swiss travel pass lake geneva

Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps

The Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps: Mediterranean flair, delicious cuisine and lovely vineyards.

Floating by the UNESCO World Heritage site Lavaux aboard a historic paddle steamer, climbing to the top of the Rochers-de-Naye on a cog railway and watching marmots on the summit, experiencing a ride on the famous GoldenPass Line from the engine driver’s point-of-view or going in search of the word’s most delicate temptation on the chocolate or cheese train: The Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps offers all of it and then some.

• Regional Pass 5 days: unlimited travel on 2 days and 50% discount on 3 remaining days
• Regional Pass 7 days: unlimited travel on 3 days and 50% discount on 4 remaining days
• Surcharge applies: chocolate and cheese train with seat reservation requirement in 1st class, VIP seats on GoldenPass Panoramic
• The offer is valid throughout the year
• The Regional Pass is personal and non-transmittable
• No partial refund can be granted

Further information

Adults without reduction.

Validity: 10 Dec 2023 – 14 Dec 2024

Reduced price with a Swiss Travel System ticket.

Children from 6 to 16 years.

Documents and Downloads

Swiss travel system excellence e‑learning..

Welcome aboard! The Swiss Travel System Excellence E-Learning is the e-learning platform for future Swiss public transport experts. Heidi and Peter take trade specialists on a virtual learning journey through Swiss public transport. In the process, agents can broaden their knowledge in an entertaining way and acquire essential public transport know-how to support their clients professionally and competently.

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Swiss Holiday Brochures

Lakes & Mountains 2024

Scenic Rail 2024

Lake Geneva Regional Pass

5 or 7 days of free and discounted lakes and mountains travel.

The Regional Pass is available for your choice of 5 or 7 days:

5 day pass:  2 days of free travel, then 3 days of discounted travel

7 day pass:  3 days of free travel, then 4 days of discounted travel

• Rail travel on the scenic GoldenPass Express as far as Zweisimmen
• Rail travel to towns such as Villars and Gruyères
• Cruises aboard the boats on Lake Geneva, including trips over to French resorts
• Local city bus travel and PostBus travel in the wider region
• Train to Les Rochers-de-Naye
• Train to Les Avants and funicular to Sonloup
• Funicular Vevey-Mont Pèlerin
• Star Train to Les Pléiades
• Train to Territet and funicular to Glion

Please see the Lake Geneva Regional Pass map for further details.

Prices are per person and are valid for 2024. These prices are only available as part of a Swiss holiday and may not be sold separately.

Holidays with a Lake Geneva Regional Pass

The Pass is well recommended for stays in  Montreux , Vevey  and Lausanne . 

Make the most of the scenic excursions available on the lake and in the surrounding mountains!

Request your holiday quotation

Speak to our team today to find out more!

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at [email protected]

Did you know?

Each of our recommended excursion pages will mention if you can use your Lake Geneva Regional Pass.

Find out more in this regional summary .

Planning your holiday 2024

• Decide where you would like to stay
• Choose your scenic journeys
• 1st or 2nd class rail travel in Switzerland
• How many nights in each resort
• Decide on bed & breakfast or half board
• 3, 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation
• Plan visits with your Half Fare Card

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Contact information

•  Address: 45 The Enterprise Centre, Cranborne Road, Potters Bar EN6 3DQ
•  Freephone: 0800 619 1200 Call from outside UK  +44 1707 646466
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• Information
• Ways to benefit
• Grand Train Tour
• Museum pass
• Further experiences

With the Swiss Travel Pass all doors to trains, busses and boats are open to you.

Discover Switzerland in all its diversity: in nostalgic cog railways , through ceiling-high train windows , and on state-of-the-art motor vessels . This rich variety is capped off by punctuality, comfort and culinary highlights – that’s travelling the Swiss way.

Train, bus and boat are perfectly synchronised on the world’s densest traffic network. When the train arrives, bus and boat are at the ready in walking distance. Easy, convenient and direct.

Find out more.

All the benefits at a glance.

Here’s what you get with your all-in-one ticket:

• unlimited travel by train, bus and boat
• unlimited travel on premium panoramic trains*
• unlimited use of local public transportation in more than 90 towns and cities
• free admission to more than 500 museums
• unlimited travel to Mount Rigi, Stanserhorn and Stoos
• up to 50% discount on many other mountain excursions
• up to 30% discount on SBB RailAway offers
• with the complimentary Swiss Family Card, your children travel free of charge from their 6th up to their 16th birthday. Children under 6 years of age travel free of charge.

*Seat reservation fees and/or surcharges apply

Please contact the issuing point-of-sale for cancellations and refunds.

More information about the Swiss Travel Pass.

Swiss Travel Pass

Enjoy up to 50% discount on mountain excursions.

Find a list of panoramic mountain excursions here.

Enjoy free boat rides on various Swiss lakes.

Find a list of scenic routes here.

Swiss Travel Pass area of validity and highlights.

For a complete overview of the Swiss Travel Pass validity, download a PDF map . A seat reservation and/or upgrade is required to travel on some trains/buses/boats such as the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and Palm Express.

The top train attraction.

Let the breathtaking scenery pass you by. The Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a unique route that dreams are made of, combining the most beautiful panoramic routes into a single memorable experience.

With the Swiss Travel Pass, you will get to discover Switzerland’s sights and landmarks from the comfort of the train. As you will see, the experience is close to being in a theme park, except that this unique route spanning 1,280 kilometres is for real.

