Lausanne at a glance
Lausanne is built on steep hills above Lake Geneva, facing the French Alps across the water. It is the capital of the canton of Vaud, a university city, and the Olympic Capital, home to the International Olympic Committee and dozens of international sports federations. From the lake shore at Ouchy to the cathedral at the top of the old town, the city climbs more than 150 metres, which gives it remarkable views and a metro that runs up the slope.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Lausanne is one of the most frequent destinations from Geneva Airport: business meetings, Olympic and sports organisations, university and hospital visits, hotel stays on the lake, and departures to Lavaux and Montreux.
A short history
Lausanne was a Roman settlement on the lake shore, then a bishop's city in the Middle Ages, when its Gothic cathedral was built. It became Protestant in the 16th century, under the rule of Bern, and the capital of the new canton of Vaud in 1803. In 1915, Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games, moved the International Olympic Committee to Lausanne, which has been the Olympic Capital ever since. The city also hosts the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the University of Lausanne, on a campus by the lake.
When to come
Lausanne is pleasant all year. Spring and summer bring terraces, lake swimming, boat trips to Évian and the festivals. Autumn is the season of the grape harvest in the neighbouring Lavaux vineyards. Winter is quieter, with the Christmas markets and easy access to the Alps. The city hosts many sports events and congresses throughout the year.
From Geneva Airport to Lausanne: the route
The trip covers about 60 kilometres. Google calculates about forty-five minutes without traffic. The motorway follows the northern shore of Lake Geneva, past Nyon, Rolle and Morges, with views of the lake and the Alps. At rush hour, the motorway between Geneva and Lausanne is often busy; we plan the departure accordingly. The whole route is in Switzerland: no border to cross.
Getting around a city on a slope
Lausanne's steep streets can be tiring with luggage, and some parts of the centre are pedestrian. Your chauffeur drops you directly at your hotel, office or venue. For a day of meetings, an hourly booking keeps the car available between the city centre, the Olympic organisations, the university campus and the hospital.
What to see in Lausanne
- The Cathedral of Notre-Dame, one of the finest Gothic buildings in Switzerland, where a night watchman still calls out the hours from the tower.
- The Olympic Museum in Ouchy, with its park overlooking the lake.
- Ouchy, the lakeside district, its promenade and its boats.
- The old town, the Place de la Palud and its covered stairs.
- The Collection de l'Art Brut, a unique museum of outsider art.
- The Lavaux vineyards, listed by UNESCO, just east of the city.
At the table
Lausanne's restaurants range from lakeside terraces to gastronomic tables. Vaud specialities include papet vaudois, a dish of leeks and potatoes with sausage, filets de perche from the lake, and Chasselas, the white wine of Lavaux and La Côte, served with cheese and fish.
Advice by type of traveller
Business travellers. A Mercedes E-Class or S-Class lets you work on the way; book by the hour for several meetings.
Sports and Olympic visitors. We know the addresses of the international federations and the Olympic House.
Families. Ask for child seats with the children's ages; the Olympic Museum is a good visit with children.
Wine lovers. Combine Lausanne with a tour of the Lavaux vineyards.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers; the S-Class offers the most comfort; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with luggage. For larger groups, the Sprinter is available on request.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Lausanne. Book online to see the exact price for your address. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Geneva Airport to Lausanne?
About forty-five minutes for about 60 kilometres without traffic. Allow more at rush hour.
Do we cross a border?
No. The whole route is in Switzerland.
Can you drive us to the Olympic organisations?
Yes. Give us the exact address; your chauffeur drops you at the entrance.
Can we combine Lausanne with Lavaux?
Yes. An hourly booking lets you visit the vineyards on the same day.
Is the service available for early flights?
Yes, 24 hours a day.
