If you’ve got a layover in Lausanne, don’t let it go to waste sitting at QLS. The city, in Switzerland, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Local Bus. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Three things to verify before you walk out of QLS:
- Can you legally enter Switzerland? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Local Bus, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CHF. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CHF in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Lausanne-Blécherette Airport to Downtown
From QLS, the Local Bus gets you to Lausanne in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Local Bus offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Lausanne might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$17 USD
- A meal: ~$34 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$61 USD
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Lausanne.
Luggage Storage at QLS
Specific locker facilities at QLS aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Lausanne itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Lausanne, two standouts are:
- Lausanne Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame) — A peaceful stop that offers a break from the rush of travel.
- The Olympic Museum (Musée Olympique) — You can see the highlights in about an hour without rushing.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at QLS, check out Blécherette Airfield Observation Area or Aero Club de Lausanne Visit to keep yourself occupied.
Best Bites Near QLS
- In the city: Café du Grütli and Brasserie de Montbenon are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Lausanne.
- At the airport: Airfield Snack Bar and Pilot’s Lounge Cafe will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Need a Nap? Options at QLS
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, QLS has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at QLS, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Lausanne itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Switzerland that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Lausanne count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave QLS. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.