Geneva Cointrin International Airport

Geneva Cointrin International Airport (GVA) is Switzerland's second busiest airport, serving as the main gateway to Geneva, the French Alps, and numerous ski resorts. Located just 4 km northwest of Geneva city center, the airport handled over 17 million passengers in 2023.

The airport operates from a single main terminal (Terminal 1) with five piers:

• Pier A: Schengen flights, directly connected to the main concourse
• Pier B: Schengen flights, accessed via underground walkway to satellite building
• Pier C: Non-Schengen international flights, connected to main concourse
• Pier D: Schengen flights, accessed via underground walkway to satellite building
• Pier F (French Sector): A unique feature allowing passengers traveling to/from French destinations to bypass Swiss customs entirely

Terminal 2 is used only during the winter ski season for charter flights to ski resorts. Facilities are limited, with minimal food options and no shops.

The French Sector is particularly notable: one side of the airport runs along the French border, and Pier F allows flights between French destinations and Geneva without clearing Swiss immigration. This provides faster access to French ski resorts like Chamonix and Megeve via shorter road distances through France.

A major expansion is underway: a new satellite terminal (Satellite 10) will add 5 gates between 2025-2027, and a CHF 560 million rail infrastructure upgrade is planned through 2032.

Geneva Airport is located 4 km northwest of Geneva city center, with the train station directly beneath the terminal building.

Typical travel times:

• Geneva Cornavin (city center): 7 minutes by train
• Geneva city center by taxi: 15-20 minutes
• Chamonix, France: 1 hour 15 minutes by car
• Lausanne: 45 minutes by train
• Annecy, France: 45 minutes by car

The integrated train station makes Geneva one of Switzerland's most accessible airports. A 5-minute walk through the underground shopping area connects the terminal to the platform.

Uber

Uber operates at Geneva Airport with pickup in designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare area outside arrivals
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort
• Fare to city center: CHF 35-50 depending on exact destination and demand

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. All Geneva taxis are metered and accept credit cards.

Destination	Fare	Time
Geneva city center (right bank)	CHF 50-55	15-20 min
Geneva city center (left bank)	CHF 55-65	15-25 min
Cornavin train station	CHF 40-50	10-15 min
Chamonix, France	CHF 350-500	1h 15min
Verbier	CHF 400-550	1h 45min
Zermatt (to Taesch)	CHF 500-650	2h 30min

Tips:

• Swiss taxi regulations are strict: only licensed Swiss taxis can pick up without reservation
• If paying in EUR, expect a poor exchange rate (often 1:1 instead of the true rate of approximately 1 EUR = 0.93 CHF)
• For ski transfers, pre-booked private transfers often offer fixed rates including luggage and ski equipment

Train (SBB CFF FFS)

The Geneva Airport train station (Geneve-Aeroport) is located directly beneath Terminal 1, accessible via a 5-minute walk through the underground shopping area.

To Geneva Cornavin (City Center):

1. Follow signs to "Train/Gare" in the arrivals hall
2. Take any train to Geneve-Cornavin
3. Journey time: 6-7 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult (Zone 10)	CHF 3.00
Day pass (Zone 10)	CHF 10.60
Swiss Travel Pass holders	Free

Frequency: 4-5 direct trains per hour, approximately every 15 minutes Operating hours: First train around 05:00, last train around 00:00

Note: Free transit tickets are no longer distributed in the baggage claim area. However, guests at most Geneva hotels receive a complimentary Geneva Transport Card for free public transit during their stay.

Long-Distance Trains

From Geneva Airport station:

Destination	Journey Time	Frequency	Fare
Lausanne	45 min	Every 30 min	CHF 26
Bern	2h	Hourly	CHF 56
Zurich	2h 50min	Hourly	CHF 89
Interlaken	2h 45min	Hourly	CHF 73

Bus (TPG)

Two bus lines connect the airport directly to the city center:

Line 5: Airport to Thonex-Vallard via Cornavin and city center Line 10: Airport to Rive (Old Town) via Cornavin

Detail	Information
Fare	CHF 3.00 (Zone 10 ticket)
Journey time	20-30 minutes to city center
Frequency	Every 8-15 minutes
Operating hours	05:00-03:00 (Line 10 runs later)

Bus stops: Located outside the arrivals hall. Bus 10 departs from stop A (closest to terminal), Bus 5 from stop C.

Tickets can be purchased from machines at bus stops or via the TPG+ app.

Geneva Airport offers several parking facilities with varying rates.

Airport Car Parks

Facility	Spaces	Rate	Notes
P1 Premium	2,100	CHF 35/day, CHF 205/week	Covered, next to Terminal 1
P2 Short-term	Limited	CHF 5/hour (max 1 hour)	Drop-off and pickup only
P26 Economic	760	CHF 30/day	Covered, 10-minute walk
P51 Economy	1,100	CHF 30/day	500m from terminal

Tips:

• First 5 minutes free in P2 for quick drop-offs
• Book online at gva.ch for discounted rates
• Reservation fee: CHF 20 (P1) or CHF 10 (P26)
• Electric vehicle charging available

Off-Site Parking

Private parking operators near the airport offer rates from CHF 10/day with shuttle service. An application fee (typically CHF 40) often applies.

Geneva Airport offers a mix of Swiss specialties, international chains, and quick-service options.

Airside (After Security)

• Le Chef: Upscale dining option in the main terminal
• Swiss Chalet: Traditional Swiss cuisine including fondue and raclette
• Le Bistro Geneve: French-style bistro fare
• Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar: Premium seafood and champagne
• Starbucks: Coffee and light bites (food court area)
• McDonald's: Fast food option
• Streetfood: Quick-service international options
• All You Need: Light snacks available in satellite buildings (Piers B and D)

Landside

• Montreux Jazz Cafe: Music-themed restaurant at arrivals level
• Migros: Supermarket in the train station, open daily 07:30-21:00 (best value for food and drinks)

Terminal 2 Note: When T2 is open during ski season, food options are extremely limited (one restaurant). Bring provisions if departing from T2.

Budget tip: The Migros supermarket in the train station offers significantly better value than airside restaurants.

Free WiFi is available throughout Geneva Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Free_WiFi_GVA
Registration	SMS code or boarding pass scan
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Good for browsing and streaming

How to connect:

1. Select "Free_WiFi_GVA" network
2. Either enter your mobile number to receive an SMS code, or
3. Scan your boarding pass at one of the six purple "Free WiFi GVA" kiosks throughout the terminal

The train station also offers free WiFi via the "SBB-FREE" network.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though options are more limited than in city shops.

Airport Options

Provider	Price	Data	Notes
Yallo	CHF 40	10 GB	Uses Sunrise network
Lebara	From CHF 20	Budget option	Available at kiosks

Important notes:

• You need your passport to purchase a SIM card in Switzerland
• Swisscom (Switzerland's largest carrier) does not have an airport store; visit their city center shop for their network
• Sunrise SIM cards are sometimes available from vending machines
• Airport prices tend to be higher than city shops

Major Swiss Carriers

Provider	Daily Rate	Notes
Swisscom	CHF 2/day	Best network coverage
Sunrise	CHF 2.50/day	Good coverage, unlimited data
Salt	CHF 1.99/day	Budget option, smaller network

For better prices and selection, visit carrier stores in Geneva city center.

ATMs

ATMs are located throughout the airport, including:

• Arrivals hall (multiple machines)
• Departures level (public and transit zones)
• Train station area

Major banks with ATMs include UBS, Credit Suisse, and PostFinance. Some UBS ATMs offer the option to withdraw either CHF or EUR.

Currency

• Switzerland: Swiss Franc (CHF)
• Approximate exchange: 1 EUR = 0.93 CHF, 1 USD = 0.88 CHF

Currency Exchange

Global Exchange operates 5 exchange offices at Geneva Airport:

• 3 at arrivals (ground floor)
• 2 at departures (transit and public zones)

Service	Commission	Spread
Global Exchange	CHF 5	~4.5% on CHF/EUR
SBB Exchange (train station)	CHF 4	~2.8% on CHF/EUR

Better alternatives:

• Use ATMs with a no-fee debit card (Wise, Revolut)
• Switzerland is highly card-friendly; most places accept Visa/Mastercard
• Exchange in the city at Migros for better rates (1.86% spread under CHF 1,000)

Note on EUR: Many shops in Geneva accept EUR, but change is given in CHF at poor rates. The French Sector and French ski resorts use EUR.

Geneva Airport offers extensive duty-free shopping with a focus on Swiss specialties.

Duty-Free

The main Aelia Duty Free store offers:

• Swiss chocolate (Lindt, Sprungli, Toblerone)
• Spirits and wine
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Swiss souvenirs

Click & Collect: Order online at aeliadutyfree.ch and collect at the airport for a 15% discount on first orders.

Swiss Watches

• Air Watch Center: Over 50 years at the airport, featuring prestigious brands
• Hour Passion (Swatch Group): Omega, Longines, Tissot, Rado, Hamilton, and more

Swiss Specialties

• Swiss Army knives (Victorinox)
• Swiss chocolate
• Cheese products (vacuum-packed for travel)
• Swiss design items

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (7.7% Swiss VAT) on purchases over CHF 300
• Best shopping selection is airside after security
• The airport has 43 shops in total

Geneva Airport has several lounge options, including Priority Pass and airline lounges.

