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The CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation) operates year-round ferry service between Lausanne-Ouchy and Montreux along Lake Geneva's northern shore. Schedules vary by season, with Belle Époque paddle steamers running May through September and modern motor vessels covering the route the rest of the year. Service runs daily from 07:00 to 23:59.
Quick answer
CGN ferries depart Lausanne-Ouchy for Montreux between 07:00 and 23:59 daily, with journey times ranging from 90 minutes for direct express routes to approximately three hours for scenic all-stops services. Summer high season (May–September) offers the most frequent departures—typically 8–12 sailings per day—while winter months reduce to 4–6 daily departures. Belle Époque paddle steamers operate only during the warmer months.
The 40-kilometer journey from Lausanne to Montreux by CGN ferry traces one of Europe's most storied lake routes, passing the UNESCO-protected Lavaux vineyard terraces that climb from the water in near-vertical rows. The typical one-way fare is 27 CHF, though Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free on all CGN services. The lausanne to montreux boat timetable follows a tiered structure determined by season and vessel type. Express sailings skip intermediate landings at villages like Cully, Saint-Saphorin, and Vevey, delivering passengers directly to Montreux in 90 minutes. All-stops panoramic routes call at up to nine landings, extending the voyage to three hours but offering unobstructed views of the vine-covered slopes and the alpine wall rising beyond Montreux. Belle Époque paddle steamers—restored 19th-century vessels with working steam engines—operate the midday departures during summer, their slower pace and open promenade decks designed for sightseeing rather than commuting. Schedule density peaks between 09:00 and 16:00, when CGN runs departures at roughly 90-minute intervals during high season. Morning sailings favor commuters and half-day excursionists; afternoon departures cater to roundtrip passengers completing the Lausanne-Montreux-Lausanne loop. Winter brings reduced frequency but maintains reliable daily connections, with modern motor vessels replacing the paddle fleet from October through April. CGN publishes seasonal timetables on its official site, distinguishing between the summer grand parcours schedule and the reduced winter horaire. Departure boards at Quai Jean-Pascal Delamuraz in Lausanne-Ouchy display real-time updates, and the CGN mobile app provides live tracking for each vessel. Passengers boarding at Ouchy should note that the lake ferry schedule operates independently from Lausanne's urban transit system—metro line M2 connects the city center to the Ouchy pier in six minutes, but ferry departure slots do not synchronize with metro arrivals. The ferry timetable from Lausanne to Montreux remains one of the few Swiss transport schedules where weather can alter service. Strong Bise winds occasionally delay or suspend sailings during winter, though CGN rarely cancels without advance notice posted to its website and app.
“Express sailings skip intermediate landings to deliver passengers directly to Montreux in 90 minutes, while all-stops panoramic routes extend the voyage to three hours with unobstructed views of the Lavaux terraces.”
The CGN boat service between Lausanne and Montreux operates daily throughout the week. Service hours are consistent across all seven days to facilitate travel along the lake.
This itinerary suits travelers taking the scenic lakeside route from Lausanne to Montreux, with typical journey times of 90 minutes direct or 3–4 hours with stopovers. Departures run regularly throughout the day, allowing flexibility in timing.
Board at Quai Jean-Pascal Delamuraz 1; select a seat on the starboard (right) side for uninterrupted Lavaux vineyard views as you sail east.
Disembark for 45–60 minutes to explore this wine village at the heart of the UNESCO Lavaux terraces; catch the next eastbound boat.
Allow 60–90 minutes to walk the lakefront promenade and visit the Alimentarium or Charlie Chaplin statue before resuming your journey.
Board the final leg; the 30-minute sail passes Chillon Castle on approach, visible from the deck before docking at Montreux-Territet.
Disembark and explore the Montreux Riviera on foot, or continue by boat to Chillon Castle if your pass permits same-day re-boarding.
The best arrival window is 09:00–16:00 to utilize optimal lighting for viewing the Lavaux vineyards and to align with the higher frequency of Belle Époque boat departures. Planning your travel within this timeframe ensures clear visibility of the terraced hillsides along the route to Montreux.
Mild, 12°C–18°C. Ideal for viewing fresh green vineyard growth before peak summer heat.
Warm, 20°C–28°C. Frequent departures and long daylight hours facilitate easier schedule planning.
Cooler, 14°C–20°C. Vines turn golden, providing clear views of the harvest season scenery.
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Lower passenger volume offers more flexibility for boarding Belle Époque vessels.
Verdict: The optimal period for travel is mid-week between April and May or September and October, arriving between 09:00 and 16:00 for the best lighting and vineyard visibility.
Costs for boat travel between Lausanne and Montreux depend on the chosen travel class and the distance of the specific route. Fares are standardized by the CGN network.
Verdict: A typical adult pays 27 CHF for a one-way ticket, though prices vary based on destination and selected travel class.
The CGN departure point for boats to Montreux is located at Quai Jean-Pascal Delamuraz 1, 1006 Lausanne, situated directly at the Ouchy waterfront. The most efficient approach is via the Lausanne Metro M2 line, which connects the city center directly to the lakeshore.
M2 line to Ouchy station
Walk from Ouchy metro station to the pier
Public parking near Place de la Navigation
Alight at the Ouchy terminus station and follow signs for the CGN boat landing stage. Plan to arrive within the best arrival window of 09:00–16:00 to maximize visibility of the Lavaux vineyards during your crossing.
Everything you need to know about lausanne to montreux boat timetable
You can view the most accurate lausanne to montreux boat timetable directly on the official CGN website. It provides real-time updates for all scheduled departures across Lake Geneva.
Yes, the frequency of the lake transport service is consistent, with operating hours from 07:00 to 23:59 daily. You should consult the lausanne to montreux boat timetable for specific departure variations based on the season.
While not strictly mandatory for all sailings, checking the lausanne to montreux boat timetable helps you plan your arrival. We recommend arriving between 09:00 and 16:00 to enjoy the most frequent service options.
Yes, travel on these ships is included with the Swiss Travel Pass. For those without a pass, a typical one-way fare starts at 27 CHF.
The best arrival window is 09:00–16:00, which offers optimal lighting for viewing the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard terraces from the water. Planning your trip during these hours ensures you see the landscape at its most clear.
Yes, the fleet includes historic Belle Époque paddle steamers that operate on this route. You can identify these departures by checking the vessel details within the official timetable.
If you miss your boat, you can wait for the next scheduled service or consult the official site for alternative options. Since departures run throughout the day until 23:59, there are usually several opportunities to complete your journey.