Lausanne Chauderon Railway Station

Lausanne-Chauderon Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Lausanne-Chauderon Railway Station is a central transport hub in Lausanne, Switzerland, seamlessly blending over 150 years of railway heritage with modern transit convenience. As an intermediate stop on the Lausanne–Bercher (LEB) line, the station is vital for daily commuters and visitors eager to explore Lausanne’s dynamic urban landscape. Located beneath the bustling Place Chauderon, it offers excellent connectivity to trains, trams, buses, and the nearby M2 metro line, making it an ideal starting point for navigating the city and its attractions.

The station’s architecture reflects Lausanne’s evolution from its 19th-century industrial roots to a modern, sustainable metropolis. Fully accessible facilities, including elevators, escalators, and tactile paving, ensure comfort for all travelers. Ticket purchasing is straightforward, with options at ticket counters, automated machines available 24/7, and online platforms such as the LEB official site and Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). Real-time travel assistance is also available via the Audiala app.

Set against the historic Saint-François area and the vibrant Flon district, Lausanne-Chauderon is not only a transport gateway but also a point of interest for architecture enthusiasts and urban explorers. Nearby attractions, including Parc de la Brouette, Lausanne Old Town, and the Olympic Museum, are easily reachable and provide rich opportunities for cultural discovery.

Visitor Information
Historical Overview
Nearby Attractions
Station Facilities & Services
Connectivity and Transport Links
Travel Tips
Future Developments
FAQ
Visuals and Media
Conclusion & Call to Action
References

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

Station Access: Daily, 5:00 AM to midnight
Ticket Counters: Typically staffed during peak hours (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
Automated Machines: Available 24/7

Tickets and Fares

Tickets for Lausanne-Chauderon journeys are available:

At staffed counters during opening hours
Through automated ticket machines (multi-language, support for cash/cards/contactless)
Online via the LEB official site, SBB app, and Audiala app

Ticket Types: Single, return, multi-ride cards, day passes, and tourist options, including the Swiss Travel Pass and regional passes. Visitors staying in Lausanne hotels receive a complimentary Lausanne Transport Card for unlimited public transport and discounts.

Accessibility

The station is fully accessible, featuring:

Elevators and escalators connecting all levels
Step-free access and barrier-free routes
Tactile paving and audio/visual announcements
Accessible restrooms and seating
Assistance for travelers with mobility needs (arrange in advance via LEB/SBB)

Getting There

By Metro: Lausanne Metro Line M2 (Chauderon stop)
By Tram: Tram Line 1
By Bus: Line 21 and several others serve Place Chauderon
By Bicycle: Weather-protected bike parking and bike-sharing stations nearby
By Car: Limited short-term parking; public parking garages within walking distance
On Foot: Conveniently walkable from Lausanne-Flon and other central districts

Tours and Photography

While there are no official guided tours, Lausanne-Chauderon’s unique architecture and urban integration make it a favorite for photographers and independent explorers. The station’s entrance and terraces offer panoramic views over the Flon district and city skyline.

Historical Overview

Early Foundations (1873–20th Century):

Opened in 1873 as terminus of the LEB line, serving both passengers and workshops.
Early upgrades included switching from wood to slate roofing, addition of a refreshment bar, and the introduction of gas and later electric lighting.
Survived a major fire in 1907; facilities relocated and rebuilt.

Modernization:

Electrification completed in 1935, establishing the station as a modern rail node.
Served as both passenger and freight terminus into the 1970s, with direct connections to the Swiss Federal Railways network.

Subterranean Transformation (1990s):

Approved extension to Flon district led to the station’s relocation underground in 1995, freeing up land for Parc de la Brouette and new urban developments.

21st Century:

Today, the station manages nearly 2,000 passengers daily and is a model for accessibility, safety, and sustainable mobility.

For architectural details on the adjacent 1970s buildings and their urban impact, see (lausanne.ch).

Nearby Attractions

Parc de la Brouette: Green space honoring the station’s railway legacy.
Lausanne Old Town: Medieval streets, Lausanne Cathedral, museums, and boutiques.
Flon District: Shopping, dining, nightlife.
Olympic Museum: Celebrating international sports heritage.
Saint-François Quarter: Historic churches and lively squares.

For more, see our [Guide to Lausanne’s Historical Sites].

Station Facilities & Services

Waiting Areas: Sheltered, heated/cooled, with ample seating and free Wi-Fi.
Restrooms: Modern, accessible, and family-friendly with baby-changing stations.
Luggage: Secure self-service lockers for short-term storage.
Retail: Newsstand, convenience store, bakery, and nearby cafes/restaurants.
Lost and Found: Coordinated through LEB and Lausanne public transport authorities.
Digital Services: Real-time schedule displays in multiple languages, charging stations, and a tourist information kiosk.

Connectivity and Transport Links

Seamless Transfers: LEB trains, buses, trolleybuses, and M2 metro line.
Micro-mobility: Bike parking, bike-sharing, e-scooter docking.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxi rank and ride-sharing pick-up/drop-off zones at the entrance.
Car Parking: Short-term and long-term options nearby.

Travel Tips

Peak Hours: Expect higher foot traffic during weekday mornings and late afternoons.
Advance Tickets: Buy online or via app to skip queues.
Accessibility: Request assistance ahead of travel if needed.
Local Etiquette: Greet staff and fellow passengers with “Bonjour.”
Safety: The station is well-lit and monitored, but normal urban vigilance is advised.
Tourist Card: Ask your hotel about the free Lausanne Transport Card for unlimited rides.

Future Developments

Capacity Expansion: A new double-track tunnel between Chauderon and Montétan will increase train frequency and reliability.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient lighting, expanded bike facilities, and enhanced pedestrian access are in development.

FAQ

Q: What are Lausanne-Chauderon’s visiting hours?
A: The station is open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight. Automated services are available 24/7.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Purchase at station machines, staffed counters, or online via the LEB official site and SBB app.

Q: Is the station accessible?
A: Yes; elevators, step-free access, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms are provided.

Q: Are there luggage facilities?
A: Secure self-service lockers are available.

Q: What attractions are nearby?
A: Parc de la Brouette, Lausanne Old Town, Olympic Museum, and the Flon District.

Q: Is there free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, throughout the station.

Q: Do tourists receive transport discounts?
A: Yes, via the Lausanne Transport Card available from local hotels.

Visuals and Media

[High-quality images of Lausanne-Chauderon Railway Station and nearby landmarks with descriptive alt text]
[Interactive map of the station, transit connections, and attractions]
[Virtual tours and historical photo galleries available via the LEB official website]

Conclusion & Call to Action

Lausanne-Chauderon Railway Station is a gateway to Lausanne’s rich history, modern amenities, and vibrant city life. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or venturing into the Old Town, the station offers seamless connectivity and a welcoming environment for all.

For the latest schedules, ticket options, and travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media for real-time updates. Explore our related articles on Lausanne’s attractions and transport for a complete travel experience.