Geneva International Airport (GVA) GVA: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Geneva International Airport

Get straight from Geneva International Airport to the city centre without dither—booking your ticket in advance means you can zoom through the airport and be on your way to the city. We, at Omio, have collected information on the facilities that you have after landing, and the main places worth stopping at in the city centre to make planning your trip easier.

Arriving at Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Geneva International Airport is a major airport servicing Switzerland's second-most populated city, Geneva. The city is beloved for its views of Mont Blanc, and is visited frequently as a European financial and business center. The airport is locally known as Cointrin Airport, and is a Swiss International Airlines and EasyJet Switzerland hub. Geneva Airport facilitates flights for numerous additional global airlines every day, including Air Canada, Scandinavian Airlines, British Airways, and others. The airport is open from 4:00 a.m. to midnight every day of the week, but many shops open only from 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Getting from Geneva International Airport to Geneva city center is easy via public transportation. The city has a highly efficient public transportation network of buses, trains, shuttles, and more, which take passengers to the city center, other parts of Switzerland, or even France. 

What's the best way to get from Geneva International Airport to the city center?

The best way to reach Geneva city center after arrival at Geneva International Airport is by train. Swiss train travel is world-renowned for its effectiveness, and this train journey is no exception. The Genève Aéroport Railway Station train is efficient, fast, and incredibly consistent year-round. It avoids any traffic and keeps to a regular, highly frequent schedule. It takes passengers to Geneva Station in seven to eight minutes. The train will be either an IR or IC train, specifically the IC1, IC5, IR15, or IR90, among others. The second-best way to reach Geneva city center is by public bus. TPG urban buses are as frequent as every 8 to 15 minutes during peak hours. Bus lines 5, 10, 28, 57, V, and others travel to the city center in 15 to 30 minutes. 

How far is the city center from Geneva International Airport?

Geneva Airport is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) northeast of Geneva city center. This central location ensures speedy transport between the airport and city center. Passengers traveling via train should allow roughly 15 to 30 minutes to reach the city center once they are through customs and at the airport's train station. Those taking the bus may expect a journey of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.

What services are there at Geneva International Airport?

Geneva International Airport is a modern facility with many services, including free WiFi throughout the airport, financial services such as banks and currency exchange, and even showers for arriving passengers to freshen up. As many travelers to Geneva are visiting on business, there is also a business corner in most areas of the airport, with electronic charging sockets, tables, and chairs. There are also photocopiers to help business passengers make their time in the airport a productive one. Those traveling with small children can make the most of the children's facilities at Geneva Airport, including a playing and relaxation area with games, and a playground. As for shopping and eating, the airport has duty-free and world-famous Swiss shops selling everything from watches to chocolate. There's also a range of cafés, bistros, and authentic Swiss and French cuisine.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Geneva International Airport offers services to those with limited mobility through the company GVAssistance, but this service should be booked at least 48 hours in advance through a travel agent or the relevant airline. GVAssistance will help with any disability requirements to make all passengers' trips as smooth as possible. The airport itself has elevators, and all areas of the carparks and main building are wheelchair-accessible. Public transportation from the airport to Geneva city center is accessible. However, passengers with limited mobility, particularly those traveling in wheelchairs, should notify the train company, SBB CFF, one hour ahead of arrival, to ensure they are adequately prepared. Staff will assist with any needs while passengers are traveling on SBB public transportation.

Local tips: what to know before flying to Geneva International Airport

The train station is right beneath the airport, and Swiss public transportation is famous for its efficiency and consistency. When traveling into the city center, travelers shouldn't worry about trying to make a specific train. The trains are frequent, with as many as seven per hour during peak times. Once travelers are out of customs, they can take the next city train that comes along. There's free Geneva transport for passengers with a valid hotel or campsite booking, and this can be picked up at a machine by the baggage pickup. Tourists without a hotel booking can still travel for up to 80 minutes free around Geneva.