Lausanne is a vibrant city known for being the home of the International Olympic Committee headquarters. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Lausanne and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums or eating the delicious cuisine.
How much does it cost to travel to Lausanne?
You should plan to spend around $273 (Sfr249) per day on your vacation in Lausanne. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $107 (Sfr98) on meals
- $41 (Sfr37) on local transportation
- $273 (Sfr249) on hotels
A one week trip to Lausanne for two people costs, on average, $3,825 (Sfr3,486). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,913
Sfr1,743
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$3,825
Sfr3,486
-
One Month
Per person
$8,196
Sfr7,470
-
One Week
For a couple
$3,825
Sfr3,486
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$7,650
Sfr6,972
-
One Month
For a couple
$16,393
Sfr14,940
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lausanne cost?
A one week trip to Lausanne usually costs around $1,913 (Sfr1,743) for one person and $3,825 (Sfr3,486) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lausanne on average costs around $3,825 (Sfr3,486) for one person and $7,650 (Sfr6,972) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lausanne will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lausanne on average costs around $8,196 (Sfr7,470) for one person and $16,393 (Sfr14,940) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lausanne expensive to visit?
Lausanne is a quaint locale that appeals to a variety of visitors, each with different travel styles, spending patterns, and budget needs. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you're not cautious, Lausanne can become costly, but you can save with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $119 (Sfr109) per day, mid-range travelers spend $272 (Sfr249) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $519 (Sfr476) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lausanne.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Lausanne is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Paris or Manchester.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lausanne Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lausanne?
The average Lausanne trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lausanne travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lausanne cost?
Lausanne on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$60
(Sfr54)
|
$136
(Sfr124)
|
$260
(Sfr237)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$18
(Sfr16)
|
$41
(Sfr37)
|
$78
(Sfr71)
|
Food 2
|
$47
(Sfr43)
|
$107
(Sfr98)
|
$205
(Sfr187)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$16
(Sfr15)
|
$38
(Sfr34)
|
$72
(Sfr66)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$6-17
(Sfr5-16)
|
$13-40
(Sfr12-36)
|
$25-76
(Sfr23-70)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Lausanne, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $119 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Lausanne, like Lausanne Youth Hostel Jeunotel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking. While food is a highlight for many in Lausanne, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most tourists in Lausanne are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $272 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Lausanne is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel des Voyageurs Boutique is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Angleterre & Residence also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Lausanne here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $519 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as - Interlaken day trip by bus from Lausanne - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lausanne
The cost of hotels in Lausanne can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $165, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $308. Overall, prices range from $107 to $752. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lausanne for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $273 (Sfr249). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $136 (Sfr124) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lausanne? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lausanne include:
- Hotel Angleterre & Residence starting at $206
- Chateau d'Ouchy starting at $197
- Best Western Plus Hotel Mirabeau starting at $138
- Hotel de la Paix starting at $143
- Hotel des Voyageurs Boutique starting at $174
Lausanne's good public transit system can help keep accommodation costs low by staying farther out, but the extra transportation expenses and inconvenience may not be worth it if you're short on time.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
The city's unique old town is a big attraction for tourists. Though hotels here can be more expensive, they often showcase a lot of character and are conveniently located for access to local sights.
Transportation Budget in Lausanne
The public transit in Lausanne is quite good and serves many major spots. There is a comprehensive network of transportation options available in town including buses and boats. Public transportation is a great money-saving choice if it's accessible to where you're headed. Taxis and rideshares are also widely available in town.
If you stick to certain areas, Lausanne is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. Many parts of the city, including the historic sections, and relatively easy to explore on foot.
