day 6 – Schynige Platte excursion
Schynige Platte excursion from Interlaken – cost with Pass FOC / regular price CHF 71.20
Total cost of the above itinerary with Regional Pass – CHF 526.00
Total cost of the above itinerary without Regional Pass – CHF 690.80
You save – CHF 164.80 CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR PASS
Subject to modifications
Note: All prices are for 2nd class travel without Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card discounts. *Low season fare.
Some regular train fares may be reduced if Super Saver fares are available on the day of purchase.
As you can see, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland offers incredible value as well as the freedom to travel around the region on the extensive public transport network.
With the all-inclusive Pass, you can hop on and off trains, buses, cableways, funiculars and boats as you please by simply presenting your Pass.
Compare all regional travel passes for the Bernese Oberland by clicking here!
Get your Regional Pass Berner Oberland by clicking here.
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