Transport Geneva airport

Easy transfer from Geneva airport to the city center

Geneva airport is located at Cointrin. Getting to the city center is easy, thanks to a variety of transport options to suit all needs and budgets.

Whether you’re in a hurry to get to your destination or prefer an economical route, you’ll easily find the ideal way to get there. In this article, you’ll find a complete guide to getting around as soon as you arrive in Geneva.

Contents

Comparative table of time and cost for each means of transport

Geneva Airport is located less than 4 kilometers from downtown Geneva, which is very close.

To help you choose the most suitable means of transport, here’s a summary table of journey times and associated costs. Of course, the data presented are indicative.


Means of transportEstimated travel timeApproximate cost

Train

7 to 20 minutes
CHF 3 with a Zone 10 Unireso ticket (for one hour)

Bus (line 5 or 10)

30 minutesCHF 3 with a Zone 10 Unireso ticket (for one hour)

Cab

20 minutes
CHF 25 to 60 
VTC (Uber, etc.)20 minutesCHF 35 to 60
CarpoolingVariableCHF 2
Bicycle (VéloPartage)20 minutesCHF 5 (for one hour)
On foot1hfree of charge

Let’s take a closer look at each public transport system.

Public transport between Geneva airport and the city center

The public transport and shuttle buses is particularly well-developed. For both train and bus, we recommend buying a Unireso zone 10 ticket, priced at CHF 3.00, which gives you access to Geneva’s public transport network for 60 minutes.

 

It can easily be purchased from vending machines in the airport station, at bus stops, or online via the SBB WEBSITE or the TPG WEBSITE.

Taking the train

The train is one of the quickest and most economical ways to reach downtown Geneva from the airport. It also has the advantage of avoiding any road traffic.

 

Geneva Airport station is directly connected to Geneva-Cornavin station, located in the heart of the city. The journey takes between 7 and 20 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day (between 3 and 5 trains per hour).

Bus travel

Routes 5 and 10 serve the airport directly, with a frequency of 8 to 15 minutes at peak times.

 

The journey to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Bus stops are on the “Registration” level, near the SBB station.

 

💡Good to know All timetable information is available at the airport, either at the information desk in the arrivals hall, or directly on the TPG.

Lignes de bus pour relier Genève centre à Genève aéroport

What about private transport options?

Cab and VTC services from Geneva airport to the city center

Average cab fares to Geneva city center

Cabs are a comfortable and fast option. You can book by phone or app, or find a cab in the dedicated parking area.

 

In fact, there is a specific area outside the arrivals terminal.

 

Rates vary depending on the specific destination:

  • Airport zone: CHF 25
  • International organizations: CHF 35
  • Downtown, right bank: CHF 50
  • Downtown, left bank: CHF 60

💡Good to know : These fixed rates are defined by Geneva legislation.

VTC rates

VTC rates are generally fixed and determined at the time of booking, so there are no surprises due to variations in traffic.

 

For example, companies such as Transfert Platinium offer transfers from Geneva airport at prices that vary according to the type of vehicle chosen and the additional services required. We recommend consulting the service providers’ websites directly to obtain a precise estimate and make an online reservation.

 

In addition, platforms such as Uber allow you to estimate the cost of a VTC journey between the airport and downtown Geneva. These estimates take into account distance, travel time and demand at the time of booking.

All in all, VTC rates for a trip between Geneva airport and the city center generally range from CHF 35 to 60. More economical options are available.

Economical alternatives for getting downtown

There are several, and they deserve serious consideration!

Carpooling from Geneva airport

Why not consider carpooling? It’s an economical, ecological and user-friendly option. Platforms such as BlaBlaCar, Catch a Car or even Karzoo, to name but a few, facilitate connections between drivers and passengers making the same journey.

 

It rarely costs more than CHF 2 per passenger.

Self-service bicycles

The service VéloPartage service allows you to rent a classic or electric bike using a special application, from one of the 500 stations located in the canton of Geneva.

Several stations are located near the airport, including :

  • GVA Airport,
  • Pre-wood,
  • P50,
  • WTC,
  • Freight.

The main station is located in front of terminal 1.

 

💡Good to know To find the best way to the airport, visit the Géovélo website or app.

Free airport transport card for visitors

The Geneva Transport Card, personal and non-transferable, allows unlimited use of Geneva’s UNIRESO public transport network (bus, train and boat).

 

It is reserved for visitors staying in a hotel, youth hostel, guesthouse or campsite in Geneva.

 

To obtain it, simply contact the accommodation establishment, which will take care of the formalities. Don’t leave it to the last minute!

 

💡Good to know Don’t confuse the Geneva Transport Card with the free public transport ticket. This service ceased to exist in 2022. It allowed travellers from Geneva airport to go wherever they wanted.

Unireso et Léman Pass _ plan des zones tarifaires

How long does the journey take, depending on the mode of transport?

Journey times from Geneva airport to the city center vary according to the mode of transport chosen:

  • Train: about 7 minutes.
  • Bus: between 20 and 30 minutes.
  • Cab and VTC: 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Cycling: 1 hour.
  • Carpooling: depends on the number of passengers and the route chosen.

These estimates may fluctuate depending on the time of day and road conditions.

Choosing the right time to avoid traffic peaks

To make the most of your journey between Geneva airport and the city center, avoid rush hour as much as possible. Generally between 7am and 9am in the morning, and between 5pm and 7pm in the evening.

 

During these periods, road traffic is often heavy, which can considerably lengthen travel time, especially by cab, VTC or bus.

 

Trains, on the other hand, offer regular timetables and are less affected by traffic variations.

In short, Geneva offers a multitude of solutions for getting from the airport to the city center quickly and efficiently. Whether you opt for public transport, a comfortable cab or carpooling, there’s something for everyone. Make the most of your stay in Geneva, a city where getting around is as enjoyable as discovering its wonders!

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