Day trip from Geneva
Lausanne
Hillside Beauty Above Lake Geneva
Approximately 40 minutes by train
Why visit
Lausanne rises in lively, layered neighbourhoods from the Ouchy waterfront to its Gothic cathedral. The easy direct train from Geneva, Olympic heritage and expansive lake views create a varied city day trip.
Top things to see
- Lausanne Cathedral
- The historic centre
- Ouchy waterfront
- Olympic Museum
- Lake Geneva views
Suggested one-day plan
Take a direct train from Geneva and explore the historic centre and Lausanne Cathedral.
Have lunch in the centre, then use the metro down the steep hillside toward Ouchy.
Visit the Olympic Museum and walk along the Lake Geneva waterfront.
Return uphill by metro for the direct train to Geneva.
Frequent direct trains connect Geneva Cornavin with Lausanne in approximately 40 minutes. Lausanne is notably hilly; the local metro is useful for moving between the station, upper historic centre and Ouchy waterfront.
A full day (7–9 hours).
- Lausanne is steep and spread across several levels.
- Use the metro to reduce sustained uphill walking.
- The Olympic Museum is near Ouchy rather than the upper Old Town.
- Check cathedral and museum opening times before travelling.