Direct answer: the quickest way from Zurich Airport (ZRH) to Montreux is the train: the station sits directly beneath the terminal, and the journey takes roughly 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, normally with one change (usually at Lausanne). A full-price second-class single costs roughly CHF 90–100, and far less with an advance saver ticket, a Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass 1.
Zurich Airport to Montreux is a longer transfer than the one from Geneva, but it is easy once you know the shape of it: one fast intercity across the Swiss Plateau, then the lake line from Lausanne along Lake Geneva to Montreux. Switzerland’s rail network is built around exactly these connections, so a change of train rarely means a long wait 1.
This guide compares the train, the car and the “fly into Geneva instead” option, so you can choose before you book your flight.
In a nutshell: take the escalator down to the airport station, board an intercity toward Lausanne or Geneva Airport, change at Lausanne for a train to Montreux, and get off on the lakefront. Plan on about 2h40–3h and keep your ticket flexible; always check the live timetable on SBB.ch before you travel.
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How long is the train from Zurich Airport to Montreux?
Expect about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours door to door on the platform, depending on the departure. The distance by rail is roughly 240 km, and the fast leg is the intercity from Zurich to Lausanne via Bern and Fribourg; the last 20 minutes or so are on the lake line from Lausanne to Montreux 1.
Timetables change every December and vary by time of day, so treat the figures here as planning estimates and confirm the exact departure on SBB.ch or in the SBB app.
| Option | Approx. time | Changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train from Zurich Airport | 2h40–3h | Usually 1 (Lausanne) | Most travellers; no traffic, lakefront arrival |
| Rental car or taxi | 2h30–3h | None | Groups with heavy luggage, onward trips by road |
| Fly to Geneva instead, then train | Flight + 1h15 train | None on the train | Arrivals where a Geneva flight is available |
The Geneva alternative is covered step by step in our guide to the Geneva Airport to Montreux train.
Where is the train station at Zurich Airport?
Zurich Airport has its own main railway station, Zürich Flughafen, built directly beneath the terminal complex, so you can reach the platforms from arrivals without going outside 2. Follow the Train pictograms after customs, buy a ticket at the SBB machines or counters (or in the app), and look for departures toward Bern, Lausanne or Geneva Airport.
The route step by step
- Collect your bags and follow the Train signs to Zürich Flughafen station.
- Buy a ticket to Montreux on the SBB app or at a machine; the connection is planned by the system.
- Board the intercity toward Lausanne or Geneva Airport; seats in second class are usually easy to find outside peak holiday departures.
- Change at Lausanne (or as shown on your ticket) for the regional or intercity train toward Vevey, Montreux and the Valais.
- Step off at Montreux, on the lakefront; most of the lakeside apartments are a short walk from the station.
How much does the train cost?
A full-fare, flexible second-class single from Zurich Airport to Montreux is roughly CHF 90–100, and first class costs around half as much again 1. The price falls sharply if you plan ahead:
- Saver tickets: SBB sells discounted, train-specific tickets for selected departures, often at a fraction of the full fare, but they are tied to the train you choose.
- Half Fare Card: halves the standard fare on most journeys.
- Swiss Travel Pass: the journey is covered, with no extra ticket 3.
- Children: those under 6 travel free; children aged 6–15 travel free on a Junior Card when accompanied by a parent.
Fares and rules change, so use SBB.ch for the exact price on your date.
Driving from Zurich Airport to Montreux
By car it is about 240 km, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes without traffic, on the A1 and A12 motorways toward Bern, Fribourg and the Lake Geneva basin. A Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) is required on these roads. In Montreux itself, parking is limited and costly, so check whether your apartment includes a space before you decide to drive. For most visitors the train is cheaper, calmer and ends on the lakefront.
Should you fly into Geneva instead?
If your trip is mainly about Montreux and the Riviera, it is worth checking Geneva (GVA) as well. Direct trains from the airport reach Montreux in about 1h15, versus a change and nearly three hours from Zurich. If your flight is cheaper or better timed into Zurich, the train is still comfortable and scenic: the line passes the Fribourg plateau before dropping to Lake Geneva at Lausanne.
Once you arrive in Montreux
Montreux station is on the lake, a few minutes from the promenade, the casino and the funicular to Territet. If you want a base with a kitchen and more space than a hotel room, our lakeside apartments are within easy walking distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Zurich Airport to Montreux take?
About 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, normally with one change at Lausanne. The exact time depends on the departure, so check the live timetable on SBB.ch.
Is there a direct train from Zurich Airport to Montreux?
Usually not. The standard connection is an intercity from Zurich Airport to Lausanne, then a regional or intercity train along the lake to Montreux. Your ticket and the SBB app will show the change.
How much is the train from Zurich Airport to Montreux?
A full-fare second-class single is roughly CHF 90 to 100. Saver tickets, a Half Fare Card or a Swiss Travel Pass reduce or remove the cost. Confirm the price for your date on SBB.ch.
Is it better to fly into Geneva or Zurich for Montreux?
Geneva is closer: direct trains reach Montreux in about 1h15 compared with nearly three hours from Zurich. Zurich can still be the better choice if the flight is cheaper or better timed.
How far is Zurich Airport from Montreux by car?
About 240 km, roughly 2 hours 30 minutes without traffic. A Swiss motorway vignette is required, and parking in Montreux is limited.
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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.