Lausanne Gare

How to Get to Lausanne Gare

Lausanne Gare is the city's main railway hub. Here is how to reach it efficiently.

From Geneva Airport (GVA)

• Train: This is the most convenient option. Direct SBB trains depart from the airport station approximately every 15–20 minutes.
• Journey Time: 45–55 minutes.
• Cost: Approximately €22–€65 depending on the fare class and how far in advance you book.
• Tickets & Payment: Purchase tickets at the SBB/CFF red machines in the airport arrivals hall or the SBB Mobile app. Machines have an English language option and accept major credit cards and debit cards.
• Important: If you are staying in a hotel in Lausanne, check if they provide a Lausanne Transport Card; while it covers city transit, you will still need a separate ticket for the journey from the airport to the city.

From City Center

• Metro M2: The M2 line is the most direct way to reach the station. It stops at "Lausanne-Gare" and is fully integrated with the city center (e.g., from Lausanne-Flon).
• Bus: Numerous local TL bus lines stop directly at the station.
• Journey Time: 5–10 minutes from central hubs like Flon.
• Note: If you are staying in a hotel, use your Lausanne Transport Card for free travel on all metro and bus lines within the city zones.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: 5–15 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic and your specific location.
• Cost: Expect to pay approximately CHF 25–40 (€26–€42). Taxis are readily available at designated stands or via local apps.

Tip: Always check your route on the SBB Mobile app for real-time updates.

Lausanne Gare is a straightforward through station that serves as a vital hub for both regional and international travel. While you may see references to "nine platforms," the station’s actual layout consists of eight main platforms (numbered 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and a smaller bay platform, 70) arranged in a single, easily navigable row. There is no platform 2, as that track is reserved for through freight traffic.

Because it is a through station, you will not encounter the dead-end tracks found in terminal stations. Instead, all platforms are accessed via pedestrian underpasses. From the main station building on the north side, you walk directly onto Platform 1. To reach the other tracks, simply turn right from the main hall and follow the signs to the underpass. You will find gentle slopes leading up to each platform, which are ideal if you are traveling with heavy luggage.

The station serves as a major Romandy hub, handling frequent regional RER Vaud trains as well as high-speed TGV Lyria services to Paris. International and long-distance trains typically depart from the main platform group (1–8). Because the station is relatively compact, you can comfortably walk between any two platforms in under two minutes.

First-time visitors should be aware of a few nuances to ensure a smooth transition:

• Platform Numbering: Don't be alarmed by the absence of Platform 2; simply follow the clear signage for your designated track.
• Platform Sectors: Once you reach your platform, look for the overhead signs displaying letters (A, B, C, etc.). These sectors help you locate exactly where your train carriage will stop, saving you from rushing along the platform when the train arrives.
• Navigation: While there are two pedestrian underpasses—one at the west end and one at the east—both are well-marked. If you have mobility concerns, the eastern underpass is equipped with elevators and stairs, providing an accessible alternative to the slopes.

The station is currently undergoing modernization, so keep an eye out for temporary signage. However, the core layout remains intuitive: once you are in the central hall, all tracks are just a short, level walk away.

Navigating a major hub like Lausanne Gare can feel daunting, but a little preparation goes a long way. I wish someone had told me these specifics before my first trip!

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile App: This is your essential tool for all Swiss travel. It provides real-time schedules, platform changes, and allows you to buy tickets seamlessly. You can even use the "EasyRide" function to automatically calculate and charge you for the cheapest fare based on your actual journey.
• Don’t Stress About Pre-booking: Unlike some other European countries, Swiss train tickets don’t sell out, and prices are fixed. You can buy your ticket on the app or at a station machine right before boarding.
• Know Your Class: Switzerland operates on an honor system, but ticket controllers are common. Ensure you have the correct ticket (First or Second class) before boarding, as sitting in the wrong section will lead to an immediate, expensive fine.

At the Station

• Navigating Platforms: Lausanne Gare has platforms 1, 3–8, and 70. Platform 1 is directly accessible from the main hall. To reach others, head to the eastern passageway for elevators and stairs, or the western passageway for gentle slopes—ideal if you have heavy luggage.
• Facilities: Public toilets are available and typically cost CHF 1.50. It is wise to carry a few Swiss franc coins, though some newer stations are beginning to accept card payments. For snacks, the station has a Coop supermarket, which is much more budget-friendly than the surrounding cafes.
• WiFi: SBB provides station WiFi. Look for the "SBB-FREE" network to stay connected while you check your departure screens.

Common Mistakes

• The "Half-Fare" Trap: When using machines or the app, do not select the "Half-Fare" (Halbtax) option unless you actually hold a valid Swiss Half-Fare Travelcard. Selecting it to get a cheaper price will result in a heavy fine during a ticket check.
• Platform Timing: Don’t check your platform two hours early. Platforms can change due to operational needs; check the departure screens or your SBB app 20–30 minutes before your train is due to arrive.
• Boarding Etiquette: Never rush onto the train as soon as it pulls in. Always wait for passengers to exit first; it’s a standard local courtesy that keeps the station flow smooth.

Through station serving Lausanne, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1856, the current station building dates from a major reconstruction between 1911 and 1916. As a critical hub for the Romandy region, it connects travelers via high-speed TGV Lyria services to Paris, international EuroCity routes to Italy, and an extensive network of national InterCity, regional, and RER Vaud trains. The station also provides seamless integration with the city’s automated M2 metro line.

Is this station huge and confusing? For first-time visitors, the layout is straightforward. The station currently utilizes eight primary platforms (numbered 1, 3–8, and 70), as there is no platform 2. While the station is undergoing significant modernization as part of the Léman 2030 project, it remains well-signposted with clear English-language displays. You can easily walk between any two platforms in under two minutes.

To ensure a stress-free experience, allow extra time to navigate the pedestrian underpasses, which connect the platforms to the main hall. Because platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure, always verify your train’s platform on the digital screens in the main hall or via the SBB mobile app upon arrival. The station is fully accessible, featuring slopes and lifts designed to accommodate travelers with luggage.