Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast episode 61
Podcast Episodes

Episode 61: Swiss train news and updates for 2023

December 14, 2022 Last Updated on October 12, 2023

In today’s episode we welcome back Andy Nef of the Swiss Travel System. Andy is a regular guest on the podcast and always generously shares his knowledge of the fantastic public transport network in Switzerland with us.

With 2022 fast coming to a close, Andy joins us to tell us about timetable changes and new services for 2023, plus he gives us an update on what, if anything, is changing with the popular Swiss Travel Pass in 2023.

[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]

As always, I’d like to say thank you to the folks from Switzerland Tourism, the sponsors of the podcast. Be sure to check out their website myswitzerland.com for inspiration to help you plan your Swiss vacation.

If you need to go on a tour, you need Switzerland.

And what better way to see Switzerland than on your very own train tour of the country!

Click the green button below to listen:


Show Notes

In this episode we discuss:

  • Train timetable changes
  • Night train services
  • News and information about the GoldenPass Express
  • Updates on the Chocolate Train and the Cheese Train
  • News and updates on the Glacier Express
  • Updates on the Swiss Travel System
  • Swiss Travel Pass prices for 2023
  • News about the new world record for the longest passenger train

Our Guest

Andy Nef is Swiss Travel System’s Market Manager for the UK, South Korea, Australia, Japan and UAE.

He is a rail enthusiast who has spent more than 20 years working for rail companies in Switzerland.

Topics discussed in this episode

>> 11 December – this is the official date that any timetable changes for the Swiss public transport network are made. There are around 450 different transport companies that make up the public transport network and all update their timetables on this date.

>> New IC3-Line services between Zurich HB and Chur – on weekends, services between Zurich main station and Chur will increase to every 30 minutes.

>> New direct service between Zurich Airport and Interlaken – from 11 December, 2022, Swiss Federal Railways is restarting direct trains between Zurich Airport, Zurich and Interlaken. These InterCity 81 trains will run every two hours, via Bern. Passengers will not need to change trains enroute.

>> New night train between Zurich and Prague – due to increased demand, a daily night train service will operate between Zurich main station and Prague.

>> GoldenPass Express – the brand new GoldenPass Express panoramic train commences service on 11 December and will offer a direct connection between Interlaken and Montreux. Previously on the GoldenPass route, passengers were required to change trains in Zweisimmen due to the track gauges on either side of the town being different. Thanks to Swiss engineering, the new trains can change their axle size to fit both gauges.

>> GoldenPass Panorama and Belle Epoque services – the traditional GoldenPass trains will still operate between Montreux and Zweisimmen.

>> Chocolate Train and Cheese Train – both these themed trains operate out of Montreux and will continue to operate in 2023.

Interior of Prestige Class coach on the GoldenPass Express
The new GoldenPass Express train offers a luxury travel experience. Pictured is the interior of a Prestige Class coach. (C) MOB

>> New Glacier Express rolling stock – the popular Glacier Express premium panoramic train has been refurbished with a brand new interior

>> Rolling bars during ski season – Matterhorn Gotthard Railway has converted two former Glacier Express coaches into rolling bars which run between Andermatt and Disentis, two famous Swiss ski resorts. There’s even a DJ onboard!

>> Swiss Travel Pass 2023 – no changes will be made to the Swiss Travel Pass. The Pass will again be available as both a consecutive day or flexible day pass in durations of 3, 4, 6, 8 and 15 days. There will be no price increases for 2023. > Find out more here.

>> World record for longest passenger train – in late October, Rhaetian Railways set a world record for the longest passenger train. The train, which consisted of 25 sets of four coaches, and was almost 2km long, took just over an hour to travel 25km from the Albula Tunnel to the Landwasser Viaduct, two famous points on the UNESCO World Heritage route.

The record for the world's longest passenger train was set by Rhaetian Railways.
Rhaetian Railways’ world record attempt for the world’s longest passenger train was successful. (C) Rhaetian Railways/swiss-image.ch

Useful Resources

If you are interested in learning more about the Swiss public transport network or the Swiss Travel Pass, you can listen to Andy discuss these in more detail in the following episodes:

If you would like to listen to other podcast episodes featuring Andy Nef, you can find them on the links below:

You can also read our guides to understanding and using the Swiss Rail System, the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass discounts: Is the Swiss Travel Pass worth it?

Ready to buy a Swiss Travel Pass? Get yours here.


Share the Swiss travel love

Never miss an episode! Make sure you follow the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast to get notified each time a new episode is published.

If you enjoy the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast and find it helpful, please leave us a 5 star rating or review. This will enable us to reach and help more travellers who are planning their own trip to Switzerland. Thanks for your support.


>> To see all podcast episodes, click here.


This episode is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism

Planning a trip to Switzerland?

At Holidays to Switzerland we are passionate about sharing our love of Switzerland and helping you to plan the perfect trip. Read our guide to planning a trip to Switzerland to kick start your travel plans and join our free Switzerland Travel Planning group on Facebook to chat with other past and future travellers.

Want monthly news and podcast updates, helpful travel tips and special deals sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to Holidays to Switzerland and we’ll send you a bonus copy of our 10 Useful Things to Know Before You Visit Switzerland guide.