The EPFL and University of Lausanne campuses sit side by side on the shore of Lake Geneva, just west of Lausanne, and are reached from Geneva Airport by motorway in about 45 minutes (61 km to Lausanne). A private transfer can drop you at the conference venue itself, avoiding a change of trains and a walk across a large campus with luggage. AirportsTransfers.ch collects speakers and participants in the arrivals hall and drives them to the campus or their hotel.
- Distance: about 61 km from Geneva Airport, around 45 minutes by road
- Campuses: EPFL and UNIL, neighbours on the lakeside west of Lausanne
- Typical venues: the SwissTech Convention Center and lecture halls on both campuses
- Where to stay: Lausanne centre, Ouchy by the lake, or nearer the campuses
- Tip: confirm the exact building; campuses are large
Two universities, one lakeside site
The École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne and the University of Lausanne share a large green site between the lake and the motorway, in the municipalities of Ecublens and Chavannes-près-Renens. EPFL is a leading technical university, known among other things for its striking Rolex Learning Center and the SwissTech Convention Center, which hosts many international scientific events. UNIL covers the humanities, social sciences, law, medicine-related research and more, with its own buildings set among trees and meadows. Both campuses are busy with students during term time and host conferences throughout the year.
Because the site is large, the most useful thing you can do before travelling is note the exact building or venue name in your conference information. Your chauffeur can then aim for the nearest permitted drop-off point instead of a general campus entrance.
The drive from Geneva Airport
The route follows the motorway along the northern shore of Lake Geneva, past Nyon and Morges, with views across the water to the French Alps on clear days. Outside rush hour, the journey takes about 45 minutes. In the morning and late afternoon, traffic around Geneva and Morges can add a significant margin, so if your flight lands early on the day of your talk, build in extra time. The campuses are on the Geneva side of Lausanne, so you reach them before the city itself.
Public transport is also an option: trains run from the airport to Lausanne and Renens, and a metro line connects Lausanne and Renens with the campuses. With heavy luggage, a poster tube and a laptop, though, the changes can be tiring, especially after a long-haul flight.
Where conference participants stay
Lausanne has a broad range of hotels. The city centre and the area around the station are lively and well connected; Ouchy, the lakeside district, is quieter and attractive in the evenings. Some hotels are located closer to the campuses, around Ecublens, Renens and Saint-Sulpice, which can be convenient for a busy programme. During major congresses or events in Lausanne, rooms go quickly, so book as soon as your attendance is confirmed.
- staying in town: easier access to restaurants and evening life
- staying near campus: shortest daily commute
- staying in Ouchy: lakeside walks and a calmer atmosphere
Arriving on campus
Registration desks are usually located at the main conference venue, often with signposting from the campus entrances. If you are a speaker, arrive early to test your slides. Bring your conference confirmation and identification, and check whether the organisers provide a cloakroom for luggage on arrival or departure days. Campus restaurants and cafeterias are open during term, and there are many places to sit and work between sessions.
Combining Lausanne with Geneva
Academic visitors often add meetings in Geneva, at the university, CERN or an international organisation. With a car, it is straightforward to combine both cities in one trip, either through separate transfers or a chauffeur by the hour, with a minimum of two hours. Montreux, 91 km from the airport, is also within easy reach of Lausanne if you want to extend your stay along the lake.
Booking your Lausanne conference transfer
Book online with AirportsTransfers.ch: enter your flight number and the campus building or hotel address, choose your vehicle and see the fixed price before paying by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Universities, research groups and companies can receive invoices. Your chauffeur meets you with a name sign, tracks any delay and helps with luggage and equipment; child seats are available on request. For groups of speakers or delegates, contact the team on +41 78 346 56 77 by phone or WhatsApp, at any hour.