There is no prescribed direction or duration. You can hop on and off wherever you please. Whether at Zermatt, the Lavaux, or at the Rhine Falls: the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is also a perfect starting point for all sorts of excursions.

More information about the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland.

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Jungfraujoch – Europe’s highest railway station

Glacier Plateau

Eiger Express

25% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass

Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

Experience other highlights of the Jungfrau region such as Grindelwald-First, Schynige Platte or Harder Kulm at 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass: jungfrau.ch

Have we mentioned the Swiss Museum Pass?

Visit famous castles, interactive museums and even UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Swiss Travel Pass is also your entry ticket to the world of museums. Benefit from unlimited free admissions to more than 500 museums. The following two are particularly popular. Just show your Swiss Travel Pass at the entrance and step in!

You’ll find a list of all museums here.

The prestigious Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.

You’ll find a list of all boat cruises here.

Immerse yourself in Swiss history at the National Museum in Zurich.

You’ll find a selection of over 500 museums here.

To any spot by public transport

Impressive glacier world on TITLIS

Stunning panoramic views

TITLIS glacier

50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass

TITLIS glacier mountain – welcome to the heart of Switzerland.

Enjoy a glorious day in the snow at 3,020 metres altitude. titlis.ch/

Further experiences.

A curated selection of the most beautiful Swiss trips by train, bus and boat.

Experience Switzerland’s beauty by public transportation.

For how many days is the “Lake Geneva Alps” Pass available?

by swiss-pass | Oct 4, 2021

Where is the “Lake Geneva Alps” Pass valid?

What is the rail pass “lake geneva-alps”, is the “lake geneva alps” pass transferable, who can buy the “lake geneva alps” pass.

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Board the boat in Montreux and relax on the round trip across Lake Geneva. You will pass Chillon Castle and the nature reserve Les Grangettes.

Unfortunately, this offer is not bookable at the moment.

Similar activities

Lake Geneva ticket from Lausanne to Evian-les-Bains return

Take a beautiful boat trip from Lausanne to Evian and back with a view of Lake Geneva. You will make your way to the source of the world famous Evian water.

From Montreux: Riviera Tour boat cruise

About this offer likely to sell out.

Mobile ticket accepted

Use your phone or print out the voucher

Immediate booking confirmation

No booking fees

Meeting point

Montreux pier, Quai Edouard-Jacoud, 1820 Montreux

Guest card, Swiss Half Fare Card

Free cancellation

Full refund in case of cancellation up to 24h before start

Ticket boat tour from Montreux

free audio guide "GCN Tours" for your cell phone

optional stop at Chillon Castle

Entrance Chateau Chillon

• Enjoy a cruise along the Swiss Riviera on the beautiful Lake Geneva
• View of the Vaudois and High Savoy Alps, Chillon Castle and the "Dents du Midi"
• Get an insight into the nature reserve Les Grangettes
• You can download the audio guide "CGN Tours" to your cell phone for free and use it without roaming charges
• Plan your trip flexibly with an optional stopover in Chillon
• With the GA travelcard, Swiss Travel Pass and SBB Day Passes, you can travel for free

Description

This cruise on Lake Geneva takes you past beautiful scenery and to the world famous Chillon Castle. It's perfect for you, your family and friends as a relaxing, culture-filled and informative excursion.

In Montreux you will board the ship. Your journey will take you along various vineyards, to the nature reserve "Les Grangettes" at the mouth of the Rhone and to the seaside resorts of Le Bouveret and St. Gingolph. It also gives you wonderful views of the mountain range "Dents du Midi". The round trip takes about 2 hours without stopover.

On the shore of Lake Geneva, the imposing Chillon moated castle appears, which you can optionally view from the inside. More than 300 objects are shown on the tour. If you want to make this visit, you can get off and continue your round trip two hours later. Please note the current timetable.

Shipping route:

• boarding: Montreux
• Stops: Montreux - Château de Chillon - Villeneuve - Le Bouveret - St. Gingolph - Vevey Marché
• Exit: Montreux

With dog, wheelchair or stroller

• free of charge up to 30 cm shoulder height
• half price of 2nd class over 30 cm shoulder height, even if you booked 1st class as a guest
• tickets are available at the CGN counter

Wheelchair:

• Ships are wheelchair accessible for "normal sized" wheelchairs, but only main deck (upper deck only accessible via stairs)
• Wide passenger bridges at all large piers, at smaller piers wide (electric) wheelchairs may not be able to pass.
• Can stay on the main deck if you want to visit the upper deck

Important Information

• Please note current timetable
• The last departure does not allow a stop at Chateau Chillon

Meeting Points

From CHF 19 Likely to sell out

Take a beautiful boat trip from Lausanne to Evian and back with a view of Lake Geneva. You will make your way to the source of the world famous Evian water. More details

Duration: 35 minutes

Discount: Swiss Half Fare Card

booked 121 times

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Lake Geneva Pass — 7 Days

7 day, 2nd class pass..

It's the diversity of the Lake Geneva region that makes it so special. Palm tree-lined lakeshore promenades and Mediterranean flair stand in fascinating contrast to the snow-capped peaks and icy glaciers of the Vaud Alps. With the Regional Pass 'Lake Geneva-Alps', you discover the region by railway, bus, boat and mountain rail- and cableway — and all entirely to your personal taste. The Regional Pass includes free travel from and to Geneva airport, as well as free travel onboard the boats on Lake Geneva (with a valid day of use).

