✈️ By Air
The nearest major airport is Geneva Airport (GVA) — about 1h 15min away by direct train. Zurich Airport (ZRH) is bigger but about 2h 30min by train with one change.
🚄 By Train
From Geneva Airport or Geneva city, direct trains run to Montreux several times an hour along the lake—huge windows, stunning views.
From Zurich, take a train to Lausanne, then transfer to a direct Montreux service.
The GoldenPass Line connects Montreux to Interlaken and Lucerne via scenic mountain routes—worth doing at least one way.
🚗 By Car
About 1h 15min from Geneva, 2h 30min from Zurich. Parking in Montreux is limited and can be pricey, but having a car makes exploring the Alps and vineyards easier.
📝 Travel Tips
🌤 Best time to visit
- July for the Montreux Jazz Festival (book early—accommodation fills fast).
- May–September for warm lake swims, vineyard walks, and outdoor dining.
- December for the Christmas Market, one of Switzerland's prettiest.
🚆 Getting around
- Walking is the easiest way to explore the lakeside.
- The Swiss Travel Pass can be worth it if you're doing multiple train or boat trips.
- Local buses and trains are frequent and reliable—especially to Château de Chillon and Vevey.
🍽 Food & drink
- Try filets de perche (local fish from the lake) and Swiss wines from nearby Lavaux vineyards.
- For a splurge: Montreux Palace Hotel afternoon tea or lake-view dining.
💡 Money & costs
- Switzerland is expensive—budget accordingly.
- Tap water is drinkable (often better than bottled).
- Supermarkets like Coop and Migros are great for affordable lunches.
📸 Don't miss
- Sunrise or sunset from the lakeside promenade.
- A boat trip across Lake Geneva for views back to Montreux.
- The Freddie Mercury statue—he lived here, and fans leave flowers year-round.
