Transportation to Chateau de Chillon Castle
By Car, Bus, Boat, Train, or on Foot to Switzerland’s Top Monument
Jan 3, 2009
Chateau de Chillon Castle is on a small rocky island in Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) just to the south of the Swiss resort town Montreux. This historical monument is one of the top sights to see in Switzerland and popular with children of all ages. Transportation options are plentiful making this romatnic castle a favorite sightseeing destination for visitors to Geneva, Lausanne, Alpine ski resorts, and beyond. Medieval Chateau de Chillon Castle is within walking or cycling distance of Montreux but arriving by boat, bus, or car is easier but not cheaper.
- Chillon Castle is 4 km (2.5 miles) south of Montreux and 2 km (1.25 miles) north of Villeneuve along the main road – but not Autobahn – that connects these two towns. From these towns, simply follow signs to the other town – the castle is right next to the road and hiking trails.
Transportation to Chateau de Chillon Castle near Montreux, Switzerland
Transportation options to Chateau de Chillon are plentiful. This will come as no surprise to visitors at the castle: not only is the castle on a small island inside Lake Geneva, a railway line parallel to a national road passes right next to the castle grounds, while enormous autobahn bridges are higher up in the mountains.
The visitor’s attitude towards modern civil engineering projects may determine whether these transportation lines enhance or destroy Chillon Castle’s beautiful location. However, these do explain why Chillon can be reached easily from many parts of Switzerland as well as neighboring France and Italy.
Chillon Castle can be reached from the road through two entrances. The main entrance has a roof-covered bridge across the railway line and usually involves the shortest walk. The second entrance is via a tunnel underneath the railway line some distance towards Villeneuve.
- Admission is only paid at the bridge leading directly into the fortress so it is worth approaching the castle for a close-up look even if not planning to enter Chateau de Chillon itself.
Traveling by Car to Chateau de Chillon Castle
The easiest way to reach Chateau de Chillon Castle is by car – free parking is available at either side of the road from Montreux to Villeneuve that passes right in front of the castle.
If arriving by Autobahn A9, the easiest access to Chillon is from the Villeneuve exit, even if approaching from the north. Simply drive from here towards Montreux and the castle will be visible within minutes.
By Bus and Train to Chateau de Chillon Castle
Chateau de Chillon can be reached on Bus Line 1 that connects Vevey (30 minutes), Montreux (10 minutes), and Villeneuve (5 minutes). Bus 1 runs at least every twenty minutes but mostly every ten minutes. Tickets are available on the bus or from vending machines at major stops.
- The bus stop Chillon is at the main entrance to the castle.
Although a railway line passes right next to the castle, Chateau de Chillon cannot be reached directly by train. Railway passengers should change in either Montreux or Villeneuve to bus 1 as described above.
Reaching Chateau de Chillon Castle by Boat
The most romantic way to approach Chateau de Chillon is by boat – the landing is near the castle. Boats operate frequently during the summer season but even in winter a few boats may be available.
Traveling times to Chateau de Chillon depends on the number of stops but generally are from Vevey 40 to 50 minutes, from Montreux 10 to 15 minutes, and from Villeneuve 10 minutes.
Walking and Cycling to Chateau de Chillon Castle
Walking and cycling to Chateau de Chillon are pleasant options too as the trails follow the lakeshore and are mostly on traffic free paths. From Montreux it is an easy 45-minute walk while Villeneuve is a mere 20 minutes away.
- Chateau de Chillon is one of Switzerland’s top historical sights with a history going back to the twelfth century. Visiting the castle is easy as opening hours are long and reservations for tours are not required.
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