The majority of mountain rail- and cableways also offer a 50 percent discount.

Benefits at a glance:

• Free travel on the entire railway network in the Lake Geneva region
• Free travel onboard boats on Lake Geneva, incl. historic steamboats
• 50% discount on most mountain rail and cableways
• Special prices on selected routes
• Swiss Travel System Family Cards are valid, so if you have purchased a valid STS product (for example Swiss Card, Swiss Pass etc...) there is no need to add the number of children, they will travel free with the STS Family Card

The stunning Lake Geneva region, with famous resorts such as Montreux (home of the Montreux Jass Festival) against a backdrop of mighty alps, inlcuding Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak.

• This 7 day pass gives you 3 days of unlimited travel and 4 days of reduced rate travel.
• This is the 2nd Class ticket page. Here is the 1st Class ticket page...
• Ticket is valid for any consecutive 7 day period.

2nd Class, 7 day Lake Geneva Region Pass prices:

Please note that only Flexi Passes with the Half-Fare Card option qualify for the discounted rate

*Price per Ticket (Prices are subject to change). Issued as a pdf ticket to print at home

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Call us if you find a better deal:

+44 844 58 58 508 (UK)

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Boat trips on Lake Geneva.

The offer is available in the following categories.

Whether for an hour or for a whole day, cruises on Lake Geneva offer you a unique experience with plenty of relaxation and culinary delights.

Please note that this offer is currently unavailable. You will find more information here as soon as the offer is available again.

The boat trips, which are tailored to your needs, will take you around the beautiful landscapes which surround Lake Geneva.

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Regional Passes

Each Swiss region has its very own charm, offering a multitude of sights and excursions. The best way of exploring a particular part of Switzerland is with one the regional passes.

Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps

The Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps: Mediterranean flair, delicious cuisine and lovely vineyards.

Tell-Pass Central Switzerland

Central Switzerland is as beautiful as it is diverse. With the Tell-Pass it is also easy to explore.

Berner Oberland Pass

Lack of worry, freedom and spontaneity are all things that make travelling particularly enjoyable. The Berner Oberland Pass lets you experience all of this with just one single ticket!

Zürich Card

The smart way to discover Zurich.

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Swiss mountain railways take visitors to magnificent views as well as delightful and relaxing stays.

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There’s so much to think about when you’re planning a journey. We have the answers to the questions most frequently asked about travelling to and in Switzerland.

Brig Hike: Aletsch panorama trail Wallis

Price per person in double room valid: 29.04.2024 - 31.12.2024

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International Savings Passes & Travel Cards for Swiss Public Transportation

Transportation cards and Swiss rail travel passes for international visitors give savings when traveling on trains, buses, boats, trams, and cable cars in Switzerland.

Travelers to Switzerland save on transportation costs by using special travel cards and passes that are valid on trains, buses, trams, boats, and cable cars. Many of the international offers include a half-fare travel card and free travel for children, which make these Swiss passes more valuable than most regular rail passes. The savings options are at first glance very confusing but the possible savings make it well worth working through the various savings deals. Trainline and Omio are easy to use and often have great deals on train tickets. Be careful when booking at Swiss Railways — SBB often quotes half-fare prices as default.

The Swiss international transportation savings offers are only available to travelers not resident in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and often must be bought outside Switzerland. Swiss residents and foreign travelers may enjoy many other savings on Swiss public transportation .

A quick glance at the validity map ( PDF map ) shows that the international Swiss travel cards and passes are valid on virtually all modes of transportation in the Swiss parts of the Lake Geneva region.

Savings Deals for International Travelers on Swiss Trains, Buses, and Boats

The basic savings options for international travelers, i.e. visitors not resident in Switzerland, are as follows:

• Swiss Family Card – allowing children under 16 to travel for free with parents.
• Swiss Travel Pass – a typical European railway pass available in a variety of versions.
• Swiss Half-Fare Card – gives 50% discount on almost all public transportation tickets in Switzerland.
• Regional Passes – saving passes on transportation (and sightseeing) in various regions of Switzerland.

The free Swiss Pass (Card) is mostly aimed at residents of Switzerland and is usually not used by foreign tourists when traveling on holiday or visiting for only a few days.

The previous Swiss Transfer Ticket that provided return transportation from the port of entry to the final destination in Switzerland is no longer available.

Savings for Children with the Swiss Family Card

Families traveling with children 6 to 16 may add for free the Swiss Family Card to any of the international card offers mentioned below. This allows children to travel for free on almost all trains, buses, boats, trams, and cable cars in Switzerland. The Swiss Family Card must be added at the time of purchase – otherwise, a Junior Card must be bought separately for CHF30. The card is valid in the class of travel of the parent’s ticket.

Children aged 6 to 16 not traveling in the company of parents, may buy any of the passes or cards, except the half-fare card, for half the regular adult price. If traveling without discount cards or passes on Swiss railways and buses, children aged 6 to 16 pay only half the regular fares while children under 6 travel for free.

The similar  Children’s Co-travelcard (CHF30) allows a child to travel for free with a named accompanying adult other than parents.

Savings with the Swiss Travel Passes and Swiss Travel Pass Flex on Transportation in Switzerland

The Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex are typical European rail passes that allow for unlimited travel on almost all trains, buses, trams, boats, and many cable cars in Switzerland — some cable cars give only a 50% discount. The Swiss Travel Pass is available for consecutive days of travel ranging from 3 to 15 days while the Swiss Travel Pass Flex allows for unlimited travel on 3 to 15 days during a one-month period.

Both the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex are available in First and Second Class versions with discounts available for youth passes for travelers under 25 years.

The Swiss Travel Pass is a good deal for visitors planning extensive journeys on public transportation or planning to use the most expensive mountain railways and cable cars. (Seat reservations and surcharges are not included in the pass but are only needed for a few very special panoramic journeys such as the Glacier and Bernina Express trains and for the mountain railway to Jungfraujoch .)

The Swiss Travel Pass is also a Swiss Museum Pass , which gives free admission to most museums in Switzerland. The Swiss Travel Pass Flex gives the same benefit only on days selected for unlimited travel. (A half-fare card may be added separately.)

The Swiss Travel Pass is available for travel in first or second class as a standard Swiss Travel Pass or a Swiss Youth Pass for travelers up to 25 years old.

The Swiss Pass and Swiss Flexi Pass are available in Switzerland but are best bought in advance. The Swiss Travel Pass is easily bought online from Get Your Guide but it may also be bought directly from Swiss Railways, although it is quite well hidden in the current website design.

• See Save with the Swiss Travel Pass on Trains and Transportation in Switzerland for more details on these passes.

Save with the Swiss Half-Fare Card on Transportation in Switzerland

A very popular savings option that pays for itself very quickly is the Swiss Half-Fare Card. The Swiss Half-Fare Card gives 50% discounts on almost all forms of transportation in Switzerland including trains, buses, trams, boats, and cable cars.

The international Swiss Half-Fare Card is valid for a month and costs CHF120. The Half-Fare Card is not class-bound and gives 50% discount whether traveling in first or second class. The Swiss Family Card may be added for free to the Half-Fare Card at the time of purchase. No half-fare card is available for children under 16 as they travel for half price anyway.

Travelers staying in Switzerland for longer than a month, or visiting more than once during a twelve-month period, should consider buying the regular Swiss Half-Fare Card . Many of the additional savings available to regular Half-Fare Card bearers are also extended to the international one-month Half-Fare Card but not the right to buy a monthly GA card or to add Track 7.

The Swiss Half-Fare Card is easiest bought online from SBB or from any Swiss railway station -– the one-month card (no photo required) is issued on the spot while a temporary card for immediate use is issued for half-fare cards with a longer validity (photo essential). The annual Swiss Half-Fare Card requires a free Swiss Pass , which is often a bit of a hassle to arrange from outside Switzerland.

For more savings deals on Swiss transportation available to both international travelers and Swiss residents see Cheap Swiss Transportation Tickets and Railway Passes .

More Tips for Saving on Swiss Transportation:

• Swiss Transportation Savings Deals (include information on dogs and bicycles too!)
• Trainline sells train and bus tickets for Switzerland and most of Europe. It is easy to use and often has very good deals for specific trains.
• How to Get and Use the Swiss Pass Card
• Swiss Railways English website for timetables and online tickets — note half-fare tickets are the default choice.
• Switzerland Transportation Map (PDF File showing where the discount deals are valid)
• Save with the Swiss Half-Fare Card on Public Transportation
• International Savings Passes on Swiss Transportation (including information on the Swiss Family Card and international Half-Fare Card)
• Families Save with the Cheap Junior Card on Swiss Public Transportation
• Using the Swiss Travel Pass and Flexi Swiss Travel Pass .
• Buying Swiss Travel Passes from Get Your Guide .
• Book holidays by train from Great Rail Journeys (UK).

Home » Transportation » International Savings Passes & Travel Cards for Swiss Public Transportation

Scenic lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland

With around 1,500 lakes in total, Switzerland is home to some sizable bodies of clear, sparkling water. Over 100 of these have a surface area exceeding 30 hectares. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman in French) is the largest of these, and is known all over the world. 

Many major European rivers also flow through Switzerland, so for a landlocked country there is a lot of water. Exploring these lakes and rivers can be a highlight of any Swiss vacation, but it goes way beyond that.

In Switzerland, taking journeys by boat is often a practical matter of getting from A to B. In addition to leisure trips operated by the likes of Lake Geneva cruise lines, there are public transport boats connecting destinations so a daily commute may involve travelling across the lakes or down the rivers. 

For the Swiss, in many instances the easiest way to get from one place to another is in fact by boat, so this is simply a way of life. Boat trips are therefore an essential part of the national transport system. 

As a visitor, you may be able to choose between taking a train and hopping onto a boat when planning how to get from one village, town or city to another.

A typical example is the trip between Bern and Interlaken, which can involve a cruise across Lake Thun. Though this is more time-consuming, it’s a great way to see more of the country while getting from one destination to another. 

This guide will take you through all you need to know about lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland – including scenic cruises typically taken by tourists as well as Swiss Travel Pass boat rides holders can take for free. 

From the famous shores of Lake Geneva to the River Rhine, these are the best boat trips in Switzerland. Which ones will you take? 

Top photo © Swiss Travel System

[ This post may contain compensated links. Please see my  disclosure policy  for more information. ]

Handy tip: Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass can travel free on most lake cruises in Switzerland.  Simply present your valid Swiss Travel Pass at the ticket counter before boarding.  If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, we have included links below to purchase tickets for individual cruises.

