Lausanne

By Air

• Geneva Airport (GVA): ~60 km. Direct SBB/CFF trains from Genève-Aéroport to Lausanne every 10–15 min; journey ~45–50 min. By car via A1 ~45–60 min.
• Zurich Airport (ZRH): Direct or 1‑change InterCity trains to Lausanne; ~2 h 20–2 h 45.
• Basel EuroAirport (BSL/MLH/EAP): Bus 50 to Basel SBB (12–20 min), then IC to Lausanne (~2 h); total ~2 h 20–2 h 40.
• Lyon–Saint‑Exupéry (LYS), France: Rhônexpress to Lyon Part‑Dieu (30 min), then TER/TGV to Lausanne; total ~3 h (some direct Lyon–Lausanne TER services ~2 h 10–2 h 30).
• Bern Airport (BRN): Limited flights; bus/train combo typically ~1 h 45–2 h 10.
• Lausanne–La Blécherette (LSGL): General aviation only (no scheduled commercial flights).

By Train

• Main station: Lausanne (SBB/CFF), centrally located; frequent InterCity/InterRegio services.
• Typical direct journey times:
  • Geneva: 35–45 min (very frequent)
  • Montreux: ~20 min
  • Bern: ~1 h–1 h 10
  • Basel SBB: ~2 h 10
  • Zurich HB: ~2 h 10–2 h 30
  • Brig: ~1 h 40
• International:
  • Paris: ~3 h 40–4 h (TGV Lyria; often via Geneva, some direct services subject to timetable)

Lausanne is a crowd‑light lakeside city that matches bigger names for culture, flavour and views, minus the queues.

• Atmosphere: A youthful university city with an old‑soul heart—think Gothic cathedral panoramas, lakefront Ouchy strolls and sunset skies over the UNESCO‑listed Lavaux vineyards, without elbowing through tour groups.
• Culture: Big‑ticket museums in a compact package—Plateforme 10’s arts hub and the Olympic Museum—paired with a lively calendar (Festival de la Cité) and a creative pulse in the Flon district.
• Everyday life: Authentic, easygoing and well priced by Swiss standards—ride the student‑lifeline M1 tram‑métro to UNIL/EPFL, watch the new T1 reshape Avenue de Renens, and enjoy the honour‑system public transport that makes getting around simple and good value.
• Taste: Proper Vaudois flavours at local markets (Riponne, Palud) and artisan counters—try Blondel or Durig for chocolate, a carac or bouchon vaudois for tradition, then lake fish on Ouchy’s promenades—quality without the glossy mark‑ups.

Poised between Lake Geneva and vineyard‑clad hills, Lausanne suits travellers who crave culture, scenery and smart, car‑light mobility. With a lively university pulse and Swiss efficiency, it’s effortless to explore by tram, métro and on foot. From storied chocolatiers to striking new architecture, this compact city delivers big flavours and views.

• History lovers: Trace tram heritage from Place Saint‑François to the modern M1 (ex‑“TSOL”) and soon‑to‑open T1, then wander the Old Town and cathedral.
• Foodies: Savour artisan chocolate from Blondel to Durig, try local icons like the Carac and Bouchon Vaudois, or book the Lausanne Choco Tour.
• Scenery seekers: Pair lakefront strolls in Ouchy with vineyard vistas over Lavaux (UNESCO), plus fleeting panoramas from the M1 near Vigie.
• Active travellers: Walk hilltop‑to‑lakeside routes, run the quays or cycle easy lakeside stretches, stitched together by the ultra‑reliable TL network.
• City‑breakers: Compact, creative and calmer than Geneva, Lausanne offers walkable quarters, design‑forward Flon, and rapid rail to Vevey and Montreux.
• Families: Safe, spotless and buggy‑friendly, with fun tram rides, parks like Vallée de la Jeunesse, and kid‑pleasing hot‑chocolate stops.

From tram heritage to world-class chocolate, here are Lausanne’s unmissable highlights. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s essence in a day or two.

• Walk Avenue de Renens to witness the T1 tramway construction reshaping a car-choked artery into a green urban boulevard.
• Explore Rue de Bourg and its chocolatiers—Blondel, Durig and more—tasting pralines, caracs and the local Bouchon vaudois.
• Visit Place Saint-François, once the historic tram nexus, and imagine rails criss-crossing the square amid today’s elegant shops.
• Take the M1 from Lausanne-Flon to Renens for sweeping views over the Vallée de la Jeunesse and a glide through the UNIL–EPFL campus.
• Hike from UNIL-Sorge down to Lake Geneva for a peaceful shoreline wander far from the weekday rush.

From tram heritage to world-class chocolate, here are Lausanne’s unmissable highlights. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s essence in a day or two.

• Walk Avenue de Renens to witness the T1 tramway construction reshaping a car-choked artery into a green urban boulevard.
• Explore Rue de Bourg and its chocolatiers—Blondel, Durig and more—tasting pralines, caracs and the local Bouchon vaudois.
• Visit Place Saint-François, once the historic tram nexus, and imagine rails criss-crossing the square amid today’s elegant shops.
• Take the M1 from Lausanne-Flon to Renens for sweeping views over the Vallée de la Jeunesse and a glide through the UNIL–EPFL campus.
• Hike from UNIL-Sorge down to Lake Geneva for a peaceful shoreline wander far from the weekday rush.

