Direct answer: the average train from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Direct trains run roughly every 40 minutes from the station directly beneath the terminal, with no transfers from Geneva, through Lausanne and Vevey, to the lakefront in Montreux. A standard one-way ticket in second class is from about CHF 33 when booked in advance.
Geneva Airport to Montreux by train is one of the simplest transfers on the Swiss Riviera — a single corridor that hugs Lac Léman for the whole journey, and the route every traveller heading for a Montreux apartment or hotel should know.
This guide covers the direct train timetable, real departure times, ticket prices and the fastest route, so you can plan from the moment you step off the plane.
In a nutshell: catch a direct train from Geneva Airport station (right in the terminal) towards the Riviera — you do not need to go into central Geneva. Journey time ≈ 1h15, departures every 40 minutes or so, fare from ≈ CHF 33. Verify today’s exact times on SBB.ch.
How long is the train from Geneva Airport to Montreux?
Direct connections cover the roughly 80 km between Geneva Airport and Montreux in about 1 hour 15 minutes 1. The fastest daytime services complete the run in around 1 hour 14 minutes; evening trains are close behind. Because the line follows the lake with no major climb, journey times vary by only a few minutes between departures.
| Sample departures (airport station) | Arrival Montreux | Journey | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:14 | 10:36 | 1h22 | Direct |
| 09:55 | 11:09 | 1h14 | Direct |
| 14:14 | 15:36 | 1h22 | Direct |
| 14:58 | 16:12 | 1h14 | Direct |
| 18:15 | 19:36 | 1h21 | Direct |
| 18:58 | 20:12 | 1h14 | Direct |
Times shown are indicative daytime/evening departures; always check the live timetable on SBB.ch before travelling 1.
Are the trains from Geneva Airport to Montreux direct?
Yes — many departures are completely direct, with no change at Geneva, Lausanne or Vevey. The station at Geneva Airport is served by trains that continue toward the Riviera, which means you stay seated for the entire trip to Montreux. There are frequent direct services about every 40 minutes during the day.
The route stops at central station Genève, then Nyon, Morges, Lausanne, Pully, Lutry, Cuzy, Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz — all along the lake — before Montreux. Even when a connection needs a change at Lausanne or Vevey, the onward train is usually just across the platform.
Montreux railway station, the Riviera terminus of the Geneva–Lausanne–Vevey corridor. Photo: RivieraHost.
How much does the Geneva Airport to Montreux train cost?
A one-way ticket from Geneva Airport to Montreux in second class is from about CHF 33 when purchased in advance on SBB.ch or the SBB app 2. Buying on the day at the station usually costs a little more, and first class runs around 50% higher.
- Swiss Half Fare Card: halves the quoted price on this route.
- Swiss Travel Pass / day pass: covers the journey with no extra ticket.
- Children under 6: travel free; older children pay half fare.
- Bicycle: a separate bike supplement applies (reservation not required on this line).
Which Geneva Airport station do I need?
Geneva Airport has its own railway station, Genève Aéroport, located in the terminal complex a short, signposted walk from arrivals — usually under ten minutes. It’s a dead-end station: every platform departure leaves back along the same corridor toward central Geneva, so you cannot board the wrong direction for Montreux.
Tickets are sold at the SBB counters and machines in the station and in the arrivals hall.
The fastest route, step by step
- After landing, follow the Train signs in the terminal to the railway station.
- Buy your ticket at the SBB counter or machine, or use the SBB app.
- Board any train toward the Riviera / Lausanne – all departures from the airport pass Montreux’s line.
- Stay on board for about 1h15; the train calls at Genève, Nyon, Lausanne and Vevey before Montreux.
- Alight at Montreux, on the lakefront, and walk to your accommodation or the cable car lines.
For getting around once you are settled, see our guide to things to do from Montreux and apartments right on the lake.
Driving vs the train
By car the airport-to-Montreux drive is about 90 kilometres and takes roughly 1h30 on a clear day via the A1/A9 motorway. Parking in central Montreux is limited and expensive, and the route crosses Geneva am and evening rush hour. The train avoids traffic, runs on time and drops you on the lakefront — which is why it is the recommended transfer for most visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Geneva Airport to Montreux?
Yes. Multiple direct departures run every hour from the airport station to Montreux with no change, principally around the :14 and :55 marks, taking about 1h15.
What is the last train from Geneva Airport to Montreux?
Services run into the late evening; the final direct departures leave the airport station just before midnight and arrive in Montreux around 01h00. Check the live timetable for your date.
Can I take the train directly from the airport terminal?
Yes — Genève Aéroport station is inside the terminal building, a short covered walk from arrivals.
Where in Montreux does the train arrive?
At Montreux station, right on the lakefront next to the casino and the Montreux Jazz Festival site, with the funicular to Territet nearby.
Stay right by the lake
Once you arrive, base yourself moments from the station. RivieraHost manages lakefront apartments in Montreux — with kitchens, more space and better value than a hotel for families and groups.
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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.