Glacier 3000 from Montreux by train, car, GoldenPass or day trip

The quick way runs along the lake to Aigle, up the valley by train to Les Diablerets, then on PostBus 180 to Col du Pillon. It takes about 1 hour 25 to 1 hour 30 minutes with two changes.

The scenic way climbs out of Montreux on the GoldenPass line to Gstaad and finishes on the bus over to Col du Pillon. It takes longer, but the train ride is a sight in itself and it has only one change.

The GoldenPass line climbs from Montreux through the hills above the lake to Gstaad. On the sample January 2027 timetable the 08:43 reaches Gstaad at 10:21, in time for the 10:37 bus to Col du Pillon. Swiss Travel Pass holders ride the GoldenPass Express at no extra fare, though a seat reservation, well worth having, costs extra (check goldenpass.ch for the current fee).

Glacier 3000 times a bus, the Glacier 3000 Express, to meet the GoldenPass Express in Gstaad. In summer 2026 it ran from 6 June to 23 August, leaving Gstaad at 11:01 and 13:01. For the period carriages rather than the fastest train, the Belle Époque runs between Montreux and Gstaad too.

Combining both routes makes a round trip with no backtracking. Go up via Aigle on the 08:10 and you are at Col du Pillon by 09:35. Come down for the 16:23 direct bus to Gstaad, which arrives at 16:53, then ride the GoldenPass line back down to Montreux.

Check the evening trains from Gstaad for your date before you set off, and if you pick a GoldenPass Express, reserve a seat.

By car Col du Pillon is about 40 minutes from Montreux, roughly 41 km, via Aigle and up through Les Diablerets to the pass. Allow longer on winter roads.

There are large paid car parks at Col du Pillon and at Reusch, both by the cable car, charged as a flat rate when you arrive.

The From Montreux Glacier 3000 Day Trip leaves from Place de l'Eurovision and takes about 6 hours, with a driver-guide. The cable car is an option you add when booking, and that part is refunded if the weather stops it.

For a small group, a private van day of 8 to 9 hours combines Glacier 3000 with Château d'Aigle. The cable car and ski area are paid on site, CHF 95 for an adult return.

Château de Chillon stands on a rock in Lake Geneva at Veytaux, a short ride from Montreux on bus 201. It is open every day except 25 December and 1 January: 10:00 to 17:00 from November to February, 09:30 to 18:00 in March and October, and 09:00 to 19:00 from April to September, with last entry an hour before closing.

In 2027 adults pay CHF 18 and children aged 6 to 15 pay CHF 7; entry is free with the Swiss Travel Pass. Online booking is requested. In summer, when the castle stays open until 19:00, it fits neatly after a morning on the glacier.

Catch the 08:10 train and you reach Col du Pillon at 09:35. Cable cars run every 20 minutes and take about 15 minutes to Scex Rouge at 2,971 m, changing at Cabane. Walk the 107 m Peak Walk first, then take the Ice Express down to the glacier and follow the Glacier Walk, about an hour each way.

Lunch at Le 3, open 09:00 to 16:00, or at Restaurant Botta from 11:30, Wednesday to Sunday. In winter the last cable car up is at 16:00; come down for the 17:09 bus to Les Diablerets and change at Aigle for Montreux, or take the 16:23 bus to Gstaad for the GoldenPass loop.