Car-free: our finest family outings by train and boat

What if the journey became the attraction? In French-speaking Switzerland, panoramic trains, little tourist trains, water taxis and Belle Époque boats turn a simple outing into an adventure — with no parking space to find and no “are we nearly there?”.

Travelling without a car with children has another advantage: everyone enjoys the scenery, parents included. Here are our favourite itineraries where the transport is part of the fun.

Trains that make you dream

• The NStCM train Nyon–Saint-Cergue–La Cure: the little red train climbs from Lake Geneva into the Jura in 40 minutes. Sit at the front for the driver’s view, get off at Saint-Cergue for a walk and head back down at the end of the day.
• Le P’tit train de Lausanne-Vidy: a Lausanne Sunday classic at the Parc Bourget, from age 2.
• Les Îles Vapeur Parc in Sion: miniature steam trains you can actually sit on — magic for 2 to 12 year olds.
• Le Baladeur in Martigny and the little train in Geneva: visiting the town sitting down, bliss for small legs.

On the water, adventure at the quayside

• Les Mouettes Genevoises: crossing the bay of Geneva with a standard public transport ticket — the most accessible boat outing in French-speaking Switzerland.
• CGN cruises from Nyon: set off across Lake Geneva, sometimes on a Belle Époque paddle steamer, towards Yvoire or Geneva.
• LNM cruises in Neuchâtel: three lakes, canals and flamingos passing through.

Gaining height

The Salève cable car, a stone’s throw from Geneva, lifts the whole family to 1,100 metres in a few minutes: a view of Mont Blanc, easy trails and a panoramic snack.

Our public transport tips with children

• With the CFF Junior Travelcard, children aged 6 to 16 travel with their parents for a very good-value annual fee; under-6s travel free.
• Avoid rush hour (7–8.30am, 5–6.30pm): more seats, less stress.
• The Mouettes Genevoises and many buses accept unfolded strollers — board through the middle door.
• Download the timetable offline: tunnels and valleys don’t like mobile coverage.

Want more ideas reachable by public transport? Every Kidora listing gives train or bus access in its practical information: browse the activities in French-speaking Switzerland. And join the newsletter for our car-free summer itineraries.