Ferry services between Switzerland and France to be cut in 2026

"Navigation on Lake Geneva between Switzerland's canton of Vaud and neighbouring French communities will be sharply reduced starting next year. Passenger transport between Switzerland and France is carried out by the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN), a Swiss company that operates on Lake Geneva, connecting lakeside towns in both countries. However, from December 14th, there will be fewer ferries circulating between the the two shores, Vaud authorities announced jointly with the neighbouring French communities of Thonon and Evian."

"Why the change? According to Vaud authorities, "this [new] agreement marks an important step following the French side's abandonment of the existing agreement, which had led to the opening of discussions on the financing of the service." However, "thanks to the willingness of both sides to engage in dialogue a solution was found." What will happen next? In 2026, peak-hour connections will be maintained, while the overall service will be adapted in a targeted manner."

"Effect on tourism While cross-border commuters will still be able to get to their Swiss jobs on time, one impact of the fewer ferries will be that "leisure traffic is likely to be severely impacted," Romain Pilloud, secretary general of the Vaud branch Transport and Environment Association told RTS public broadcaster. Tourism "generates a lot of travel, so we risk seeing a significant shift from boat travel to road travel, particularl"

Navigation on Lake Geneva between Vaud and neighbouring French communities will be sharply reduced next year. Passenger services between Switzerland and France are provided by the Compagnie Générale de Navigation (CGN). From December 14th, fewer ferries will circulate between the two shores, with Vaud and the French communities of Thonon and Evian announcing the change. The adjustment follows the French side's abandonment of the existing agreement and financing discussions; both sides then agreed a new arrangement. In 2026 peak-hour connections will be maintained while overall service is adapted. Frequencies will be cut, notably halved on Lausanne–Evian and Lausanne–Thonon-les-Bains, and the Yvoire link reduced. Rush-hour journeys for cross-border workers will be preserved. Leisure traffic is expected to shift from boats to roads.

Read at The Local France