Transport and Connections from Montreux

Train connections

Montreux is served by the main SBB/CFF rail line along the northern shore of Lake Geneva — one of the busiest and most scenic rail routes in Switzerland. Direct trains connect Montreux to Lausanne (20 minutes), Geneva (1 hour), Bern (1 hour 15 minutes) and Zurich (2 hours). The Montreux-Oberland-Bernois (MOB) railway connects Montreux to Gstaad (1 hour 15 minutes) and Zweisimmen.

The Golden Pass Express — a panoramic train service — connects Montreux to Interlaken and Lucerne, passing through some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Switzerland. The service is popular with tourists but is also used by residents for day trips to the Bernese Oberland.

Lake boats and air connections

The Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN) operates a regular boat service on Lake Geneva — connecting Montreux to Lausanne, Geneva, Evian-les-Bains (France) and other lakeside towns. The boat service is slower than the train but offers an incomparable experience — particularly on the historic Belle Époque paddle steamers that operate on the lake in summer.

Geneva Airport (GVA) is approximately 1 hour from Montreux by train — offering direct flights to most major European cities and long-haul connections to North America, the Middle East and Asia. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is approximately 2 hours by train and offers an even wider range of international connections.

Local buses and funiculars

Montreux is served by a network of local buses (Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera — MVR) that connect the lakefront to the residential areas above the town. The buses are frequent, punctual and well-integrated with the train timetable. The Montreux-Glion-Rochers-de-Naye railway (a rack railway) connects the lakefront to Glion (10 minutes) and Rochers-de-Naye (55 minutes).

The Territet-Glion funicular — one of the oldest funiculars in Switzerland — connects Territet (adjacent to Montreux) to Glion. It is a charming and efficient way to reach the elevated residential areas above the lake.

Road connections

Montreux is connected to the Swiss motorway network via the A9 motorway (Autoroute du Rhône), which runs along the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The motorway connects Montreux to Lausanne (30 minutes), Geneva (1 hour) and the Valais (30 minutes to Aigle, 1 hour to Sion). The road connections to the ski resorts above Montreux are good — Villars-sur-Ollon is 30 minutes by car.

Parking in Montreux centre is limited and expensive — the town has several underground car parks, but spaces are in high demand. Residents who live in the centre and do not need a car for daily commuting may find that public transport is more convenient than driving for most journeys.

Key points

• Train: Lausanne 20 min, Geneva 1 hour, Bern 1h15, Zurich 2 hours — main SBB/CFF line
• Geneva Airport: 1 hour by train; Zurich Airport: 2 hours
• Lake boats: CGN service to Lausanne, Geneva, Evian; Belle Époque paddle steamers in summer
• Local buses: MVR network; Montreux-Rochers-de-Naye rack railway; Territet-Glion funicular
• Motorway A9: Lausanne 30 min, Geneva 1 hour, ski resorts 30–45 min