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Three questions about the train from Geneva airport to Lausanne

Hi,

We are taking the train from the Geneva airport to Lausanne on a Tuesday morning, and returning 4 days later. Here are my three questions:

Which app is easier for buying tickets, SBB Mobile or Trainline? SBB seems more complicated.

Should we buy the tickets in advance or is same day ok?

Since we will have luggage (carryon and backpacks) would it be easier to buy first class tickets? I'm thinking the train might be filled with commuters.

Thanks for your help,
Kate

Posted by
3125 posts

Buy from SBB. It’s super easy. Just load the app on your phone.

No need to buy in advance.

I like 1st class because there’s more room and less crowds.

Posted by
4961 posts

Ditto. For my first trip from the airport (after a night on a plane), I went with first for the quiet and space. I did again for the last journey to the airport, as I am not a morning person. Otherwise it did not seem necessary--Geneva to Lausanne is so short, I would not bother with first class.

Posted by
73 posts

I have another question! To get to Vevey....it says it's "Direct"...but then I read that there's a 7 minute train ride from the airport to the Geneva Central Train Station-Gare Cornavin. Does the direct train start at Geneval Central or the airport?

Posted by
2493 posts

Use the website www.sbb.ch to find out schedules.

There you will see that there are direct trains from the airport to Vevey every half hour.

Posted by
7300 posts

The train starts at the airport so you will find plenty of space, making 1st class unnecessary in my opinion. Especially since Geneva to Lausanne is against the main flow of commuters in the morning.

Posted by
207 posts

I bought well in advance, a saver ticket to save a bit of money. I timed my train to be an hour after my flight landed. We were delayed by 15 minutes, and I still made the train with about ten minutes to spare!

Posted by
73 posts

thank you! I have the schedule for the direct route, but I read about that 7 minute train ride out of the airport and got nervous.
I really appreciate all of the advice.