Geneva to Lausanne by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €14.8
Route Overview: Geneva to Lausanne
Geneva and Lausanne are connected by one of Switzerland's busiest rail corridors, with up to 6 trains per hour covering the 60 km journey along the shores of Lake Geneva. SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) operates InterCity, InterRegio, and regional express services on this route.
The fastest IC trains complete the journey in just 33 minutes, while IR and RE services take 40-49 minutes with additional stops. The route follows the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman), passing through the Lavaux vineyard terraces — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — with panoramic views of the lake and the French Alps.
Swiss train fares are fixed rather than dynamic, meaning the price is the same whether you buy in advance or at the last minute. The Swiss Half-Fare Card and Swiss Travel Pass offer significant savings for visitors making multiple journeys.
How Long Is the Geneva to Lausanne Train?
The direct SBB/CFF (Swiss Federal Railways) from Geneva to Lausanne takes approximately 33-49 min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Geneva to Lausanne Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €14.8 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Geneva to Lausanne?
Up to 6/day trains operate daily on the Geneva to Lausanne route.
Train Operator
SBB/CFF (Swiss Federal Railways)
Direct high-speed service · 33-49 min max
Which Stations Serve the Geneva to Lausanne Route?
Geneve-Cornavin
- Main station in central Geneva with tram, bus, and taxi connections
- Free public transport ticket available from machine in baggage claim area at Geneva Airport station (one stop away)
- RER Left luggage lockers available
Lausanne
- Central station with metro (M2 line) connecting to the lakeside at Ouchy
- Bus connections to all parts of the city
- RER The Olympic Museum is a 20-minute walk or short metro ride from the station
What Classes Are Available on Geneva to Lausanne Trains?
2nd Class
- Comfortable seating in open-plan carriages
- Free WiFi on all SBB trains
- Power outlets at most seats
- Luggage racks and overhead storage
- Clean, well-maintained Swiss trains
1st Class
- Wider seats with more legroom and privacy
- Quieter carriages
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at all seats
- Restaurant car available on IC services
How to Book the Geneva to Lausanne Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices shown are indicative starting prices per person for a one-way journey in 2nd Class and may vary based on travel date, time, and availability. All information is sourced from official railway operators and may change without notice.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Geneva to Lausanne Trains?
Swiss Fixed-Price Ticketing
Swiss domestic train fares are fixed — the price is the same whether you buy a week in advance or 5 minutes before departure. No advance-purchase discounts, but also no last-minute price surges. Supersaver tickets occasionally offer 10-20% off.
Extremely Frequent Service
With up to 6 trains per hour (InterCity, InterRegio, and regional express services), you rarely need to plan ahead. IC trains take 33 minutes, IR trains around 40 minutes, and RE trains about 49 minutes.
Stunning Lake Geneva Views
The train runs along the northern shore of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) for much of the journey, offering beautiful views of the lake, vineyards of Lavaux (UNESCO World Heritage), and the French Alps across the water. Sit on the left side heading to Lausanne for the best views.
Swiss Passes and Half-Fare Cards
The Swiss Half-Fare Card (CHF 120 for one month) halves the price of all train tickets. The Swiss Travel Pass includes unlimited travel. Both are excellent value if making multiple journeys in Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions: Geneva to Lausanne
The fastest InterCity (IC) trains take 33 minutes. InterRegio (IR) trains take around 40 minutes, and regional express (RE) trains around 49 minutes.
A standard one-way ticket costs CHF 26 in 2nd class and CHF 44 in 1st class. Swiss fares are fixed — no advance booking discount, but Supersaver tickets occasionally offer 10-20% savings.
Up to 6 trains per hour run between Geneva and Lausanne, including IC, IR, and RE services. You almost never need to wait more than 10-15 minutes for a train.
No. Swiss domestic trains do not require or offer seat reservations. Simply buy a ticket and board any train.
Yes. The train follows the northern shore of Lake Geneva with views of the lake, the Lavaux UNESCO vineyard terraces, and the French Alps across the water.
Yes. Geneva Airport has its own railway station (Geneve-Aeroport) with direct trains to Lausanne. Pick up a free public transport ticket from the machine in the baggage reclaim area for the short ride to Geneva main station, or take a direct train to Lausanne.