How to Get to Leysin: Complete Access Guide
Getting to Leysin: All Transport Options
Leysin is a mountain resort remarkably well-connected for its size. Located in the Vaud Alps of the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, it's accessible by road, train, and even by air via nearby airports. Whether coming from French-speaking Switzerland, German-speaking Switzerland, France, or Germany, several routes are available. Here's our complete guide.
By Train: The Picturesque Aigle-Leysin Railway
The most picturesque and practical way to reach Leysin is the Aigle-Leysin cog railway (AL). This historic line, inaugurated in 1900, connects Aigle station in the Rhône Valley to Leysin in about 30 minutes. The journey itself is a tourist experience: the little red train climbs through the Chablais vineyards, passes through forests, and offers increasingly spectacular panoramic views.
Aigle station sits on the main Simplon line, facilitating connections from across Switzerland. Trains run regularly throughout the day, year-round. Combined SBB + AL tickets can be purchased as a single journey on the SBB website or mobile app.
From Geneva and Its Airport
By train: From Geneva Airport or Geneva Cornavin, take a direct train to Aigle (about 1h20-1h40). At Aigle, board the cog railway to Leysin. Total journey: about 2 hours door to door. The most comfortable and eco-friendly option.
By car: From Geneva, take the A1 motorway toward Lausanne, then the A9 toward Valais. Exit at Aigle. From there, follow signs to Leysin (mountain road of about 15 minutes). Total journey: about 1.5 hours. Parking available at Chalet Les Mayens and in the resort.
From Lausanne
By train: Take an InterCity or Regional Express toward Valais, exit at Aigle (about 40 minutes). Connect with the cog railway. Total: about 1h15.
By car: A9 motorway toward Valais, Aigle exit, then mountain road to Leysin. About 1 hour drive. The route follows Lake Geneva through the Lavaux vineyards — magnificent in itself.
From Bern and German-Speaking Switzerland
By train: From Bern, take an InterCity via Lausanne or via the Lötschberg. Total about 2h30. The scenery between Bern and Lausanne, especially above Lake Thun, makes the journey pleasant.
By car: From Bern, A6 then A1 to Lausanne, A9 to Aigle. About 2 hours. From Zürich, about 3 hours via Bern.
From France
Leysin is easily accessible from neighboring France. From Évian-les-Bains, take the ferry to Lausanne (35 minutes) then train. From Chamonix, about 2 hours by car via Martigny. From Lyon, about 3 hours via Geneva.
Entering Switzerland requires a motorway vignette (40 CHF/year) available at border crossings, gas stations, and online.
From Germany
From southern Germany, Leysin is accessible in 3-4 hours. From Freiburg, via Basel and Bern. From Munich, via Zürich and Bern. Switzerland's well-maintained motorway network makes the drive comfortable. By train, direct connections exist from Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich.
Getting Around Leysin Without a Car
Once in Leysin, a car isn't essential. The resort is compact and walkable. Ski lifts, shops, restaurants, and most accommodations are within walking distance. For regional excursions, public transport is efficient with regular buses to Aigle, Le Sépey, and Les Mosses.
Chalet Les Mayens is ideally located, allowing you to reach main points of interest on foot. A real advantage for stress-free vacations where the car can stay parked.
Plan Your Trip to Leysin
You have all the information to plan your journey. Don't hesitate to contact us with questions about access or local transport. Book your stay at Chalet Les Mayens and prepare for a memorable vacation in the Vaud Alps.