Geneva Airport

Geneva Airport, often referred to as Cointrin, is a unique air hub that literally blurs the borders between nations, serving both Switzerland and France simultaneously. This aviation hub serves as the main gateway for diplomats heading to the headquarters of international organizations, and for skiers seeking the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Its remarkable proximity to the city limits makes the start of your journey as comfortable as possible, allowing you to be in the centre of events just a few minutes after landing.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main highlight of Geneva Airport is its location on the border of two countries. There is a so-called "French Sector" here, which allows passengers heading to France to exit onto French territory without passing through Swiss customs control (and vice versa), which technically equates such flights to domestic French flights.

Transport accessibility to Cointrin is considered one of the best in Europe. The railway station is located directly within the terminal building, and the trip to Geneva's central station (Cornavin) takes only 6–7 minutes. Furthermore, tourists staying in hotels, hostels, or campsites in Geneva can enjoy free public transport thanks to the special Geneva Transport Card, which is issued upon check-in.

The infrastructure of the terminals is thought out to the smallest detail: there are many shops featuring famous Swiss watches and chocolate, and the windows offer stunning views of the Jura mountains and the Alps. The airport is also within walking distance of the Palexpo exhibition complex, where the famous Geneva International Motor Show takes place.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Geneva Airport. We recommend always checking the validity of the data on the official website, especially if your question concerns flight schedules or baggage allowance rules.

• Official Website: www.gva.ch — here you will find the most complete and up-to-date information, including online flight boards, terminal maps, and airport news.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +41 22 717 71 11.
• Address: Route de l'Aéroport 21, 1215 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland.
• Email: The airport recommends using the contact forms on the official website to communicate with various services. This ensures faster and more accurate processing of your request.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage is lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's representative office. For items left in the terminal building, please contact the Lost Property service via the special section on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance, you can use the inquiry service phone number or find the necessary section on the official airport website.

Geneva Airport (GVA) is located just 4 kilometres from the city centre, and you can reach it quickly and easily using one of the most efficient public transport systems in Switzerland. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport: Train and Bus
This is the most convenient and economical way.

• Train: Directly underneath the airport terminal is the railway station (Genève-Aéroport). All trains stopping here proceed to Geneva's main station — Cornavin. The journey takes only about 7 minutes, and trains depart every 10–15 minutes.
• Buses: Several city bus routes (TPG), including No. 5, 10, 23, 28, and 57, connect the airport with various districts of the city and French border territories. The trip to the centre will take about 20 minutes.

Taxi and Transfers
A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is a comfortable but more expensive option. The cost of the trip is usually between 35 and 50 Swiss Francs. Car booking services such as Uber also operate in the city and may offer competitive rates. Booking a private transfer is a good choice for large groups or families with bulky luggage.

Car Rental and Parking
If you are travelling by rental car, it can be conveniently returned directly at the airport — offices of all major rental companies are represented here. For those arriving in their own car, several parking lots are available. There are short-term parking lots for dropping off passengers and long-term options (e.g., P1, P51). It is worth noting that parking at Geneva Airport is quite expensive, especially without prior online booking, which can help save money.

Geneva Airport (GVA) has a simple and clear structure consisting of two terminals — Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). However, their purpose and level of comfort differ significantly, which is important to consider when planning your trip.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the main and modern airport building, which handles almost all scheduled and most charter flights year-round. It is divided into several piers (sectors): A, B, C, D, and F. Navigation here is intuitive: check-in counters and pre-flight security are on the upper level, while the arrival zone is on the lower level. In the central part of the terminal, before passing security control, shops, cafes, and passenger service points are concentrated.

One of the main features of T1 is the presence of the so-called French Sector (Pier F). It is designed for passengers travelling on direct flights to France and allows them to pass border control as if at a French checkpoint, without formally entering the territory of Switzerland. If your flight is domestic within France, make sure you are heading specifically to Sector F.

Terminal 2 (T2) is the historic first building of the airport, which is used exclusively during the winter period to serve charter flights, mainly for ski tourism. The level of comfort and number of services here are minimal compared to T1. It is a small and often crowded building with basic infrastructure, so long waiting times here may not be very comfortable. The terminals are not connected by a transit zone — transfer is only possible via the street, taking about 5-7 minutes on foot.

To complete all formalities in Terminal 1, it is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before the departure of an international flight, especially during peak seasons. Queues for check-in and security can be significant. In Terminal 2, despite its compactness, queues are also possible due to the simultaneous departure of several charters. Always check from which terminal your flight departs, especially if travelling in winter. In 99% of cases, it will be T1.

The history of Geneva Airport began in 1919 when the Grand Council of the Canton of Geneva voted to create an airfield. Officially, flights began in 1920 from a small grass field in the Meyrin area. Initially a modest airfield, it quickly proved its importance, and within the first years of its existence, it began serving flights to Paris, Zurich, and other European cities.

A key stage of development was the post-war period. In 1945, the first paved runway was built, opening the doors for larger aircraft. And in 1949, the first passenger terminal was grandly opened, which allowed for a significant increase in passenger flow and improved service quality. This step secured the airport's status as an important international aviation hub.

