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. The good news is dates for 2026 are now out!
It's perfect for a one-day Christmas trip, with the chance to shop the markets, and see Santa fly across the sky! You can read about my personal trip here in December 2025 here
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.
Just a quick note before we begin- this blog contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these. This helps us to continue finding you the best deals and to keep the website going.
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 has 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.
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 (dates for 2026 to be confirmed)
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).
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Sunday 13th December 2026 | £90.48pp | Click here |
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Monday 7th December 2026
| £81pp | Click here |
Friday 11th December 2026
| £106pp | Click here |
Saturday 12th December 2026
| £134pp | Click here |
Sunday 13th December 2026
| £102pp | Click here |
Monday 14th December 2026
| £95pp | Click here |
Friday 18th December 2026
| £120pp | Click here |
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Saturday 12th December 2026
| £109pp | Click here |
Monday 14th December 2026
| £86pp | Click here |
Wednesday 16th December 2026
| £72pp | Click here |
Thursday 17th December 2026
| £83pp | Click here |
Friday 18th December 2026
| £108pp | Click here |
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Monday 7th December 2026
| £115pp | Click here |
Tuesday 8th December 2026
| £90pp | Click here |
Thursday 10th December 2026
| £92pp | Click here |
Sunday 13th December 2026
| £101pp | Click here |
Monday 14th December 2026
| £91pp | Click here |
Tuesday 15th December 2026
| £84pp | Click here |
Thursday 17th December 2026
| £109pp | Click here |
Friday 18th December 2026
| £115pp | Click here |
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Friday 11th December 2026
| £88pp | Click here |
Saturday 12th December 2026
| £100pp | Click here |
Friday 18th December 2026
| £129pp | Click here |
| Date | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
Tuesday 1st December 2026
| £70pp | Click here |
Wednesday 2nd December 2026
| £65pp | Click here |
Thursday 3rd December 2026
| £99pp | Click here |
Saturday 5th December 2026
| £97pp | Click here |
Sunday 6th December 2026
| £90pp | Click here |
Monday 7th December 2026
| £65pp | Click here |
Tuesday 8th December 2026
| £61pp | Click here |
Wednesday 9th December 2026
| £80pp | Click here |
Thursday 10th December 2026
| £77pp | Click here |
Friday 11th December 2026
| £89pp | Click here |
Saturday 12th December 2026
| £96pp | Click here |
Sunday 13th December 2026
| £101pp | Click here |
Monday 14th December 2026
| £89pp | Click here |
Tuesday 15th December 2026
| £79pp | Click here |
Wednesday 16th December 2026
| £76pp | Click here |
Thursday 17th December 2026
| £94pp | Click here |
Friday 18th December 2026
| £97pp |
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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