Over the last few weeks, we have been sharing lots of Extreme Day Trips on our Facebook page, to Montreux Christmas Markets, which have been very popular with our followers
It's perfect for a one-day Christmas trip, with the chance to shop the markets, and see Santa fly across the sky!
Below I’ve put together everything you need to know for a same-day trip from the UK to Switzerland - including a list of all available extreme day trip flights, plus practical tips and what to pack.
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Geneva sits on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in western Switzerland, right on the French border. It’s an international city famous for luxury watches, the UN, and its stunning alpine backdrop.
London Luton and Gatwick have the most frequent early-morning departures and late-evening returns, making them ideal for same-day trips.
Other UK airports also have direct flights, though not every day. For “extreme” day trips, London airports have the most choice. However, we have included every airport we could possibly find options for.
There are a couple of flights included, where I would recommend you don't attempt to reach Montreux as there won't be enough time to fully enjoy it.
Ideally, you want to be landing in Geneva 10am or earlier, and looking to depart around 8pm onwards if you wish to visit Montreux.
For the shorter flights, I recommend you stay in Geneva and enjoy a day there instead.
Direct trains depart from the airport direct to Montreux and visa-versa, around every hour. However, if you are willing to change trains, you will find more frequent departures.
The journey takes around 1h–1h15. Tickets cost CHF 25–30 each way (£22–26).
Allow 3.5hrs before your flight departure time, for getting back to the airport and through airport security/passport control.
Dates: 21 November – 24 December 2025.
Vibe: 170+ decorated stalls lining the lake promenade, chalet-style huts selling gifts, fondue, mulled wine & Swiss treats.
Features:
Lakeside light displays and music.
Traditional raclette, chocolate & mulled wine.
Stunning views across Lake Geneva with the Alps as backdrop.
If you wish to skip Montreux and just visit Geneva, trains run every 10–15 mins from the airport and only take around 7 minutes to reach the city centre. Tickets cost around CHF 3–4 (£3–4) each way.
Lake Geneva: stroll the lakeside and spot the Jet d’Eau fountain.
Old Town: cobbled streets, St Pierre Cathedral, cafés.
Parc des Bastions: see the giant chessboards and Reformation Wall.
Carouge: artsy quarter with boutiques and bars.
Chocolate & Fondue stops: try local favourites like Auer Chocolat.
Passport, boarding passes, and travel insurance.
Warm coat, gloves, hat — it’s cold by the lake in December!
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot).
Power bank (long travel day).
Reusable water bottle (tap water in Switzerland is safe).
Swiss Francs (CHF) or a card that works abroad (contactless widely accepted).
Mon 1st Dec
London Luton
£68pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/Qjr7gM
Tues 2nd Dec
London Luton
£53pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/je3Y3e
Wed 3rd Dec
London Luton
£47pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/MAx7xJ
Thurs 4th Dec
London Luton
£91pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/kO3YEz
Sun 7th Dec
London Luton
£95pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/7agvdO
Mon 8th Dec
London Luton
£52pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/e1MY0j
Monday 8th Dec
Manchester
£89pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/N9D7qK
Mon 8th Dec
Bristol
£120pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/qz3Yjy
Tues 9th Dec
Manchester
£94pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/aOdMLq
Wed 10th Dec
London Luton
£48pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/PO95k6
Thurs 11th Dec
London Luton
£57pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/LKq9q0
Thurs 11th Dec
London Luton
£75pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/xL313y
Fri 12th Dec
Edinburgh
£128pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/bOznzM
Fri 12th Dec
Manchester
£115pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/RGjejv
Sun 14th Dec
London Gatwick
£123pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/N9DjD1
Sun 14th Dec
Belfast
£140pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/K0LQme
Mon 15th Dec
London Gatwick
£87pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/LKq9B0
Monday 15th Dec
London Gatwick
£78pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/PO95EN
Monday 15th Dec
Bristol
£96pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/bOdMQM
Tues 16th Dec
London Luton
£69pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/ra35ry
Wed 17th Dec
London Luton
£62pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/e1MmXX
Wed 17th Dec
Bristol
£102pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/GKBLJ9
Wed 17th Dec
Liverpool
£84pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/JK0DX7
Thurs 18th Dec
London Luton
£76pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/EEX41Q
Thurs 18th Dec
Liverpool
£116pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/nX3mx9
Fri 19th Dec
Liverpool
£113pp
https://skyscanner.pxf.io/YRGZAB
Sun 21st Dec
Liverpool
£112pp
Please remember: We’re a travel platform sharing great finds, not a travel agent. We do not take requests for alternative dates/airports or provide personal travel quotes 
All prices and availability are correct at the time of posting but may change or be withdrawn at any time. Always check all details carefully with the travel provider before booking, as we are not responsible for any changes, omissions, or errors. Any booking or contract is made directly between you and the travel supplier.Book earliest flight in / latest out to maximise time.
Check train timetables (Geneva ↔ Montreux) on SBB app for precision.
Allow airport buffer time — Geneva Airport can be busy with ski traffic in December.
Travel light — small day-bag only.
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