Visiting the Jungfrau mountain aboard the Jungfrau train is a must-do experience but tickets to reach the Jungfraujoch don’t come cheap.
With this in mind, if you have more than one day to spend in the Jungfrau region, you might find it better economically to purchase the Jungfrau Travel Pass which also includes excursions to a number of other mountains in the area.
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What's in this Article
What is the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
The Jungfrau Travel Pass (sometimes called the Jungfrau Pass, Jungfrau Region Pass or Jungfrau VIP Pass) is an unlimited regional travel pass valid for durations from three to eight days that can take the place of individual Jungfrau tickets. > Click here to check current prices.
The Pass includes travel by train, bus and gondola to some of the top attractions in Switzerland.
The Pass also includes boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and train travel between Interlaken Ost and West, and Interlaken Ost and Brienz, is also included.
GOOD TO KNOW
The Jungfrau Travel Pass is a seasonal pass which is available for travel between April and October. Outside of these months it may not be possible to purchase the pass. Operating dates for individual excursions covered by the Pass will be updated when the information is available.
How much does the Jungfrau Travel Pass cost ?
Below you will find the regular prices for the Jungfrau Travel Pass for travel in 2023.
Regular prices:
- 3 days – CHF 190 per adult – click here to purchase
- 4 days – CHF 215 per adult – click here to purchase
- 5 days – CHF 250 per adult – click here to purchase
- 6 days – CHF 270 – per adult – click here to purchase
- 7 days – CHF 290 – per adult – click here to purchase
- 8 days – CHF 310 – per adult – click here to purchase
Reduced Jungfrau Travel Pass price applies for holders of Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half Fare Card.
Children 6 to 15 years pay CHF 30 regardless of number of days travel on Jungfrau Travel Pass but only if their ticket is purchased from a railway station in the region.
What is included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
As well as covering public transport in the region, the Jungfrau Travel Pass includes train excursions to Jungfraujoch*, Schynige Platte and Grindelwald, and the Harder Kulm funicular.
Gondolas (cable cars) between Grindelwald and First, Wengen and Mannlichen, and Lauterbrunnen and Grutschalp are also included in the Pass.
Also included is the train from Winteregg to Murren.
*A supplement applies for the sector from Eigergletscher to Jungfraujoch – see details below.
| Excursion | Regular individual fare (adult) | Included in Jungfrau Travel Pass? |
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch by train | CHF 235.80 / CHF 210.80 return^ | Yes, except for the final leg which costs CHF 75 / CHF 63^ |
| Grindelwald Terminal to Jungfraujoch by Eiger Express and train | CHF 214.00 / CHF 190.00 return^ | Yes, except for the final leg which costs CHF 75 / CHF 63^ |
| Interlaken to Harder Kulm | CHF 40.00 /CHF 34.00 return^ | Yes |
| Wilderswil to Schynige Platte | CHF 64.00 return | Yes |
| Grindelwald to First | CHF 64.00 return | Yes |
| Wengen to Mannlichen | CHF 48.00 return | Yes |
| Lauterbrunnen to Murren | CHF 22.40 return | Yes |
^ High season – 1 June to 31 August; Shoulder season – 15 April to 31 May and 1 September to 5 November, 2023.
> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR JUNGFRAU TRAVEL PASS
Below is a brief description of some of the excursions included in the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Jungfraujoch
Jungfrau Bahn (train)
Operates: 365 days per year
One of the most famous train rides in Switzerland, the Jungfrau bahn (train) takes visitors to the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres above sea level.
A two-hour journey from Interlaken via a seamless connection of regional trains and the Jungfrau bahn, the trip offers incredible panoramic views.
Passing alongside lush alpine meadows and waterfalls, and through a 7-kilometre long tunnel carved through the mountain, the journey to the summit at Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, is one you’ll never forget.
The Jungfrau railway was built from 1896 to 1912 and is an engineering masterpiece.
Eiger Express cableway between Grindelwald and Eiger Glacier
Operates: Year round
Since December 2020, it is possible to travel to Jungfraujoch using a combination of train and cable car. The Eiger Express cableway travels between Grindelwald and Eiger Glacier in just 15 minutes, 47 minutes faster than the train journey between the two destinations.
At the Eiger Glacier cableway station, passengers can connect seamlessly to the Jungfrau train for the final leg of the journey to Jungfraujoch.
Travel on the Eiger Express is included with the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Why not travel the entire journey by train in one direction and a combination of train and cableway in the other direction?
You’ll find much more information about the Jungfraujoch excursion including how to get to Jungfraujoch and what to do at Jungfraujoch below.
Note: A supplement is payable for the final leg of the journey from Eiger Glacier to Jungfraujoch. This applies whether you travel the entire journey by train or use a combination of cable car and train. Jungfrau Travel Pass holders can purchase the supplement for CHF 74 return for travel in high season (1 June to 31 August) or CHF 61 return for the remainder of the year.
Grindelwald and First cable car
Operates: 11 December 2022 to 5 November, 2023
The Jungfrau Travel Pass includes rail travel from Interlaken to Grindelwald on the Bernese Oberland Railway, the bus from Grindelwald railway station to Grindelwald-First cable car station (only with 5 to 8-day pass), and the cable car to First mountain.