Public Transit: 



(good)
Walkability: 



(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $41 (Sfr37) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lausanne. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lausanne is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$41
Sfr37
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Taxi, Airport Transfer and Limousine Service in Switzerland for $222 details
- Private Transfer from Geneva Airport to Évian-les-Bains for $155 details
- Lausanne accommodation to Geneva Airport (GVA) - Departure Private Transfer for $155 details
How much does it cost to go to Lausanne? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lausanne will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lausanne
The food in Lausanne is delightful, and it's important to take the time to experience all the local tastes. The city is filled with delicious chocolate, cheese, and wine. Fondue is a favorite, but you'll also find cured meats on most menus. While food can be expensive, it's also high quality and usually locally produced.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lausanne can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lausanne is $107 (Sfr98) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$107
Sfr98
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lausanne is around $107 (Sfr98) per person, with previous travelers spending from $47 to $204. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lausanne are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $32
- Lunch: $16 to $43
- Dinner: $32 to $75
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
Lausanne's dining scene is delectable and diverse, from reasonably priced cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. Food throughout Switzerland will vary, though some common favorites include cheese fondue, Swiss chocolate, and of course Swiss cheese. Raclette and Croute au fromage (a Swiss version of cheese on toast), come more specifically from the French-speaking part of Switzerland where Lausanne is located. With its location on a lake, the city also has fresh fish dishes with powan, perch, and trout being the most commonly served-and, being a wine region, there will be many local vintages available to accompany any meal. Visitors will find plenty of restaurants in the old city as well as along the waterfront of Ouchy.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Lausanne, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Lausanne Food Tour with Full Meal - Do Eat Better Experience for $197 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lausanne
Tourists are naturally attracted to Lausanne due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lausanne typically cost an average of $38 (Sfr34) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
Sfr34
Lausanne Old Town is a quaint medieval part of the city, whose most prominent feature is a cathedral that stands at the center of everything. The cobbled streets here are car-free, while a watch man in the clock tower shouts out the hours from 10pm to 2 am, in a tradition that dates back to 1405. Visitors are welcome to climb the cathedral's tower for a nice view of the city below.
The city is also host to a number of museums dedicated to the history, art, and culture of the region and beyond. The Olympic Museum, for example, provides an overview of the history of the Olympic Games from the first 1896 summer games in Athens through to the present day. The Musee de l'Art brut is another unique venue, featuring a worldwide collection of works of art created by outsiders in psychiatric clinics and prisons. And then there is the Musee Historique de Lausanne which houses a collection of maps, images, and documents about the history of Lausanne and the Lake Geneva Region from the earliest records to present day.
Other notable landmarks include the Church of St. Francis, ruins of a medieval rampart called La Tour d'Ale, and a gift from the King of Thailand built in 2007 called the Thai Pavilion. There are also a number of parks throughout the city.
Exploring the historic sites of the old town, indulging in Swiss cuisine, and shopping Lausanne's markets make up just a few of the city-going activities available. Additionally, there are a number of museums, the beautiful lakefront port of Ouchy, and also opportunities for swimming or boating on the lake itself. If you seek a view from above visit Sauvabelin tower just north of the city center. Along with views of the lake and the Alps, there is also a free zoo and the park of the Fondation de l'Hermitage, which features changing art exhibits in a setting dating back to the 19th century. Other activities include a concert or show at one of Lausanne's theatres, as well as a variety of festivals occurring throughout the year. Many of these celebrations revolve around music, one being the Festival de la Cite in July where musical, theatrical, opera, and many different types of acts take place in the old city of Lausanne.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Lausanne are some of the most famous in the world. You'll find many great museums around town that cover a range of topics. The Olympic Museum is very interesting. You should also check out the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and the Hermitage Foundation.
Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. You'll find luxury Swiss watch brands, jewelry, chocolate, and many other interesting things to buy. Prices can be high, but so is the quality. It's fun to look, even if you're not planning to purchase.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Lausanne. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- E-Bike Tour in Lavaux Vineyards - Bikapa for $287 details
- Day Tour to Zermatt Matterhorn and Glacier Paradise from Lausanne for $162 details
- Guided Walking Tour in Lausanne for $32 details
Nightlife Budget in Lausanne
For those seeking nightlife, Lausanne provides some options, but it's not quite as vibrant as in other well-known spots. There are a surprising number of clubs around town and it's not hard to find somewhere to party. The large student population and the international vibe make this a fascinating place for nightlife.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $27 (Sfr24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lausanne per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$27
Sfr24
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Lausanne. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Private Wine Tour in Lavaux for 2 people for $277 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 19, 2024
Traveling in Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland
Located on Lake Geneva, Lausanne is the capital city of French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland. The slopes of Lake Geneva's shores are known for growing wine, while the city of Lausanne sprawls across three hills. The city is also home to the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Museum, and lakeshore Olympic Park, as well as an old town that dates to medieval times.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cite is probably one of the most visited neighborhoods of Lausanne, a hill encompassing much of the old city with many historic landmarks including the cathedral, which is regarded as Switzerland's most impressive piece of early Gothic architecture. The medieval center surrounding the cathedral features shopping streets paved in cobblestone, as well as small alleyways with cafes and boutique shops. Ville Marche is also a part of the old city with a number of outdoor markets, some of which include Place de la Palud, Place St. François, and Place Riponne. Beyond these, the next most visited neighborhood is the pretty waterfront area of Ouchy, which features shopping, hotels, and restaurants with beautiful views of the lake and the Alps.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.