Time taken to change trains in Lausanne?
 

Hi,

Needed some help.

On 16.6.04 I plan to transit through Lausanne on my way to Montruex to catch a connecting train (Chocalat Train) at 0934 hrs.

I would be arriving in Lausanne at 0854 hrs by IC708 from Bern and plan to take the IR1715 to Montreux which leaves Lausanne at 0900.

Unfortunately, whereas the timetables mention platform numbers for all stations, the same does not hold good for Lausanne.

Any idea as to which platform the IC708 arrives on and from which platform IR1715 departs would be helpful given that there would be just 6 minutes to change trains.

Thanks

Lausanne is a fairly large station with several platforms.
Have you tried inputting the train information on the SBB website to see if the platform information will show up.
BTW, 6 minutes to change trains in Switzerland is considered "within the norm" but it obviously helps if you aren't carrying a lot of luggage.

I just checked for your dates using the www.sbb.ch website (click on the upper right for the English version).
Your arrival that day will be on Track #7 and the departure is from Track #3.

Thanks. I read the timetable as departing from platform 7 in Bern and Arriving on platform 3 in Montruex. The space against Lausanne was blank. Is my understanding wrong?

Will be travelling with no luggage, just two kids which is tough enough !!

Don't worry you won't have a problem making your connection.It's a shame you are just passing thru it's a beautiful area.

Well, you are a better timetable reader than I am...I just checked again and you are correct. Montreux is a much smaller station than Lausanne and I didn't even know there was a Platform 3 there!

Anyway, with no luggage you shouldn't have any trouble making the connection and if you haven't found out beforehand, you may end up having to check the departure chart on the platform when you reach Lausanne in order to find the departure you need.

My own experience in Switzerland with these "tight connections" has always been good and I am sure yours will be also.

Am just passing thru that day. I have however planned a full day in Lausanne and from whatever I have gathered it is a must see. Got some help from the Lausanne Tourism Office - they say that the train should arrive on Platform 5 and depart from platform 3 all things being equal and normal.

As you train from Lausanne to Montreux, you'll be passing a few of the loveliest villages and vineyards in Switzerland. I am so envious, words cannot express. Lutry, Cully, Rivaz, St. Saphorin, ahhhh. Wave at the little two-star Auberge du Rivaz for me, just across from the boat dock. Have a wonderful time! J.

J thanks will look out for all of them and wave at the appropriate Looking forward to it as well. Cheers