🚂 The 22 Small and Tourist Trains of French-speaking Switzerland in 2020

Overview

French-speaking or Western Switzerland has a large number of small trains that can be classified in two categories:

  1. 15 small tourist trains
  2. 7 little trains on rails

The small tourist trains are transports in which tourists take place and which make it possible to discover a city in most cases or a region. They travel on roads that are either open or closed to traffic. They have the advantage of making it quick and easy to discover the various local curiosities.

The small trains on rails are designed for children up to about 7 years old. They run mainly in the form of a loop in parks.

Small tourist trains

Small tourist trains run on roads that are sometimes closed to traffic. It is not necessary to book except for the Lavaux Express where it is recommended by la Torpille to do so.

The geographical list of the 15 trains is as follows:

  1. Rathvel FR
  2. Morat FR
  3. Fribourg FR
  4. Estavayer-le-Lac FR
  5. Lutry – Cully VD
  6. Montreux VD
  7. Morges VD
  8. Nyon VD
  9. Yverdon VD
  10. Genève GE
  11. Neuchâtel NE
  12. Le Locle – La Chaux-de-Fonds NE
  13. Martigny VS
  14. Sion VS
  15. Champéry VS
  16. Verbier VS

Legend:

⭐ Rating, maximum 3 stars
💲 Price of the course. Adult/Child
🔗 Link to the activity
👁️ View along the route
📐 Length of the journey
💺 Number of places
🔀 Number of different courses
🔁 Does the route loop or not?
ℹ️ Information given in loudspeakers during the trip
🛑 Train stop(s) along the route to allow visitors to take photos
⏱️ Duration of the journey with possible stopover
🚂 Locomotive engine

Petit oiseau snack bar

The little tourist train of the Petit Oiseau snack bar “Cabane du Petit Oiseau” starts from the restaurant of Rathvel to reach a belvedere above Châtel-Saint-Denis with a beautiful view of the Lake Geneva region.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐
  • 💲 Price: Gratis
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the Petit Oiseau snack bar
  • 👁️ View: Lake Geneva basin, Châtel-Saint-Denis, Rathvel
  • 💺 Places: 20
  • 🔀 Number of track: 1
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ❌
  • 🛑 Stop: Lake Geneva view point (halfway)
  • ⏱️ Time: About 30 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

The little train at the departure station next to the Petit Oiseau snack bar.
The little train at the departure station next to the Petit Oiseau snack bar.

Little train of Morat

The small Murten tourist train allows you to discover the Old Town of Murten, the surroundings of the town as well as the lakeside.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 12 francs per adult / 8 francs per child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the little train of Murten
  • 👁️ View: Old town, surrounding countryside, Lake Murten shoreline
  • 💺 Places: 40
  • 🔀 Number of track: 1
  • 🔁 Loop: ❌
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️
  • 🛑 Stop: Lake Murten shoreline
  • ⏱️ Time: 50 min
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

the little train at the stop on Lake Murten.
the little train at the stop on Lake Murten.

The walls and turrets of the city walls of Murten.
The walls and turrets of the city walls of Murten.

The Clock Tower of Murten.
The Clock Tower of Murten.

Little train of Fribourg

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train of Fribourg with the cathedral in the background. Photo: Fribourg Tourisme.
The little train of Fribourg with the cathedral in the background.

Tiny train of Estavayer-le-Lac

The Estavayer-le-Lac tourist train offers a ride on a small train with a transparent roof through the old town of Estavayer-le-Lac to the shore on Lake Neuchâtel.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 7 francs per adult / 3 francs per child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the tiny train of Estavayer-le-Lac
  • 👁️ View: Chenaux castle, Collégiale, Old town, Lake shores
  • 💺 Places: 40
  • 🔀 Number of track: 1
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️
  • 🛑 Stops: Beach and Place of Moudon
  • ⏱️ Time: 60 min
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

Little train of Estavayer-le-Lac taking a break at the place of Moudon. In the background, the castle of Chenaux.
Little train of Estavayer-le-Lac taking a break at the place of Moudon. In the background, the castle of Chenaux.

The two main historical buildings of Estavayer-le-Lac. The Chenaux castle and the collegiate church of Saint-Laurent from the shores of Lake Neuchâtel through which the little train passes.
The two main historical buildings of Estavayer-le-Lac. The Chenaux castle and the collegiate church of Saint-Laurent from the shores of Lake Neuchâtel through which the little train passes.

Lavaux Express

The Lavaux Express is a tourist train which makes a loop from Lutry or Cully in the vineyards of Lavaux. The most impressive route is from Cully to Dézaley where the little train stops to enjoy the view.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 15 francs
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the Lavaux Express Cully train
  • 👁️ View: Vineyards of Lavaux
  • 💺 Places: 30
  • 🔀 Number of track: 2 (Cully/Lutry)
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️
  • 🛑 Stop: Dézaley (Lavaux Express Cully)
  • ⏱️ Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

The Lavaux Express stopped for a break to admire the steep slopes of Dézaley.
The Lavaux Express stopped for a break to admire the steep slopes of Dézaley.