What's in this Article

Quick Summary of Swiss boat trips covered in this guide

Lake geneva cruises.

For many visitors, there’s no Switzerland cruise that is as highly anticipated as a Lake Geneva cruise.  As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva (or Lac Léman as it is known in French), is located in western Switzerland.

Covering an area of 580km², the crescent-shaped lake is partly in Switzerland and partly in France and lies just north of the Alps.

Stretching from the westernmost point at Geneva to Montreux on the eastern shores, Lake Geneva is also at the feet of some other attractive Swiss cities and towns including Nyon, Lausanne and Vevey.

Above the latter two towns, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed terraced Lavaux Vineyards cover 800 hectares and make the ideal backdrop to the crystal clear waters of Lake Geneva.

The most popular routes among Lake Geneva boat tours include the cruise from Geneva to Lausanne, from Geneva to Evian-les-Bains on the French shore, and from Lausanne to Evian. Cruises to or from Geneva, Montreux or Vevey are also available. 

If you are planning to take one of the above Lake Geneva boat tours, Swiss Pass holders can travel for free whilst those without a Swiss Pass can buy a ticket at the boat pier.

Another option is to take the Yvoire boat from Geneva to visit this small, medieval French destination on the shores of the lake. Boats on this route also stop at Nyon, and you can find out more about this and other routes via the CGN website . 

There is also the option to book a dinner cruise on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Vessels operating on Lake Geneva include a fleet of Belle Epoque paddle steamers and modern motor boats.

Below you will find some of the most popular Lake Geneva boat cruises.

One hour sightseeing Lake Geneva cruise

This one hour boat ride on Lake Geneva is taken by many holidaymakers so they can see the city from the water. During this cruise you can see landmarks like the famous Jet d’Eau fountain, Mont Blanc and of course the mighty Swiss Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Geneva cruise in Switzerland  

Two hour Montreux cruise to Chillon Castle

If you’re staying in the Montreux area, this is a great choice amongst the options of Lake Geneva boat cruises. It takes in the majestic Chillon Castle, as well as the lake which was immortalised in Deep Purple’s song Smoke on the Water . The cruise takes place aboard a historic paddle steamer and there are fabulous views of the Swiss and French Alps. 

> Click here to book this Lake Montreux cruise

Three hour Riviera cruise from Lausanne

Departing from Lausanne, this three hour boat trip takes in the Lavaux vineyards,  Montreux, Chillon Castle and Vevey. 

> Click here to book this Swiss Riviera cruise

Two hour Lake Geneva cruise from Vevey

If the idea of spending two hours aboard a paddle steamer appeals, this trip departing from Vevey is recommended. You’ll travel on Lake Geneva to Montreux, seeing Chillon Castle and the French and Swiss Alps en route. 

> Click here to book this Vevey to Montreux cruise

Self-guided boat trip from Lausanne to Evian

This one day ticket allows you to take a boat trip whenever you please from Lausanne to the charming town of Evian-les-Bains. The journey takes 35 minutes each way and you can explore Evian’s historic Old Town and lakeside promenade after arrival. 

> Click here to book this Lausanne to Evian trip

Lake Lucerne cruises

At 38 kilometres long, Lake Lucerne may not be Switzerland’s longest lake but it is one of the most uniquely shaped. The lake has four distinct ‘arms’ and several sharp bends which makes a superb scene when viewed from one of the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Rigi or Mt. Pilatus .

Officially called Vierwaldstattersee in German (which translates to ‘four forest sites’), the lake is shared between the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne.

When planning a lake cruise, Lucerne is the most popular starting point and there are numerous options to choose from.

You can take a cruise on Lake Lucerne that includes a three course gourmet lunch, hop aboard a luxury yacht for a scenic tour or take a journey across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau as part of a Mount Rigi day trip.

Other options include the Lucerne to Fluelen boat ride across Lake Lucerne, which is part of the Gotthard Panorama Express route. Find out more about this iconic journey via the Gotthard Pass in Switzerland in our dedicated guide here .  

From 2022, five paddle steamers will be in use every summer between late May and mid September. Travel on these Lake Lucerne steamers is also included with the Swiss Travel Pass (food and beverages are additional). 

As well as the paddle steamers and a fleet of modern motor boats, Lucerne is also home to MS Diamant , Switzerland’s first climate-neutral boat in regular service. The vessel is also the first Swiss hybrid boat in operation.

Popular Lake Lucerne cruises include:

Two hour Lake Lucerne cruise with lunch

This Lake Lucerne panoramic sightseeing cruise includes a gourmet lunch, so you’ll enjoy three delicious courses made from fresh local produce while admiring the mountainous Swiss landscape. Key Lucerne landmarks can also be viewed from the water.  

> Click here to book this lake cruise in Lucerne with lunch

One hour yacht cruise in Lucerne

Taking a trip aboard a panoramic yacht can help to make your stay in Lucerne truly memorable. The yacht will take you towards Meggenhorn Castle and includes views of upmarket homes, local landmarks and rolling green hills. This Lake Lucerne cruise is perfect for those who have limited time but don’t want to miss the experience of cruising on the tranquil waters.

> Click here to book this Lucerne yacht cruise

Self-guided Mount Rigi trip with lake cruise

The Lake Lucerne cruise price is included in this self-guided Mount Rig i day trip . You will also travel by train and cogwheel railway to reach the mountain summit. This trip to the Queen of the Mountains is not to be missed while in Switzerland. 

