How to get from Geneva Airport to the City

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Geneva Cointrin Airport (airport code GVA) is located around six kilometres (3.75 miles) from the centre of Geneva and is a major hub for international flights.

 If you are flying into the cosmopolitan city and are wondering what Geneva transport options are available, this guide has all the answers.

Below you’ll find details of the different transport methods awaiting your Geneva Airport arrival including journey times and fares but first, some information about Geneva Airport.

Geneva Airport Information

Geneva International Airport is located in the Canton of Geneva in Switzerland, but the northern side of the airport extends to the Swiss-French border.  The airport can be accessed from both Switzerland and France.

There are two terminals at Geneva Airport although Terminal 2 is only used by charter flights during the winter season.

Swiss International Air Lines and EasyJet Switzerland have major bases at Geneva Airport and many other European airlines service the airport.  Numerous airlines operating long haul flights to the Middle East, Asia and North America – including Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and United Airlines – also fly into Geneva.

Over 17 million passengers pass through Geneva Airport each year.

Geneva Airport to City Centre Transport Comparison

Train

The easiest way to get from Geneva Airport to the city centre is by train.  There are up to seven trains per hour from Geneva Airport to Cornavin train station, the main station in Geneva city centre, and the journey time is just seven minutes.

The unireso zone 10 ticket (3.00 CHF / approx. 2.60 €) gives access to the Geneva public transport network for a period of 60 minutes. It can be purchased directly from the ticket machines located at the “Genève Aéroport” and “WTC” bus stops and at the Geneva Airport train station.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass travel for free on all public transport in Switzerland (including Geneva Airport trains).

The train station at Geneva Airport is a five-minute walk from the Arrivals and Departure Halls. 

🇨🇭Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass in this article.

Bus

The Geneva Airport bus is another convenient way to reach the city centre.  TPG city buses operate between the airport and city centre (Line 10)  approximately every ten minutes.

If you plan to catch a bus to Geneva Airport (or from Geneva Airport), the journey time is 19 minutes. 

The unireso zone 10 ticket (3.00 CHF / approx. 2.60 €) gives access to the Geneva public transport network for a period of 60 minutes. It can be purchased directly from the ticket machines located at the “Genève Aéroport” and “WTC” bus stops and at the Geneva Airport train station.

The TPG urban buses serve the airport at a frequency of 8-15 minutes at peak hours, departing from outside the Arrivals Hall.

Holders of a Swiss Travel Pass travel for free on all public transport in Switzerland (including Geneva Airport buses).

Hotel Shuttle

A select number of hotels^ near Geneva Airport and in the city centre provide free transfers for their guests.  

You should contact your hotel before your arrival to confirm if they offer a free Geneva Airport shuttle service and book your transfer.

Private Geneva Airport Transfers

Arriving in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you are tired after a long flight.  For this reason, we love the convenience of private transfers.

Whilst you’ll pay more than you would by using public transport, the great thing about private transfers is that your driver will be waiting for you on arrival at Geneva Airport and will take you directly to your hotel in a private vehicle.  

Private transfers can also be arranged for the return journey from Geneva to Geneva Airport.

Allow around 30 minutes for the door-to-door Geneva airport transfer service.

Sedans, as well as larger vehicles and minivans are available to suit your group size.  > Click here to check prices.

Car Rental from Geneva Airport

A really popular option for travellers arriving in Geneva is to rent a car from Geneva Airport. This is especially popular for travellers who don’t plan to stay in the city itself and want to head to other parts of Switzerland.  A car is also handy if you plan to do a day trip or two from Geneva. This article has plenty of day trip ideas.

If you plan to pick up a hire car from Geneva Airport, there are plenty of options, with all the major international companies – Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty, and more – offering collections from the Airport.

Rates vary depending on a number of factors including the size of the vehicle, the type of transmission and the time of year that you commence your car rental at Geneva Airport.

You can search for rates for car hire from Geneva Airport here. It is recommended that you book ahead before you leave home to guarantee a vehicle will be available for you.

Once you have collected your vehicle, you should allow around 10 minutes to reach the city centre.

🇨🇭Read our guide to driving in Switzerland.

Taxi

There are three main companies that operate a Geneva Airport taxi service.  Taxi ranks are located outside the Arrivals Hall.

How much is a taxi from Geneva airport to Geneva? You can expect to pay between CHF 35 and CHF 45 depending on the time of day and volume of traffic.

Journey time is around 10 minutes from the airport to the city centre.

Planning a trip to Switzerland?

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Uber

The ride-sharing service Uber is available from Geneva Airport.  You can expect to pay around CHF 29 for an UberX from Geneva Airport to the city centre, depending on traffic volume and demand.

Rides can be booked via the Uber app.

🇨🇭Read about the best apps to download for travel in Switzerland.

I hope this guide has helped you to choose the best option to get from Geneva Airport to the city centre.

Geneva is a truly international city with plenty of sights worth visiting.  It’s also a great base to visit other towns and villages around Lake Geneva.

For more info about visiting Geneva, read our guide to things to do in Geneva and find the best day trips from Geneva here.

🇨🇭There’s more useful information about visiting Geneva in our full travel guide to Geneva.