Tickets for activities at First such as Trottibikes, First Flyer, First Glider, etc. are additional.
Also included are the Gondelbahn cable car from Grindelwald to Mannlichen, and buses from Grindelwald to Grosse Scheidegg, Bussalp and Waldspitz.
Harder Kulm funicular
Operates: 7 April to 26 November, 2023
The Harderbahn is a funicular from Interlaken to Harder Kulm. The funicular climbs to 1322 metres above sea level on the 10-minute journey and travels at a gradient of 64%.
With huge windows and a glass roof, the Harderbahn offers superb views of Interlaken.
At the summit, a short walk takes you to the Two Lakes Bridge from where you can see Lakes Thun and Brienz, Interlaken and the nearby peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Monch.
There’s a restaurant which serves traditional Swiss meals, as well as a snack bar
If you’re feeling energetic, the Harder Wanderweg (a circular walking path) takes around an hour to complete.
Read more about Harder Kulm in this article.
Schynige Platte cogwheel railway
Operates: 1 July to 22 October, 2023
Since 1918 an open-sided cog-wheel railway to Schynige Platte has been operating from Wilderswil, just a few minutes from Interlaken.
Traditional-style carriages with wooden bench seats are still used today on the one-hour journey across the Breitlauenen Alp. Whilst an electric-powered engine is used today, four times per summer passengers can experience can enjoy a steam-powered ride with the original locomotive built in 1894.
Between 11am and 2pm each day (from 1 June), alphorn players dressed in traditional Swiss costumes perform a free concert. A photo is a must!
Schynige Platte is the starting point for numerous hikes of various lengths.
There is a bistro and a restaurant at Schynige Platte and it’s also possible to stay overnight in the hotel.
Wengen to Mannlichen cableway
Operates: Year round except 11 April to 26 May and 23 October to 9 December, 2023
With plenty of alpine walks to enjoy, an adventure playground for children and great views over the Bernese Alps and Lauterbrunnen Valley, a visit to Mannlichen makes a great day out.
A popular short hike is the Royal Walk which ends at a viewing platform with breathtaking views. The hiking trail is reasonably steep but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas.
Mannlichen can also be reached by cable car from Grindelwald Terminal.
Murrenbahn
Operates: Year round except for 8 May to 2 June and 2 October to 17 November, 2023.
Access to the car-free village of Murren from Lauterbrunnen includes a combination of cable car and train.
In four minutes, an aerial cable car transports passengers from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp, where they connect with a train to Murren, via Winteregg.
Cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
In addition to the above inclusions, passes also include train trips between Interlaken Ost and West, and Interlaken Ost and Brienz, as well as boat cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
How many days does the Jungfrau Travel Pass last?
The Jungfrau Travel Pass can be purchased in the following durations: – 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days.
When is the Jungfrau Travel Pass valid?
The Pass can be used from 15 April to 5 November, 2023.
Watch our live Q&A session about the Jungfrau Travel Pass here.
Do any discounts apply to the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
Whilst there are generally no Jungfrau Travel Pass discount codes available, reductions do apply for holders of the Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex.
When purchasing your Jungfrau Travel Pass online, be sure to select the correct option to ensure you pay the discounted price.
Swiss Travel Pass holders and Swiss Half Fare Card holders can buy their discounted Jungfrau Travel Pass on this link.
You will be required to present both your Jungfrau Travel Pass voucher and your Half Fare Card and/or Swiss Travel Pass to the ticket inspector on request.
Does the Jungfrau Travel Pass include train travel all the way to the Jungfraujoch?
Whilst the Jungfrau Travel Pass does not cover the fare all the way to the top of Jungfraujoch, the final sector can be purchased at a specially reduced price.
If you’re wondering how to go to Jungfraujoch on the ‘cheap’, you should consider the pass even though it costs an additional fee as it still may be more economical for you.
The additional ticket for the Jungfraujoch journey should be purchased at Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald or Kleine Scheidegg railway station prior to your journey.
How do I validate my Jungfrau Travel Pass ticket?
If you have purchased your Jungfrau Travel Pass online (click here to buy now), you should print out a copy of the voucher. The voucher/ticket does not need to be validated but should be presented to the ticket inspector on each train when requested.
Please make sure the dates on your voucher correspond to the dates you are travelling.
Do I need a seat reservation on the Jungfraujoch train?
Seat reservations are not compulsory but are highly recommended during high season, particularly in good weather.
Holding a seat reservation allows separate boarding and guarantees a seat on the sector between Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch and vice versa (about 30 minutes duration each way).
Specific seats are not allocated but a reserved seat is guaranteed.
Jungfrau bahn seat reservations cost CHF 10 per person return.
How long does it take to get from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch?
Both the Interlaken to Jungfraujoch train journey and the Grindelwald to Jungfraujoch train journey takes two hours. This makes a Grindelwald or Interlaken to Jungfrau day trip very easy.
The journey does require a change of trains but the timetables are set so that there is minimal waiting time between trains.
