Zurich to Lausanne by Train
Direct high-speed service · from €51.5
Route Overview: Zurich to Lausanne
The Zurich to Lausanne train connects German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland in just over two hours. SBB operates frequent InterCity services on this corridor, with the fastest direct trains completing the 214 km journey in 2 hours and 11 minutes via Bern.
The route passes through the heart of Switzerland, stopping at the federal capital Bern — home to a UNESCO World Heritage old town — before crossing the language border near Fribourg. As the train approaches Lausanne, passengers are treated to glimpses of Lake Geneva and the surrounding Alpine peaks.
Lausanne is the Olympic Capital, home to the International Olympic Committee and its acclaimed Olympic Museum. The city's steep topography is served by Switzerland's only metro system, connecting the hilltop station to the lakefront district of Ouchy.
How Long Is the Zurich to Lausanne Train?
The direct SBB from Zurich to Lausanne takes approximately 2h 11min, with multiple daily departures.
How Much Does a Zurich to Lausanne Train Ticket Cost?
Tickets start from €51.5 when booked in advance. Prices vary by date, time, and availability.
How Many Trains Run Daily from Zurich to Lausanne?
Up to 57/day trains operate daily on the Zurich to Lausanne route.
Train Operator
SBB
Direct high-speed service · 2h 11min max
Which Stations Serve the Zurich to Lausanne Route?
Zurich HB
- Largest railway station in Switzerland
- Connected to tram, bus and S-Bahn networks
- RER Shopping arcade beneath the station
Lausanne
- Station is on a hill — use the metro (M2) to reach the lakefront at Ouchy
- Olympic Museum is a short metro ride from the station
- RER Connections to Montreux, Geneva, and TGV Lyria to Paris
What Classes Are Available on Zurich to Lausanne Trains?
2nd Class
- Comfortable seating with tables
- Free WiFi (SBB FreeSurf)
- Power outlets at most seats
- Luggage storage areas
1st Class
- Wider seats with extra legroom
- Free WiFi (SBB FreeSurf)
- Power outlets at every seat
- Quieter carriages
- Restaurant car access
How to Book the Zurich to Lausanne Train?
Starting Price
Per person, one way in 2nd Class class. Prices shown are indicative. SBB Supersaver tickets offer up to 70% discount when booked in advance.
Book Early
Tickets are available up to 6 months in advance. Advance bookings offer the best prices.
Children & Youth
Children 4-11 may qualify for reduced fares. Youth discounts may be available. Infants under 4 travel free
Luggage
Standard luggage allowance applies
What Should You Know About Zurich to Lausanne Trains?
Language Border
The train crosses from German-speaking to French-speaking Switzerland around Fribourg. Station announcements switch language accordingly.
Supersaver Tickets
SBB Supersaver tickets offer up to 70% off the standard fare. Available on sbb.ch and the SBB Mobile app. These are train-specific and non-refundable.
Connections from Lausanne
Lausanne is a major hub for onward travel to Geneva (33 min), Montreux (20 min), and Paris via TGV Lyria (3h 41min).
Frequently Asked Questions: Zurich to Lausanne
The fastest direct IC trains take 2 hours and 11 minutes. The average journey time is around 2 hours 43 minutes depending on the number of stops.
Standard 2nd class one-way tickets cost around CHF 73. SBB Supersaver tickets start from approximately CHF 20 when booked in advance online.
There are approximately 57 trains daily, with direct IC services departing every 30 minutes during peak hours.
Direct IC services typically stop at Bern and Fribourg/Freiburg. Some trains also stop at Aarau, Olten, and Palezieux. The fastest services stop only at Bern.