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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Switzerland

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Switzerland's main airports offer wide global connections.

Main Gateways

  • Zurich Airport (ZRH): Switzerland's largest, offers excellent train connections (2.5-3 hours to Grindelwald).
  • Geneva Airport (GVA): Another major international airport, good train connections (3.5-4 hours to Grindelwald).
  • Airlines: SWISS and Edelweiss Air are major carriers. Many global airlines also serve ZRH and GVA.

Transfers to Grindelwald

The most scenic and efficient way to reach Grindelwald.

Train Travel

  • From Airports: Take a train from the airport's integrated station to Interlaken Ost.
  • Final Leg: From Interlaken Ost, transfer to a regional train (Berner Oberland-Bahn - BOB) directly to Grindelwald.
  • Use the SBB Mobile app for route planning and ticket purchases.

Train: Highly Recommended

Efficient, scenic, and widely endorsed for reaching Grindelwald.

Price Fluctuations

Flight prices increase during summer and winter peak seasons.

Airport Facilities

Major airports offer full services: currency exchange, shops, dining.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

  • Trains are the main and most convenient mode of transport.
  • Interlaken Ost is the main transport hub for the Jungfrau Region.
  • SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) gives an extensive, reliable, and punctual train service.
  • Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB) connects Interlaken Ost directly to Grindelwald.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Driving to Grindelwald is possible, but village driving is restricted; parking is costly and limited.
  • In winter, winter tires are mandatory in snowy/icy conditions. Snow chains may be needed on passes.
  • Roads are well-maintained. Mountain roads are winding and steep.
  • A road tax sticker (Vignette - CHF 40) is for Swiss motorways; rental cars often possess this.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

Sea/River Arrivals

This section finds no application for Grindelwald, a landlocked alpine village. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, accessible from Interlaken, offer scenic boat tours, but these are recreational, not arrival methods.

Exit Fees/Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are upon departure from Switzerland. Any airport taxes typically stand included in your airfare.

Departure Procedures

For train departures, arrive at the station with enough time. For international flights, plan to arrive at Zurich or Geneva airport at least 2-3 hours before departure, accounting for the 2.5-4 hour train journey from Grindelwald.

Seamless Travel to Grindelwald

Arrival Experience

Reaching Grindelwald often feels as scenic as the destination itself, mainly due to Switzerland’s public transport system.

Public Transport Advantage

  • Most international travelers arrive via Zurich or Geneva airports.
  • Both airports offer direct train connections to Interlaken Ost, the gateway to the Jungfrau Region.
  • The train journey from these airports is a scenic introduction to the Swiss landscape.

In-Village Movement

Once in Interlaken Ost, a simple transfer to the regional Berner Oberland-Bahn (BOB) train completes the journey to Grindelwald.

Local Movement Tips

  • While car rental is an option, its utility is limited in Grindelwald due to pedestrian zones and costly parking.
  • The train system removes the need for navigating mountain roads and finding parking.
  • The train system gives opportunity to relax and enjoy the views from a train carriage.

Departure Strategy

For your departure, the same efficient system applies.

Smooth Exit

  • Allow ample time for your train journey from Grindelwald back to the airport.
  • Swiss trains are famous for their punctuality, allowing confident connection planning.
  • Major airports present a full range of services, allowing for a comfortable wait.

Overall Journey

By relying on Switzerland's integrated public transport, your journey to and from Grindelwald becomes an enjoyable part of your overall alpine adventure.

A Relaxed Beginning & End

  • The journey sets the tone for a relaxed and memorable trip.
  • It permits you to enjoy the destination more fully.
  • Consider flight deals from Dollar Flight Club and search tools like Skyscanner.

Car Rental Advisory

  • Car rental finds no recommendation for most travelers whose main goal involves staying in Grindelwald.
  • Driving within Grindelwald village is restricted, and parking is expensive and limited.
  • Renting a car makes sense only if you plan extensive regional road trips.
  • Requirements: Age 21+ (sometimes 25+), valid national driving license, and IDP if license not in Swiss official languages or English.
  • Road conditions: Mountain roads are winding and steep. Winter requires winter tires. Check conditions with Viasuisse.
  • Major car rental companies operate from airports and larger cities like Interlaken (DiscoverCars.com).

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are upon departure from Switzerland. Any airport taxes typically stand included in your airfare.

Departure Timing

  • For train departures from Grindelwald, arrive at the station with ample time to purchase tickets (if not pre-booked) and locate your platform.
  • For international flights, plan to arrive at Zurich or Geneva airport at least 2-3 hours before departure for check-in and security.
  • Factor in the 2.5-4 hour train journey from Grindelwald to the airport when planning your departure time.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities at departure points support a comfortable journey.

Amenities for Departing Travelers

  • Grindelwald train station has basic facilities, including a ticket office and a small shop.
  • Major airports like Zurich (ZRH) and Geneva (GVA) offer extensive facilities for departing travelers.
  • You find a wide selection of shopping, dining options, lounges, and duty-free stores.

Punctual Trains

Swiss trains are known for their punctuality, supporting reliable connection planning.

Ample Airport Time

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, factoring in train travel time.

Full Services

Major airports give a wide range of services for comfortable waits.

Your Journey, Simplified

By relying on Switzerland's integrated public transport, your journey to and from Grindelwald becomes an enjoyable part of your overall alpine adventure, setting the tone for a relaxed and memorable trip.