Lausanne, Switzerland
Air freight in Lausanne
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from Lausanne via Geneva (GVA). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the Lausanne area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. Air freight to and from Switzerland is booked through our carrier network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Lausanne
- AirportGeneva
GVA - SeaportSea freight via Marseille or Genoa
Geneva Airport (GVA) is the main air gateway for Lausanne and the Lake Geneva region, with belly cargo on passenger flights; Zurich (ZRH) offers a wider long-haul network for destinations that Geneva does not serve. Sea freight for Lausanne usually comes via Marseille or Genoa in the Mediterranean, or via Rotterdam and the Swiss Rhine ports, with onward transport by road or rail along the lake.
Lausanne is linked by the A1 (Geneva, Bern) and the A9 (Valais, Simplon), which continues towards Italy. The rail line along Lake Geneva connects Lausanne with Geneva Airport, and rail freight links the region with the Simplon route and the rest of Switzerland.
Operational logistics facts for Lausanne
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Geneva Airport (GVA) | Belly cargo | Main air gateway for the Lake Geneva region |
| EPFL and research cluster | Research equipment and samples | Temporary import procedures for scientific equipment |
| Food industry around Vevey | Food ingredients and products | Documents for food imports checked before shipment |
Industries in Lausanne and how we support them
The Lake Geneva region around Lausanne combines global food companies with medtech and research. Nestlé is headquartered in nearby Vevey, Logitech is based in Lausanne, and the EPFL university and many spin-offs drive research and medtech. Philip Morris International runs operations in the city. Freight includes food ingredients, electronics, research equipment and medical devices. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with air freight through our airline network via GVA or ZRH, On-Board Courier for research samples, sea freight via Mediterranean or Rhine ports, and customs clearance by our own customs team in Switzerland.
Urgent parts to and from Lausanne
When a production line or a project in the Lausanne area is waiting for a part, we book Next Flight Out via Geneva (GVA): the shipment goes on the first suitable flight, with the customs data prepared before departure.
For items that cannot wait for regular cargo handling, an On-Board Courier carries the shipment as hand luggage and hands it over in person.
Customs clearance in Switzerland
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in Switzerland is handled by our own in-house customs team.
Air freight to and from Switzerland is booked through our carrier network.
Importers in Switzerland need a Swiss business identification number (UID) and, for VAT, registration with the Federal Tax Administration where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Do Lausanne shipments fly from Geneva or Zurich?
Geneva (GVA) is usually the closest option. For destinations or capacities that Geneva cannot cover, we route via Zurich (ZRH). We compare options with each booking.
Can you ship research samples from EPFL?
Yes. We book routings that match the packaging and temperature requirements of the samples. For urgent or sensitive material, an On-Board Courier can hand-carry it. Dangerous goods must be declared correctly before booking.
Do you collect in Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux?
Yes. We arrange pick-up across the canton of Vaud, including Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and Morges, through trusted road partners and deliver to the departure airport.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from Lausanne?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Geneva (GVA) and an itemised quote.