To the Montreux Jazz Festival by minibus, and home after the encore
Sixteen nights of music by the lake: the festival's 61st edition is set for 2–17 July 2027, and the line-up is due in April. Parking near the lakefront is tight in July, so a minibus with a driver suits friends, families and clubs who want to arrive together and get back to the hotel without watching the clock.
Tickets, free stages and splitting up
Ticketed shows take place in two halls of the renewed convention centre by the water, the Montreux Jazz Lab and the Auditorium Stravinski. Around them, free stages host concerts, DJ sets and jam sessions, so a group with mixed tickets can go separate ways and regroup later. The festival also publishes an accessibility offer for visitors with disabilities.
Drop-off and parking: what happened in 2026
The organisers push public transport hard and say on-site parking is limited. In 2026 it listed no special coach parking apart from places in the centre along the Grand-Rue, and coaches could park at Chillon, towards Villeneuve. The Grand-Rue closed to private traffic every evening, from 20:00 on Mondays to Wednesdays and from 17:00 later in the week, into the early hours.
Expect something similar in 2027 and check the new closures when they appear. The operator plans the drop-off and the meeting point after the show around them.
When and where
- Montreux lakefront: the Auditorium Stravinski and the Montreux Jazz Lab in the renewed convention centre, with free stages across the festival site
- 2-17 July 2027 (61st edition)
Late nights and long days
Switzerland's night driving ban targets lorries, not passenger vehicles, so a pick-up after the last set is possible. Drivers do have rest rules, though, so a full day out followed by a late concert may need planning. Mention both when you ask for a quote.
By day, Château de Chillon is about 3 km away, the Lavaux Vinorama in Rivaz pours close to 300 Lavaux wines, and Chaplin's World above Vevey lets vehicles drop guests at the entrance.
Questions travellers ask
How far is it from the airports?
From Geneva Airport about 91 km, roughly 1 h 05 min in light traffic. From Lausanne station about 30 minutes, and from Zurich Airport about 2.5 hours.
What if some of us prefer the train?
SBB adds regular and special trains during the festival. In 2026 the funicular from Territet up to Glion kept going until 03:00, and two VMCV bus lines ran late.
Can the minibus wait for us during the concert?
It cannot stand on the street. Your driver parks where the operator has arranged and returns at the time you agree.
More places for your group
Other airports
Plan your Montreux festival nights
Send the concert dates, where you are staying, how many of you there are and any day trips. A licensed partner operator provides the minibus, driver included.
Request a quote or call 35227647770