Golden Pass from Lauterbrunnen to Montreux - VIP seats
 

I am trying to figure out some train questions. I want to take the Golden Pass train from Lauterbrunnen to Montreux and sit right in the front. It looks like from the website that the only train that has this is the VIP. Each seat has a reservation cost of 30 CHF. Now the question is if I have a train pass for 2nd class seating can I pay the difference between the 1st class price and the 2nd class price. Or do I have to buy a first class ticket for this train? Does anyone know any "tricks"?

Thanks

I assume you are getting this information from the GoldenPass web site is that correct?

Your 2nd class pass will allow you to sit in second Class..ONLY as you know.

I suspect the only "trick" here is paying the price of a first class ticket PLUS the seat reservation charge but could be wrong and i am certain somebody else will come along and correct me so topping this.

I've done that route in both the front-facing and fully rear-facing seats...I honestly liked the front-facing ones slightly better. What i PREFERRED were the seats in the Fist Class panorama cars which have big windows that OPEN but to each their own.

The SSB site seems to say you can sit in first class by paying the difference in fares, and I think they also sell an upgrade ticket good for one day, but I haven't done this. Perhaps someone with experience can add their knowledge.

We've been on that route in both the pricey Golden Express and in a plain old train. I didn't think the front row seats added much to the trip, and the panoramic cars have higher windows curving into the ceiling, but I thought the view from regular windows in second class was just as good. I think all cars have opening windows to accomodate photographers, but sometimes the other passengers don't appreciate the breeze.

Thank you for your insight. I gather that it is personal preference. So I will ponder some more and eventually decide.

Thanks

I have been in those VIP seats from Montreux up to Zweisimmen at the end of the train. I changed to an ordinary train from Zweisimmen to Interlaken. I thought the pretty part was between Montreux up to Château-d'Oex. I had a first class pass and paid a reservation fee, so I can't answer your 2nd class pass question.