If travelling via Grindelwald you will travel on the Bernese Oberland Railway between Interlaken and Grindelwald. From Grindelwald, the Wengernalp rack railway operates to Kleine Scheidegg, then you transfer to the Jungfraubahn for the final leg of the journey.
Passengers travelling via Lauterbrunnen will take the Bernese Oberland Railway all the way from Interlaken to Wengen and then change to the Wengernalp rack railway to Kleine Scheidegg. At Kleine Scheidegg you meet the Jungfraubahn for the final sector.
How many trains per day operate to the Jungfraujoch?
There are twenty services per day between Interlaken and Jungfraujoch, departing every 30 minutes from 06:35 to 16:35.
For the return journey, the last departure of the day from the Jungfrau to Interlaken is at 18:43.
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Do I have to start my trip to the Jungfraujoch in Interlaken?
No. If it is more convenient, you can start your journey at any of the stations along the route including Wilderswil, Lauterbrunnen (click here for tips on things to do in Lauterbrunnen), Wengen or Grindelwald.
Can I break my journey to the Jungfraujoch?
Yes, it is possible to disembark at any of the stations along the way and re-join a later service on the same day. All passengers are required to disembark the train at Kleine Scheidegg and re-board another train on the opposite platform.
I recommend you spend at least three hours on at Jungfraujoch to allow enough time to see all the exhibitions. These include the Ice Palace where you can see impressive sculptures carved from ice, a 360-degree panorama film, and the Sphinx Observatory which offers superb views of the Aletsch Glacier.
What else is there to do at Jungfraujoch Top of Europe?
During the summer months the Snow Park is one of the most popular things to do at Jungfraujoch. Here you can try snow tubing (CHF 20 per adult, CHF 15 per child) or sledging (CHF 25/CHF 20) for unlimited rides, skiing or snowboarding (CHF 35/CHF 25) or just play in the snow.
There’s also a flying fox – called the Tyrolienne – (CHF 20 per adult/CHF 15 per child) and golfers can have three attempts at hitting a hole-in-one for just CHF 10.
At Jungfraujoch Top of Europe you’ll also find a shop selling clothing and souvenirs.
What else should I know about the Jungfraujoch train?
- There are no toilets or food/drink facilities onboard.
- The trains operating on the Jungfraujoch line are wheelchair accessible but you should advise railway staff at your departure point if you are traveling with a passenger in a wheelchair so that someone is ready to assist with changing trains at Kleine Scheidegg.
- The Jungfraujoch service operates 365 days per year.
- The Jungfraujoch railway station is the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres above sea level.
When should I buy the Jungfrau Travel Pass? Worth it or not?
If you are visiting the Jungfrau region of Switzerland between 15 April* and 5 November, 2023, are spending more than one day in the region, and will do a day trip to the Jungfraujoch and at least one additional excursion, the Jungfrau Travel Pass will be the best value.
(*Note: Some excursions only begin operating in mid-May or early June).
Below is an example 3-day itinerary so you can see find Jungfrau Travel Pass worth it.
> Day 1 – Excursion to Jungfraujoch
Regular Jungfraujoch ticket price = CHF 235.80 return per adult from Interlaken.
Cost with Jungfrau Travel Pass = Free except for supplement for the final journey CHF 75 (high season).
> Day 2 – Excursion to Murren via the BLM Bergbahn (Lauterbrunnen – Murren cable car/train) AND Harder Kulm funicular
Regular fare – Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen by train CHF 15.20 + Lauterbrunnen to Murren by cable car/train CHF22.40 = CHF 37.60 return
Harder Kulm funicular = CHF 40 return
> Day 3 – Excursion to Grindelwald and Mt. First
Regular fare – Interlaken to Grindelwald First cable car station by train and bus CHF 28.40 return + cable car to Mt. First CHF64 return for the cable car = CHF 92.40
The total cost of the above excursions using regular adult fares is CHF 405.80.
The 3-day Jungfrau Travel Pass costs CHF 265 (CHF 190 plus CHF 75^ for the final sector on the Jungfraujoch). Purchasing the Pass represents a saving of CHF 140.80 per adult for the above excursions.
^Peak season supplement
All prices are based on departing from Interlaken Ost station and are subject to change without warning.
> CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR JUNGFRAU TRAVEL PASS
What does Jungfraujoch mean in English?
In case you were wondering, the German word Jungfrau means young lady or virgin, and the word joch translates as pass (as in a mountain pass).
Final Thoughts
The Jungfrau Travel Pass offers excellent value for those who plan to take the excursion to Jungfraujoch and enjoy more sightseeing in the region.
Visitors arriving in the region by car will also benefit from purchasing the Jungfrau Travel Pass as it is only possible to reach the mountain summits by train, cable car or funicular.
The car-free villages of Wengen and Murren can also only be reached by public transport, and these journeys are included with the Jungfrau Travel Pass.
Why not make the most of your time in the Jungfrau Region and explore the mountains, villages and lakes aboard the excellent network of trains, cable cars, funiculars and boats that are covered by the Jungfrau Travel Pass?
Listen to our Jungfrau Railways Podcast Episode
Click here or click the green button below to listen:
This article was originally published on HolidaysToEurope.com and has since been updated.
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