Direct answer: the classic way to reach Évian-les-Bains from Montreux is train plus boat: about 20–30 minutes by train to Lausanne, then a CGN boat from Ouchy to Évian in roughly 35 minutes 1. Carry a valid passport or ID card, because the crossing takes you into France, and plan on euros for lunch. Allow a half day at minimum, a full day to enjoy it.
Évian-les-Bains sits directly across Lake Geneva from Lausanne, a French spa town in Haute-Savoie best known for the mineral water that carries its name. It is one of the easiest ways to add a second country to a Riviera stay: you cross the lake on a public boat, step off in the town centre and walk to the promenade, with no car needed 1.
In a nutshell: Montreux → Lausanne by train → Ouchy by M2 metro or on foot → CGN boat to Évian (about 35 minutes) → lakeside walk, lunch and the Palais Lumière → boat back before the last sailing. Check cgn.ch for the day’s times, which vary by season.
A CGN paddle steamer on Lake Geneva. Photo: Suzy1919, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons.
How do you get from Montreux to Évian?
There is no need to drive. The usual route has three short legs:
- Train, Montreux to Lausanne: frequent direct trains along the lake take roughly 20–30 minutes 2.
- Lausanne station to Ouchy: the M2 metro runs down to the lakefront in a few minutes, or you can walk downhill in about 20 minutes.
- CGN boat, Ouchy to Évian: the Évian tourist office lists daily links between Lausanne and Évian of about 35 minutes 1.
In total, count on roughly 1h30 to 2h from your door in Montreux to the pier in Évian, depending on connections. Our guide to the Lausanne Olympic Museum and Ouchy day trip covers the Lausanne end, and the CGN cruises guide explains the fleet.
| Leg | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train Montreux → Lausanne | 20–30 min | Direct, lakeside line |
| M2 metro to Ouchy | A few minutes | Or a 20-minute downhill walk |
| CGN boat Ouchy → Évian | About 35 min | Year-round; fewer sailings in winter |
Do you need a passport?
Yes, carry one. The boat crosses the border between Switzerland and France, so keep a valid passport or national ID card with you for the whole day. Visitors from outside the EU and EFTA must also meet the usual entry conditions for France and the Schengen area. Rules can change, so check the official guidance for your nationality before you travel.
What does the boat cost?
CGN publishes fares by route and season, and they change, so treat any figure as indicative: a one-way ticket Lausanne–Évian is roughly CHF 20–25 in second class, with return tickets costing less than two singles. Always confirm the price for your date on cgn.ch 3. Some Swiss rail and boat passes cover part of a CGN journey, but the cross-border section is often not included, so check your pass terms before you board.
What to do in Évian-les-Bains
The town is compact, and everything below is within a short walk of the pier 1:
- The lakeside promenade: a flat, shaded walk with views back across the lake toward the Swiss shore, ideal after the boat.
- Palais Lumière: the former spa building on the lakefront, now a cultural centre that hosts exhibitions; check what is on during your visit.
- The spa-town streets: Belle Époque villas and the upper town’s cafés and bakeries.
- Lunch: a French bistro lunch, usually paid in euros, is half the point of the trip.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn is easiest: more sailings, outdoor tables and long daylight for the return crossing. Winter works too, since the Lausanne–Évian link runs year-round, but with fewer departures you must plan your last boat back carefully 1.
Getting back
Note the time of the last boat before you set off, and leave a margin: the train from Lausanne to Montreux then adds roughly 20–30 minutes. If you miss the last crossing, the alternative is a long road or rail detour around the lake, so it is worth being at the pier early.
Staying in Montreux for a few nights makes this an easy add-on: our lakeside apartments have kitchens and space for families, and the station is a short walk away.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Montreux to Évian-les-Bains?
Take the train from Montreux to Lausanne (roughly 20 to 30 minutes), walk or ride the M2 metro down to Ouchy, then board the CGN boat to Évian, a crossing of about 35 minutes. Check the live timetables on SBB.ch and cgn.ch.
Do I need a passport to visit Évian from Montreux?
Yes, carry a valid passport or national ID card. The boat crosses the Swiss-French border, and non-EU/EFTA visitors must also meet the entry rules for France and the Schengen area.
How long does the boat from Lausanne to Évian take?
About 35 minutes according to the Évian tourist office. Sailings run all year but are less frequent in winter, so confirm the day's times on cgn.ch.
Is Évian-les-Bains worth a day trip?
Yes, if you like a relaxed lakeside town: a flat promenade, the Palais Lumière, spa-town architecture and French cafés, all within a few minutes' walk of the pier. A half day is enough; a full day lets you add lunch and a longer stroll.
Which currency is used in Évian?
The euro. Many cafés and shops accept Swiss francs or cards, but you will usually get a better rate paying by card in euros.
Sources
Base yourself in Montreux
RivieraHost’s apartments sit steps from the lake — with kitchens, more space and better value than a hotel for families and groups. Every one is right on this guide’s doorstep.