Passenger ferries on Lake Geneva connect Lausanne with Evian and Thonon, while leisure cruises extend to destinations like Montreux, Nyon, Yvoire, and Geneva.
Lausanne, with its breathtaking Alpine backdrop, serves as an ideal starting point for exploring these scenic waters.
Year-Round Ferry Services from Lausanne
Ferries operate all year, offering frequent services from Lausanne-Ouchy to Evian and Thonon in France. The crossing to Evian takes approximately 35 minutes, with up to 13 departures daily, while the route to Thonon takes about 50 minutes, with up to 14 crossings on summer weekdays.
These ferries are efficient for commuting and provide a reliable connection between Switzerland and France. Note that no services link Evian and Thonon directly, and car ferries are unavailable on Lake Geneva.
Scenic Cruises from Lausanne
Cruises from Lausanne follow two primary routes:
- The Upper Lake region, featuring Alpine landscapes and the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards.
- The path to Geneva, with stops at picturesque towns like Nyon and Yvoire.
- The Upper Lake region offers some of the most stunning views, with cruises taking about an hour to reach Vevey, two hours to Montreux or Chillon Castle, and 2 hours and 40 minutes to St. Gingolph. During summer, up to six daily cruises are available, reducing to two during spring and fall.
The Lausanne-to-Geneva cruise, spanning four hours, includes stops at scenic towns and is especially popular in summer. Fewer services operate during the shoulder season, mainly on weekends and public holidays.
Seasonal Availability
- High Season (Summer): Late June to early September.
- Shoulder Season (Spring & Fall): Mid-April to late October.
- Low Season (Winter): Late October to mid-April.
During winter, cruises are limited to daytime excursions, including visits to landmarks like Chillon Castle.
Dining on Board
Most cruises feature onboard dining options, with meals available in first-class restaurants. Advanced reservations are recommended, particularly for themed evening cruises, which may offer regional delicacies or gourmet selections. Light refreshments are also available, and picnicking is permitted on open decks.
Getting to Lausanne-Ouchy
All boats depart from Lausanne-Ouchy, a charming lakeside area reachable via the M2 Metro. The Ouchy stop is directly across from the boat landing. Visitors traveling from central Lausanne will find this the most convenient option, as steep inclines can make walking challenging.
Tickets and Discounts
Tickets for Lake Geneva cruises can be purchased online, at ticket counters near the landing, or wherever Swiss train tickets are sold. Many vessels require tickets to be bought before boarding. Discounts are available for holders of Swiss transportation passes, such as the half-fare card or Junior Card for children.
Planning your journey online may unlock significant savings, especially when booking through SBB.
Lake Geneva’s cruises offer a blend of efficiency, leisure, and scenic beauty, making them an essential experience for travelers to the region.
