Lausanne is one of the easiest starting points for Glacier 3000. The train takes about 1 hour 47 minutes to Col du Pillon, changing at Aigle and Les Diablerets (07:48 to 09:35 on a sample January 2027 weekday), and the drive is about 71 km, roughly 63 minutes without traffic. The Glacier 3000 Experience Tour leaves from the Vennes metro stop and takes 8 to 9 hours with time in Montreux; check whether the cable car is in the option you choose.
Facts checked 16 October 2026
Independent guide, not the official Glacier 3000 website. Official tickets and live opening status: glacier3000.ch
Take the lakeside line east to Aigle, change onto the train up to Les Diablerets, a ride of about 50 minutes, then catch PostBus 180 for the last 13 to 15 minutes to Col du Pillon. The whole trip is a little under 2 hours.
Both early trains arrive in good time for a full day on the mountain. Between 1 November and 30 April the bus from Les Diablerets is free if you already hold a Glacier 3000 ticket, so buy yours online before you leave.
| Leave Lausanne | Arrive Col du Pillon | Journey | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:48 | 08:40 | 1 h 52 | Aigle, Les Diablerets |
| 07:48 | 09:35 | 1 h 47 | Aigle, Les Diablerets |
The bus from Col du Pillon to Les Diablerets runs until 17:09. On the sample January timetable, that last bus connects at Les Diablerets and Aigle to reach Lausanne at 19:12.
In winter the last cable car up is at 16:00, so aim to be at the top by early afternoon. Glacier 3000 suggests arriving before 15:00 to have time for the activities.
By car it is about 71 km and 63 minutes from Lausanne station to Col du Pillon in free-flowing traffic: the motorway to Aigle, then the mountain road through Les Diablerets. From Aigle the last stretch is about 25 km, roughly 27 minutes. Expect it to take longer on winter roads.
Large paid car parks sit next to the cable car at Col du Pillon and at Reusch, with a flat rate paid on arrival.
The Glacier 3000 Experience Tour runs by coach from the Vennes metro stop, by Aquatis, and takes 8 to 9 hours with free time in Montreux on the way back. The cable car is an option you select, so make sure it is in your booking if you want to go up.
A second Lausanne day pairs Glacier 3000 with Montreux over about 10 hours, and a private High Level Experience tour of about 9 hours collects you in the Lausanne or Geneva area. For both, check the listing for what is included.
Glacier 3000 day trips: tours compared, and doing it yourself
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Coach day trip from Lausanne to Glacier 3000 with free time in Montreux on the way back; check whether the cable car is included in the option you pick.
Departs from Vennes metro stop, Lausanne · 8 to 9 hours
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Day trip from Lausanne to Glacier 3000 with Montreux; check whether the cable car is included in the option you pick.
Departs from Lausanne · About 10 hours
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Private day to Glacier 3000 with pickup in the Lausanne or Geneva area; check the listing for what is included.
Departs from Lausanne or Geneva area, with pickup · About 9 hours
The 07:48 train puts you at Col du Pillon at 09:35, with cable cars every 20 minutes and a ride of about 15 minutes to Scex Rouge at 2,971 m. The Peak Walk and the Ice Express chairlift open at 09:15, so you can head straight for the bridge.
Allow about two hours for the Glacier Walk there and back, and break for lunch at Le 3 or, Wednesday to Sunday, at Restaurant Botta. The Peak Brunch, served from 09:15 and booked online in advance, costs CHF 35 on its own or CHF 108 with the cable car.
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 07:48 | Train from Lausanne |
| 09:35 | Arrive Col du Pillon |
| From 09:15 | Peak Walk and Ice Express open |
| 16:00 | Last cable car up in winter |
| 17:09 | Bus from Col du Pillon |
| 19:12 | Arrive Lausanne |
GetYourGuide
Return cable car ticket from Col du Pillon to Scex Rouge, including the Peak Walk, Ice Express and Glacier Walk; you make your own way to Col du Pillon.
Departs from Col du Pillon (no transport) · Ticket only, no fixed departure; cabins every 20 minutes
Montreux sits on the lakeside line between Aigle and Lausanne, which makes it an easy stop for an evening by the water. Château de Chillon, a short ride from Montreux on bus 201 to Veytaux, is better kept for a second day: adults pay CHF 18 in 2027 and Swiss Travel Pass holders go in free.
Glacier 3000 from Montreux by train, car, GoldenPass or day trip
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Entry ticket with audioguide for Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva.
Departs from Château de Chillon, Veytaux · Self-guided visit
With a second day, the Lavaux vineyards above Lake Geneva are close to Lausanne. A small-group wine day of about 10 hours, with pickup in the Lausanne or Geneva area, combines a walk in the terraces with a stop at Chillon and tastings of Vaud wines.
Or move closer to the mountain for a night: Les Diablerets is 5 to 7 minutes by car from the cable car, which lets you be on the first cabin at 09:00.
Where to stay for Glacier 3000: Les Diablerets, Gsteig or Gstaad
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Small-group day with a walk in the Lavaux vineyards, a stop at Chillon and tastings of Vaud wines.
Departs from Pickup in the Lausanne or Geneva area · About 10 hours
Take the train to Aigle, change for Les Diablerets, then take PostBus 180 to Col du Pillon. It takes about 1 hour 47 minutes, for example 07:48 to 09:35 on the sample January 2027 timetable.
About 71 km, roughly 63 minutes from Lausanne station in free-flowing traffic. Winter mountain roads can take longer.
The Glacier 3000 Experience Tour leaves from the Vennes metro stop in Lausanne and lasts 8 to 9 hours, with free time in Montreux on the way back.
The 17:09 bus from Col du Pillon connects at Les Diablerets and Aigle, reaching Lausanne at 19:12 on the sample January 2027 timetable.
Yes, for a discount: Swiss Travel Pass, GA and Half Fare card holders pay CHF 48 for the cable car return instead of CHF 95. Children under 6 ride free.
Sources: transport.opendata.ch, router.project-osrm.org, glacier3000.ch, glacier3000.ch, glacier3000.ch, glacier3000.ch, chillon.ch. Checked October 2026. Prices and times can change: confirm with the operator before you travel.