Lausanne Metro Information
The metro network in the city of Lausanne, Switzerland, consists of two separate lines owned by two different companies, with a third responsible for overall operations. Lausanne has the distinction of being the smallest city in the world to have its own metro network, a distinction previously held by the French city of Rennes. The 13.7 km network runs along 2 lines and serves a total of 28 stations. The first line is a light rail, while the second is an automated metro. It’s known for its use of rubber-tyred technology and there are plans to build the third line along the same lines. A popular mode of transport since 1991, the Lausanne metro has an annual ridership of 40.8 million (2013).
The Lausanne metro is an essential part of the public transport system in Lausanne, Switzerland. It operates daily from 5:30 am to midnight. However, it does not operate 24 hours a day.
The metro trains do not have air conditioning. However, passengers can walk between platforms for comfort. Interestingly, the M2 metro line has been using driverless trains since 2008. There are no screen doors on the platforms.
The Lausanne metro operates on an honour system for fare payment, with variable fares. The entire system is managed by TL (Transports Lausannois).
For more information, visit the Lausanne Metro Official Website or contact them at +41 021 621 01 110.
Lausanne Metro Map
Map of Lausanne Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Lausanne Metro map in PDF format.
Structure and Configuration
The Lausanne metro consists of two lines, M1 and M2, each with 15 stations, for a total of 30 stations. Here is a list of the stations on each line:
- Stations on the M1 line: Renens CFF, UNIL-Sorge, Cerisaie, EPFL, Crochy, Bassenges, Epenex, Malley, Vigie, Bourdonnette, Montelly, UNIL-Dorigny, Provence, UNIL-Mouline, Lausanne-Flon.
- Stations on the M2 line: Croisettes, Ouchy-Olympique, CHUV, Riponne-Maurice Béjart, Délices, Sallaz, Grancy, Vennes, Jordils, Ours, Montriond, Bessiéres, Lausanne train station, Lausanne Flon, Fourmi
Intermodal connections
The metro system is also seamlessly integrated with the TL bus network, allowing easy transfers. The Mobilis pass allows you to transfer to 11 other transport companies, including the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS), LEB, Car Postal, MBC, TPN, NStCM, MOB, Transports VMCV, Travys, AVJ, TPC.
Airport Accessibility
The closest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA). It takes one hour to get from the airport to the metro’s central hub. There are four trains an hour to Lausanne. The fare is 27 Swiss francs (CHF). To get to the metro, take the InterRegio train 1717 towards Brig and get off at Lausanne. A short 5-minute walk will take you to the Gare station. From there, take the M2 metro towards Epalinges, Croisettes and get off at Flon station. Both the M1 and M2 lines are accessible from Flon station.
Operation Hours and Timetables
The weekday timetable for lines M1 and M2 is as follows
- M1 line: Trains run every five minutes between Renens-Gare and Lausanne-Flon. The opening and closing times for each station are listed below:
- M2 line: Trains run every 5 to 7.5 minutes between Ouchy-Olympique station and Croissets station. See below for the opening and closing times of each station.
Fares and Payment Options
Metro fares can be paid for with individual tickets, season tickets or cards, all priced in Swiss francs (CHF).
Ticket Categories
Tickets are available in four categories: Billet Court Parcours, Billet Grand Lausanne, Carte Journaliére, and Billet “Mini Groupe”. The pricing details for each category are:
Subscription Plans
A variety of subscription plans are offered tailored to different age groups, as well as for dogs. Here are the details:
- 1) Age 6 to 25 years: Unlimited rides across two to four zones are available for individuals between 6 and 25 years old, with weekly, monthly, or yearly plans. The costs are:
- 1.1) Two zones: Weekly – 26 CHF, Monthly – 52 CHF, Yearly – 468 CHF.
- 1.2) Three zones: Weekly – 38 CHF, Monthly – 78 CHF, Yearly – 684 CHF.
- 1.3) Four zones: Weekly – 48 CHF, Monthly – 96 CHF, Yearly – 864 CHF.
- 2) Age 25 years and older: This pass offers unlimited rides for individuals aged between 25 and 64, covering two to four zones. The costs are:
- 2.1) Two zones: Weekly – 37 CHF, Monthly – 74 CHF, Yearly – 740 CHF.
- 2.2) Three zones: Weekly – 54 CHF, Monthly – 108 CHF, Yearly – 1080 CHF.
- 2.3) Four zones: Weekly – 69 CHF, Monthly – 137 CHF, Yearly – 1370 CHF.
