Trains from Geneva to Lausanne
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How to get from Geneva to Lausanne by train
Switzerland is filled with gorgeous lakeside cities, with Geneva and Lausanne being two of the finest examples. Both of these cities enjoy views over the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva, and they're only 31 miles apart as well. You can take an SBB train from Geneva to Lausanne in just half an hour - that’s even quicker than driving, plus you’ll get straight to the city centre, and you won’t have to worry about traffic nor parking!
In Lausanne, you'll get a totally different view of the lake, as well as enjoying the unique landmarks of the 'Olympic City', such as the Olympic Museum and Olympic Park. The city is also known for its hospitality industry and its luxury hotels. Don't forget to visit Lausanne's stunning cathedral before you head home too.
Still not sure about this journey? Scroll down and let us convince you to get from Geneva to Lausanne by train.
Geneva to Lausanne by train
| First train | 07:31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:15 | |
| Departure station | Geneva | |
| Arrival station | Lausanne | |
| Journey time | From 7h 15m | |
| Distance | 31 miles (50 km) | |
| Frequency | 12 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | SBB CFF FFS, Eurolines_Switzerland |
SBB trains from Geneva to Lausanne
The Swiss rail network is operated by SBB. SBB train ticket prices are based on travel and not on the type of trains. You will find available return tickets (standard price, one way or round trip), Multiple journey tickets (for six individual trips on a pre-determined itinerary) and the City-Ticket (including a one-day transportation pass from the city of departure or arrival).
More information
Intercity and Eurocity classes from Geneva to Lausanne
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity and Eurocity when traveling from Geneva to Lausanne.
Intercity
Eurocity
Economy Class
Take advantage of the dining car which offers a menu made of high-quality produce. Traveling with kids? Choose your seats in the dedicated Family Zone.
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
First Class
In First Class, you'll get to travel in comfortable seats, enjoy free WiFi, as well as more space for your luggage and individual power outlets (German + Swiss).
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Dining car
- Children's car
- Power outlets at each seat
- Extra baggage
- Fold-down table
- Quiet area
Economy Class
Benefit from free WiFi, spacious seating, power outlets and air-conditioning in newer SBB's Eurocity trains.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
First Class
Treat yourself in SBB's First Class and enjoy more legroom, access to First Class Lounges, in-seat dining and plenty of space for your baggage.
- Free WiFi
- Air conditioning
- Power outlets
- Baggage storage
- In-seat meal service
- More legroom
- Lounge access
Onboard services on Intercity and Eurocity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Geneva to Lausanne.
Intercity
Eurocity
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Intercity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Intercity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets on SBB trains. You can also enjoy free WiFi on Intercity trains via the SBB FreeSurf portal.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet onboard. On Intercity trains, there is also a dedicated family car.
You can take your bicycle on board SBB Intercity trains. Between 21st March and 31st October, it's compulsory to reserve a bike space on some Intercity trains. You must also buy a ticket for your bike at a ticket office, ticket machine or online.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
SBB Intercity trains have priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as a wheelchair-accessible toilet.
There is a Business Zone and a Quiet Zone in First Class on SBB Intercity trains.
You can take as much baggage as you want on SBB Eurocity trains, provided that it fits in the baggage racks provided.
Many SBB Eurocity trains will have a restaurant or bistro car so you can buy food and drink throughout your journey. You may be able to sit at a table in the restaurant carriage or take your meal back to your seat.
There are power outlets and free WiFi on SBB Eurocity trains.
There is stroller storage available on the train, as well as a baby changing toilet on board.
You can take your bike on board SBB Eurocity trains provided that you can fit it into the storage space onboard, but you'll need to buy a ticket for it. You'll also need a reservation for the Swiss part of your journey when traveling internationally. You can make a reservation online or at a ticket office.
Dogs under 30cm in height can travel for free if they're in a carrier and placed under your seat. Larger dogs can travel with you if you buy a Dog Day Pass for CHF 25, which can be purchased at a ticket office, at a ticket machine, online or on the SBB app. The pass is valid for a day on trains, ships, trams and buses in most Swiss cities.
There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on board, plus priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility.
There is air conditioning on board newer SBB Eurocity trains, so you can travel in comfort.
Cheap train tickets from Geneva to Lausanne
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Geneva to Lausanne by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Geneva to Lausanne
Want to know more about your journey from Geneva to Lausanne? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Geneva to Lausanne take?
The average journey time by train between Geneva and Lausanne is 11 hours and 21 minutes, with around 12 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Geneva and Lausanne by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Geneva to Lausanne is 7 hours and 15 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Geneva to Lausanne?
No, there are no direct train services from Geneva to Lausanne. Travelling from Geneva to Lausanne by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Geneva to Lausanne leave?
The first train from Geneva to Lausanne leaves at 07:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Geneva to Lausanne leave?
The last train from Geneva to Lausanne leaves at 21:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Geneva and Lausanne by train?
Trains travelling from Geneva to Lausanne cover a distance of around 31 miles (50 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Lausanne to Geneva.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.