Montreux or Lausanne to Maison Cailler/Gruyeres

Short summary – read this first

Sumanne is planning a trip for her family of five to Montreux in early April and is checking train schedules to Broc and Gruyeres. They want to maximize their time as it seems the train takes 1.5 hours each way, and they're also debating whether to spend two nights in Montreux or Lausanne.

Key takeaways:
  • Consider taking the train from Montreux to Montbovon for scenic views on the Golden Pass Line, but be aware of possible delays due to construction work.
  • Using the SBB timetable will help find the fastest train routes, though sometimes scenic routes are worth the extra time.
  • Montreux is a charming town with easy access to transport and attractions; it's likely a better choice than Lausanne for your stay.
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  • Anonymous
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    4 January 2018 at 1:59:57 #813926

    Hi. I’m checking timetables for trains from Montreaux to Broc (and probably Gruyeres) in early April. On the map they look only 30 miles apart, but it seems that it’s going to take us 1.5 hours on the train each way?? Is there a better route? We are a family of 5, and trying to maximize our time. Also, my husband and I are debating two nights in Montreal versus Lausanne. Would love help settling that debate as well. 🙂

    Thanks!

  • rockoyster
    Participant
    8872 posts
    Reply 1 of 3 • 4 January 2018 at 2:04:07 #873529

    Hi Sumanne and Welcome to MySwissAlps,

    Well Montreal is a fair way from Lausanne 😎 but if you mean Montreux then whichever one of you is going for 2 nights there instead of Lausanne should be the winner (he said without the slightest context of your overall itinerary). See http://www.myswissalps.com/mo ntreux & https://www.myswissalp s.com/lausanne

    The SBB timetable (http://www.myswissalps.com/ti metable) will give you the fastest route. There are a few mountains involved. Going via Montbovon is slightly quicker than via Lausanne.

    Montreux to Montbovon is part of the very scenic Golden Pass Line. Where are you headed after Montreux?

    A taxi would take you about 30 minutes but might be prohibitively expensive. See http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Mon treux/Broc

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    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 2 of 3 • 4 January 2018 at 14:04:22 #873530

    Thanks! Yes my spellcheck keeps changing everything! It was my husband who picked Montreal! lol.

    User
    Inactive
    83503 posts
    Reply 3 of 3 • 5 January 2018 at 4:11:11 #873531

    >> I’m checking timetables for trains from Montreaux to Broc (and probably Gruyeres) in early April. On the map they look only 30 miles apart, but it seems that it’s going to take us 1.5 hours on the train each way?? Is there a better route? We are a family of 5, and trying to maximize our time.

    As rockoyster mentioned, the reason it takes as long as it does is because the train has to climb mountains! You wouldn’t want to miss the climb out of Montreux on the way to Montbovon for anything.

    It might also take you a bit longer than the timetable suggests, as there will be a bus replacement along the route between Montbovon and Bulle due to construction work between 19 March and 2 June 2018, and the S-Bahn train S50 will be replaced by buses. I would still select that route though, for its scenic beauty.

    The fastest routes for getting around in Switzerland (generally speaking) are fast because they go through the flatter parts of the country and/or take valley and tunnel routes, which is great for commuters. However, if you are a tourist, you miss out on so much by choosing the fast routes over longer, more scenic ones that tackle the mountains.

    >> Also, my husband and I are debating two nights in Montreal versus Lausanne. Would love help settling that debate as well. 🙂

    I agree with rockoyster – definitely Montreux. It is smaller and more attractive and has excellent transport connections. The station is just a few minutes walk from the lake and boat wharf.

    Alpenrose

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