When you are traveling to and from Geneva Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
- Brief Overview of Geneva Airport in Geneva, Switzerland
- About Airport’s Terminal
- On-site and Off-site Parking Options
- Airlines Operating From Geneva Airport
- Facilities and Services Available at Geneva Airport
- Hotels On-site and Nearby Geneva Airport
- Ground Transport Options To and From Geneva Airport
- Conclusion
Brief Overview of Geneva Airport in Geneva, Switzerland
Situated on the Swiss and French borders and at a distance of about 4 km (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva city center in Switzerland, lies the Geneva Airport.
The country’s international airport is sometimes, also called Genéve Aeroport and Cointrin Airport. Apart from being a main regional hub, Geneva Airport also serves various destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
IATA: GVA
Address:
Route de I’Aéroport 21,
Le Grand-Saconnex,
Genéve CH-1215,
Switzerland
Airport Contact: +41 22 717 7111
Website: https://www.gva.ch
Operation Hours: Geneva Airport is open from 4 am to 12 am. Certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodation, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About Airport’s Terminal
Geneva Airport has a total of two terminals, namely Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 is the airport’s main terminal building and consists of five piers, which are A, B, C, D, and F, respectively.
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
On-site and Off-site Parking Options
Geneva Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at Terminals T1 and T2. One can choose from on-site parking options and off-site car parks that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short and long-term parking.
Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.
Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.
Airlines Operating From Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport serves many domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminals include:
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Air Algérie, airBaltic, Air Canada, Air China, Air France, Air France Hop, Air Glaciers, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Senegal, Air Serbia, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, Azerbaijan Airlines, Belavia, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Chair Airlines, Cyprus Airways, EasyJet, EasyJet Switzerland, EgyptAir, El Al, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Finnair, Iberia, Icelandair, Jet2.com,
Kenya Airways, KLM, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Luxair, Middle East Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Air Portugal, Transavia, Transavia France, TUI Airways, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Vueling and Wizz Air.
Facilities and Services Available at Geneva Airport
Geneva Airport in Switzerland offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at Geneva Airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities you may get easily at the airport.
There is a Tourist Information Desk located in the Arrivals area that also offers airport assistance. It is open from 7 am to 11 pm. Another Information Desk is located in Transit Zone, Center Square.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to the “Free_WiFi_GVA” network) is offered for up to 2 hours only.
To use wireless internet again after the free session is over, users are provided with options, such as by purchasing additional minutes, for which a mobile phone is needed to receive OTP (One-Time Password) or access code, or by scanning the Boarding Pass at the self-service automated machines that are located throughout the airport.
Additionally, there are Internet Terminals also available which can be found in the Arrivals section at the Business Services Center.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Mobile charging power outlets can be found throughout both Terminals.
Baggage Handling and Storage
1. Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. Left Luggage provides paid locker facilities and luggage storage services at the airport. It is located landside, on the CFF Railway Station level, behind the CFF/SBB counter.
Baggage storage fees can cost around CHF 10 ($10.62 USD) per item per day and the maximum storage period allowed is up to 30 days. It is open from 7:30 am to 8 pm. Additionally, there are self-service lockers of different sizes available for rent.
The allowed periods range from 6 hours to a maximum of 4 days. The fee for a small locker can cost around CHF 5 ($5.31 USD) for 6 hours, then an additional CHF 2 ($2.12 USD) for the subsequent 6 hours.
An extra-large locker can cost around CHF 10 ($10.62 USD) for up to 6 hours, then CHF 5 ($5.31 USD) for an additional 6 hours. Lockers can be found on the landside, on the CFF Railway Station level, in front of the CFF/SBB counter, and behind the Chicorée Shop. The facility is open from 3:30 am to 12:30 am.
2. Luggage Wrapping:
Safe Bag offers luggage wrapping services at the airport for a fee of CHF 20 ($21.25 USD) per bag. Bags are wrapped in plastic to protect them from damage and theft. It is located in the Check-in area of the Swiss Zone and is open from 6 am to 9 pm.
3. Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage carts are available at the airport for CHF 2 ($2.12 USD).
4. Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Rooms
At Geneva Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:
Dnata Skyview Lounge:
The lounge is located on the airside of the Main Terminal (T1), Mezzanine Level. Access to the lounge is by either paying at the door or through a pre-paid lounge pass and lounge membership program.
Horizon Lounge (Swissport):
The lounge is located on the airside of the Main Terminal (T1), Mezzanine Level. Access to the lounge is by either paying at the door or through a pre-paid lounge pass and lounge membership program.
Air France–KLM Lounge:
The lounge is located on the airside of the Main Terminal (T1), 1st Floor. Access to the lounge is via a pre-paid lounge pass and lounge membership program.
First and Business Class travelers can access the Swiss First Lounge, Swiss Senator Lounge, Swiss Business Lounge, and British Airways Galleries Lounge. These lounges are located in the airside of the Main Terminal (T1).
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.
Tax-free shopping is available to arriving travelers, permitting the purchase of any essential items for use whilst in Switzerland. Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located throughout both Terminals.
Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Geneva Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions are been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include
Other Amenities Available at Geneva Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Meditation Room
There is a meditation room available in the room. It is located in Transit Zone, on Mezzanine Level.
Children’s Play Area
The airport offers a play zone for children. It is located in Transit Zone, between Gates A5 and A8.
Baby Care Facilities
There is a nursing room available at the airport that also includes facilities such as a kitchen, baby changing room, games, and rest area for children. It is located in Transit Zone, Mezzanine Level, and is open from 8 am till 8 pm.
Dry Cleaning
There is a dry cleaner available that offers dry cleaning and ironing services. It is located at the Railway Station and is open from 8 am to 8 pm (Monday–Friday) and 9 am to 12:30 pm and 1 pm to 8 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and during local holidays.
Pharmacy
Pharmacie Principale is located on the landside of Departures Level which has been open from 6 am the morning till 9 pm at night.
Postal Services
There is a post office available at the airport. Travelers can send their last-minute postcards to family, relatives, and friends. It is located in Arrivals Level and is open from 7:30 am to 6 pm (Monday-Friday) and 8:30 am to 12 pm on Saturdays.
Pay Phones
There are payphones available at the airport. Local calls made within Switzerland are free. Calling Cards must be purchased for making international calls. Passengers can purchase Calling Cards at K Kiosk and Global Exchange counters.
Payphones can be found at Arrivals Level, Visitors Center; Baggage Claim, Belt 4; landside of Departures Level, near Priority Lane; Arrivals Level, Satellite 40; airside of Boarding Area, near Gates A9-10; and near GP+, towards the bar at the top of the stairs.
Fast Track Security Service
This is a premium service, Passengers having Fast Track security passes are given priority service to ensure less waiting time. Fast Track Security Pass can also be booked online before midnight which will cost around CHF 10 ($10.62 USD).
ATM
ATMs are available at the airport and are operated by Banque Cantonale de Genève, La Poste, Raiffeisen, and UBS. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the airside and landside areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Currency Exchange
The currency of Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF or franc). Currency exchange services are available at the airport and are operated by Global Exchange. Currency exchange counters can be found on the landside of Departures and Arrivals. They are open from 5 am to 11:45 pm. The Swiss Rail Counter also offers currency exchange services. It is located at the Airport Railway Station and is open from 7:30 am to 8:15 pm.
Banking Services
Banking facilities may not be available at the airport.
Travel Agencies
LTur Last Minute travel agency has its counter located at the airport. Passengers arriving at Geneva Airport and in need of local transport arrangements or help with planning a last-minute trip abroad. can avail of their services.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Geneva Airport
Finding accommodation on-site or nearby Geneva Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Geneva in Switzerland.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. It is the closest hotel to the airport.
