Getting Around Interlaken: The Basics
Arriving in a new place can be a bit overwhelming—especially if you’re still getting familiar with Switzerland! This guide will cover the essentials for getting around Interlaken and the Jungfrau Region. From understanding the SBB (Switzerland’s railway system) and main bus lines to using the Guest Card and choosing the best travel pass, we’ve got you covered.
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1. SBB App: Your Swiss Travel Sidekick
The SBB app will become your best friend if you plan to explore Switzerland. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) runs most of the country’s trains and has one of the best networks in Europe. The app lets you buy tickets from point to point, even if your journey involves multiple companies or types of transport. Just one QR code on your phone is all you need to scan at checkpoints or show to the ticket inspector—super convenient!
The app also has an EasyRide feature: just start it when you hop on public transport, turn it off when you’re done, and it will automatically calculate the cheapest fare for your trip. Pay with Google or Apple Pay, and with the app available in English, there’s no language barrier.
2. Main Bus Lines
Interlaken has a handful of bus lines, but here are the key ones you’ll use while staying at Balmers Hostel:
- 104: To Interlaken West and Ost
- 105: To Wilderswil (train station) and Interlaken West
- 103: From Interlaken Ost to Brienz Lake (stop at Bönigen See) and Iseltwald
- 21: From Interlaken West/Ost to Lake Thun (stop at Neuhaus) and St. Beatus Caves
3. Guest Card
The Interlaken Guest Card lets you use buses in the Interlaken area for free. Considering Switzerland isn’t exactly a budget-friendly country, this will save you a nice chunk of Swiss Francs. You also get discounts on local attractions—check out our blog post, “So holen Sie das Beste aus Ihrer Interlaken-Gästekarte heraus,” for a full list of savings and sights included.
4. Taxis in Interlaken
Need a lift beyond the bus lines or traveling with loads of luggage? Here are two reliable local taxi companies:
• Aare Taxi: +41 79 415 05 00
• City Taxi Interlaken: +41 78 608 74 81
A taxi from the train station is around 20 CHF.
5. Travel Passes: Choosing the Right One
Travel passes offer unlimited access to most trains, buses, and boats for a set number of days within a specific area. But with so many options, it can be tricky to figure out the best pass for your plans! Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Jungfrau Travel Pass
Perfect if you’re sticking to the Jungfrau region. It includes Schynige Platte, First Cliff Walk, Lauterbrunnen, Harder Kulm, and boat rides on Lakes Thun and Brienz. Heads up: The pass only offers a discount, not full coverage, for the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch.
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Bernese Oberland Pass
This pass covers a larger area, including cities like Bern and Lucerne, plus trains to the main Jungfrau region spots like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Mürren, and Wengen. While many cable cars and funiculars aren’t fully included, you’ll still get discounts on them. Bonus: It also covers Lake Oeschinen, Schynige Platte, boats on Lakes Thun and Brienz, Männlichen, and the Brienz Rothorn Railway.
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Swiss Travel Pass
This pass covers all trains connecting major cities and towns across Switzerland. It’s great for long distances (especially to airports, which can be pricey) but doesn’t fully cover cable cars or funiculars—expect a 50% discount instead. Ideal if you’re traveling across the country or mostly interested in exploring Swiss cities rather than mountain viewpoints.
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Swiss Half Fare Card
This is the tourist version of the widely-used Swiss Halbtax. For a full month, you get 50% off on all transport across Switzerland. Highly recommended for those staying longer and exploring widely across the country.