- 3) Age 64 years and older: This pass offers unlimited rides for customers aged 64 and older. The costs are:
- 3.1) Two zones: Weekly – 34 CHF, Monthly – 67 CHF, Yearly – 670 CHF.
- 3.2) Three zones: Weekly – 49 CHF, Monthly – 98 CHF, Yearly – 980 CHF.
- 3.3) Four zones: Weekly – 62 CHF, Monthly – 124 CHF, Yearly – 1240 CHF.
- 4) Dog passes: This subscription is required for passengers travelling with dogs. The prices are:
- 4.1) Two zones: Weekly – 26 CHF, Monthly – 52 CHF, Yearly – 468 CHF.
- 4.2) Three zones: Weekly – 38 CHF, Monthly – 76 CHF, Yearly – 684 CHF.
- 4.3) Four zones: Weekly – 48 CHF, Monthly – 96 CHF, Yearly – 864 CHF.
Special Passes
Two special passes are available: the Swiss Pass and the Mobilis Pass. The Swiss Pass includes half-price travel and covers most public transport in Switzerland. The Mobilis Pass, which is required to travel on the Lausanne metro, is valid in more than 300 communes and facilitates connections with several transport companies.
Travel Guidelines
- Passengers standing in the metro should hold onto the handles to avoid injury in the event of sudden braking.
- Do not attempt to rush onto the metro when visual and audible signals indicate that the doors are closing.
- Ensure that rollators are securely fastened to prevent inconvenience to other passengers.
- Seats are provided for passengers with pushchairs or large luggage.
- Ensure that prams are secured in these designated seats for the safety of your child.
- Electronic ticket (e-ticket) users must carry their ID and maintain an active subscription to the ticket service.
- Special tickets are required for animals and bicycles.
The number of bicycles allowed per car is shown on stickers on the train. M1 trains allow two bicycles per car and M2 trains allow four bicycles per car. However, bicycles are not allowed at peak times or when trains are full. The cost of taking a bicycle on the metro depends on the following conditions:
- Free: Folded bikes or children’s bikes.
- Half price: Adults accompanied by a person aged between 6 and 16.
- Full price: Adults.
Segways, motorcycles and other fuel-powered vehicles are not permitted. Wheelchairs up to the following dimensions are permitted 70 cm wide, 120 cm long and 140 cm high.
Planned Extensions
Two new sections of the metro are planned: the northern extension and the new Gare de Lausanne.
North extension: This extension will allow access to Le-Chalet-á-Gobet and Epalinges-Village.
New Lausanne-Gare section: A new extension planned for 2025 will introduce a double track. A new line, the M3 line, will be built here.
Construction of the M3 line will start in 2023. This line will use the same type of trains and tracks as the M2 line.
Insider Tips for Lausanne Metro
As Lausanne is a city of hills, the metro is a convenient means of transport as it allows you to travel easily over different terrains.
When you check in at a hotel in Lausanne, you will receive the Lausanne Transport Card, which entitles you to free travel on the metro. The card is valid for the duration of your stay at the hotel. It covers travel in zones 11, 12, 15, 16, 18 and 19.
Ticket machines can be found at stations and bus stops. They accept credit cards, debit cards and cash. Note that older machines may not give change.
Ticket and pass prices follow a zone-based system, which means prices vary by region. The price structure is determined by the Mobilis card, which allows travel in Lausanne and surrounding towns in the canton of Vaud. Most of Lausanne is covered by zones 11 and 12. The Grand Lausanne ticket, which covers zones 11 and 12, is divided into single tickets and day tickets. A single ticket allows unlimited travel for one hour, while a day ticket allows unlimited travel until 5am the following day. If you plan to travel three or more times in one day, it is cheaper to buy a day pass, which costs the same as three single tickets. The Swiss Federal Pass is recommended for unlimited travel over more than one day.
Interesting Trivia
Trains on the M2 line use rubber wheels, while trains on the M1 line use steel wheels. M2 trains operate automatically, while M1 trains require a driver. Another difference is the presence of safety doors at M2 stations, which separate the platforms from the tracks. M1 uses single track rails, while M2 uses double track rails. Travelling through all the stations on the M2 line is equivalent to a height difference of 300 metres.
Attractions Nearby
Geneva Airport is the nearest international airport to Lausanne. Below is a description of how to reach popular tourist attractions in Lausanne from Geneva Airport using the Lausanne Metro.