Die Fakten, die man zuerst sucht – aus diesem Guide.
From the Airport
Download the SBB Mobile App: This is your absolute travel sidekick. It shows real-time platform changes, offers point-to-point ticketing, and provides a single QR code for inspectors. It is far more reliable than generic international travel apps.
If you have time between connections, there are secure luggage lockers available on the city level, accessible 24/7.
If you have heavy luggage, look for the underpass with a ramp rather than the stairs.
Toilets: Public toilets are available, but they usually require coins for entry unless you have a valid pass or ticket that grants access. Keep a few Swiss Franc coins handy.
Interlaken Ost is the primary gateway to the Jungfrau region. As a first-time visitor, you will find the Swiss rail system exceptionally reliable and easy to navigate.
From the Airport
From City Center
By Taxi
Interlaken Ost is a straightforward, compact station that serves as the essential gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Despite its importance as a tourism hub, it is a relatively small facility featuring 8 platforms across 3 island platforms. Think of the station as a simple, efficient transit bridge: it is a dead-end terminus for all passenger services, meaning every train that arrives here eventually stops and reverses or terminates, making it impossible to "miss" your stop by traveling through the station.
The station’s layout is designed for easy cross-platform transfers. Because it is a terminus, you will often find your connecting mountain train waiting at the same island platform or just a short walk away through the underpass. The platforms are numbered 1 through 8. Standard-gauge trains arriving from Bern or Spiez typically use platforms 5 through 8, while narrow-gauge regional services, including the Berner Oberland Railway (BOB) trains bound for Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald, generally use platforms 1 through 4.
Navigating the station is intuitive. If you arrive on a mainline train and need to transfer to a mountain service, you will likely need to move between platforms. While there are stairs, the station is fully equipped with ramps and elevators, making it very manageable even with heavy luggage. A common point of confusion for first-timers is the BOB train to Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald; this train splits at the town of Zweilütschinen. Always check the carriage destination displayed on the platform or the side of the train to ensure you are boarding the correct section.
Given the small size of the station, you do not need to worry about long distances. A transfer between the most extreme platforms will take you no more than 3 to 5 minutes at a leisurely pace. If your connection is tight, do not panic—Swiss rail transfers are designed to be efficient, and the station staff and conductors are accustomed to assisting tourists with luggage. Simply follow the clear overhead signage, utilize the underpass, and remember that for mountain-bound services, the correct carriage is just as important as the correct platform.
I wish someone had told me how straightforward Interlaken Ost is, but knowing a few key details will save you unnecessary stress. Don’t worry, the station is compact, but do prepare properly.
Before You Arrive
At the Station
Common Mistakes
The staffed left-baggage service at Interlaken Ost station is available from Monday to Sunday, 07:30 to 16:30. This is the service where you leave your luggage with the station staff. It is not available outside of these business hours.
Yes. Outside of business hours, you can use the luggage lockers, which are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These self-service lockers provide a convenient option for storage when the staffed counter is closed.
Yes. "Baggage" refers to the staffed left-luggage service, which operates from 07:30 to 16:30 daily. "Lockers" are self-service storage units available for use 24/7. For retrieval after 16:30, you must use the lockers.
For specific details on locker sizes, costs, and station equipment, you should check the official SBB page for Interlaken Ost station. The direct link is: https://www.sbb.ch/en/travel-information/stations/find-station/station.7492.interlaken-ost.html.
A key tip is to ensure you have the correct change for the lockers or to check if they accept credit cards, as payment methods may vary. It is best to verify the accepted payment options beforehand to avoid inconvenience.
Established in the late 19th century, it became a vital link for alpine tourism. Its expansion was driven by the Bernese Oberland Railway (BOB) in 1890, transforming it into a major interchange for journeys to destinations like Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald.
Through station serving Interlaken, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1874 as Interlaken Zollhaus, the station was renamed Interlaken Ost in 1890 as it grew into a vital junction connecting the Thunersee, Brünig, and Bernese Oberland railway lines. Today, it functions as a primary transfer point for travelers heading into the high Alpine regions. The station is served by regional and local trains, including the Bernese Oberland Railway and the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, but does not host high-speed or international services.
For first-time visitors, Interlaken Ost is a straightforward, manageable station that is not overwhelming in size. It is well-signposted with displays in multiple languages, making navigation simple even for those unfamiliar with the Swiss rail system. While the layout is efficient, remember that platform assignments can change up to 30–60 minutes before departure; always verify your specific train on the large digital departure boards rather than relying solely on your initial search. The station is fully accessible and designed to facilitate easy transfers between standard and narrow-gauge tracks. By allowing a few extra minutes for your connection, you will find navigating this hub a smooth part of your Swiss experience.
