How to Get to Jungfraujoch from Interlaken
The three train routes from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch — via Lauterbrunnen, via Grindelwald, and the fast Eiger Express — with travel times, transfers, and which to pick.
There is no quick, single train to the Top of Europe. Getting from Interlaken Ost up to Jungfraujoch (3,454 m) means at least one change of train, and you have a genuine choice of routes — including the modern Eiger Express gondola that has reshaped the journey since 2020. This guide breaks down the three ways up, their times and transfers, and which to pick. For whether the trip earns its steep price, see is the Jungfraujoch worth it.
The Short Answer
For most people the fastest and smoothest option is the Eiger Express route via Grindelwald Terminal — about 1 hour 15 minutes each way. The classic route via Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg takes a little over 2 hours but is gorgeously scenic. Many round trips go up one way and down the other to see both.
The Three Routes
| Route | Path | Approx. one-way |
|---|---|---|
| Eiger Express (fastest) | Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald Terminal → Eiger Express → Eigergletscher → Jungfraujoch | ~1h 15m |
| Classic via Lauterbrunnen | Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen → Wengen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch | ~2h 17m |
| Via Grindelwald (cog only) | Interlaken Ost → Grindelwald → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch | ~2h 50m |
1. The Eiger Express (the fast way)
From Interlaken Ost, a train runs to the Grindelwald Terminal (about 35 minutes). There you board the Eiger Express, a tricable gondola opened in December 2020, which sweeps up to the Eigergletscher station in roughly 15 minutes. A final stretch on the historic Jungfrau Railway cog train climbs to Jungfraujoch in about 25 minutes — total around 1 hour 15 minutes.
2. The Classic Route via Lauterbrunnen
The traditional and most scenic way: Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen (about 20 minutes), then a cogwheel train up through Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg (about 45 minutes), the high pass beneath the Eiger’s north face. From there the Jungfrau Railway burrows into a tunnel bored straight through the Eiger and Mönch, climbing in near-darkness to Jungfraujoch (about 35 minutes) — total around 2 hours 17 minutes.
3. Via Grindelwald (cog all the way)
A third option runs Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald, then the cog train to Kleine Scheidegg and on to the top — the longest of the three at roughly 2 hours 50 minutes, but a fine alternative if you want to ride the Grindelwald valley by rail rather than gondola.
The Smart Move: Go Up One Way, Down the Other
Because both the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald sides are spectacular, the classic round-trip strategy is to ascend via the Eiger Express and descend via Lauterbrunnen (or vice versa) — you see two completely different valleys for the price of one ticket. A guided tour usually handles this routing, the seat reservations, and the transfers for you.
A Few Practical Notes
- Seat reservations are mandatory on the top section in peak season (1 May–31 Oct) — book ahead.
- Allow a full day. With the journey both ways plus time at the top, this is a half-to-full-day outing.
- Time it with the weather. See the best time to visit Jungfraujoch for the webcam trick and early-start advice.
Once you arrive, what to do at Jungfraujoch walks you through the Sphinx, the Ice Palace, and the rest.
Ready to Book?
A top-rated guided Jungfraujoch tour from Interlaken handles the route, the Eiger Express, reserved seats and every transfer — with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Check availability and leave the logistics to the guide.
See the Top of Europe the Easy Way
Let a guided day trip handle every connection from Interlaken up to Jungfraujoch — the Eiger Express gondola, the cog railway, reserved seats and priority boarding, plus the Aletsch Glacier, Sphinx terrace and Ice Palace. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
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