Lausanne’s food culture blends French-Swiss finesse with a deep love of artisan sweets, lakeside produce and market-fresh fare. Expect elegant pâtisseries, cosy cafés and lively weekly markets alongside the region’s storied chocolate heritage.

• Bouchon vaudois – a cork-shaped confection of crunchy praline dipped in chocolate, often with a hint of local marc; created in 1948 to honour Vaud’s vineyards. Best picked up from traditional confiseries and enjoyed with a coffee in snug cafés.
• Carac – a small tart with silky chocolate ganache under a bright green icing; a true test of any Lausanne pâtisserie. Enjoy at the counter or take away for a sweet pause in city cafés.
• Chocolat chaud – ultra-thick, dark hot chocolate so rich a spoon almost stands up in it. Perfect for wintery afternoons in intimate old-town cafés like those along the Escaliers du Marché.
• Riponne & Palud markets – Wednesday/Saturday stalls brimming with artisan sweets, nougat, gingerbread and local honey, plus seasonal produce and cheeses. Soak up the lively, street-market atmosphere with buskers and bustling stands.

Choosing where to stay in Lausanne is about matching the neighbourhood to your trip, not chasing a specific hotel. Each area has a distinct vibe, terrain, and transport links that shape your stay.

• Ouchy (Lakeside) — resort feel with waterfront promenades, big views and easy M2 access; ideal for couples, walkers and a relaxed pace.
• Flon & Saint-François (City Centre) — lively, modern hub for nightlife and shopping with top connections (M1/M2, buses); best for urban explorers.
• Cité/Old Town — cobbled, historic quarter around the cathedral with steep lanes and quiet nights; suits history lovers and photographers.
• Sous-Gare/Grancy — calm residential streets between station and lake, café culture and quick rail links; good for families and early departures.

Choosing where to stay in Lausanne is about matching the neighbourhood to your trip, not chasing a specific hotel. Each area has a distinct vibe, terrain, and transport links that shape your stay.

• Ouchy (Lakeside) — resort feel with waterfront promenades, big views and easy M2 access; ideal for couples, walkers and a relaxed pace.
• Flon & Saint-François (City Centre) — lively, modern hub for nightlife and shopping with top connections (M1/M2, buses); best for urban explorers.
• Cité/Old Town — cobbled, historic quarter around the cathedral with steep lanes and quiet nights; suits history lovers and photographers.
• Sous-Gare/Grancy — calm residential streets between station and lake, café culture and quick rail links; good for families and early departures.

Travel in Lausanne is straightforward: it’s compact, well-signed and backed by excellent public transport. The city’s hills add charm but also dictate a few practical choices on shoes and routes. A handful of local tips will make your stay smoother and better value.

• Affordability: Switzerland is expensive: expect CHF 15–25 for a casual lunch, CHF 30–50 for a sit‑down dinner, mid‑range hotels CHF 160–250 (hostel beds CHF 45–70), and note most hotels include a free Lausanne Transport Card that offsets local travel costs.
• Transport: The centre is walkable but hilly; the m2 metro, M1 light rail, buses and trolleybuses handle the climbs, while SBB trains and CGN ferries make easy day trips to Vevey, Montreux, Lavaux and Évian/Yvoire (Swiss Travel Pass widely accepted), and a car is only useful for tiny vineyard villages.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and by students, and simple greetings (bonjour/merci) are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: It’s very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal pickpocket caution in busy spots (Flon, the main station, festivals), wear good shoes for cobbles and slopes, and in winter watch for icy pavements—tap water is excellent.
• Crowds: High season is June–September (and December weekends), when the lakeside and Old Town are lively; shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Jan–Mar) are calmer, though public transport is crowded on weekdays 07:30–09:00 and 16:30–18:30, especially the M1.

Travel in Lausanne is straightforward: it’s compact, well-signed and backed by excellent public transport. The city’s hills add charm but also dictate a few practical choices on shoes and routes. A handful of local tips will make your stay smoother and better value.

• Affordability: Switzerland is expensive: expect CHF 15–25 for a casual lunch, CHF 30–50 for a sit‑down dinner, mid‑range hotels CHF 160–250 (hostel beds CHF 45–70), and note most hotels include a free Lausanne Transport Card that offsets local travel costs.
• Transport: The centre is walkable but hilly; the m2 metro, M1 light rail, buses and trolleybuses handle the climbs, while SBB trains and CGN ferries make easy day trips to Vevey, Montreux, Lavaux and Évian/Yvoire (Swiss Travel Pass widely accepted), and a car is only useful for tiny vineyard villages.
• Language: French is the main language, but English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and by students, and simple greetings (bonjour/merci) are appreciated.
• Safety & comfort: It’s very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal pickpocket caution in busy spots (Flon, the main station, festivals), wear good shoes for cobbles and slopes, and in winter watch for icy pavements—tap water is excellent.
• Crowds: High season is June–September (and December weekends), when the lakeside and Old Town are lively; shoulder months (Oct–Nov, Jan–Mar) are calmer, though public transport is crowded on weekdays 07:30–09:00 and 16:30–18:30, especially the M1.

