As at April 2022

✈️ 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.