Starling Geneva Hotel and Conference Center:
The hotel is located about 3 minutes from the airport. Free round-trip There is an airport shuttle available for free that serves round trips at a frequency of 15 minutes daily from 5:10 am to 11:45 pm.
Ibis Geneve Aeroport:
The hotel is located about 4 minutes from the airport. There is an airport shuttle available for free that serves at a frequency of 20 minutes daily from 5 am to 11:30 pm.
Nash Airport Hotel:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is an airport shuttle available that serves at a frequency of 20 minutes daily from 4:30 am to 12 am. Airport pick-up is available by the hotel which is from the Arrivals Gate no. 4.
Ground Transport Options To and From Geneva Airport
Getting to and from Geneva Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from Geneva Airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle service available to passengers within the airport and its terminals.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle services to their guests. Hotel shuttles pick up their guests, right from the airport waiting outside of the Arrivals Level. Swiss hotels include Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport, Ibis Geneve Aeroport, Movenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva, Nash Airport Hotel, NH Geneva Airport Hotel, and Starling Geneva Hotel & Conference Center. French hotels include Novotel Geneve Airport France.
Bus Service
Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. Bus stands are located at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
There are several city buses that operate to and from the Geneva Airport and are part of the UNIRESO network. Scheduled coach service to Annecy, Grenoble, Chambery, and Lyon is available directly from the airport. Most regional and international buses operate from Gare Routiere (Geneva coach station), which is a 10-minute walk from Gare Cornavin train station. Passengers traveling at night can use the Noctambus bus service which is also part of the UNIRESO network.
Buses transporting passengers from the Geneva Airport to its neighboring country France pass through the Swiss territory. Therefore, it is required that travelers carry along with their valid identification proofs (IDs) and visas.
Train and Metro Services
Geneva Airport is connected with train services. There is a train station located at Geneva Airport, under the runway, which is about 250 meters from the airport’s main terminal. It also provides direct access to Check-In and Arrivals Levels.
All trains leaving the Geneva Airport train station head to the Geneva-Cornavin station (Gare Cornavin) in the city center, which is about 6 minutes away. Gare Cornavin is serviced by the Swiss rail network and long-distance trains from neighboring countries France and Italy. Also, many Swiss ski resorts can be reached quickly by train from Geneva Airport train station via Gare Cornavin.
Trains transporting passengers from the Geneva Airport to its neighboring country France pass through the Swiss territory. Therefore, it is required that travelers carry along with their valid identification proofs (IDs) and visas.
UNIVERSO Public Transportation System
UNIVERSO is Geneva’s public transportation system that offers traveling by bus, train, tram, and boat. With just a single ticket needed, passengers can travel to places within the UNIRESO network. Tourists arriving at Geneva A airport can avail of free tickets from the airport’s vending machine that is valid for 80 minutes of travel. Travelers staying in hotels, youth hostels, or campsites will receive a Geneva Transport Card, which gives the cardholder free travel benefits on UNIRESO during their entire stay.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found on-site.
Limousine Service
Limousines may be available for hire at the airport.
Car Hire Service
You can hire a car at Geneva Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. you will get on-site rental car agencies at the airport in both the Swiss and French sectors. The Swiss sector on-site rental agencies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Flizzr, Hertz, National, Sixt, and Thrifty. The French sector on-site rental agencies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
App-Based Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Geneva Airport, app-based ride-sharing services may be offered.
Conclusion
The European country Switzerland offers rich, captivating landscapes, culture, and heritage.
Tourists from around the world visit this beautiful country to explore its Swiss Plateau, Swiss Alps, Mont Blanc, and Jura Mountains. Other prominent attractions include Lake Geneva, Temple de Saint-Pierre, Museum of Natural History, Patek Philippe Museum, Ariana Museum, Jet d’Eau (Water Jet), Jardin Anglais (English Garden), Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden), Quai du Mont-Blanc to name a few. Languages spoken in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, Romansh, and English.
Traveling to and from Geneva Airport in Switzerland will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.
