Geneva Railway Station

Geneva-Cornavin Railway Station (Gare de Genève-Cornavin) is the city's main transport gateway and one of the key hubs in all of Switzerland. Located in the very centre of Geneva, the station building impresses with its combination of historical charm and modern functionality. Every day, tens of thousands of passengers pass through its terminals, departing both to neighbouring Swiss cities and on international journeys to France.

Important information for passengers: The station has clear navigation, but it is worth noting the division into sectors. The main hall leads to the primary tracks, however, platforms 7 and 8 form the so-called "French Sector" with customs control for trains bound for France. The station exits lead directly to tram and bus stops on Place de Cornavin.

• Official website: sbb.ch (Swiss Federal Railways)
• Information phone: +41 848 44 66 88 (SBB Contact Centre, operates 24/7)
• Address: Place de Cornavin, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
• Opening hours: The station building is open practically around the clock; ticket counters usually operate from 06:00 to 20:30 (schedule may vary on weekends).
• Luggage storage: Automatic lockers of various sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL) are available for luggage.
• Accessibility: The station is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility; an assistance service is available (advance booking required).

Getting to Geneva-Cornavin station is extremely simple, as it is the heart of the city's transport system. The most popular route for tourists is from Geneva Airport (GVA). Trains depart every 12–15 minutes, and the journey time is only 6–7 minutes.

If you are travelling from within the city, use public transport. Trams on lines 14, 15, and 18 stop right in front of the main entrance, as do trolleybuses and buses (routes 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 25). A city transport ticket (Zone 10) is also valid for trains within the city limits.

A walk from the Lake Geneva embankment (Mont Blanc Bridge) to the station will take about 10 minutes. Taxis can drop passengers off at a designated area to the side of the building.

At Cornavin station, passengers are provided with a full range of modern services. SBB ticket counters and numerous self-service ticket machines (accepting cards and Euros) are located in the central hall and galleries. Seating areas are provided for waiting for trains, although they may be busy during peak hours.

Free Wi-Fi (SBB-FREE, registration required) is available throughout the station. Passengers can use paid toilets (McClean system) and showers. Modern automatic lockers are installed for luggage storage. There are also currency exchange points, ATMs, a pharmacy, and a lost and found office. Lifts and ramps are provided for people of determination and those with limited mobility.

Geneva-Cornavin station is an excellent place for a bite to eat, especially considering that shops here operate longer hours than in the city and are open on Sundays. For quick and budget-friendly dining, the Migros and Coop supermarkets located in the shopping gallery are suitable options, offering fresh sandwiches, salads, and beverages.

Coffee lovers will find familiar signs such as Starbucks or local bakeries serving croissants. There is also a food court featuring fast food and Asian cuisine outlets. If time permits, numerous restaurants and brasseries are located in the immediate vicinity of the station on Place de Cornavin. The average bill for coffee and a snack inside the station is approximately 10–15 Swiss francs.

The history of the station began in 1858, when the Lyon — Geneva railway line was opened. The station received the name Cornavin from the district where vineyards were formerly located. The first building was modest, but with the growing popularity of railways, expansion was required.

A significant milestone was the year 1909, when the old station was seriously damaged by fire. Following this, the building was reconstructed and significantly enlarged. In the 1930s, another major renovation took place, giving the station its recognisable monumental appearance. In the early 21st century, the station was modernised for integration into the Léman Express network, becoming a key link in cross-border transport between Switzerland and France.

We recommend arriving at the station 15–20 minutes before your train departs to find your platform without rushing. If you are travelling on the high-speed TGV Lyria train to Paris or the south of France, arrive 30 minutes early: boarding often takes place via the closed platforms 7 and 8, where random customs checks may be conducted.

Please remain vigilant: as at any major station, pickpockets may operate here, so do not leave your luggage unattended. It is most convenient to purchase tickets via the SBB Mobile app — this saves time and allows you to avoid queues at the machines. If you have a late transfer, please note that while most shops are closed at night, access to the waiting areas remains open.