Interlaken at a glance
Interlaken, as its name suggests, lies between two lakes: Lake Thun to the west and Lake Brienz to the east, in the Bernese Oberland. Above the town rise three of the most famous summits of the Alps, the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau. Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region, with its mountain railways, its car-free villages, its waterfalls and its glaciers, and a base for adventure sports such as paragliding and canyoning.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Interlaken is a popular destination for travellers discovering Switzerland, families on holiday, groups and visitors heading to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren.
A short history
Interlaken grew from a medieval monastery between the lakes. In the 19th century, travellers came to admire the view of the Jungfrau from the great meadow in the centre of town, the Höhematte, which has been kept free of buildings ever since. Grand hotels lined the promenade, and mountain railways were built to bring visitors ever higher. In 1912, the Jungfrau railway reached the Jungfraujoch, where its station, at about 3,450 metres, is the highest railway station in Europe.
When to come
Summer is the high season, with hiking, boat trips on the lakes, paragliding and the mountain railways all open. Winter brings skiing in Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren, and the famous Lauberhorn downhill race in Wengen in January. Spring and autumn are quieter, with some railways and hotels closed for maintenance between seasons; check the opening dates before your trip.
From Geneva Airport to Interlaken: the route
The trip covers about 215 kilometres. Google calculates about two hours and twenty minutes without traffic. The motorway follows Lake Geneva to Lausanne, crosses the Swiss Plateau towards Bern, then runs along Lake Thun to Interlaken, with the Alps in front. The whole route is in Switzerland: no border to cross.
Your chauffeur can stop on the way, for example in Bern or by Lake Thun. In winter, our vehicles run on winter tyres and carry chains.
Car-free villages: Wengen and Mürren
Wengen and Mürren, above the Lauterbrunnen valley, are closed to cars. Wengen is reached by train from Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren by cable car and train. Your chauffeur drops you at the station in Lauterbrunnen, or at the cable car, and helps you with the luggage. Some hotels in these villages organise the transport of luggage; ask them when booking.
What to see in the Jungfrau region
- The Jungfraujoch, "Top of Europe", reached by train, with its glacier and its view, depending on the weather.
- The Lauterbrunnen valley, its cliffs and its many waterfalls, including the Staubbach Falls.
- Grindelwald, at the foot of the Eiger, with the First mountain and its cliff walk.
- The Schilthorn, above Mürren, with its revolving restaurant.
- Harder Kulm, reached by funicular from Interlaken, with a view over both lakes.
- Boat trips on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
At the table
Bernese Oberland cuisine includes rösti, fondue, raclette, local cheeses and cured meats, and the Bernese platter of meats and sausages. Lake fish are served by the water, and Interlaken offers restaurants for every taste and budget.
Advice by type of traveller
First-time visitors to Switzerland. Combine Interlaken with Bern on the way.
Families. Ask for child seats with the children's ages; the region is full of activities for children.
Groups. A V-Class or a Sprinter keeps the group together with the luggage.
Skiers. Give us the address of your hotel or the station where you continue by train.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers with luggage; the S-Class offers the most comfort; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with luggage; the Sprinter is available on request for groups.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Interlaken. Book online to see the exact price for your address. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Geneva Airport to Interlaken?
About two hours and twenty minutes for about 215 kilometres without traffic.
Do we cross a border?
No. The whole route is in Switzerland.
Can you drive us to Wengen or Mürren?
These villages are car-free. Your chauffeur drops you at the station or cable car in Lauterbrunnen.
Can we stop in Bern on the way?
Yes. Tell us when booking; the stop adds time to the trip.
Are your vehicles equipped for snow?
Yes, with winter tyres and chains on board.
