Montreux to Geneva by train or boat

What would be the best way, most scenic way to get from Montreux to Geneva? Train, boat...? Arriving on the Goldenpass around noon. And should we stay a whie in Montreux?

We need to know the date before we can give the best advice.

In the meantime:

1) Montreux - Geneva by lake boat is a very long journey (via Lausanne) as the lake is very large.

2) Train Montreux - Geneve is scenic (sit on the left) as far as Lausanne along the lake side. Lausanne - Geneve is a fast straight railway mostly away from the lake but with views of the Jura mountains on the right hand side.

Guete Daag! Danke'!

We'll be travelling from Montreux to Geneva the afternoon of January the first.

Very helpful information!

You are lucky then.

Lake boats run very little in the winter, but a few do run on Sundays. January 1 2023 is a Sunday so you could go Montreux (14.30) to Lausanne Ouchy then go by train to Geneva, or you could go Montreux - St Gingolph - Vevey, then switch to the train at Vevey (direct trains to Geneve via Lausanne)

www.fahrplanfelder.ch/fileadmin/fap_pdf_fields/2023/3100.pdf

Hi Astonlucas,

Welcome to myswissalps.com

Thank you for your question in regards to travel from Montreux to Geneva.

Please find enclosed a link to our timetable page, here you can research suitable times of departure to Geneva by train and boat. http://www.myswissalps.com/timetable

More about boat trips to Geneva can be found here.

Should your schedule allow, Montreux is definitely worth a visit ; https://www.myswissalps.com/montreux

Thank you again for your question. I hope you enjoy your trip!

Thank you!

Hi Astonlucas, we did the Montreux to Geneva by both train and by combination boat and train last July. If you have time to do part of the way by boat, you’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery from the water. We got off the boat and switched to the train in Vevey, as mentioned by 1960man, and that worked out well. The train from Montreux to Geneva does have some scenic views, but we found that views of the lake are sometimes blocked by walls, especially when going through towns.

We very much enjoyed exploring Montreux and walking to Chillon Castle along the lakefront promenade, with a lovely view of the mountains on the other side of lake.

A trip on January 1st, whilst possible, won't be as nice as in July as it is likely to be a small boat and probably too cold to go outside. The boat will stay fairly close to the shore.

Montreux - Lausanne by train is more by the lakeside. Lausanne - Geneve is mostly away from the lake with, as you say, restricted views through the built up areas. The modern trend to build sound barrier walls in urban areas does not help the tourist.

Hi Astanlucas,

Perhaps you can split the journey - take a boat from Montreux to Lausanne, then later train to Geneva. Trains are faster and services are more regular. You can check train schedules here: www.myswissalps.com/timetable

Regards,

Anna

I agree that the thought of going outside in January on the boat from Montreux does not sound appealing! I can imagine that opting for first class and reserving a table in the restaurant might be a more pleasant option (if that is indeed possible at that time of year).

Guete Daag!

Thank all of you for your suggestions and advice. Very helpful/useful information.