City in Vaud, Switzerland
Getting around Lausanne
How to get around Lausanne
Two metro lines (M1, M2), buses and trains cover the steep city; the Ouchy–Flon M2 metro handles the biggest hill. Lake boats (CGN) go to Évian and Montreux.
Ways to get around Lausanne
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro (M1, M2) and buses (tl) | CHF 3.50 for 1 hour in zone 11 | Buy in the tl or SBB app; M2 links the lake to Flon |
| CGN lake boats | From about CHF 15 | Belle Époque paddle steamers to Vevey, Montreux, Évian |
| Regional trains | Varies | Geneva is 40 min; Montreux is 20 min |
Ride-hailing apps in Lausanne
A 5 km ride costs about CHF22–38 ($27–46).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works in the city; taxis are the alternative |
- Taxis are metered and expensive; the metro and buses cover most trips. Book by phone or app.
Arriving in Lausanne
Via Geneva Airport (GVA)
Direct train to Lausanne in about 40 min, around CHF 24; taxi CHF 150+.
Driving and onward travel
- Driving: on the right. Foreign licences valid 12 months; IDP needed unless in German, French, Italian or English. Motorway vignette CHF 40.
- Onward travel in Switzerland: Trains run on time and reach nearly every valley, with connecting buses, boats and cable cars. Fares are high; the Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card cuts costs.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Lausanne?
Yes. Apps that work here: Uber.
What's the best way to get around Lausanne?
Two metro lines (M1, M2), buses and trains cover the steep city; the Ouchy–Flon M2 metro handles the biggest hill. Lake boats (CGN) go to Évian and Montreux.
How do I get from the airport to Lausanne?
Direct train to Lausanne in about 40 min, around CHF 24; taxi CHF 150+.
Is Lausanne walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Lausanne
Going to Lausanne solo?
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Sources
- SBB Swiss Federal Railways
- SBB rail passes for visitors
- tl Lausanne transport
- Lausanne Tourism
- CGN Lake Geneva boats
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.