Travel Guide

Airports & Ground TransportationIMD travel

Flying to Switzerland
Geneva airport is the nearest airport to Lausanne, about 60km (45 min).
Zurich airport has more international flight connections. Distance to Lausanne about 230km (2h15).
Basel airport is about 200km to Lausanne (2h30).

Arriving in Lausanne by Train

View train timetables here.

From Geneva Airport to Lausanne:
To get to the train station:
1. Exit customs hall and turn left.
2. At the far end of the hall, pass through rotating doors into the train station. The ticket office is on your right.
The journey to Lausanne takes approximately 45 minutes. The price one-way is CHF 27 to CHF 48 depending on class.

From Zurich Airport to Lausanne:
The journey to Lausanne takes approximately 2h30. We advise you to take a direct or Intercity train. The price one-way is CHF 77.00 in 2nd class or CHF 135.00 in 1st class.

From Lausanne train station to IMD or the hotel:
The M2 metro departs from the station “Lausanne Gare” to “Ouchy“. The journey lasts 10 minutes and costs CHF 3.60. From there it’s a 2 minute walk to IMD.
Taxis are available in front of the station. The journey is approximately 5-10 minutes and costs about CHF 15.00.

Arriving with your own car

Roads in Switzerland are generally very good and Lausanne is accessible from all areas via the motorway.

Parking near IMD
Please note that there is no parking available on the IMD campus but there are lots of options close-by.

Parking Port d’OuchyThis parking is opposite the Mövenpick hotel and just 2 minutes away from IMD. It is indoors and open 24/24 every day. The price per day is CHF 18.00.

Parking Beau-Rivage Palace The Beau-Rivage Palace has a public parking. It is indoors and open 24/24hrs. The price per day is CHF 35.00.

Parking P+R Ouchy – This parking is outdoors and right opposite IMD. The price per day is CHF 15.00 including a Lausanne public transport card. Please note that you need coins to buy your ticket at the machine and payment must be done daily.

Parking Place des Fêtes BelleriveThis parking is opposite IMD, next to the P+R Ouchy parking. It is a big outdoor parking, but is often closed for special local events. The price per day is CHF 8.00. Please note that you need coins to buy your ticket at the machine and payment must be made daily.

For the latest exchange rates click here.

Dress Code

The dress code for the 2018 EO at IMD is smart casual. Comfortable dress is recommended, as you will be sitting for extended periods of time during learning sessions. Plan for evening networking receptions and casual dinners, and at least one social event requiring cocktail attire.

 

Weather

This month is characterized by rising daily temperatures, with average daily highs increasing from 65°F/18°C on 1 August, up to 82°F/28°C by 31 August. Daily low temperatures change in a similar fashion, ranging from 56°F/13°C at the beginning of the month, up to 52°F/11°C in the final few days. Across the whole month, the average temperature for August is a cool 74°F/23°C. Be sure to check the forecast in Lausanne before packing for your trip.

Visas

To enter Switzerland, you will need a passport. Visa requirements vary by country. Visit the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) website for complete details on your country of origin.

Health

No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland as long as you are up to date on routine vaccinations.

Electricity

The electrical current in Switzerland is 230 volts, 50 Hz. Wall outlets take plugs that have three flat blades. Plugs in Switzerland will look like this:

To ensure the safety of your electronics, you can purchase a wide array of converters and universal adapters online.

The country code for the Switzerland is +41 and the city code for Lausanne is 21.

Please contact your individual mobile phone service provider for information about international plans.

Mobile phones are widely used throughout Switzerland. Call your service provider before arriving to determine if you should purchase an international roaming plan.

Wi-Fi is available in Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center and in most public places, such as hotel lobbies and coffee shops.  The strength and speed of the signal may vary.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:
+1.703.519.6700
[email protected]