Planning a trip to the historic city of Payerne, located in the picturesque Canton of Vaud, you will discover a cozy corner of western Switzerland. This ancient city attracts travellers with its atmosphere and rich heritage, and you can reach here by various means, combining air travel with ground transport. Thanks to the region's developed infrastructure, the journey to Payerne by train, bus, or car will be a comfortable start to your Swiss adventure.
How to get to Payerne
How to get there: Introduction
By Plane
Since the city of Payerne itself does not have a civil airport for regular passenger flights, tourists are advised to choose flights to the nearest major aviation hubs. The most convenient option is the airport in the city of Bern (BRN), which is located just 41 km from the destination, allowing you to quickly reach the location by taxi or public transport.
An alternative could be a flight to the airport in the city of Sion (SIR), located 73 km away. Both airports are well connected to the transport network of Switzerland, so after landing, you can easily continue your journey to your holiday destination.
The city has no airport. Nearest cities with air connections:
Available plane tickets
By Train
Rail travel is one of the most reliable and popular ways to get to Payerne, as the city has its own railway station and is excellently integrated into the national network. Regular trains connect it with key transport hubs; for example, the trip from the nearest major city, Bern (about 41 km), will be quick and comfortable.
Travellers arriving from the direction of the city of Sion (73 km) can also take advantage of the convenience of the Swiss railways. A train journey will allow you not only to arrive exactly on schedule but also to enjoy the picturesque views of the Canton of Vaud from the carriage window.
The city has no major railway stations. Nearest cities with rail connections:
Available train tickets
By Bus
For those who prefer road transport, there are bus routes connecting Payerne with neighbouring regions. The trip from the city of Bern is one of the fastest: covering the distance of 55 km takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, while enjoying the comfort of modern buses.
If your route begins in the city of Sion, the path will be longer, amounting to about 135 km. The travel time will take around 4 hours and 10 minutes, however, this is an excellent opportunity to see the diverse landscapes of Switzerland on the way to your goal.
By Car
Travelling by car will give you freedom of movement and allow you to reach Payerne at your own pace. The road from the city of Bern takes just about 40 minutes (distance 55 km), running along high-quality and scenic routes.
For those heading from the city of Sion, the journey of 133 km will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Using a taxi or a rental car is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and plan to explore the surroundings of the Canton of Vaud independently.
Travel Tips
Preparing for your visit to Payerne will help make your stay in this Swiss town as pleasant and carefree as possible. Here are several useful recommendations that will be handy for every tourist:
- Seasonal clothing. The weather here is moderate but changeable. It is recommended to dress in layers to easily adapt to temperature changes, and be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
- Getting around the city. The historic centre is compact, and it is best explored on foot. For trips to neighbouring towns, trains and buses are ideal, running strictly according to schedule.
- Currency and payment. The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but carrying a small amount of cash for small cafes or markets is always useful.
- Water and health. Tap water in Switzerland is of excellent quality and safe for drinking. You can confidently fill your bottle from the tap or street fountains, saving on purchasing water.
- Language barrier. The city is located in the French-speaking part of the country. Locals will appreciate it if you start a conversation with a polite "Bonjour", although English is also widely understood in the tourism sector.
- Local etiquette. Politeness here is the norm. It is customary to greet shop assistants in stores and bus drivers.
- Observing silence. The Swiss value peace highly. Try not to make noise in public places and residential areas, especially after 22:00 and on Sundays.
- Main attraction. Be sure to visit the Abbey Church in Payerne — a majestic monument of Romanesque architecture that stands as a symbol of the city.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid awkward situations and fully focus on exploring the culture and beauty of this wonderful region.
Useful links
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