Montreux railway station is a straightforward, compact transit hub that serves as a vital gateway to the Swiss Riviera and the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival. Unlike massive metropolitan terminals, Montreux features a clear, manageable layout with seven active platforms. Think of it as a linear station where standard-gauge SBB trains and narrow-gauge mountain railways coexist, all accessible from a central station building.
The station’s primary layout consists of standard-gauge platforms serving the main Simplon line, which connects regional and international traffic along the Swiss Riviera. If you are arriving for the Jazz Festival or exploring the lakefront, you will primarily use these platforms. Because the station is built into a hillside, you will notice that the tracks are positioned above the main town level. Access to the street level—where you will find the bus stops and the path down to the lakefront—is provided by elevators and escalators located near the main station entrance.
A unique feature of Montreux is that it serves as a junction for three different track gauges. While the standard SBB trains occupy the main platforms, the GoldenPass Express and the rack railway to Rochers-de-Naye operate from dedicated platforms within the same complex. Platform 8 is famously known for serving the steep, scenic climb toward the mountain peaks. Because the station is small, you do not need to worry about long, complex transfers; walking between any two platforms typically takes no more than 2–3 minutes, even with luggage.
First-time visitors often find the verticality of the station slightly disorienting. Remember that the station building itself sits above the Grand Rue. When exiting, look for the clear signage directing you to the escalators or elevators to descend toward the lake. If you are struggling to find a specific platform, simply look for the large digital departure boards in the main hall; they are highly accurate and will point you directly to the correct platform number. Given the station's manageable size, arriving 15 minutes before your train is more than enough time to navigate from the street entrance to your departure platform, even during the peak excitement of the Jazz Festival.