Discover Lausanne 

Lausanne is a primarily French-speaking city in Switzerland. It is the capital and largest city of the canton of Vaud, situated in a hilly region on the shores of Lake Geneva. With a population of about 140,000, it is the fourth largest city in Switzerland after Basel, Geneva, and Zurich. Since 1994, the International Olympic Committee has recognized the city as the “Olympic Capital”. According to the city’s official website, it was elected best small city in the world, and offers all the attractions of a metropolis, yet on a human scale. With its enchanting medieval Old Town, vibrant art scene, and a broad spectrum of outdoor activities, Lausanne is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. 

Why Visit Lausanne with FlixBus? 

A coach trip to Lausanne is a marvellous idea! The city is a hub of culture and history that is home to several intriguing neighbourhoods with unique personalities. To enjoy the town’s exceptional setting and discover its many different facets, head to the neighbourhoods of La Cité, Ouchy, the Flon and the Place de la Palud. The Cité is Lausanne’s historical quarter, where the small typical bars, craft shops and town monuments can be found along mediaeval alleys brimming with history. 

Like all great cities, Lausanne is also home to several impressive museums, including the Olympic Museum, the Collection de l'Art Brut, and the Musée de l'Elysée. But don’t limit yourself to indoor delights! Lausanne is also a great place for outdoor activities, thanks to nearby Lake Geneva and those lovely Alps. There are countless opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports. 

Lausanne is also a great place to be a foodie, boasting a range of restaurants and cafes, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international fare. 

When to Visit Lausanne 

The best times to visit Lausanne depend on your particular travel goals. The summer months of June to August are the most popular time to visit due to the warm weather and a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, and lake cruises. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The winter months of December to February offer a completely different experience, with skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the nearby Alps. Spring and fall are quieter seasons, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore the city's cultural and historical attractions.  

Top Lausanne Attractions 

Lausanne is both an urban location and a coastal resort, nestled between lake, mountains, vineyards and forests, and owes its appeal to its self-proclaimed “dolce vita” lifestyle. In 2019, Lausanne grabbed the top spot in the global affairs and lifestyle magazine Monocle's debut ranking of the world's best small cities – reportedly due to its global outlook, diverse population and natural setting. The magazine also suggested that the ranking reflected Lausanne’s efficient public transport network as well as key employers in the city, including the International Olympic Committee. 

Take a walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in Switzerland at the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces, which are criss-crossed with marked trails with stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Alps. 

One of the most famous attractions in Lausanne is the Lausanne Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 12th century and boasts stunning views of the city from its towers. The Olympic Museum is another must-visit attraction that explores the history of the Olympic Games and features interactive exhibits. Other notable attractions include Jardin Botanique, a beautiful park with over 6,000 species of plants, a tropical greenhouse, and a Japanese garden. 

Places to Visit Near Lausanne 

Situated at the heart of Europe, Lausanne benefits from an advantageous geographical location close to several prestigious destinations. It is an ideal starting point for jaunts lasting several hours or more. The vineyards of Lavaux, the châteaux of Chillon, and hiking in the Alps are just some of the different attractions that are easy to reach. Another popular destination is Montreux, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Geneva, which is famous for its jazz festival (where the song “Smoke on the Water” originated) and the Château de Chillon, a medieval fortress located on a small island in the lake. Of course, the nearby Swiss Alps, offer countless opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, as well as breath-taking views of the mountains and valleys. Several chocolate factories and museums are also nearby. 

Getting Around Lausanne 

Lausanne has an expansive and efficient public transport system that includes coaches, trains, and a metro. The metro system is known as the M1 line. You can purchase a City Pass for one, two or three days, to discover the most popular attractions and highlights in Lausanne at a special price. 

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines at metro stations or on coaches, and fares are based on a zone system.  

It's worth noting that Lausanne is a hilly city, so be prepared for steep climbs and descents. 

Food and Drink in Lausanne 

One of Lausanne’s assets is its location, between countryside and lake, providing plenty of fresh and delicious produce. As for non-vegetable-oriented ingredients, many species of fish swim in the waters of Lake Geneva, including which perch – the fillets of which are considered a true delicacy. In many restaurants, they will be prepared „meuniere” a typically Lausanner recipe. 

Another must-try dish is the "papet vaudois," a traditional Swiss dish made from leeks and potatoes served with sausage or bacon.  

Lausanne also has a thriving wine scene, with local vineyards producing a range of high-quality wines, including the famous white Chasselas wine.  

The city also hosts a variety of food festivals throughout the year, including the "Festival de la Cité," which features a range of food and drink stalls, as well as live music and cultural events.

Plan Your Visit to Lausanne with FlixBus 

Once elected best small city in the world, Lausanne is a charming and picturesque city with plenty to offer visitors. And what better way to travel than by FlixBus? For the most affordable coach tickets to Lausanne, book in advance – the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be! Enjoy your trip with our free Wi-Fi and spacious seats. Booking is easy: online, at a sales point, or with our FlixBus App. Payment methods include credit card, Paypal, Google and Apple Pay. Traveling by coach is one of the most environmentally friendly options available, as you reduce traffic-related emissions and you can help the planet by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your ticket to Lausanne!

Coaches from or to Lausanne

Find the most affordable coaches to Lausanne

FlixBus has the lowest-fare tickets to Lausanne. There are 28 destinations in Switzerland, and you can travel to many other countries, so no matter where you're travelling from, we can get you to Lausanne. It couldn't be easier to book a bus ticket to Lausanne with FlixBus. Tickets to Lausanne start from only £5.99, subject to availability. Always book in advance and travel off-peak if you can. Don't forget to download the FlixBus App to find the best deals, manage your bookings, and get up-to-date information about your trip. With the app, you don't need to print your ticket you can show your e-ticket to the driver.

Why travel from or to Lausanne with FlixBus

Getting to or departing from Lausanne with FlixBus couldn't be easier! With 152 routes connecting Lausanne, finding your way will be faster than saying Flix. You can book a trip from or to Lausanne at our shops or purchase your ticket on board. If you want to do it digitally, you can book your trip on our website or with the FlixBus App. You can pay for your tickets with credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay. When you choose FlixBus, you're choosing to travel from or to Lausanne in one of the most environmentally-friendly ways, helping reduce traffic-related emissions, and you can support our sustainability vision even further by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your trip.

Onboard services

Ready to book your trip to Lausanne? Don't forget to reserve your seat in advance for the best travel experience! Subject to availability, you can choose from a classic, table, or panorama seat or book an additional seat beside yours if you want the extra space. You can also bring a hand luggage and check-in luggage, free of charge. Once aboard, all you have to do is sit back and relax with our free onboard Wi-Fi, the extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets.