Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Exploring Lausanne (BFS 5586) in Lausanne District, Canton of Vaud links you directly to The Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique) & Ouchy Promenade, Lausanne Gothic Cathedral, and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) network at Bahnhof Lausanne (0.5 km). At 869 m elevation (pop. 139,408), Lausanne rewards visitors with walkable town squares and authentic Lavaux Chasselas wines and Gruyère & Etivaz alpine cheeses.
Within Canton of Vaud Region (Lausanne District region), Lausanne (Lausanne (BFS 5586)) serves as a prefectural capital of canton of vaud region. Travelers exploring Canton of Vaud often combine a stop in Lausanne with regional highlights such as Château de Chillon & Montreux Riviera, Lavaux UNESCO Vineyard Terraces, Lausanne Olympic Museum & Cathedral, Glacier 3000 & Villars-sur-Ollon.
| Fact | Details for Lausanne (Lausanne (BFS 5586)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Lausanne (BFS 5586) (Lausanne) |
| Administrative Status | Prefectural capital of Canton of Vaud Region |
| Region & Capital | Canton of Vaud Region (Capital: Lausanne) |
| Region of Switzerland | Lausanne District |
| Population | 139,408 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 46.5218°N, 6.633°E |
Getting to Lausanne & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Lausanne Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): 40 minutes from Geneva Airport along the Lake Geneva SBB mainline via Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux.
- Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Canton of Vaud Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect Lausanne with Lausanne. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Canton of Vaud have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Lausanne en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Lausanne are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Canton of Vaud can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Lausanne & Canton of Vaud
Lausanne shares the culinary traditions of Canton of Vaud Region and the wider Lausanne District region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Papet Vaudois — a signature specialty across Canton of Vaud Region.
- Filets de perche du Léman — a signature specialty across Canton of Vaud Region.
- Malakoff fried cheese — a signature specialty across Canton of Vaud Region.
- Lavaux Chasselas wines — a signature specialty across Canton of Vaud Region.
- Gruyère & Etivaz alpine cheeses — a signature specialty across Canton of Vaud Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Lausanne.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Canton of Vaud: May–Oct.
Regional highlights across Canton of Vaud Region that pair well with a visit to Lausanne include: Château de Chillon & Montreux Riviera, Lavaux UNESCO Vineyard Terraces, Lausanne Olympic Museum & Cathedral, Glacier 3000 & Villars-sur-Ollon.
Practical Travel Tips for Lausanne
- Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Lausanne (or at Lausanne Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Lausanne accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Lausanne (Lausanne (BFS 5586)) located in Switzerland?
Lausanne (Lausanne (BFS 5586)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Canton of Vaud Region in the Lausanne District region of Switzerland (coordinates: 46.5218°N, 6.633°E). It has a population of approximately 139,408 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Lausanne by train?
Most visitors reach Lausanne via the main prefectural gateway of Lausanne Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). 40 minutes from Geneva Airport along the Lake Geneva SBB mainline via Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Lausanne. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Lausanne and Canton of Vaud known for?
In Lausanne and across Canton of Vaud Region, top local dishes include Papet Vaudois, Filets de perche du Léman, Malakoff fried cheese, as well as Lavaux Chasselas wines and Gruyère & Etivaz alpine cheeses. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Lausanne?
Best time to visit Canton of Vaud: May–Oct. Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: