Five years of Léman Express

Five years and six months after the official inauguration of the Léman Express, project stakeholders gathered on 12 June 2025 at Genève-Aéroport and Annemasse to celebrate a dual milestone: the success of a cross-border rail network that has transformed mobility for an entire region and the upcoming launch of a seventh direct line between Annemasse and Genève-Aéroport/Vernier, passing through the Châtelaine Tunnel (also known as the Furet Tunnel). 

A Success Beyond Expectations 

On 15 December 2019, the launch of a new 16 km railway infrastructure between Genève-Cornavin and Annemasse marked the birth of the Léman Express, opening up new mobility opportunities for the Franco-Valdo-Genevan basin, serving nearly one million residents today. 

With 45 stations served, the Léman Express is one of Europe’s largest cross-border railway networks. Spearheaded by the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, the Canton of Geneva, the Canton of Vaud, and the Swiss Confederation, and operated by SBB and SNCF Voyageurs with the support of their subsidiary Lémanis (responsible for service, promotion, customer relations, and quality monitoring), the Léman Express embodies a unique model of cooperation dedicated to daily mobility.

At its launch, the goal was to reach 50,000 daily passengers within four years. This threshold was surpassed in just two years! The figure of 80,000 daily passengers (including RegioExpress of SBB) was reached in autumn 2024, reflecting sustained momentum. Notably, Saturday ridership has grown to over 56 % of a typical weekday’s traffic. 

An Inspiring Model for Europe 

Over the past  five years, more than 77 million passengers have traveled on the Léman Express. Weekday traffic has increased by more than 130 % between 2020 and 2024, confirming the relevance of this mobility offering in Greater Geneva. It has become a key driver of behavioral transformation, regional connectivity, and carbon footprint reduction. Its success now serves as inspiration for new metropolitan regional express service projects in France and Europe.

A New Strategic Connection Starting in 2026

The celebration, attended by all key stakeholders from France and Switzerland, was highlighted by a symbolic journey between Genève-Aéroport and Annemasse, traveling through the Châtelaine Tunnel, which was previously reserved for freight transport. 

This new route - set to launch in December 2025 as part of the timetable change - will become the L7 Line, directly linking Geneva Airport and Vernier to Annemasse without passing through Genève Cornavin. The new line will also provide easier access to Palexpo and surrounding business hubs, unlocking new professional and leisure mobility opportunities.

Caption to the 4th photo, from left to right: Yves Bichsel (Secrétaire général du Département fédéral de l’environnement, des transports, de l’énergie et de la communication), Vincent Ducrot (CEO of SBB/CFF/FFS), Nuria Gorrite (Conseillère d'État et Cheffe du Département des institutions, de la culture, des infrastructures et des ressources humaines du canton de Vaud) and Pierre Maudet (Conseiller d'État chargé du Département de la santé et des mobilités du canton de Genève).