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Zurich to Lausanne from $20: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Zurich, Switzerland
to
Lausanne, Switzerland

How to Get from Zurich to Lausanne: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$20 by busBest price
174.4 kmDistance
2h 15m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Zurich to Lausanne with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS)
Train
Average Duration
2h  15m
Estimated price
$75-140
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$20-29
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 174.4 km
Duration: 2h 15m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  19m
Estimated price
$45-65
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
2h  21m
Estimated price
$75-140
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
3h  11m
Estimated price
$137-407

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Train $48 $45 $46 $47 $47 $62 $47
Fly $132 $160 $145 $152 $149 $190 $148
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Zurich to Lausanne

The journey from Zurich to Lausanne offers a striking contrast between Zurich's bustling urban energy and Lausanne's serene lakeside charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lausanne

Lausanne's neighborhoods each offer distinct experiences and atmospheres for visitors.

Ouchy
• Stunning views of Lake Geneva.
• Charming waterfront promenades and parks.
Old Town (Cité)
• Historic architecture and picturesque streets.
• Home to the Olympic Museum.
Flon
• Vibrant nightlife and trendy shops.
• Contemporary art galleries and cafes.

Best Times To Visit Lausanne's Attractions

Planning your visit to Lausanne can enhance your experience at its attractions.

Olympic Museum
Visit in the early morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame
Enjoy a quieter experience by coming late afternoon.
Parc Olympique
Mornings on weekdays offer the best tranquility in this beautiful park.

Lausanne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lausanne experiences a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early fall are ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, as the pleasant weather enhances your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Lausanne

Indulge in a plate of 'Moules et Frites' at Café de l'Equilibre, where the flavors of fresh mussels and crispy fries bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your palate. This casual dining experience, set against the backdrop of Lausanne's vibrant atmosphere, stands in stark contrast to the more cosmopolitan dining scene in Zurich.

Zurich - Lausanne operators

Explore transport companies operating between Zurich and Lausanne, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+41 848 44 66 88
Website
https://www.sbb.ch/en

Train from Zürich Hb to Lausanne

Average Duration
2h 15m
Estimated price
$75-140

Train from Genève-Aéroport to Lausanne

Average Duration
53m
Estimated price
$29-55
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Zurich Bus Station to Lausanne

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$20-29
Contact phone
+33 1 71 53 01 80
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Bus from Zurich to Lausanne

Average Duration
3h 15m
Estimated price
$20-29
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.swiss.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Geneva (GVA)

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$100-390
Website
https://www.rj.com

Plane from Zurich (ZRH) to Geneva (GVA)

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$65-100

Zurich to Lausanne: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Zurich and Lausanne offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Zurich to Lausanne, covering a distance of approximately 223.7 km in just 2 hours and 19 minutes. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from €41 to €60 for the journey by car, making it an affordable and convenient travel choice.
Average price
€42 - €60
🚆 Traveling from Zurich to Lausanne by train is efficient and convenient. The direct train operated by Swiss Railways departs from Zurich Hb every 20 minutes, offering a seamless journey that takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 🌍 The route from Zurich to Lausanne covers a distance of 219 km, providing a scenic journey through Switzerland's beautiful landscapes. 💸 Ticket prices for the train between Zurich and Lausanne range from €69 to €129, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore Switzerland by rail.
Departure Point
Zürich Hb station
Arrival Point
Lausanne station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard services on the direct trains from Zurich to Lausanne include a catering service that offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and light meals. The trains typically have a dining car, where you can purchase local Swiss specialties, or you can order directly at your seat using the train's app, which allows for contactless payments.
The trains operating this route usually provide three seating options: First Class, Business Class, and Second Class (Economy). First Class offers spacious seating with power outlets and complimentary newspapers. Business Class features comfortable seating with more legroom and enhanced service. Second Class is more economical but still offers ample comfort, with the option to choose between standard and reserved seating. Make sure to check the operator's website for the specific class layout and availability.
There are multiple operators on this route, including SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and the Lyria service. For more information on schedules and ticket purchasing, visit their websites: SBB and Lyria.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Zurich to Lausanne is by taking a direct flight from Zurich Airport to Geneva Airport, which only takes 50 minutes. 📍 Once you arrive at Geneva Airport, you can easily continue your travel to Lausanne by train, car, or other transportation modes to explore the beautiful city located on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Departure Point
Zurich Airport
Arrival Point
Geneva Airport
🚌 The journey from Zurich to Lausanne by bus takes approximately 3 hours, with services operating four times a day, every day. The direct FlixBus service departs from Zurich Bus Station and arrives at Lausanne station. 🌆 Route 1 and Route 2 both involve taking a bus towards Grenoble from Zurich Central Bus Station, with a total travel time of around 3 hours and 5 minutes. The distance covered during the trip is 202 km. The buses are operated by FlixBus and arrive at Lausanne. 🚆 Alternatively, Route 3 offers a quicker option, with a long-distance train journey from Zurich HB to Lausanne taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 219 km distance. The train service is provided by Schweizerische Bundesbahnen, known as SBB.
Departure Point
Zurich Bus Station
Arrival Point
Lausanne station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Zurich to Lausanne.

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The distance between Zurich and Lausanne is approximately 173.8 km by air. Traveling by train, it takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Lausanne from Zurich. Alternatively, taking a combination of flight and train can take about 3 hours and 11 minutes. Driving by car typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes, while traveling by bus can take approximately 3 hours.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Zurich to Lausanne is by taking the bus, with tickets costing between €18-€27 and a travel time of 3 hours. However, for a more time-efficient option, the fastest mode of transportation is by train, taking only 2 hours and 15 minutes at a higher cost of €69-€129.
The prices for a train ticket between Zurich and Lausanne range from €69 to €129, depending on the class and time of booking. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between Lausanne and Zurich vary from €18 to €27, making it a more budget-friendly option for travelers.
To travel from Zurich to Lausanne without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 223.7 km, which typically takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes. By driving yourself, you have the flexibility to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way. Keep in mind that fuel costs and toll fees may vary, with estimated prices ranging from €41 to €60 for the trip.
The most convenient way to travel from Zurich to Lausanne without a car is by train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. The train journey offers scenic views and comfortable seating options. Tickets for this route typically cost between €69 and €129, making it a relatively affordable and efficient mode of transportation between the two Swiss cities.
Yes, there are direct transportation options between Zurich and Lausanne. You can take a direct train from Zürich Hb to Lausanne, operated by Swiss Railways, with services departing every 20 minutes throughout the week and the journey typically taking 2 hours and 15 minutes. Additionally, there is a direct FlixBus service that departs from Zurich Bus Station and arrives in Lausanne, providing a convenient option for travelers who prefer bus transport, with the journey typically taking around 3 hours.
The quickest flight from Zurich Airport to Geneva Airport, which is the closest airport to Lausanne, typically takes 50 minutes. However, it is important to note that there are no direct flights between Zurich and Lausanne as Lausanne does not have its own airport. Travelers can opt for a connecting flight from Zurich to Geneva and then continue their journey by train or other means of transportation to reach Lausanne. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but generally, prices start at around $100 for a one-way ticket.
There are various accommodation options available near Lausanne with over 949 hotels to choose from. Prices for these hotels start at around €60 per night, offering a range of choices to suit different budgets and preferences.