Seasonality in Lausanne is defined by warm, lively summers on the lake, crisp winters with occasional snow, and mellow shoulder seasons ideal for vineyard walks and city exploring. Crowds peak in July–August; spring and autumn offer the best balance of price, weather, and space.

• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm (often 22–28°C), buzzing lakeside vibes, festivals and long evenings; busiest and priciest time.
• Spring & Autumn (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild (10–20°C), fewer crowds, occasional showers; great for Lavaux vineyards, culture, and relaxed city breaks.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold (around 0–5°C) with occasional snow; cosy museums and Christmas lights, quieter overall except around the holidays.

Seasonality in Lausanne is defined by warm, lively summers on the lake, crisp winters with occasional snow, and mellow shoulder seasons ideal for vineyard walks and city exploring. Crowds peak in July–August; spring and autumn offer the best balance of price, weather, and space.

• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm (often 22–28°C), buzzing lakeside vibes, festivals and long evenings; busiest and priciest time.
• Spring & Autumn (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct): Mild (10–20°C), fewer crowds, occasional showers; great for Lavaux vineyards, culture, and relaxed city breaks.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Cold (around 0–5°C) with occasional snow; cosy museums and Christmas lights, quieter overall except around the holidays.

By Car

• Motorways: A1 (Geneva–Lausanne–Bern–Zurich) and A9 (Lausanne–Montreux–Valais) intersect near the city.
• Approximate driving times: Geneva ~45–60 min; Bern ~1 h 15; Basel ~2 h; Zurich ~2 h 15–2 h 45; Lyon ~2 h 30–3 h; Milan ~4 h.
• Swiss motorway vignette required (annual). Parking in the centre is limited; use park‑and‑ride sites on the outskirts and continue by metro/bus.

By Coach

• International coaches (e.g., FlixBus) serve Lausanne, typically using the Vélodrome/P+R stop. Useful links to Lyon, Paris, Milan, Zurich; journey times vary (e.g., Lyon ~3–4 h, Paris ~7–8 h).

By Boat

• CGN ferries across Lake Geneva to Lausanne‑Ouchy:
  • Évian‑les‑Bains: ~35 min (frequent commuter service)
  • Thonon‑les‑Bains: ~35–50 min
  • Geneva: ~3–4 h (scenic, seasonal/timetable‑dependent)
• Easy metro M2 link from Ouchy (port) to Lausanne railway station and city centre.

Poised between Lake Geneva and vineyard‑clad hills, Lausanne suits travellers who crave culture, scenery and smart, car‑light mobility. With a lively university pulse and Swiss efficiency, it’s effortless to explore by tram, métro and on foot. From storied chocolatiers to striking new architecture, this compact city delivers big flavours and views.

• History lovers: Trace tram heritage from Place Saint‑François to the modern M1 (ex‑“TSOL”) and soon‑to‑open T1, then wander the Old Town and cathedral.
• Foodies: Savour artisan chocolate from Blondel to Durig, try local icons like the Carac and Bouchon Vaudois, or book the Lausanne Choco Tour.
• Scenery seekers: Pair lakefront strolls in Ouchy with vineyard vistas over Lavaux (UNESCO), plus fleeting panoramas from the M1 near Vigie.
• Active travellers: Walk hilltop‑to‑lakeside routes, run the quays or cycle easy lakeside stretches, stitched together by the ultra‑reliable TL network.
• City‑breakers: Compact, creative and calmer than Geneva, Lausanne offers walkable quarters, design‑forward Flon, and rapid rail to Vevey and Montreux.
• Families: Safe, spotless and buggy‑friendly, with fun tram rides, parks like Vallée de la Jeunesse, and kid‑pleasing hot‑chocolate stops.

Lausanne’s food culture blends French-Swiss finesse with a deep love of artisan sweets, lakeside produce and market-fresh fare. Expect elegant pâtisseries, cosy cafés and lively weekly markets alongside the region’s storied chocolate heritage.

• Bouchon vaudois – a cork-shaped confection of crunchy praline dipped in chocolate, often with a hint of local marc; created in 1948 to honour Vaud’s vineyards. Best picked up from traditional confiseries and enjoyed with a coffee in snug cafés.
• Carac – a small tart with silky chocolate ganache under a bright green icing; a true test of any Lausanne pâtisserie. Enjoy at the counter or take away for a sweet pause in city cafés.
• Chocolat chaud – ultra-thick, dark hot chocolate so rich a spoon almost stands up in it. Perfect for wintery afternoons in intimate old-town cafés like those along the Escaliers du Marché.
• Riponne & Palud markets – Wednesday/Saturday stalls brimming with artisan sweets, nougat, gingerbread and local honey, plus seasonal produce and cheeses. Soak up the lively, street-market atmosphere with buskers and bustling stands.