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Tickets/Classes for Boats on Lake Geneva, Switzerland

My husband and I will be at a conference in Switzerland next month (Sept). We plan to take a cgn boat from Lausanne to Chillon. We want to tour the Chateau du Chillon, and we love boat rides, so it seems a great fit. I am unsure if I need to buy tickets online in advance or if I can get them the day of the ride at the boat dock (or even buy online once I am in Switzerland and know the forecast). In case of super bad weather, I would rather not buy ahead (could take the train instead); but since it is September, there is only 1 boat time that would work and I don't want it to be sold out (on a Friday). Does anyone know if these boats typically sell out or if we can wait to buy tickets?

If I do buy tickets in advance, can I buy second class and then upgrade to first class on board if the weather is great? I don't mind spending the money for first class to get access to the top deck and have a great view, but again, if the weather is not terrific, I don't need first class (not planning to eat in the restaurant in first class). Thanks in advance!

Posted by
1046 posts

I'm sorry I can't tell you if the boats will fill up, but what I can tell you is that you can only upgrade, if there is still space. And I'm guessing that you will not be the only person with this strategy!

Posted by
16895 posts

As a matter of policy, Switzerland tries to make it pretty easy to take most public transportation without reservations. Although Rick indicates a limited number of chairs on the 1st-class view deck, I would not expect the whole boat to fill up.