Travelling from Geneva Airport to Montreux?
The good news is that it’s one of the easiest journeys you’ll make in Switzerland.
Direct trains run throughout the day, the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and there is usually no need to book in advance.
I've used this route several times when travelling to Montreux and have always found it incredibly straightforward.
Whether you’re visiting Montreux for the Christmas Market, starting a GoldenPass rail adventure or simply exploring Lake Geneva, here’s everything you need to know.
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Journey Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes
Direct Train: Yes
Advance Booking Required: No
Typical Fare: Around CHF 20-35
Departure Station: Geneva Airport
Arrival Station: Montreux
Best Option: Train
Yes.
One of the things I love about travelling in Switzerland is how simple the rail network is to use.
After collecting your luggage at Geneva Airport, simply follow the signs to the railway station, which is located directly beneath the terminal building.
From there, direct trains run to Montreux throughout the day.
There is no need to take a shuttle bus, transfer into Geneva city centre or use any other form of transport.
Simply get off your flight, walk downstairs and board your train.
Geneva Airport railway station is located directly underneath the airport terminal.
After arriving, follow the signs marked:
- Train
- Gare CFF
The station is fully integrated into the airport and is one of the easiest airport-to-train transfers I’ve experienced anywhere in Europe.
You can comfortably walk from arrivals to the station in just a few minutes.
You can purchase tickets:
For most visitors, I find the SBB app the easiest option.
If you're travelling from the airport, look for trains from Genève-Aéroport to Montreux.
Many services are direct and take around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
If there isn't a direct train available, don't worry. There are frequent connections requiring a simple change at Genève, Geneva's main railway station.
In practice, the journey is still very straightforward and there are usually around three trains per hour between Geneva Airport and Montreux.
When I travelled, I deliberately bought my ticket after arriving at Geneva Airport.
I generally prefer doing this when flying because it means I’m not tied to a specific train if my flight is delayed or baggage collection takes longer than expected.
I paid approximately £35 for my journey.
If you’re happy booking in advance, it is sometimes possible to find cheaper Supersaver fares.
For my return journey from Montreux to Geneva Airport, I booked ahead and paid just CHF 20.40.
Children under 6 travel free on Swiss public transport. Children aged 6–15 normally travel at half fare. If you're visiting Switzerland with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, children aged 6–15 can often travel free with a parent using a Swiss Family Card.
Yes. The Geneva Airport to Montreux route is fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, meaning no additional ticket is required for the train journey itself.
Children travelling with a Swiss Family Card can also travel free when accompanied by a parent.
No.
Unlike many countries, Swiss trains generally do not require advance reservations. The trains between Geneva Airport and Montreux are frequent, modern and often double-decker.
Personally, I usually buy my ticket after arriving at the airport rather than committing to a specific train in case my flight is delayed.
However, if you know exactly which train you'll be taking, you can sometimes save money by booking advance Saver Day Passes or Supersaver Tickets through SBB.
One of the best things about travelling between Geneva Airport and Montreux is how frequent the trains are.
Direct trains from Genève-Aéroport to Montreux usually run around once per hour, with additional services requiring a simple change at Genève (Geneva's main station). In total, there are typically around three trains per hour throughout most of the day.
The last train from Geneva Airport to Montreux normally leaves at around 11:11pm, while the first services start from around 5:00am.
Travelling in the opposite direction, the last train from Montreux to Geneva Airport is usually around 12:30am, with the first departures starting from around 5:30am.
This makes Montreux a practical base even if you're arriving on a late flight or have an early departure from Geneva Airport.
The route follows the shores of Lake Geneva for much of the journey.
As you leave Geneva behind, you’ll pass lakeside towns, vineyards and mountain scenery before arriving in Montreux.
One of the things that surprised me about Switzerland was how scenic even ordinary train journeys can be.
By the time I arrived in Montreux, I already felt like I was experiencing one of the highlights of the trip.
If you're continuing beyond Montreux, the town is also the starting point for the GoldenPass Express and GoldenPass Belle Époque routes towards Interlaken.
Montreux station is located within easy walking distance of the town centre.
During my trip, I walked from the station to Montreux Youth Hostel in around 20 minutes.
The walk follows the shores of Lake Geneva and was actually a lovely introduction to the town.
If you’re staying in the centre of Montreux, your walk will likely be even shorter.
If you’re visiting Montreux for the Christmas Market, you’ll be pleased to know that the main market area is only a few minutes’ walk from Montreux station.
Simply leave the station and head downhill towards the lake and you’ll quickly find yourself in the heart of the market.
It’s one of the easiest Christmas markets in Europe to reach by public transport and one of the reasons I enjoy visiting so much.
Visiting during the festive season? I've put together a complete guide to the Montreux Christmas Market, including opening dates, highlights and my favourite things to do.
Visiting Montreux? Check out my guide to One Day in Montreux for the perfect itinerary.
Still deciding whether to visit? Read my honest review: Is Montreux Worth Visiting?
➡️ GoldenPass Belle Époque Guide
➡️ GoldenPass Express vs GoldenPass Belle Epoque: Which to Choose
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➡️ 6 Day Switzerland Rail Itinerary
➡️ 10 Day Switzerland Itinerary
➡️ My 4 Day Switzerland Trip: Montreux, Interlaken, Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen
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