Bernese Oberland, Ticino, Central Switzerland

Mountain pass routes in the Central Alps

Climb aboard, marvel at the views and enjoy the ride! Discover the Gotthard, Nufenen, Susten, Furka and Grimsel Passes on a PostBus journey through the Central Alps. Come and marvel at the enchanting natural beauty and spectacular views.

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A Postbus travelling on the old Grimsel Pass road from Meiringen towards the Grimsel Pass.

Three- and four-pass routes

The mountain pass routes transport you over the four most impressive Alpine passes in Switzerland – past imposing glaciers, glittering mountain lakes, deep gorges and romantic villages.

The three-pass routes start in the morning or afternoon in Meiringen, Andermatt or Airolo. They will transport you over either the Furka, the Grimsel and the Susten or the Gotthard, the Nufenen and the Furka.

The four-pass route begins in Meiringen in the morning and travels over the Grimsel, the Nufenen, the Gotthard and the Susten. You will climb an altitude of more than 10,366 metres and cross four cantonal borders.

On some of the passes, you will have time to enjoy the fantastic views.After all the mountain pass routes, you will return to the starting point of your journey with many wonderful memories. 

 

Gotthard, Nufenen, Furka
Three-pass route from Andermatt

  • Journey time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Start and end point: Andermatt
  • Nufenen Pass stop: 45 minutes

Furka, Grimsel, Susten
Three-pass route from Andermatt

  • Journey time: 6 hours 53 minutes
  • Start and end point: Andermatt
  • Grimsel Pass stop: 15 minutes
  • Stop in Meiringen: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nufenen, Furka, Gotthard
Three-pass route from Airolo

  • Journey time: 6 hours 40 minutes
  • Start and end point: Airolo
  • Nufenen Pass stop: 45 minutes
  • Stop in Andermatt: 1 hour 55 minutes
  • Change at Andermatt
  • Gotthard Pass stop: 32 minutes

Susten, Furka, Grimsel
Three-pass route from Meiringen

  • Journey time: 5 hours 12 minutes
  • Start and end point: Meiringen
  • Stop in Gletsch: 37 minutes
  • Change at Gletsch

Grimsel–Nufenen–Gotthard–Susten Pass route
Four-pass route from Meiringen

  • Journey time: 8 hours 46 minutes
  • Start and end point: Meiringen
  • Grimsel Pass stop: 28 minutes
  • Nufenen and Gotthard Pass stop: 15 minutes each
  • Stop in Susten, Steingletscher: 24 minutes
  • Stop in Airolo: 90 minutes

The passes

Single pass route

The Grimsel Pass can also be experienced as a single pass route.

A Postbus travels over the Grimsel Pass.

Around the Grimsel Pass

Even the journey to reach the Grimsel Pass has some sights in store for you: the legendary Reichenbach Falls, the roaring Aare GorgeTarget not accessible, the steep Gelmer Railway and of course the Grimsel DamTarget not accessible, with the inviting Grimsel Hospiz. Once you reach the top of the pass, you can enjoy a unique view over Lake Grimsel.

The Grimsel Pass route 161 can now be accessed with an additional early morning service. From Innertkirchen, Grimseltor at 7.58 a.m., arriving at Grimsel Pass at 8.49 a.m. and connecting to Oberwald at 9.12 a.m.  This connection is also guaranteed from Oberwald. From Oberwald, railway station at 8.45 a.m., arriving at Grimsel Pass at 9.11 a.m. From Grimsel Pass, direction Innertkirchen at 9.12 a.m.

Timetable for Grimsel Pass route 161Target not accessible

Single pass route

The Gotthard Pass can also be experienced as a single pass route.

A Postbus travels over the Gotthard Pass.

Around the Gotthard Pass

The impressive mountain road takes you up to the Gotthard Pass, also known as the “King of Mountain Passes”. A special highlight is the TremolaTarget not accessible, the old Gotthard Pass road. It is the longest monument to road construction in Switzerland. But the Gotthard HospizTarget not accessible, the Gotthard National Museum and the historic Gotthard fortress Sasso San GottardoTarget not accessible, which was once top secret, are equally well worth a visit. The Gotthard region also offers hiking trails with outstanding views, such as a section of the Four Springs TrailTarget not accessible.

Timetable for Gotthard Pass route 110Target not accessible

Single pass route

The Susten Pass can also be experienced as a single pass route.

A Postbus travels over the Susten Pass.

Around the Susten Pass

On the way to the Susten Pass, you will drive through around 25 tunnels and cross approximately 25 bridges. The famous Devil’s Bridge takes you over the rugged Schöllenen GorgeTarget not accessible and the Suvorov monumentTarget not accessible. Other attractions include the Wassen Church, the Stein Glacier and the Tälli and Trift cable cars.

Timetable for Susten Pass route 162Target not accessible

Single pass route

The Nufenen Pass can also be experienced as a single pass route.

A Postbus travels over the Nufenen Pass.

Around the Nufenen Pass

The imposing mountain landscape of the Nufenen Pass is another perfect place to spend some time. At 2,478 metres above sea level, it is the highest Alpine crossing in Switzerland. From the top of the pass, you can enjoy fantastic views of the Bernese Alps and the Gries Glacier.

Timetable for Nufenen Pass route 111Target not accessible

Single pass route

The Furka Pass can also be experienced as a single pass route.

A Postbus travels over the Furka Pass.

Around the Furka Pass

An impressive experience is offered by the Rhône Glacier ice grottoTarget not accessible, which is carved into the glacier every year. And railway fans will get their money’s worth at the Furka Cogwheel Steam RailwayTarget not accessible, which offers a nostalgic ride through unspoilt parts of the Swiss Alps.

Timetable for Furka Pass route 681Target not accessible

Eyecatcher title New: Bicycle trailer Eyecatcher text

Travel information

The Central Alps mountain pass routes will run from 22 June to 6 October 2024.

Bicycle transport

On some routes, bicycle transport is now possible with bicycle trailers. More information on bicycle transport can be found under “Additional information/bicycle transport”

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Tickets and prices

TicketsTarget not accessible for the Central Alps mountain pass routes are available:

  • directly from the PostBus driver at the point of departure
  • at the PostBus sales outlet at Bern railway station (short-stay parking)
  • at all serviced public transport sales outlets
  • at railway station counters in Meiringen, Andermatt, Realp and Oberwald

Grimsel–Nufenen–Gotthard–Susten Pass
from Meiringen

Adults

175.40

Half Fare Travelcard, 6–16 years old

87.70

Gotthard–Nufenen–Furka Pass / Nufenen–Furka–Gotthard Pass
from Andermatt or Airolo

Adults

125.20

Half Fare Travelcard, 6–16 years old

62.60

Susten–Furka–Grimsel Pass
from Meiringen

Adults

119.20

Half Fare Travelcard, 6–16 years old

59.60

Furka–Grimsel–Susten Pass
from Andermatt

Adults

131.20

Half Fare Travelcard, 6–16 years old

65.60

Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet on Saturday, 7 September 2024

Due to the annual Swiss Cycling Alpenbrevet, seat reservations cannot be made on Saturday, 7.9.2024. Lengthy delays are to be expected on all lines of the Central Alps passes. It will probably also not be possible to observe breaks according to the timetable. Thank you for your understanding.

Additional information

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