Perhaps the most unique event in the airport's history was the signing of the Franco-Swiss agreement in 1956. This treaty allowed for the creation of the so-called "French Sector" on the airport territory. Thanks to this, the airport serves not only Switzerland but also the adjacent French regions, and passengers travelling to France can pass all formalities without crossing the Swiss border. This feature remains in effect to this day.

The arrival of the jet age in the 1960s required serious modernization. The runway was significantly lengthened to accommodate large liners. The logical continuation of this was the construction of a new, more spacious main terminal (T1), which opened in 1968. Its circular shape became a recognizable symbol of the airport for decades.

In subsequent years, the airport did not stop developing. A major innovation was the opening of its own railway station in 1987, integrated directly into the airport complex. This ensured a convenient link with Geneva and the entire country. In the 21st century, extensive modernization was carried out, culminating in the opening of the ultra-modern East Wing (Aile Est) for long-haul flights in 2021, built according to the strictest environmental standards.

Today, Geneva Airport is not only an important transport hub but also a major employer and a centre of innovation. It regularly ranks among the best airports in Europe for service quality and efficiency. Its history is a vivid example of how a small airfield can grow into one of the most advanced and strategically important airports in the world.

Geneva Airport (GVA) offers passengers a wide range of services, making the wait for a flight comfortable and productive. Here, everyone will find something for themselves, whether a gourmet, a business traveller, or a family with children. The terminals house numerous restaurants, cafes, and lounges offering both Swiss and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are numerous boutiques and, of course, Duty Free shops with a rich assortment of goods.

For comfortable relaxation or work while waiting for departure, premium waiting lounges and VIP lounges are provided. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, as well as numerous stations for charging electronic devices. Financial matters can be easily resolved at bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operating at convenient times.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, special play areas and nursery rooms are equipped. In case of necessity, you can contact the medical centre for qualified assistance. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary support, including accompaniment and special equipment, which is recommended to be requested in advance through the airline.

If you need a long rest or a place for a business meeting, several hotels of various comfort levels are located directly on the airport grounds and in the immediate vicinity. For business travellers, modern conference halls and a business centre equipped with everything necessary for negotiations and events are also available.

At Geneva Airport (GVA), travellers will find a wide selection of establishments for every taste and budget. Regardless of whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure, a cup of aromatic coffee, or a full dinner, there are many options here to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight.

In the public area (landside), before passing security control, several cafes and fast-food restaurants are located. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off or for those who arrived at the airport early. Here you can drink coffee with fresh pastries, eat a sandwich, or order international dishes. In the arrivals area, there are also several points where you can have a snack immediately after retrieving your luggage.

The main variety of dining options is concentrated in the departure zone (airside), after passport control. Here the choice is much wider: from cosy coffee shops and lounges with beverages to restaurants offering dishes of Swiss and European cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to try local delicacies, such as fondue or rösti, if time permits. You can also find establishments with panoramic views of the runway here.

For those adhering to specific dietary preferences, many establishments offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes. Information about this can usually be found on the menu or clarified with the staff. If you are looking for something authentic, pay attention to the displays with local cheeses and famous Swiss chocolate — this is an excellent gastronomic souvenir from Switzerland.

Regarding prices, they are generally higher than in the city, which is typical for most major airports. The cost of a cup of coffee starts from 5-6 Swiss Francs, and a full lunch in a restaurant will cost 30-50 Francs per person. Most establishments open early in the morning and work until the last evening flight, although full-service restaurants may have shorter operating hours.

If you are short on time, the ideal choice would be one of the numerous cafes offering ready-made sandwiches, salads, and pastries. For a leisurely lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the à la carte restaurants where you can relax and enjoy quality food in a calm atmosphere.

To ensure your journey through Geneva Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of a few useful tips. This modern and convenient transport hub has its own features, knowing which you can save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before international flights. During peak periods, especially during the ski season (from December to March) and on school holidays, allow extra time. To avoid queues, complete online check-in and, if travelling only with hand luggage, proceed directly to security control.

Hand Luggage and Customs: Rules for carrying liquids are standard: containers up to 100 ml must be packed in one transparent bag. Remember that famous Swiss knives and multi-tools can only be carried in checked luggage. An important nuance: Switzerland is not part of the EU Customs Union, so upon arrival from any country, including European ones, it is necessary to pass customs control. Follow the green channel if you have nothing to declare, or the red one if the value or quantity of your goods exceeds the established limits.

Saving Time and Money: One of the best travel hacks in Geneva is the free public transport ticket. You can get it from a machine in the baggage claim area. The ticket is valid for 80 minutes and allows you to reach the city centre by train or bus. Also, there is free Wi-Fi at the airport, and the drinking water in the fountains is clean and safe — take an empty bottle with you and fill it after passing security.

Transfers and Flight Delays: Geneva Airport is quite compact, making transfers convenient. Carefully follow the "Transfer" / "Correspondance" signs. If you have a long layover, you can easily go to the city centre — the train ride to the main station takes only 7 minutes. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative to clarify information about compensation or the provision of food vouchers, in accordance with passenger rights.