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Geneva to Chillon

So we are inexperienced travelers from Ohio unused to public transportation! We are going to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc with a company called Alpenwild that is meeting us in Geneva. We are getting there a day early and thought we would go to the Chateau de Chillon. We thought we would take the train to Lausanne, then take a ferry to Chillon, do the castle, walk to Montreux for lunch, then take the train back to Geneva.

Some questions (and please excuse my ignorance!)
1. Is there a train stop in Lausanne that is close to the ferry?
2. If we buy a ticket from Montreux to Geneva, can we get off (say in Lavaux) and then get back on another train later to Geneva? Or is that not allowed?
3. Any great lunch suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
20 posts

Hello,
I sure hope someone answers your questions. I am planning our trip for September and would really like to know the answers to your questions, as well :)

Posted by
20085 posts
  1. No, but you can take the Metro from the train station down to the ferry dock, Lausanne-Ouchy.
  2. Yes, as long a you stick to the same rail line. Ticket is good between point A and B for the day.
  3. No I don't.

Suggestion: The full fare ticket from Geneva to Lausanne, Metro transfer to ferry dock, boat to Chateau Chillon is 55.40 CHF, and the return by train is 39 CHF. If you can buy a Saver Day Pass for under 90 CHF, you will be ahead of the game. Saver Day Passes go on sale up to 60 days before the day you want to use it and start at 52 CHF (without a Half Fare Card) then and the price gradually increases as you get closer to your intended travel date. To get a good price, you would have to buy it about 10 days before your intended travel date.

Posted by
20 posts

Hello Sam,
Thanks for your information! Will a Swiss Rail Pass help provide free travel for all of the rail, bus, and ferry tickets?

Posted by
20085 posts

Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is valid for all of the methods of transport plus free entry to Chateau Chillon.

Posted by
3 posts
  1. The Lausanne metro station is located across the street from Lausanne Gare. It is very easy and fast to get to Ouchy (the waterfront) from Lausanne Gare.
  2. Where do you want to have lunch? If you have a chance to dine in the Lavaux, I have had amazing lunches in two locations after exploring the vineyard. It is fun to have a gourmet experience after exploring these areas. Lunch offers a great time to dine at very high end restaurants for a very good price. Auberge de l'Onde in St. Saphorin is lovely. It is a highly rated, gourmet restaurant that is a lovely end to the Lavaux hike from Chexbrex to Rivaz/St. Saphorin. It is very special. If you are in the Lavaux in Aran (having explored from Lutry to Aran or near Grandvaux or Epesses, I highly recommend Le Guilliaume Tell. Again, a highly rated gourmet restaurant with a wonderful 47 Franc menu. Truly special places to dine.

If you are in Lausanne on the waterfront, there are many restaurants with outdoor dining that offer a fun experience. The same is true of Vevey and Montreux.