The region around Lake Geneva has one of the highest concentrations of international and boarding schools in the world, from Geneva and Lausanne to the mountain villages above the Rhône valley. Many families visit several campuses in a few days, starting from Geneva Airport, with Lausanne about 61 km away and Montreux 91 km. AirportsTransfers.ch takes families between schools, with child seats on request.
- Where schools are: Geneva, the lake shore towards Lausanne and Montreux, Alpine villages
- Typical visit: two to four days, two or three schools per day
- Vehicles: E-Class or S-Class for small families, V-Class for larger ones
- Planning: confirm appointments and addresses with admissions offices
- Flexibility: chauffeur by the hour for multi-campus days
Why families come to Lake Geneva
Switzerland has a long tradition of international education, and the Lake Geneva region is at its heart. Geneva's international organisations and multinational companies created a demand for international schools, while the mountains and lakes attracted boarding schools, some with a history going back many decades. Today families can choose from a wide range of curricula, including the International Baccalaureate, British, American and French programmes, in day or boarding formats.
Families from around the world visit to see campuses, meet admissions teams and get a feel for the environment before making a decision. A visit often takes place a year before enrolment, and may include several schools in different locations.
Where the schools are
Schools in the region are spread across several areas. Geneva and its suburbs host day schools serving international families living in the city. Along the lake towards Lausanne, towns such as Rolle and the surrounding villages host schools with lakeside campuses, while Lausanne itself has several international schools. Further east, the hills above Montreux and the Riviera have historic boarding schools with views over the lake.
In the mountains, villages in the Vaud and Valais Alps, such as Villars-sur-Ollon and Leysin above the Rhône valley, and resorts such as Gstaad, about 160 km from Geneva Airport, or Crans-Montana, about 190 km, are home to boarding schools that combine study with outdoor life. These locations are further from the airport and need more time in the schedule.
Planning a school tour
Start by contacting the admissions offices to book visits, and ask for the exact address and the reception point on each campus. Most schools can offer a tour, a meeting with admissions staff and sometimes a chance to sit in on a class or meet students. Allow about two hours per visit, plus travel time.
Group visits by area: for example, schools in Geneva and the lake shore on the first day, schools around Lausanne and Montreux on the second, and mountain schools on the third. Between Geneva and Lausanne, the drive takes about 45 minutes; from Lausanne to the mountain villages above the Rhône valley, allow around an hour or more depending on the destination. In winter, mountain roads can be slower, so leave extra time.
Travelling between campuses
A chauffeur by the hour, with a minimum of two hours, is often the most practical option for a day of visits: the car waits at each school and takes you to the next appointment, even if a meeting runs over. It also gives the family a private space to discuss impressions between visits. For a single visit, a point-to-point transfer from the airport or hotel is sufficient.
For families travelling with young children, child seats can be requested when booking. A Mercedes V-Class carries up to seven passengers and ten bags, suitable for larger families or those travelling with luggage between hotels.
Where to stay during the visit
Families often choose a base in Geneva or Lausanne for visits to schools on the lake shore, and a night in the mountains if visiting boarding schools in the Alps. Staying close to the schools reduces travel time and gives a better sense of the environment in which a child might live. If you are visiting schools in several areas, a hotel in Lausanne or Montreux offers a central location between Geneva and the mountains.
Visits can also be combined with a short holiday, for example a day in the old town of Geneva, a boat trip on the lake or a walk in the Lavaux vineyards.
Booking school visit transfers with AirportsTransfers.ch
AirportsTransfers.ch shows a fixed price per vehicle before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, with invoices available on request for companies relocating employees. Your chauffeur meets you in arrivals with a name sign, tracks your flight and waits if it is delayed. Child seats are provided on request, and return trips can be booked together. To plan a school tour, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, 24/7.
