City hopping from Basel to Lausanne.

How would it sound to embark in Basel, travel through the stunning landscapes of Jura and the Three Lakes region, and arrive at Lake Geneva less than two-and-a-half hours later? With the direct train from Basel to Lausanne, you can do just that – no traffic and no need to find a parking space. There are several spots worth hopping out to explore along the way, too.

The image shows the route from Basel to Lausanne with five highlights marked along the way. — Image legend: The journey from Basel to Lausanne by IC51 takes just two hours and 22 minutes. There are plenty of beautiful historic town centres and natural sights worth visiting along the way. Simply pick out the ones that appeal to you most and enjoy your journey.

The trip in pictures.

Image of Delémont. — Image legend: 1st highlight: After departing from Basel, your train takes just 35 minutes to reach picturesque Delémont. Hop out to experience ‘Circuit secret’, a self-guided tour of the city.

Image of Biel/Bienne. — Image legend: 2nd highlight: Board the train again in Delémont and 30 minutes later you’ll arrive in the historic town centre of Biel/Bienne and its characteristic Bauhaus façades, guild houses, galleries and charming pedestrian precinct.

Image of Neuchâtel. — Image legend: 3rd highlight: From Biel/Bienne, it takes another 19 minutes by train to reach Neuchâtel. Boasting a scenic location on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the historic town centre blends bygone elegance with Mediterranean charm to captivating effect.

Image of La Tour du Fantastique. — Image legend: A must for fantasy and sci-fi fans: The former prisons and medieval tower in the old centre of Neuchâtel now serve as the backdrop for a showcase of art and fantasy: ‘La Tour du Fantastique’.

Image of Yverdon-les-Bains. — Image legend: 4th highlight: Board the train again in Neuchâtel and 19 minutes later you’ll arrive in the quaint historic centre of Yverdon-les-Bains. Get ready to be enchanted by its winding streets, historic buildings and impressive castle.

Image of Grande Cariçaie. — Image legend: Tip: From Yverdon’s historic town centre, it is just a few minutes’ walk to the banks of Lake Neuchâtel – the ideal place for a delightful stroll or a bike ride in the heart of the Grande Cariçaie nature reserve.

Image of the Olympic Museum. — Image legend: The grand finale to this day trip is a 27-minute train ride away in Lausanne. Take in the city’s special atmosphere or pay a visit to the Olympic Museum overlooking Lake Geneva. If you are travelling by public transport, you can even take advantage of attractive discounts at the museum.

Highlights overview.

Rich in history and culture, lose yourself in the picturesque alleys of the cantonal capital of Jura. Tip: Follow the ‘Circuit secret’ trail and use a digital key to visit seven of the town’s landmarks, including the Porte au Loup town gate, the bell tower of St. Marcel church, the castle gatehouse and Villa Vermeille. Each stop on the tour is brought to life through animated films created by the talented artist Dexter Maurer, who hails from Jura.

What’s waiting for you.

The historic town centre with its winding alleys, well preserved architecture and many hidden treasures from the past.
The ‘Circuit secret’ self-guided tour is an entertaining introduction to hidden spots, works of art and charming urban details.

Getting there and useful information.

Check the online timetable for the IC51 service to Delémont. The sights are within walking distance of the station.
Duration of the excursion: as long as you like.
Most of the sights are accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

Biel/Bienne combines easy lakeside living with a lively urban centre and a surprising amount of culture – the perfect place to see life through a different lens.

What’s waiting for you.

A charming historic town centre with alleyways, galleries, cafés and historic buildings galore.
The home of the Swiss watch-making industry, with brands such as Rolex, Omega and Swatch, plus the chance to gain fascinating insights into its history.
A traditional fruit & vegetable market on the charming Place du Bourg.
A location overlooking Lake Biel: perfect for a stroll, a cruise or a dip in the water.
Themed guided tours of the city with the promise of adventure.

Getting there and useful information.

Check the online timetable for the IC51 service to Biel/Bienne. The sights are within walking distance of the station.
Duration of the excursion: as long as you like.
Most of the sights are accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

Neuchâtel’s old town will charm you with its historic ambience and Mediterranean vibe. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Neuchâtel, the old town offers a fascinating mix of medieval architecture and a lively atmosphere. Fantasy and sci-fi fans also have plenty to look forward to thanks to ‘La Tour du Fantastique’.

What’s waiting for you.

A historic setting home to ample cultural highlights, museums and galleries.
‘La Tour du Fantastique’:A city walk with a creative, fantastical twist, with plenty of unexpected stops, historical encounters and visual highlights in store.
Culinary delights with local specialities – ideal for an enjoyable break.
Beautiful natural scenery – perfect for a walk along Lake Neuchâtel.

Getting there and useful information.

Check the online timetable for the IC51 service to Neuchâtel. The sights are within walking distance of the station.
Duration of the excursion: as long as you like.
Most of the sights are accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the banks of Lake Neuchâtel is Yverdon with its gorgeous historic town centre – it’s well worth exploring. Nature lovers would do well to take a walk or a bike ride in the nearby Grande Cariçaie, Switzerland’s largest wetland nature reserve. At just under 3,000 hectares in size, the reserve consists of eight conservation areas that are home to over 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species.

What’s waiting for you.

A historic town centre made up of charming little streets and a formidable castle.
Museums, festivals and a vibrant cultural scene.
A fantastic location by Lake Neuchâtel and the nearby Grande Cariçaie.
A selection of thermal baths offering relaxing spa treatments.

Getting there and useful information.

Check the online timetable for the IC51 service to Yverdon-les-Bains. The sights are within walking distance of the station.
Duration of the excursion: as long as you like.
Most of the sights are accessible for prams and wheelchairs.

The final stop on the route is Lausanne, where you should definitely take the time to visit the Olympic Museum. Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Geneva, the museum offers a first-hand experience of how sport is a source of togetherness and inspiration across the globe.

What’s waiting for you.

The permanent exhibition housing the world’s largest, most comprehensive collection of Olympic artefacts.
The history of sport brought to life through interactive exhibitions and multimedia experiences.
Art and sports from around the world come together in the Olympic Park, with its beautiful sculptures and sports facilities.
A restaurant with a stunning view of Lake Geneva.

Getting there and useful information.

Check the online timetable for the IC51 service to Lausanne. From the station, take the metro to Ouchy–Olympique and walk for eight minutes along the lakeside promenade.
Duration: as long as you like.
Pram and wheelchair accessible.
Tip: Benefit from attractive discounts when you travel there by public transport.

Go to the RailAway offer ‘Explore’n’Rail Olympic Museum’

A note about planning your journey.

To ensure that you can travel in comfort, we regularly carry out maintenance work on the SBB network. Please check the timetable on SBB.ch or in the SBB Mobile app before starting your journey. It is continually updated and provides suggestions for the best connections.

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City hopping from Basel to Lausanne.

The trip in pictures.

Highlights overview.

What’s waiting for you.

Getting there and useful information.

What’s waiting for you.

Getting there and useful information.

What’s waiting for you.

Getting there and useful information.

What’s waiting for you.

Getting there and useful information.

What’s waiting for you.

Getting there and useful information.

A note about planning your journey.

In cooperation with:

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City hopping from Basel to Lausanne.

The trip in pictures.

Highlights overview.

1. Delémont and ‘Circuit secret’.

2. The historic heart of Biel/Bienne.

3. Neuchâtel and ‘La Tour du Fantastique’.

4. Yverdon-les-Bains and Grande Cariçaie.

5. Olympic Museum, Lausanne.

A note about planning your journey.

In cooperation with:

Further content

Summer Trial GA Travelcard.

More on the topic.