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Lausanne sits on the shores of Lake Geneva in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. It’s one of the biggest cities in Switzerland. The city of Lausanne affords a lively vibe despite its rich past. Besides, it’s got everything from shopping to sightseeing, art, and history. It also has an aquarium and access to the lake.
Lausanne, the second-most populous city in Switzerland’s French-speaking area, is also a popular tourist destination. Many people from Geneva travel by train or private vehicle to Lausanne, and vice versa.
It is inevitable that logistical concerns will arise. Those who wish to travel by train in Switzerland need to know several specifics before doing so. In this article, we will explore the train journey between Geneva and Lausanne.
How do you get from Geneva to Lausanne by train? Or are you able to drive in your own car? Let’s find out.
This article will answer all your questions about the train journey from Geneva to Lausanne.
How To Get From Geneva to Lausanne
sbb.ch Website
As a first step, you should know about this website: www.sbb.ch. If you wish to install the app on your phone, they have one as well. Using the website, you can simply type in your arrival and departure destinations. After that, it will guide you to where you need to be and when.
Coming from Geneva Airport
From Geneva to Lausanne, you can take the direct train. Trains leave directly from Geneva or Geneva Airport.
The same train that leaves Geneva Airport stops in Geneva. After that, it’s off to Lausanne.
Coming from Geneva Train Station
If you are at the Geneva Train Station, you can find the the train number and platform number on the screens. Furthermore, the trains will be marked on the front and the sides with which route they are traveling.
Every hour, there are multiple trains going from Geneva Train Station to Lausanne. If you are coming from the Geneva Train Station, you can take the Interregio, TGV, Intercity, or Regional Express train that goes directly from Geneva to Lausanne.
How To Get From Lausanne to Geneva Airport
To get from Lausanne to Geneva Airport, you can take the Intercity or Interregio train. You’ll need to check the timetable or the screens to see which platform the train to Geneva Airport will be leaving from.
Get off at the Geneva Airport (Genève-Aéroport) stop.
How long is the train journey from Geneva to Lausanne?
Here are the estimated travel times between Geneva and Lausanne (as of December 2022):
| Route | Estimated Travel Time (Fastest) |
|---|---|
| Geneva – Lausanne | 35 minutes |
| Geneva Airport – Lausanne | 45 minutes |
| Lausanne – Geneva | 35 minutes |
| Lausanne – Geneva Airport | 44 minutes |
Is there a direct train from Geneva to Lausanne?
Yes, there are a lot of direct trains between Geneva and Lausanne (around 8 an hour).
Is the Train From Geneva to Lausanne Scenic?
No, not really. The trains from Geneva to Lausanne are fast, commuter trains designed to bring passengers from one city to another as quickly as possible. Along the way, you’ll get to see beautiful Lake Geneva views.
We have included other scenic trains below for reference, in case you are interested in taking one.
Other Scenic Trains in Switzerland
In case you would like to check out other scenic trains, then there are more scenic trains recommended below. These are the Golden Pass Line, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Express. Another interesting train is the Historical Train that goes from Davos to Filisur.
Your other options in detail are the following:
- Golden Pass – Golden Pass departs from Lucerne. You would take a train from Geneva to Lucerne, then change to Interlaken. This is sometimes referred to as the east end of this route. The Golden Pass has panorama coaches and is scenic.
- Glacier Express – Glacier Express is a long journey that starts from Zermatt, home of Matterhorn. It then traverses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels before stopping in St. Moritz. Both Zermatt and St. Moritz are beautiful mountain resorts worthy of a longer stay. The Glacier Express passes by several idyllic mountain villages.
- Bernina Express – Bernina Express is another train route that begins in Chur. Chur is the oldest alpine city in Switzerland and definitely worth visiting. This train route spans 196 bridges. It goes through 55 tunnels and passes 20 beautiful villages in Switzerland.
- Historical Train Davos to Filisur – May through October, vintage carriages are pulled by the century-old crocodile locomotive from Davos Platz to Filisur. The train line covers a total length of 4,200 meters through 14 tunnels and 28 bridges. Its scenic highlights include the Wiesen Viaduct and the Zügen Gorge.
How Much Will the Train Ticket From Geneva to Lausanne Cost?
A single journey ticket from Geneva to Lausanne costs the following (updated December 2022):
| Route | Full Fare (CHF) | Half Fare (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva – Lausanne | 22.80 | 11.40 |
| Geneva Airport – Lausanne | 27.00 | 13.50 |
Do You Need a Seat Reservation on the Train?
No, there is no need to reserve a spot on the train. But you can always add this option if that is your wish.
Am I allowed to travel from Geneva to Lausanne?
Yes, there are currently no restrictions for traveling from Geneva to Lausanne.
Can you drive into Lausanne?
Yes, you may drive your car from Geneva to Lausanne. You also have the possibility to rent a car from Geneva Airport if you wish to and drive this to Lausanne.
If you would like to find the best car rental deals in Switzerland, check out Rentalcars.com. Reviews and comments help you find the right car in the right place for the right price. Also, it’s the world’s leading car rental app. You can compare cars and get the best deal by going to Rentalcars.com.
Is Lausanne car-free?
As opposed to Zermatt, Wengen, and Mürren, Lausanne isn’t car-free. The city has a variety of transportation options: an underground subway (a Metro), buses, bicycles, cars, and trains.
If you are interested in visiting car-free villages in Switzerland, you can check out our article: 12 Charming Car-Free Villages in Switzerland.
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