Pre-Trip Checklist: Lausanne

Essential Preparations

A detailed timeline supports your planning tasks.

-6 Months Prior

Visa & Passport

Research visa requirements and confirm passport validity (3 months beyond departure, issued within 10 years).

Flights & Accommodation

Book international flights and secure main accommodation for your stay.

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.

-2 Months Prior

Itinerary & Tours

Plan your detailed itinerary, including day trips and specific activities. Book tours or workshops requiring advance reservations.

Transport Passes

Research local transport and consider a Swiss Travel Pass if it benefits your itinerary.

Health Check

Consult a healthcare professional for vaccinations, prescriptions, and medical notes.

-4 Weeks Prior

Dining Reservations

Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially for fine dining or peak times.

Currency & Cards

Exchange some Swiss Francs or activate credit/debit cards for international use, notifying your bank.

Initial Packing

Begin packing a draft of your luggage to confirm all climate-appropriate clothing and gear are present.

Required Advance Bookings

Securing these items in advance simplifies your journey.

Items to Reserve

Flights: Secure your air travel segments.
Major hotels or accommodation for your entire trip duration.
Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, if your itinerary benefits from their usage.
Specific tours (e.g., guided city walks, vineyard tours, chocolate workshops) often mandate prior booking.

Pre-Trip Research

Areas to Investigate

Acquaint yourself with Swiss culture and etiquette norms.
Gain a basic comprehension of Lausanne's public transport system, specifically the M2 metro.
Review general safety guidelines pertinent to Switzerland.
Consider packing organizers from Eagle Creek for efficient luggage management.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Arrangements at home prior to your departure support peace of mind.

Mail & Pets

Arrange for mail collection or forwarding services.
Organize pet care arrangements if needed.
Notify trusted neighbors about your travel dates for security.
Consider smart home security measures.

Financial & Utilities

Confirm all bills are paid or set up for automatic payment.
Unplug unnecessary electronics to conserve energy.
Adjust thermostat settings to save energy.
Switch off lights and other appliances.

Final Packing & Documents

Charge all electronic devices a final time.
Pack a small carry-on bag with essentials (medications, change of clothes, valuables).
Confirm all necessary documents reside in your carry-on bag.
Download offline maps and essential travel apps.

Precaution

Maintain a digital copy of your itinerary, tickets, and reservations on your phone and in cloud storage. Share this with a trusted person at home.

Arrival Checklist

These initial steps facilitate settling in upon reaching Lausanne.

Seamless Arrival

1
Immigration & Customs:
Navigate immigration and customs with efficiency. Have your passport and any required visa ready.
2
Tourist Information:
Locate the tourist information office (often at the train station or in Ouchy) for a free city map and immediate queries.
3
Lausanne Transport Card:
Obtain your free Lausanne Transport Card from your hotel or accommodation provider immediately upon check-in.

On-Ground Logistics

Currency:
Withdraw some Swiss Francs (CHF) from an ATM for initial purchases.
Connectivity:
Consider acquiring a local SIM card (or activating your eSIM) if mobile data arrangements were not made prior to arrival.
Transport to Accommodation:
From Geneva or Zurich airport, take the train directly to Lausanne Gare CFF. Then, utilize the M2 metro line or a taxi.

Initial Orientation

City Map Acquisition

Procure a physical city map from the tourist information office.

This often highlights public transport routes and neighborhoods.

Metro Line Familiarization

Understand the M2 metro line's stations and its vertical trajectory.

It provides exceptional assistance in navigating Lausanne's gradients.

Essential Contact Storage

Store local emergency numbers in your phone, alongside your embassy or consulate details.

This forms a main safety step upon arrival.

Departure Preparation

Thoughtful final steps ensure a comfortable departure from Lausanne.

Souvenirs & Shipping

Acquire souvenirs well in advance of your departure day to avoid rushing.
If you intend to ship items home, visit a Swiss Post office (La Poste) to arrange services.
Confirm shipping restrictions for certain items before packing.
Compare shipping costs and delivery times for different options.

VAT Refund Procedures

If you are a non-EU resident and made eligible purchases over CHF 300, collect "Tax Free" forms from participating stores.
Before passing through airport security, present your goods, completed forms, and passport at the customs desk for a stamp.
Proceed to the designated refund counter to claim your VAT refund.
Allocate additional time at the airport for this process.

Pre-Departure Timing

Airport & Train Station Timeframes

For European flights:Arrive 2-3 hours prior.
For intercontinental flights:Arrive 3 hours prior.
Additional time for VAT refund:Factor in extra minutes.
For train departures from Lausanne Gare CFF:Arrive 10-15 minutes prior.

Return Trip Preparation

Reconfirm your flight or train details the day before departure.
Confirm all your belongings are packed and accounted for.
Dispose of any remaining waste appropriately, utilizing recycling bins.
Leave your accommodation tidy and follow any check-out instructions.

Final Thoughts for Departure

These final preparations contribute to a calm and efficient departure, leaving you with positive last impressions of Lausanne.

A well-executed departure marks a fitting end to your Swiss adventure.

Pre-Trip Checklist