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Zurich, Zurich (Canton) to Lausanne, Vaud 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 $45 $46 $46 $61 $46
Fly $130 $158 $143 $150 $147 $188 $146
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Zurich to Lausanne

The journey from Zurich to Lausanne takes you from the bustling financial hub of Zurich to the serene shores of Lake Geneva, highlighting the cultural and scenic contrasts that each city offers.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lausanne

Lausanne boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Ouchy
• Beautiful lakeside promenade and parks.
• Ideal for waterfront dining and leisure.
Old Town (Vieille Ville)
• Cobblestone streets filled with history.
• Stunning views from the Cathedral tower.
Flon
• Trendy area with shops and cafes.
• Great nightlife and cultural venues.

Best Times To Visit Lausanne's Attractions

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

Olympic Museum
Visit in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Lausanne Cathedral
Late afternoon is ideal; enjoy stunning light and quieter surroundings.
Ouchy Promenade
Visit during weekdays in spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer visitors.

Lausanne Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lausanne enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a delightful destination throughout the year. Generally, the best times to visit are spring and early fall, when the weather is pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor attractions and activities.

Dining in Lausanne

In Lausanne, trying the regional specialty of fondue at Café Romand captures the essence of Swiss tradition, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere that contrasts with Zurich's more modern dining scene. The rich, creamy flavors of locally sourced cheeses melted to perfection provide a true taste of the area, making for a memorable culinary experience.

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 picturesque journey from Zurich to Lausanne, spanning 139 miles of breathtaking Swiss landscapes. Enjoy a pleasant drive of around 2 hours and 19 minutes, captivated by the beauty of the route. 💰 With car rental prices ranging from €42 to €60, this road trip offers a cost-effective and convenient way to explore Switzerland's charm. Take in the scenic wonders as you cruise towards the vibrant city of Lausanne.
Average price
€42 - €60
🚆 Experience a convenient and efficient train journey from Zurich to Lausanne with Swiss Railways. Departing every 20 minutes from Zurich Hb station, the direct service to Lausanne operates daily, taking approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 🌿 Enjoy the scenic route as you travel 231 km from Zurich to Lausanne. Opt for the 2-hour 15-minute direct train for a seamless and comfortable ride. With no transfers involved, you can relax and take in the Swiss countryside along the way. 🌞 For a longer but still enjoyable journey, consider a route with a transfer. This option may take 3 hours and 37 minutes, spanning 349 km with beautiful views. Connect at Visp before heading to Lausanne, adding a touch of adventure to your Swiss travel experience.
Departure Point
Zürich Hb station
Arrival Point
Lausanne station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on the train from Zurich to Lausanne typically include a catering service provided by SBB (Swiss Federal Railways), which offers a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can expect at least one trolley service during the journey, while first-class passengers may have access to a more extensive menu.
• The train offers several seating options: First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class provides spacious seating with more legroom and complimentary drinks, while Economy Class is more budget-friendly but still comfortable. Check SBB's website (sbb.ch) for detailed seating charts and ticket prices.
• There are multiple operators for this route, including SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) and LEO Express. For current schedules and booking, visit the following websites: SBB - sbb.ch and LEO Express - leoexpress.com
🛫 Flying from Zurich to Lausanne is a convenient and quick option, with a direct flight taking approximately 50 minutes. Airlines such as Royal Jordanian and Swiss operate flights on this route from Zurich Airport to Geneva Airport.
Departure Point
Zurich Airport
Arrival Point
Geneva Airport
🚌 Make your way from Zurich to Lausanne by hopping on a direct bus departing from Zurich Bus Station. This convenient service operates four times a day, offering a smooth journey that takes approximately 3 hours. 🌍 The scenic route covers 202 kilometers between the two charming Swiss cities. The FlixBus agency provides reliable transportation, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for passengers heading from Zurich to Lausanne. 🕒 For a quicker option, consider taking the long-distance train, which cuts down the travel time to just 2 hours and 15 minutes. Enjoy the efficient service offered by Schweizerische Bundesbahnen for a swift and seamless trip from Zurich HB to Lausanne.
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 108 miles or 139.3 miles by car. If you prefer to travel by train, it takes around 2 hours and 8 minutes to reach Lausanne from Zurich. Alternatively, taking a flight followed by a train will take approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. Driving from Lausanne to Zurich takes about 2 hours and 19 minutes, and the bus journey from Zurich to Lausanne typically takes around 3 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Zurich to Lausanne is by bus, which takes approximately 3 hours and costs around €18-€26. However, if time efficiency is a priority, taking the train is the best option as it only takes 2 hours and 8 minutes to reach Lausanne and costs €69-€128. Both options provide convenient and reliable transportation between the two cities.
When traveling from Zurich to Lausanne the prices for a train ticket can range from €69 to €128. Alternatively, taking a bus between Lausanne and Zurich can cost between €18 to €26. It's important to note that these prices may vary depending on factors such as the class of travel, time of booking, and any promotions or discounts available at the time. It is recommended to check with the specific transportation provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from Zurich to Lausanne without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 139 miles, and it takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes to drive. The cost of driving from Zurich to Lausanne by car varies between €41 and €59.
The best and most convenient way to travel from Zurich to Lausanne without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes and the train tickets prices range from €69 to €128. Trains are frequent and offer a comfortable and scenic ride through the beautiful Swiss countryside.
Yes, there is a direct link between Zurich and Lausanne. You can take a direct train from Zurich HB to Lausanne, which departs hourly and takes approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus service available, departing from Zurich Bus Station and arriving in Lausanne. The bus operates three times a day and the journey takes around 3 hours. Both options provide convenient and efficient travel between the two cities.
The flight between Zurich and Lausanne typically takes around 50 minutes. The cost of the flight may vary depending on the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at Geneva Airport, the most convenient way to get to Lausanne is by train. The train journey between Geneva Airport and Lausanne takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can also consider taking a taxi or renting a car for more flexibility in transportation.
There are several options for accommodation near Lausanne. With over 809 hotels available, you are sure to find something that suits your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Lausanne start at €53 per night. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of choices to choose from in and around Lausanne.