Geneva's Airport Scenario: A Tale Of Two Hubs

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is located on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, near the Swiss-French border. Interestingly, the airport is built over the border of both countries, with entrances in both Switzerland and France. Geneva Airport has two terminals, T1 and T2, with T1 being the main terminal that is used throughout the year, and T2 being used only during the winter charter season.

Geneva Airport's location

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is located on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, and is just 4km (2.5 miles) from the city centre. The airport is unique in that it sits on the border of two countries, with half in Switzerland and half in France. It is partially located within the commune of Meyrin in France and partially in the commune of Grand-Saconnex in Switzerland. Its northern limit runs along the Swiss-French border, and it can be easily accessed from both countries.

The airport is also known as Genève Aéroport and was formerly called Cointrin Airport, a name still used unofficially by many. It is the second-largest airport in Switzerland and is used by over 11 million passengers each year, with the capacity for more. It serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland, with flights to over 80 destinations worldwide.

The airport has two passenger terminals: T1 and T2. T1, also known as the Main Terminal (M), is divided into 5 piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Pier F, also known as the French Sector, is used exclusively for passengers arriving or departing from French destinations. T2 is only used during the winter charter season.

Geneva Airport is easily accessible by public transport, with a dedicated railway station offering trains to the central Geneva-Cornavin station and other cities in Switzerland. Local buses also serve the airport, as well as buses to and from Annecy and Chamonix in France, and seasonal buses to ski resorts.

Transport to and from the airport

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is located on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, near the Swiss-French border. The airport is accessible from both countries and has entrances in both France and Switzerland. The airport is approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the centre of Geneva.

There are several transport options for getting to and from Geneva International Airport. The airport is easily accessible by bus, train, shuttle, taxi, or car.

Bus

Geneva Airport is served by several bus lines, including 10, 5, 23, 28, 50, 54, 57, 59, and 66. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get to and from the airport, especially from many parts of Geneva. Bus lines 10 and 5 connect the airport with the Geneva-Cornavin station (the main central downtown train station) every 8-15 minutes, with a travel time of about 20 minutes. Local buses are also available, as well as buses to and from Annecy, France, and seasonal buses to ski resorts in Chamonix, France, and Switzerland.

Train

The Geneva Airport train station is located in the basement of the airport, providing easy access to trains. Trains are a fast and efficient way to get to and from the airport, especially from most parts of Switzerland. The airport is directly connected to the Geneva-Cornavin station, the main train station in Geneva, with a travel time of just 6 minutes. Trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, with more frequent service during rush hour and peak times.

Shuttle

Shuttle services are available to and from the airport and can be booked in advance. Shuttle buses are particularly popular during the winter sports season, providing connections to destinations in France, such as Annecy, Chambéry, and Grenoble.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, although they can be significantly more expensive than other transport options, especially for travel from the airport to your destination. A taxi ride to downtown Geneva from the airport will cost around CHF 60.

Car

Geneva Airport is easily accessible by car and is directly connected to the highway Autoroute A1. Driving is a convenient option for those travelling with their own vehicles or renting a car. However, it is important to note that parking at the airport may be limited, and parking fees may apply.

The airport's terminals

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is unique in that it is located on the border of Switzerland and France and can be accessed from both countries. The airport is divided into two sectors: the Swiss (or international) sector, and the French sector. The Swiss sector is the larger and more important part of the airport, but the French sector enables travel to and from the neighbouring French region of Pays de Gex while avoiding Swiss customs.

Geneva Airport has two passenger terminals: the newer and larger Terminal 1 (T1), and the smaller Terminal 2 (T2). T1, also known as the Main Terminal (M), is divided into 5 piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Pier F, also known as the French Sector, is used exclusively for passengers arriving or departing to and from French destinations. T2 is only used during the winter charter season and has poorer facilities, with only one restaurant and no duty-free shops. In addition to these two terminals, there is also a Business Aviation Terminal, also known as Terminal 3 (T3), located at the southwest end of the airport, which serves as a hub for private charter jet companies.

Piers A, B, C, and D are located in the Swiss side of Terminal 1. Passengers travelling from these gates check in at the main check-in hall and use the central security check above. Pier A serves destinations in the Schengen area and domestic flights to Zurich. Pier B consists of two non-Schengen circular satellite buildings, reached from the shopping area via an underground walkway. Pier C, also non-Schengen, houses long-haul flights using wide-body aircraft. Pier D consists of one circular satellite and one bus gate building, which is split between Schengen and non-Schengen passengers on different floors, reached via underground walkways from the left end of Pier A.

Geneva Airport has a dedicated railway station with trains to the central Geneva-Cornavin station and other cities in Switzerland. The airport can also be accessed by bus, train, car, or shuttle service.

The airport's history

Geneva International Airport, formerly and still unofficially known as Cointrin Airport, has a long history. It was first established in 1920, when the Grand Council of Geneva approved the establishment of an "airfield" at Meyrin. A simple airfield was set up in Cointrin, near Geneva, covering 54 hectares (130 acres). In the following years, the airfield's wooden sheds were replaced by three concrete hangars. By 1930, six airlines were flying to the airport on seven different routes.

In 1937, the first concrete runway was constructed, measuring 405 by 21 metres (1,329 by 69 ft). By 1938, eight airlines were flying to Geneva, including Swissair, KLM, and Deutsche Luft Hansa. During World War II, the Swiss authorities banned all flights from Switzerland, but the airport still underwent expansion, increasing its area to 95 hectares (230 acres) and extending the main runway.

Post-war planning by the Federal Government identified Geneva as one of four main urban airports in Switzerland. In 1946, the first terminal (today's Terminal 2) was built, and the runway was enlarged to 2000 metres. The following year, the first service to New York was launched by Swissair. In 1959, the first jet aircraft, an SAS Caravelle, landed in Geneva, and in 1970, a TWA Boeing 747 followed.

Geneva Airport has continued to grow and develop over the years. It now has two main passenger terminals, T1 and T2, and a Business Aviation Terminal (Terminal 3). T1, the larger and newer terminal, is divided into five piers (A, B, C, D, and F), while T2 is only used during the winter charter season. The airport has become a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders due to its proximity to ski resorts in the French and Swiss Alps. With over 15 million passengers annually, it offers efficient ground support and various amenities to accommodate both business and leisure travellers.

The airport's facilities

Geneva International Airport (GVA) is located on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, near the Swiss-French border. The airport has two terminals: T1, also known as the Main Terminal (M), and T2, which is only used during the winter charter season. T1 is divided into 5 piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Pier F, also known as the French Sector, is used exclusively for passengers arriving or departing from French destinations, while the other piers are located in the Swiss side of the terminal.

The Main Terminal (T1) offers a variety of services and facilities for passengers, including bars, cafes, restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, shower facilities, business services, travel agents, and hotel booking agents. The terminal also has a dedicated railway station, Geneva Airport Railway Station, located in the basement, providing easy access to the central Geneva-Cornavin station and other cities in Switzerland.

Geneva International Airport provides efficient ground transportation options, including buses, trains, and taxis. Local buses and buses to French ski resorts stop at the airport, and there are also seasonal buses to ski resorts in Switzerland. The airport is directly connected to the highway Autoroute A1 and can be easily accessed by car.

The airport offers quick check-ins and has a single concrete runway, which is the longest in Switzerland at 3,900 meters in length. It also has a smaller, parallel grass runway for light aircraft. Geneva International Airport handles a large volume of passenger traffic, with over 11 million passengers passing through each year.

Frequently asked questions