Train reservation from Lausanne to Montreux
A traveler is trying to book a train from Lausanne to Montreux and is confused about the train options and symbols on the SBB.ch website. They need clarity on how to choose the right train and understand the train types and symbols. They are also curious about making reservations using a Swiss Travel Pass Flex.
- You do not need to reserve seats for trains in Switzerland; just board with a valid ticket or railpass.
- Look for the departure time, number of transfers, duration, and price when selecting a train.
- You can make a reservation using the SBB website or app, but not all trains allow reservations.
- With the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, you don't need to buy a ticket; just show your pass if asked.
AI-generated summary-
I’m trying to make a train reservation from Lausanne to Montreux using SBB.ch. I type in Lausanne for a “current location” and Montreux for the “destination,” along with the date and time of departure. A list appears but the various trains may say, Direction Brig, Direction Aigle, Direction St-Maurice, etc. How do I know which of these trains to choose? I’ve scanned the forum for questions similar to mine but I still haven’t found an answer to this question. I also can’t seem to find an answer to what all of the symbols mean, i.e., (IR 90), (S 4), (RE). I apologize if I’m repeating a question that’s already been answered but I just can’t seem to find the information I need.
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Hi Pltheis,
In most cases, you don’t have to make seat reservations on Swiss trains prior to travelling. This is explained in detail here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/reservations
There are regular services between Lausanne and Montreux. If you have a valid ticket or railpass, you simply board your connection. There’s no need to stress about what type of train it is. You can find practical information on how to travel by Swiss rails here: http://www.myswissalps.com/train/practical/howtotravel
Hope this clarifies. Let us know if you need more info.
Regards,
Anna
When you see “Direction Brig”, that simply means this train ultimately ends up in Brig. You don’t need to care about that because you are only riding it as far as Montreux.
The “IR”, “S”, “RE” are indicators as to the type of train — regional, intercity, etc. Again, it doesn’t really matter.
What I look at when deciding which train to pick from the list:
0. What time does that train depart from my start point — can I physically make it on that train?
1. How many change of trains will I have to make. In your case, it will be zero for that route.
2. What is the duration of that ride from my start to end locations. Since not all trains take the same route, this sometimes matters. In your case, it’s such a short distance, the duration is always going to be 20-30 minutes.
3. Price — why pay more than you have to.
For your particular ride, I would pick the one that departs when I want to or when I get to the station and can get on that train.
Very helpful. Thanks so much. Since I first posted I also discovered that if I tap on the icons on the app it tells you what them mean.
One more question and I should be set. Let’s say I want to make a reservation even though I know I don’t have to. I have a Swiss Travel Pass Flex. How can I make a reservation without buying a ticket. When I go into the SBB.ch app it looks like I have to purchase a ticket. Any tips?
I’m not expert on this, so hopefully the forum regulars can confirm this…
On the SBB website, I found this:
http://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-and-tickets/tickets-for-switzerland/seat-reservations.html
Click the red button and you will get a form to search for a particular train. Note, not all trains permit reservations.
Hi Pltheis and thank you PAPirate,
Should you wish to make a reservation for a train journey and as PAPirate mentons, not all trains allow reservations. You can do so either online, physically at a rail station or via a ticket machine. More information here:
In case you were interested in the train types, here is our handy summary:
Also, yes on your nominated days of use with the Swiss Travel Pass Flex, correct, no ticket will be necessary. Just show your pass if / when asked.
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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