> Click here to book this Mount Rigi day trip ticket

Lake Thun & Lake Brienz cruises

Located either side of the holiday resort town of Interlaken, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz offer totally different experiences for those who’d like to cruise in the Bernese Oberland.

With a choice of both paddle steamers and modern motor boats, there is a cruise to suit everyone.

The larger of the two lakes, Lake Thun stretches 17.5 kilometres (10.8 miles) from Interlaken to Thun.   

Lake Thun boat tours call at Oberhofen and Spiez where you can disembark to see the impressive castles, or you hop off at St. Beatus Caves to explore the network of caverns, stalactites and stalagmites, before rejoining a later service.   

If you are short on time and don’t wish to disembark enroute, the cruise from Interlaken to Thun – or vice versa – takes just over two and a half hours.  The boat pier is located by the Interlaken West train station.

The return journey can be taken by boat (subject to the timetable) or train.

Boat trips on Lake Brienz stop at the pretty village of Iseltwald and at Giessbach Falls before continuing on to Brienz, well known for its wood carving. If you choose to disembark at Giessbach Falls, you can take a funicular to the Giessbach Hotel for lunch or a snack and view the magnificent waterfalls.

You can reach Brienz from Interlaken by boat in 75 minutes. The boat pier is located beside Interlaken Ost train station and, just like the boat trips on Lake Thun, the return journey can be made by boat or train.

Lake Brienz boat trips operate from April to October only.

Why not make your day out extra special by including a ride on the Brienzer Rothorn steam train when you reach Brienz?

Interlaken Lake Thun cruise day pass 

This Interlaken cruise pass allows you to travel all day on Lake Thun, plus Lake Brienz if you travel between early April and mid-October. As you travel over the water you can see pretty Swiss villages with traditional chalets and snow-capped mountain peaks.  

> Click here to book this Lake Thun boat day pass

Lake Brienz cruise day pass

Between early April and mid-October, a day pass is also available for Lake Brienz. Regular services connect Interlaken and Brienz with stops at Iseltwald and Giessbach Falls, making this one of the most popular boat tours Interlaken has to offer.

The cruise day pass is essentially a self-guided ‘tour’ giving you the flexibility to hop on and off as you wish. 

> Click here to book this Lake Brienz boat day pass

Lake Zurich cruises

Imagine commuting to work in Switzerland’s largest city across a tranquil lake with the spectacular Swiss Alps as a backdrop!  Many folks in Zurich do just that and you can experience this serene way to travel too!

The city of Zurich sits at one end of the 40-kilometre (25-mile) long banana-shaped Lake Zurich, and there are numerous different cruises available depending on how much time you have available.

The Lake Zurich Navigation Company operates 17 different ships – including two paddle steamers – with round trip cruises ranging from 90 minutes to 4.5 hours in duration. 

One of the most popular boat trips is from Zurich city to the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg which takes just 27 minutes. 

The boat trip from Zurich to Rapperswil is another I personally recommend. Rapperswil, known as the City of Roses, is well worth visiting and is a relaxing two hour boat ride from Zurich. 

Make it a full day’s excursion by cruising both ways or travel by train one way (40 minutes) and boat the other.  Both modes of transport are free with your Swiss Travel Pass .

The Zurich boat pier is located at Bürkliplatz. 

3.5 hour Zurich sightseeing tour with cruise 

This Zurich lake cruise price covers a boat trip across Lake Zurich as well as guided tours of the city on foot and by bus. As you glide across the water, your guide will tell you all about the history and famous sights of Switzerland’s biggest city. 

> Click here to book this Lake Zurich cruise

Lake Lugano cruise

Fringed with palm trees and framed by surrounding Alps, there’s a real Mediterranean vibe around Lake Lugano.

The lake is shared between Switzerland and Italy and cruises and boat trips on the lake offer the chance to visit both countries. 

Popular cruise destinations include the villages of Morcote, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland, the fishing village of Gandria and Cassarate where passengers can disembark and take the funicular to Monte Bre.

Lunch and dinner cruises are also available.

Cruises on Lake Lugano operate from April to October.  The boat pier can be found at Lugano Centro.

4.5 hour Monte Bré trip via Lake Lugano

This four-and-a-half hour trip includes a scenic boat ride from Lugano to Cassarate, a small harbour town. A picturesque return journey on the funicular railway to Monte Bré is also included, as is a visit to the Museum Wilhelm Schmid. You can then walk or take a bus back to Lugano. 

> Click here to book this Monte Bré day trip with cruise

3 Lakes cruises – Neuchâtel, Biel and Murten

The Three Lakes area encompasses Lakes Neuchâtel, Murten and Biel/Bienne in the Jura region in Switzerland’s west. This area has a gentle landscape awash with Swiss farmland and rolling vineyards, and also connects with the Aare River. 

Cruises operate on all three lakes and passengers can choose from cruises on just one lake, two or three as the lakes are connected by canals.  Lake Biel Navigation Company operates the boat trips on Lake Biel, whilst Lacs de Neuchâtel et Morat offer cruises on Lake Neuchâtel and Murten.

On Lake Biel/Bienne, the village of Ligerz and St. Peter’s Island are popular places to disembark and stroll around.  The medieval town of Murten (on Lake Murten) and the well-known wellness town of Yverdon-les-Bains (Lake Neuchatel) are other much-visited cruise destinations.

You can take a Three Lakes cruise from Biel to Erlach to Murten lasting for a little over three hours. It’s free with the Swiss Travel Pass – as is the epic 8-hour cruise that operates on special occasions.

Lunch and dinner cruises, as well as theme cruises are available.

In total, there are 28 landing stages on the three lakes which can be found in the cantons of Neuchatel, Fribourg , Vaud and Bern.

A fleet of seven vessels operate on the Three Lakes, including the only lake and river steamer in Switzerland.  Cruises are from Spring to Autumn (Fall).

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Lake Constance cruises

Bordering three countries – Switzerland, Austria and Germany – Lake Constance, or Bodensee as it’s known in German, is fed by the Rhine River. It’s also the third largest freshwater lake in Central Europe.

From the Swiss shores of Lake Constance it’s possible to cruise to the German side in around one hour. Routes include Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen and Rorschach to Lindau .

Travel on these routes is not fully covered with the Swiss Travel Pass but a 50% discount applies to pass holders.

Rhine River cruises

If you would prefer to experience a Switzerland river cruise there is the possibility to take a boat trip on the Rhine. The Rhine River originates in the Swiss Alps so it’s only natural that a cruise on this majestic waterway is popular with visitors.

Options include a cruise between Schaffhausen and Kreuzlingen which takes around four hours, or from Basel to Rheinfelden.  Further details can be found below.

Rhine River cruise from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen

This route takes you from Schaffhausen to Kreuzlingen with numerous stops along the way.  Two towns worth disembarking at are Diessenhofen, which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages in Switzerland organisation, and Stein am Rhein, a pretty medieval town with an attractive Old Town.

Find out more about this cruise here . 

Rhine River cruise from Basel to Rheinfelden

Despite being located in a landlocked country, Basel has something of a maritime air due to the fact that it’s at the mouth of the mighty River Rhine. Local company Basler Personenschifffahrt operates boat trips from Basel to Rheinfelden between March and October. 

These boat trips last for about four hours and you can see various Basel landmarks. You should even be able to make out parts of Germany and France as you glide across the water, and you’ll also pass a couple of major locks, namely Birsfelden and Augst. 

Cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Useful things to know

If you’re interested in taking trips around Switzerland by boat or cruising the lakes or the Rhine, there are some useful facts worth knowing to help you plan your trip. 

Swiss Travel Pass

The first thing to consider when planning any trip to Switzerland is the purchase of a Swiss Travel Pass . As mentioned above in various sections, the pass covers boat trips on the major lakes in the country.

A Swiss Travel Pass also gives the holder free public transport in all Swiss destinations, plus some cogwheel, funicular and scenic railway routes. Entry to hundreds of museums is also included. 

Alternatively you could buy a Swiss Half Fare Card to receive 50% off the price of boat trips. 

Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass and the Swiss Half Fare Card in this article . 

1st and 2nd class travel in Switzerland

Swiss public transport such as trains and some boats includes first and second class travel options. You can select either option when buying individual tickets or passes. On boats, the first class section is usually found on the upper deck. 

First class carriages are generally more spacious and private, and may give you better views over the landscape. This option is ideal for the trip-of-a-lifetime or honeymooners, as well as those who don’t mind paying more for a bit of extra space.

Swiss boat piers

As they form such an important part of the Swiss public transport network, boat piers in Switzerland are often located right next to the train station. This allows for seamless travel via several modes of transport – and makes it easier for visitors to find them. 

Restaurants on Swiss boats

A number of Swiss ferries and boats have on-board eateries, making it convenient to dine while you travel. 

Swiss boat timetables 

You can find timetables for each Swiss boat operator via their websites or on the Swiss Federal Railways website sbb.ch or the SBB app. Do bear in mind when planning your trip that some services may be seasonal: this particularly applies to funicular and cogwheel railways, cable cars and boats. 

Swiss lake names – See, Lac or Lago

Switzerland has four official languages – German, French, Italian and Romansch – and therefore you’ll notice the word for lake differs depending on which language-speaking region you are in.

In German-speaking Switzerland, the word for lake is see so Lake Zurich is called Zürichsee whilst Lake Thun is Thunersee, and so on.

In Geneva and the Three Lakes Region where French is the local language, Lake Geneva is referred to as Lac L é man and Lake Neuchâtel as Lac Neuchâtel .

Lake Lugano, in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is called Lago Lugano .

Lake cruises and boat trips in Switzerland: Final thoughts

Whether you opt to take a boat trip to help make your Swiss journeys more seamless or more scenic, there are so many possibilities to enjoy a Switzerland cruise. 

The abundance of lakes and rivers here makes the journey all part of the experience – not least when you have soaring peaks, rolling hills, undulating vineyards, lush meadows, Alpine chalets and crystal clear waters as the picturesque backdrop. 

Switzerland Travel Essentials

Rail passes.

