Interlaken to Pontresina by train
 

On the sbb website, when I type in 'Interlaken to Pontresina' I am really only offered one route option-that is via Bern and Zurich taking 6-6.5 hrs.
However if I do each leg separately, I can go from Interlaken to Lucerne to Chur (via Thalwil)& then to Pontresina. The actual train travel takes much the same time 6 hrs, but there may be longer connections. Our accomodation isn't available until 4 pm in Pontresina, so we might as well break for lunch somewhere along the route- any suggestions with respect to a 'pause along the way' and route (my map scale prevents me from telling if the via Luzern is more scenic, so would appreciate some input from someone who has travelled in the area). We are travelling fairly lightly or could stow some luggage at the station for a few hours.

JoMark:

The way via Lucerne is more scenic and you might break at Lucerne. The major part of the way (starting from Thalwil) will be the same as via Berne-Zurich.

There are two alternatives I recommend you to look into:

Interlaken-Brig-Pontresina:
9 hours travelling time. Gives you an impression of the Valais and includes the Glacier Express from Brig to Samedan

or

Interlaken-Lucerne-Göschenen-Andermatt-Samedan:
8 3/4 hours. Takes you along Lake Lucerne, includes the too little-known (in my opinion) Schöllenenbahn and joins the Glacier Express in Andermatt.

Both are far more scenic than the Berne-Zurich stretch. On the SBB web site just put "Brig" or "Goschenen" into the via box to get the respective details.

Enjoy your trip.

Phil.

Topping

Thanks intrepid, it always seems to be the wrong time of day in the States or UK, Europe when I post. Will look into those suggestions Phil, I was just a bit concerned that it might be too much on the train, when we take in the Bernina pass the next day on the way to Menaggio.

I would also recommend going Interlaken to Lucerne (the GoldenPass train is quite nice) and then down to Pontresina. There are numerous good restaurants in Lucerne for lunch near the train station (turn left along the river when you walk out the front, and look for the old wooden covered bridge to enter the old town area), and you can leave your luggage there safely in the meantime.