Priority Pass Lounges

Swissport Horizon Lounge (Terminal 1, Schengen):

• Location: Mezzanine level, right side of transit area after security
• Hours: 06:00-20:30 daily
• Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Dragon Pass, or CHF 45 at door
• Amenities: Hot and cold food, drinks, WiFi, seating
• Notes: Small but reliable; never restricted; good croissants

Crystal Lounge by Aspire (Non-Schengen, near Gates C53-C54):

• Hours: 07:00-18:00 daily
• Access: Priority Pass, day pass
• Amenities: Business facilities, WiFi, light refreshments
• Notes: Smart casual dress code; 3-hour stay limit

Marhaba Lounge (Terminal 1 and East Wing):

• Hours: 09:00-18:00 daily
• Access: Priority Pass
• Amenities: Basic refreshments
• Notes: 3-hour stay limit

Airline Lounges

SWISS Business Lounge (Schengen and Non-Schengen):

• Access: SWISS Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, Miles & More Senator
• Amenities: Hot food, bar, workstations, showers

Air France-KLM Lounge:

• Access: Business Class passengers, Flying Blue status
• Notes: May have restricted Priority Pass access during peak hours (14:00-20:00)

Pay-Per-Entry

Day passes available at most lounges for approximately CHF 40-50. Book online for discounts.

At/Near the Airport

Crowne Plaza Geneva (2 minutes from airport):

• 4-star, modern business hotel
• Free shuttle every 20 minutes (Gate 3, behind taxi stand)
• Club lounge, fitness center, multiple restaurants
• From CHF 180/night

Movenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva (700m from terminal):

• 5-star with casino
• Free shuttle 04:30-23:30
• Spa, fitness center, 2 restaurants
• From CHF 200/night
• Complimentary Geneva Transport Card for guests

Budget Options

• Ibis Geneva Airport: 10-minute shuttle, from CHF 100/night
• Nash Airport Hotel: Walking distance, from CHF 120/night

City Center

Both airport hotels provide complimentary Geneva Transport Cards, making it easy to stay in the city center and access the airport via train (7 minutes, CHF 3).

Geneva is a compact, cosmopolitan city at the western tip of Lake Geneva, known for its international organizations, luxury watchmaking, and as a gateway to the Alps.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Jet d'Eau	15 min	Train to Cornavin + 10 min walk
Old Town (Vieille Ville)	15-20 min	Train to Cornavin + walk or tram
United Nations (Palais des Nations)	12 min	Bus 5 or 28 from Cornavin
CERN	25 min	Tram 18 from Cornavin
Lake Geneva waterfront	15 min	Train to Cornavin + walk

Geneva Highlights

• Jet d'Eau: Geneva's iconic 140-meter fountain, visible across the city (operates ~09:00-23:15 in summer, reduced hours in winter, closed for maintenance in October/November and during high winds)
• Old Town (Vieille Ville): Switzerland's largest historic center, featuring St. Pierre Cathedral and Place du Bourg-de-Four
• United Nations: Guided tours of the Palais des Nations (second-largest UN office after New York)
• Flower Clock (Horloge Fleurie): 6,500 living flowers in the Jardin Anglais
• Bains des Paquis: Year-round lakeside bathing spot with fondue in winter
• Patek Philippe Museum: History of Geneva's legendary watchmaking

Access to France

Geneva straddles the Swiss-French border. The French Sector at the airport (Pier F) serves flights to French destinations without Swiss customs.

Nearby French destinations:

• Annecy: 45 minutes by car, picturesque lakeside town
• Chamonix: 1 hour 15 minutes, famous ski resort and Mont Blanc access
• Lyon: 2 hours by car or TGV train

Ski Resorts

Geneva is the primary gateway for Alpine skiing:

Resort	Distance	Transfer Time
Chamonix (France)	102 km	1h 15min
Megeve (France)	80 km	1h
Verbier (Switzerland)	150 km	1h 45min
Zermatt (Switzerland)	240 km	2h 30min (to Taesch) + train
Crans-Montana (Switzerland)	170 km	2h

Many hotels and transfer companies offer door-to-door ski transfers with luggage service.

Travel Tips

• The Geneva Transport Card provides free public transit and is included with most hotel stays
• Geneva is expensive; budget for CHF 25-40 for a basic restaurant meal
• Shops typically close early (18:00-19:00 weekdays, 17:00 Saturday, closed Sunday)
• Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service
• Both French and German are spoken; English is widely understood

Layover Recommendations

• 3-hour layover: Walk to the Old Town and back via Cornavin (quick train)
• 5-hour layover: Add the Jet d'Eau waterfront, explore the lakeside
• 8+ hour layover: Full Old Town exploration, visit a museum, lakeside lunch