Swiss Half Fare Card

Eurail Global Pass

Regional Rail Passes

Berner Oberland Pass

Jungfrau Travel Pass

Rail Packages

Self-Drive Packages

Itinerary Planning

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Carolyn Schönafinger

Carolyn Schönafinger is a frequent visitor to Switzerland, the country she fell in love with more than 30 years ago. She now visits Switzerland every year in her quest to explore every inch of the country. Carolyn is a certified Switzerland Travel Expert and she has achieved the Swiss Travel System Travel Expert diploma. She loves sharing her Switzerland travel expertise and helping others to plan their dream Swiss vacation on this website and the Holidays to Switzerland Travel Podcast. Read more

Episode 43: Decadent must-have Swiss chocolate experiences

Episode 44: Breathtaking boat trips to enjoy in Switzerland

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7 Best Scenic Train Rides In Switzerland

S tunning landscape views roll by your giant picture window as you depart on famous scenic train rides across Switzerland. From Geneva to Zurich and Basel to Zermatt, the Swiss Alps, turquoise lakes, and rolling pastures these best scenic train rides in Switzerland will fill your window with breathtaking scenery.

I have collected a few of my favorite train travel excursions across this beautiful country and presented them in no particular order. This is not an all-inclusive list of picturesque train trips through Switzerland, but it is a wonderful place to start dreaming of your next train-centric adventure.

1. Jungfraujoch – Top Of Europe

No matter what the season, a ride to Europe’s highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe , is a panoramic adventure. At the summit’s Sphinx Terrace, you can view the Aletsch Glacier, the Black Forest, and the Vosges.

Plan to spend several hours at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make your way to the outside observation deck where the air is chilly and the views are beyond breathtaking. Slip and slide during a visit to the Ice Palace — an ice sculpture art gallery carved into the glacier in the 1930s. Everything here is ice; the floors, ceiling, and frozen tableaus impart an Ice Age adventure. Complete your mountaintop visit with a stop at the highest Lindt Chocolate shop in the world.

Downhill skiers will love exploring the Jungfrau region on their next European ski holiday.

2. Golden Pass Express, Montreux To Interlaken

Travel in First or Prestige Class for an elevated, quintessentially Swiss adventure on the Golden Pass Express between Montreux and Interlaken. Enjoy caviar and champagne as your luxury car rolls from Montreux, on beautiful Lake Geneva, to the charming town of Interlaken . The 3-plus-hour journey is filled with stunning views of crystal-blue lakes, verdant pastures, and snow-capped mountains.

Once in Interlaken, you can make the transfer to the Jungfraujoch for a close up encounter with the Bernese Oberland. On the Montreux terminus, you can sail around Lac Léman, aka Lake Geneva, and enjoy the quaint shoreline towns and bustling city of Geneva.

3. Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn

Skiers, photography buffs, and pretty much everyone else should visit the iconic Matterhorn at least once. Jump on the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn for a fabulous train ride. On this intrepid alpine adventure, your train encounters 33 tunnels and 126 overpasses while rising a whopping 3,300 meters (10,826 feet) in altitude.

Panoramic windows afford wide-angle views of craggy mountains, brilliantly blue waterways, and plenty of beautiful sunshine.

4. Glacier Express, Zermatt To St. Moritz

The Glacier Express route , Zermatt to St. Moritz, sets the standard that all Swiss scenic trains are measured upon. Slipping through the Swiss Alps, this route hits luxury ski resorts while imparting a slow-travel feeling. The journey takes 8 hours — a very slow express train ride — but the show-stopping scenery offers you a chance to absorb the wild beauty of this scenic route.

When you reach St. Moritz, book a stay at the Badrutt’s Palace Hotel . If you don’t want to break your budget with a stay of over $1,000 a night, simply stop by the Renaissance Bar for the St. Moritzino cocktail made with Cointreau, fresh lime, and orgeat syrup.

5. Bernina Express

The Bernina Express runs from Chur to Tirano, Italy. Four hours of glorious scenic vistas, the Bernina Express has steep runs, plentiful bridge crossings, icy glaciers, and Mediterranean palm trees. It offers such a wide variety of landscapes, guests are continually gushing over the sheer beauty and uniqueness of this train ride.

Both Switzerland and Italy are part of the Schengen Agreement , which allows passage between the countries’ borders. However, you should still carry your passport with you as you pass from country to country.

6. Cogwheel Railway To Mount Pilatus

If you love adventure, you will adore the cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus . Billed as “the steepest cogwheel railway in the world” it reaches an alarming grade of 48 percent. The 30-minute, nail-biting ride up the mountain offers heart-pounding views.

If you decide a one-way train trip is all your nerves can take, there are a few alternatives. You can take the gondola, which offers 360-degree panoramic mountain views. Hiking down (or up) is another mode of transportation. AllTrails lists seven different options for hiking Mount Pilatus. Some are moderate and some are hard, but all of them go up, up, and up.

7. Gelmerbahn

From early June to late October, you can take the funicular ride of your life. The Gelmerbahn is a short, 12-minute ride in an open-air funicular car. The alarmingly steep grade offers spectacular views of Gelmersee — a brilliant blue lake — as you creep up the mountainside backwards.

Once at the top of the funicular, you can hike up to the Gelmerhütte for an overnight stay. The rooms are shared rustic spaces, but the mountaintop experience is unsurpassed.

Swiss Travel Pass

No matter how long your stay, the Swiss Travel Pass will save you money while you ride the rails, bus, or boat around the beautiful Swiss countryside.

For our most recent train travel content, check out these articles:

• 5 Best Train Journeys In Europe For Jaw-Dropping Scenery
• 3 (More) Best Scenic UK Train Journeys Every Traveler Should Take
• 6 Top Scenic UK Train Rides Every Traveler Should Take

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits