Switzerland: "Golden Pass Express" reservations

[AdamWW]

The "Golden Pass Express" gauge-changing trains between Interlaken and Montreux has a reservation fee of CHF20 in second class.

Their web site clearly says: "Seat reservations are optional but highly recommended."

This seems a rather high price for a reservation that isn't a compulsory reservation acting effectively as a supplement.

At the moment their booking engine seems to claim plenty of free seats even on imminent departures (and only shows 1 first class and 2 second class coaches on the seat selector even though I think trains are longer).

Does anyone know if this really mean the likelihood is that I could just turn up and use a regular ticket or is there something I'm missing?

 

[yorkie]

When are you travelling?

 

[AdamWW]

When are you travelling?

Probably not at all. But I might have a chance, and if so it would be likely some time in May.

 

[nwales58]

Although marked ‘please reserve’ the only compulsory reservation/supplement is for the Prestige 40 cm raised seats.

I don’t know if the new through Interlaken trains get full, it’s likely some services are used by asian tour groups.

If you hit a busy one, I’d change onto the standard hourly, non gauge changing, service from Zweisimmen.

In May the Ascension-Pentecost ‘bridge’ period will be busier, I’d go before then.

 

[Gordon]

Switzerland has suffered badly from overtourism in recent years and the MOB railway now feels the need to cover its back by stating that reservation is recommended. However whilst it remains 'recommended' and not 'obligatory' you can safely turn up and board any train if you already have a valid ticket eg an SDP or STP.

Obviously - as with any popular train, being ready to jump on the moment the empty coaches run into the departure platform give you a better chance of a decent seat.

 

[DanielB]

Having done that line last year on a regular train, I didn't experience it as extremely busy. There may be tour groups with reservations, but I noticed they're usually in the more luxury sections in the driving trailers.
Last year I chose the old second class car in the middle despite having a first class Interrail, as that car had opening windows. It only filled up during the journey, but the first section from Zweisimmen is relatively quiet.

 

[peterblue]

It's optional. I've done it without a reservation in 2nd class. From my experience, it isn't particularly busy and you should be fine if you turn up. The last stretch of the line descending down into Montreux is very nice.

 

[ainsworth74]

Did it a month ago and the train was dead. Though it was a Sunday afternoon...

 

[Snapper37]

Done it twice in the last year, both times 0905 departure from Interlaken. First time, in June, second time April. Both times we were accommodated without issue. First trip had to share a bay of four, second time got a bay to ourself. Enjoy it’s a great ride. Be aware the coach next to the loco is not a through coach.

 

[AdamWW]

Thanks for all the responses.

Done it twice in the last year, both times 0905 departure from Interlaken. First time, in June, second time April. Both times we were accommodated without issue. First trip had to share a bay of four, second time got a bay to ourself. Enjoy it’s a great ride. Be aware the coach next to the loco is not a through coach.

Yes I've been watching Youtube vidoes of the whole process.
I think it's the only time I've come across a translator coach you can travel in.

Still don't know if I will get the chance to go on it, but want to be prepared if I can - and I'm sure I will enjoy it if I do.

I don't think I've come across anything before with such a high reservation charge that really is just a seat reservation.
Then again I haven't come across trains that switch themselves between narrow and standard gauge either.