The departure point of the Lavaux Express is located near the Cully landing stage, which a CGN boat has just left.
The departure point of the Lavaux Express is located near the Cully landing stage, which a CGN boat has just left.

The steep slopes of Dézaley with the railway line and the cantonal road along Lake Geneva.
The steep slopes of Dézaley with the railway line and the cantonal road along Lake Geneva.

Little train of Montreux

The Montreux little train allows you to travel along the quays from the statue of Freddy Mercury. There are two possible routes, towards the west or the east.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐
  • 💲 Price: 5 francs per adult / 3 or 4 francs per child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the little train of Montreux
  • 👁️ View: Quais de Montreux, lac Léman et Alpes françaises
  • 💺 Places: About 16
  • 🔀 Number of track: 2 (Place du Marché -> Clarens/Territet)
  • 🔁 Loop: ❌
  • ℹ️: Audio system: ❌
  • 🛑 Stop: En bout de parcours pour monter ou descendre
  • ⏱️ Time: 25 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Electric

The little train of Montreux at its starting point with the covered market in the background.
The little train of Montreux at its starting point with the covered market in the background.

The statue of Freddie Mercury who died in 1991.
The statue of Freddie Mercury who died in 1991.

Les quais fleuris de Montreux avec au fond la tour de Montreux.
Les quais fleuris de Montreux avec au fond la tour de Montreux.

Little train of Morges

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The small train of Morges with the castle of Vufflens. Photo: Morges Tourism.
The small train of Morges with the castle of Vufflens

Little train of Nyon

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train from Nyon next to the castle. Photo: Nyon Tourism.
The little train from Nyon next to the castle.

Little train of Yverdon

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

No recent documentation found.

The little train of Yverdon in front of the castle. Photo: Yverdon Tourism.
The little train of Yverdon in front of the castle

Geneva’s little train

The little tourist train on the left bank of Geneva bay allows you to discover the curiosities along the quays and of course the Geneva’s Jet d’eau.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 8 francs per adult / 5 francs per child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details about the Geneva’s little train
  • 👁️ View: Geneva’s bay, Jet d’eau
  • 💺 Places: 60 (with 3 wagons)
  • 🔀 Number of track: 1
  • 🔁 Loop: ❌
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️ (7 langues)
  • 🛑 Stop: 4 stops to get on and off
  • ⏱️ Time: 35 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Electric

The little train to its departure point at the English Garden with the Geneva’s Jet d’eau.
The little train to its departure point at the English Garden with the Geneva's Jet d'eau.

The quays on the left bank of Lake Geneva.
The quays on the left bank of Lake Geneva.

Tourist train of Neuchâtel

The little train of Neuchâtel train makes it possible to do a loop from the Place du Port on the lakeside via the old town, the castle and the esplanade of the collegiate church and back.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 7 francs adult / 4 francs child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the tourist train of Neuchâtel
  • 👁️ View: Old town, collégiale, Neuchâtel castle and lake
  • 💺 Places: 58 (with 3 wagons)
  • 🔀 Number of track: 1
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️ (3 langues)
  • 🛑 Stop: 1 stop to get on and off (collégiale)
  • ⏱️ Time: 45 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Electric

The little train of Neuchâtel on a break in front of the collegiate church.
The little train of Neuchâtel on a break in front of the collegiate church.

The entrance gate of the castle of Neuchâtel dating from the beginning of the 19th century.
The entrance gate of the castle of Neuchâtel dating from the beginning of the 19th century.

Le Locle – La Chaux-de-Fonds little train

2 tracks in Le Locle- and La Chaux. Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train going through Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds…
The little train going through Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds...

Martigny tourist train

The little train of Martigny makes a loop, called a city tour, from the central square through the town of Martigny via the castle of La Bâtiaz. Another loop passes through Western City, next to the Great St. Bernard Restoroute.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐⭐
  • 💲 Price: 8 francs adult / 4 francs child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on Martigny tourist train
  • 👁️ View: Castle, old town
  • 💺 Places: 45 places
  • 🔀 Number of track: 2
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️
  • 🛑 Stops: On request at 4 locations
  • ⏱️ Time: 50 min
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

The little train of Martigny called the “baladeur” at its starting point in Place Centrale.
The little train of Martigny called the "baladeur" at its starting point in Place Centrale.

Tourist train of Sion

The P’tit Sédunois is a small tourist train that runs in the town of Sion from Place de la Planta. The best moment is the stop between Valère and Tourbillon.

Characteristics:

  • 🏆 Rating: ⭐
  • 💲 Price: 6 francs adult / 4 francs child
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the tourist train of Sion
  • 👁️ View: Old town of Sion, Tourbillon castle and Valère basilica.
  • 💺 Places: 45 (with 3 wagons)
  • 🔀 Number of track: 3
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • ℹ️ Audio system: ✔️ (3 languages)
  • 🛑 Stop: Place between Valère and Tourbillon
  • ⏱️ Time: 50 minutes
  • 🚂 Locomotive: Gasoline

The tourist train of Sion stopped between Valère and Tourbillon.
The tourist train of Sion stopped between Valère and Tourbillon.

