In this guide
Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West are separate stations at opposite ends of the town centre. If you need to travel between them, compare the next train and bus departure before deciding to walk.
The train is usually the most practical option with luggage or an onward railway connection. Walking makes more sense when you have time and want to see the town along the way. The important detail is the complete transfer time: getting to the platform, waiting and reaching your next departure.
Interlaken Ost to West: which option should you choose?
| Your situation | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| Suitcases and another train to catch | Check the next direct train |
| A hotel between the stations | Compare walking and the nearest bus stop |
| No heavy bags and time to explore | Walk through central Interlaken |
| A tight connection | Use the connection shown in the SBB journey planner |
Choosing your arrival station: For hotels, mountain routes and lake boats, use the Interlaken West vs Ost guide before planning the transfer.
If you are still deciding which station to arrive at, start with the Interlaken West vs Ost comparison. This guide focuses on the transfer once you already know your destination.
Taking the train between Interlaken Ost and West
SBB lists direct long-distance connections between West and Ost. For your actual journey, enter both stations and your travel date in the SBB journey planner. Check the direction as well as the departure time: Ost and West are not interchangeable names for the same station.
The railway journey is short, but the next departure may not be immediate. Compare its arrival time with your onward departure rather than choosing it simply because the ride is quicker than walking.
If you are already on a train approaching Interlaken, check its full stop list. A train that serves both stations may let you remain on board. Getting off early and then boarding another train creates an unnecessary transfer.
Can you walk between the stations?
Yes. As a rough planning estimate, allow around half an hour to walk between the stations through the town centre, and longer with luggage, stops or reduced walking speed. Check a map for the exact route from your exit; this is not a timed connection estimate.
A walk can fit naturally into a visit to Interlaken: you can pass through the central area instead of spending the transfer on a platform. Keep the sightseeing separate from a tight railway connection. If the next train matters, use the timetable rather than relying on a general walking estimate.
When the bus is useful
A bus can be convenient when your destination is a hotel or address between the stations. Search for the actual address or nearby stop in the journey planner, rather than assuming a station-to-station journey is always the best route.
Compare the walking time to the bus stop, the wait and the final walk. For a short journey, these can matter more than the time spent on the bus. Check any visitor-card transport benefits with your accommodation before assuming the journey is covered.
Travelling with luggage
With a suitcase, the next suitable train is generally a better starting point than dragging bags across town. Leave time to reach the platform and board comfortably. If your train continues to the station you need, staying on board is easier still.
For storage facilities, consult the official Interlaken Ost station information. Check opening hours, locker sizes and availability separately; a locker is not guaranteed to be free when you arrive. See also the guide to travelling Switzerland by train with luggage.
Connecting to Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald
If you are continuing towards the Jungfrau Region, enter your complete journey in SBB. The local mountain routes depart from Interlaken Ost; arriving at West may add a connection. The full itinerary is more useful than planning the West–Ost transfer in isolation.
The guides to Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken to Grindelwald explain the onward routes.
Check your complete connection: Enter your starting station and final destination in the official SBB journey planner, including the travel date and departure time.
What if you arrive at the wrong station?
Check the next connection before heading outside. Both stations are in Interlaken, so the mistake usually means an extra local transfer rather than a completely different destination. If you are still on the train, check whether it continues to the other station before getting off.
For a relaxed visit, walking may turn the mistake into a useful introduction to town. For an onward connection, the next suitable train or bus should decide the plan.
Frequently asked questions
