Two trains at Ouchy M2 metro station seen through a glass wall

Ouchy Olympique Station

Ouchy-Olympique Station: Visiting Hours, Ticket Guide, and Travel Tips for Lausanne’s Lakeside Hub

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Ouchy-Olympique Station, nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Geneva, is the southern terminus of Lausanne’s M2 metro line and a vibrant gateway to the city’s lakeside attractions, rich Olympic heritage, and historic charm. Renowned for its seamless integration of modern mobility and cultural legacy, this station is not merely a transport hub—it is a starting point for exploring world-class museums, grand hotels, panoramic promenades, and the dynamic heart of Lausanne. This comprehensive guide details the station’s history, visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and expert tips to optimize your visit (fr.wikipedia.org; urbanrail.net; t-l.ch; lausanne.ch).

Ouchy M2 station with one train on closed platform and another approaching near track end with guiderails

Ouchy-Olympique Station Overview
Historical Evolution: From Funicular to Metro
Olympic Legacy and Station Renaming
Architecture & Accessibility
Station Visiting Hours & Ticketing
Facilities and Services
Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References and Useful Links

Ouchy-Olympique Station Overview

Strategically located at the lakeside foot of Lausanne, Ouchy-Olympique Station connects the bustling city center with one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfronts. It is a vital access point for daily commuters and international visitors, offering direct links to the Olympic Museum, lakeside promenades, historic hotels, and boat cruises on Lake Geneva.

Historical Evolution: From Funicular to Metro

Funicular Roots (1877–1958)

Ouchy-Olympique’s story began with the Lausanne-Ouchy funicular, inaugurated in 1877 to bridge the steep elevation between the city center and Ouchy. The original station, a modest wooden shelter, soon became an architectural landmark when integrated into the Hôtel du Parc (now Hôtel Aulac). The line made Ouchy accessible to residents and tourists, supporting the growth of the lakeside district and connecting with steamboat services (fr.wikipedia.org).

Rack Railway and Modernization (1958–2006)

Responding to rising urban mobility needs, the funicular was converted to a rack railway in 1958, branded as the “Métro-Ouchy.” This upgrade enabled more frequent, reliable service and positioned the line as a critical artery in Lausanne’s transport network, with high-frequency trains connecting Ouchy to the city center (urbanrail.net).

M2 Line Transformation (2006–2008)

To meet modern standards and capacity, the rack railway closed in 2006 and was replaced by the fully automated M2 metro line, which opened in 2008. The new Ouchy station, designed by CCHE Architectes, features ground-level access and state-of-the-art facilities for safety and accessibility (urbanrail.net).

Olympic Legacy and Station Renaming

In December 2015, the station was renamed “Ouchy-Olympique” in honor of the International Olympic Committee’s centenary in Lausanne. The station now features Olympic-themed interior design and signage, celebrating the city’s unique role as the “Olympic Capital” and its proximity to the renowned Olympic Museum (lausanne.ch).

Architecture & Accessibility

The station is seamlessly integrated into the lakeside urban landscape, with ground-level entry, elevators, ramps, and multilingual signage ensuring full accessibility for all travelers. Platform screen doors and tactile guidance enhance safety for passengers, including wheelchair users and families with strollers (fr.wikipedia.org).

Station Visiting Hours & Ticketing

Operating Hours: Ouchy-Olympique Station operates daily, with M2 metro services running from approximately 5:15 AM to midnight.
Tickets: Standard Lausanne public transport tickets are required (no separate station fee). Tickets can be purchased from multilingual machines at the station, via the official TL app, or online (t-l.ch).
Tourist Passes: Visitors staying at Lausanne hotels often receive the Lausanne Transport Card, granting free access to public transport (including Ouchy-Olympique Station).
Ticket Pricing: Single-ride tickets cost about CHF 4; day passes and multi-ride options are available. Holders of Swiss Travel Pass or Mobilis Card ride free.
Accessibility: The station is fully wheelchair-accessible, with step-free access, elevators, and assistance available upon request.

For real-time schedules and the latest ticket information, always consult the official TL website.

Facilities and Services

Ticket counters and kiosks
Digital displays with real-time train info
Tourist information points
Restrooms available nearby
Accessible features: Elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, and platform screen doors
Safety: Well-lit, monitored, and patrolled

Nearby Attractions

1. Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique)

Distance: 5-minute walk
Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays except holidays)
Admission: CHF 18 (adults), CHF 10 (under 25), free for children under 6
Highlights: Interactive exhibits, Olympic memorabilia, sculpture gardens, and panoramic lake views (Olympic Museum)

2. Ouchy Waterfront & Promenade

Features: Over 1 km of pedestrian lakeside paths, gardens, public art, and views of the Alps
Activities: Walking, cycling, picnicking, and water sports (MySwitzerland)

3. Château d’Ouchy

Type: Neo-Gothic castle hotel with public restaurant and bar
Grounds: Open for walks and photos; hotel interiors for guests/diners

4. Port d’Ouchy (Lake Cruises)

Boat Tours: Paddle steamers and modern boats to Montreux, Vevey, and Évian-les-Bains
Tickets: Available at the port (CGN Port Lausanne Ouchy)

5. Musée de l’Elysée

Type: Photography museum in a historic mansion
Varied exhibitions: Check website for details

6. Beau-Rivage Palace and Ouchy Rose Garden

Luxury hotel: Gardens, spa, and outdoor dining
Rose garden: Blooms in late spring/summer

Practical Visitor Tips

Best times to visit: Early mornings and late evenings for fewer crowds; spring and autumn for mild weather.
Luggage: No dedicated storage at the station; most nearby hotels offer this service.
Bicycles: Allowed on M2 line outside peak hours (up to four per car).
Family-friendly: Playgrounds, paddle boat rentals, and interactive museum exhibits.
Dining: Lakeside cafés and upscale restaurants offer local specialties and scenic views.
Safety: The area is well-patrolled, clean, and considered very safe.
Parking: Limited paid parking at Place de la Navigation; public transport is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Ouchy-Olympique Station operating hours?
A: The station is open daily from approximately 5:15 AM to midnight, matching M2 metro service times.

Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Single-ride tickets are about CHF 4. Free for Lausanne Transport Card and Swiss Travel Pass holders.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, and step-free access.

Q: Are there combination tickets for attractions?
A: Yes, some combination passes include public transport and museum entry.

Q: Are bicycles and strollers permitted?
A: Yes, outside peak hours; the station and surroundings are stroller-friendly.

Q: Where can I get tourist information?
A: At station kiosks and Lausanne Tourisme, Avenue de Rhodanie 2.

Conclusion

Ouchy-Olympique Station is more than a metro stop—it’s the threshold to Lausanne’s lakeside beauty, Olympic history, and cosmopolitan culture. With modern facilities, comprehensive accessibility, and proximity to iconic attractions, it’s the perfect starting point for any Lausanne adventure. Consult official resources, leverage digital tools like the Audiala app, and immerse yourself in the lakeside allure that defines the Olympic Capital.