Champéry little train

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train of Champéry. Photo: Champéry Tourism.
Le petit train des Dents du Midi à Champéry

Verbier – Val de Bagnes little train

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train of Verbier. Photo: Verbier Tourism.
The little train of Verbier.

Small trains on rails

There are 7 small trains on rails in French-speaking or Western Switzerland. They are generally located in parks or playgrounds and will delight children under the age of 7.

The geographical list of the 7 small trains on rails is as follows:

  1. Verticalp
  2. Pully
  3. Vidy
  4. Le Bouveret
  5. Sion
  6. Fribourg
  7. Gryon

Legend:

📐 Track length
🔁 Loop
💲 Price
👁️ Curiosities to see
🌍 Location
🔗 Link

VerticAlp

Verticalp is an attraction in the Trient valley that includes three means of transport, 2 funiculars and 1 small train that links Châtelard-Frontière to the Emosson dam.

The small train was built for the construction of the Emosson dam in the early 1970s. It was used to bring the construction materials. It is now used to link the two funiculars. It allows you to enjoy a magnificent view of the Mont-Blanc massif.

Characteristics:

  • 📐 Length: 1’500 m
  • 🔁 Loop: ❌
  • 💲 Price: 40 francs per adult / 30 francs per child (round-trip price with both funis)
  • 👁️ View: Mont Blanc Massif
  • 🌍 Location: Finhaut VS
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on Verticalp

The departure station of the Verticalp little train.
The departure station of the Verticalp little train.
The view of the Mont-Blanc massif from the little train..
The view of the Mont-Blanc massif from the little train.

The route of the small train of VerticAlp.

A video on Verticalp.

P’tit train de Pully

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

The little train of Pully. Photo: Site Web MiNi-train de Pully.
The little train of Pully

A video about the  Mini Train of Pully.

Little train of Vidy/Lausanne

The small train of Vidy on the lakeside in Lausanne is built for the Swiss national exhibition Expo ’64 in 1964. It has kept some of the machines dating from the time of its construction and allows children up to 6 years old to take a little ride around the esplanade.

Characteristics:

  • 📐 Length: 580 m
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • 💲 Price: 3 francs per journey
  • 👁️ View: Lake Geneva shoreline, Vidy park
  • 🌍 Location: Lausanne VD
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the little train of Lausanne/Vidy

The little train at its point of departure.
The little train at its point of departure.

Le parcours du petit train de Vidy.

Une vidéo sur le petit train de Vidy.

Swiss Vapeur Parc

The Swiss Vapeur Parc operates differently compared to other small trains. An entrance fee is charged at the entrance to the 19’000 m² park and the visitor can then take the train of his choice. Of course the length and number of trains is much greater than other small trains.

Characteristics:

  • 📐 Length: 1’500 m (total)
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • 💲 Price: 17 francs per adult / 14 francs per child
  • 👁️ View: Lake Geneva
  • 🌍 Location: Le Bouveret VS
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on Swiss Vapeur Parc

Le dépôt des locomotives à vapeur.
Le dépôt des locomotives à vapeur à swiss vapeur parc

Un train bondé à la gare principale du Swiss Vapeur Parc.
Un train bondé à la gare principale du Swiss Vapeur Parc.

L’espace du Swiss Vapeur Parc.

Une vidéo sur le Swiss Vapeur Parc.

Iles Vapeur Parc

The little train of Sion, called the Iles Vapeur Parc, circulates in the “domaine des îles” leisure area along the Rhone in the city of Sion. A run allows you to make two loops in the wooded park.

Characteristics:

  • 📐 Length: 930 m
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • 💲 Price: 3 francs per journey
  • 👁️ View: Domaine des Iles
  • 🌍 Location: Sion VS
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on Iles Vapeur Parc

The “Iles Vapeur Parc” small train on the edge of a lake.
The "Iles Vapeur Parc" small train on the edge of a lake.

The course of the little train of Sion.

Little train of Gottéron

Not yet visited by la Torpille.

Little train of Gottéron. Photo: Site web petit train de Gottéron.
Little train of Gottéron.

Little train of Gryon

Le petit train sur rail de Gryon sur les hauteurs de Bex fait partie d’un petit parc pour enfants jusqu’à 7 ans, le Gryon Parc. Le petit train effectue deux fois la bouche en raison de la faible longueur du parcours.

Characteristics:

  • 📐 Length: 180 m
  • 🔁 Loop: ✔️
  • 💲 Price: 2 francs per journey
  • 👁️ View: Vaud Alps
  • 🌍 Location: Gryon VD
  • 🔗 Link: All the details on the little train of Gryon Parc.

Le petit train du Gryon Parc.
gryon parc petit train

Le parcours du petit train de Gryon.