Exploring Geneva Airport: Gates And More

Geneva Airport, also known as Cointrin Airport, is located 4km from the city centre of Geneva, Switzerland. The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and is divided into five piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Terminal 2 is used exclusively for charter and seasonal flights and has limited amenities. In total, Geneva Airport has several gates across its two terminals, with Pier A serving as the main departure gate.

Geneva Airport's terminal layout

Geneva Airport, also known as GVA or Cointrin Airport, has two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and is divided into five piers: A, B, C, D, and F. It is the primary hub for most flights and is organised to facilitate easy navigation. Piers A, B, C, and D are located on the Swiss side of the terminal. Pier A serves Schengen destinations and is directly accessible from the main shopping area. Piers B and C handle non-Schengen flights, with Pier B accessible via an underground walkway that includes passport control, and Pier C accommodating long-haul flights. Pier D is divided between Schengen and non-Schengen passengers on different floors, accessible through underground walkways from Pier A. The French Sector (Pier F) allows passengers to travel between France and the airport without passing through Swiss customs.

Terminal 2 operates seasonally, primarily during the winter months, and serves charter flights. It is located approximately 200 metres south of Terminal 1 and is used exclusively for the check-in of ski charter and seasonal flights. Terminal 2 has limited amenities but provides essential services for winter charter flights. Passengers check in and pass through security at Terminal 2 before being transported by bus to the gates in Terminal 1.

In addition to the two main passenger terminals, Geneva Airport also has a Business Aviation Terminal, also known as Terminal 3 (T3). This terminal caters to private jet services and is located at the southwest end of the airport, about 2 kilometres from Terminal 1. Terminal 3 offers specialised services for private jet passengers, including VIP lounges and private customs screening.

Geneva Airport is easily accessible from both Switzerland and France due to its proximity to the Swiss-French border. The airport offers a range of food and shopping options, as well as various amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers.

The airport's history

Geneva Airport, formerly and still unofficially known as Cointrin Airport, is located 4km (2.5 miles) from the centre of Geneva, Switzerland's second-most populous city. The airport's history began in 1919 when, on 11 October, the Grand Council of Geneva approved the establishment of an "airfield" at Meyrin. The following year, a simple airfield was established in Cointrin, covering 54 hectares (130 acres).

In the years that followed, Geneva Airport began to expand its operations. From 1926 to 1931, the airfield's wooden sheds were replaced by three concrete hangars. By 1930, six airlines were flying to the airport on seven different routes, including Luft Hansa and Swissair. In 1937, the airport constructed its first concrete runway, and by 1938, eight airlines were flying to Geneva.

During World War II, the Swiss authorities forbade all flights from Switzerland, but the airport still underwent expansion, increasing its area to 230 acres. In the post-war years, Geneva was identified as one of four main urban airports in Switzerland, and in 1946, the airport's first terminal was constructed. The following year, Swissair launched its first service to New York using a Douglas DC-4 aircraft.

In the decades that followed, Geneva Airport continued to develop its infrastructure. In 1959, the airport welcomed its first jet aircraft, an SAS Caravelle. In 1970, a TWA Boeing 747 landed at the airport. To accommodate growing passenger numbers, major extensions were carried out, increasing the airport's capacity to approximately five million passengers per year.

Today, Geneva Airport has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and handles the majority of flights. Terminal 2 is smaller and is used only during the winter charter season. The airport also has a Business Aviation Terminal, known as Terminal 3, catering to private jet services.

Passenger experience

Geneva Airport, also known as Cointrin Airport, is located 4km (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva's city centre. It is the second busiest airport in Switzerland, serving as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland. The airport features two main passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2), as well as a Business Aviation Terminal (Terminal 3).

Terminal 1 (T1)

Terminal 1 is the primary hub for most flights and is divided into five piers: A, B, C, D, and F. It offers a seamless travel experience with clear pathways and efficient signage. After passing through the main security checkpoint, passengers will find themselves at departure gate "A", which provides access to other gates via underground corridors with moving walkways.

Pier A serves Schengen destinations and is directly accessible from the main shopping area. Piers B and C handle non-Schengen flights, with Pier B accessible via an underground walkway with passport control. Pier C accommodates long-haul flights. Pier D is divided between Schengen and non-Schengen passengers on different floors, accessible through underground walkways from Pier A.

Terminal 2 (T2)

Terminal 2 is located approximately 200 metres south of Terminal 1 and is used exclusively for the check-in of ski charter and seasonal flights. It has limited amenities but provides essential services for winter charter flights. Passengers checking in at Terminal 2 will pass through security and then be transported by bus to the departure gates in Terminal 1.

Terminal 3 (T3)

Terminal 3 caters to private jet services and offers specialised facilities, including VIP lounges and private customs screening.

Dining and Shopping

Geneva Airport offers a wide range of dining options in Terminal 1, including quick bites, sit-down restaurants, cafes, bars, and pastries. Passengers can also indulge in Swiss specialties like cheese fondue and raclette. The airport also boasts an array of shopping choices, such as luxury Swiss watches, chocolates, souvenirs, high-end fashion boutiques, duty-free shops, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

Transportation

The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. It has a railway station with trains to Geneva-Cornavin station, taking approximately 7 minutes. City buses serve the airport frequently during rush hours, and several regional services and coach lines make regular stops. By car, the airport can be reached via the A1/E62 motorway.

Transport to and from the airport

Geneva Airport is located just 4km from the city centre, and there are several transport options for getting to and from the airport.

The airport is easily accessible by public transport, with regular trains and buses running between the airport and the city centre. The train journey to the central Gare Cornavin station takes just 6 minutes, and trains depart every 12-20 minutes. From Gare Cornavin, you can connect to other forms of public transport, including trams and buses, to reach your final destination.

If you prefer a more direct option, taxi and limousine services are also available at the airport. Taxi stands can be found outside the terminal building, and the average cost of a trip to the city centre is CHF 70. For a more luxurious experience, you can book a limousine service, with prices starting at CHF 90.

For those looking for a more economical option, several bus lines connect the airport to different areas of the city. Unireso urban bus lines 5, 5+, 10, 23, 28, 56, 57, 66, and V stop at the airport every 8-15 minutes at the check-in level, in front of or beside the train station. The bus ride to the city centre takes around 20 minutes.

It is worth noting that Geneva Airport provides a free Unireso ticket for 80 minutes of public transport in Zone 10, which covers central Geneva, the airport, and most hotels. This ticket can be claimed at the ticket machine in the baggage reclaim hall, and you will need to provide a valid plane ticket if inspected.

Additionally, several hotels offer free shuttle services between the airport and the hotel. These shuttles can be found in front of the arrivals level.

Finally, if you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle, car rental services are available at the airport. Major car rental companies such as Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Budget have offices at Geneva Airport. However, it is important to note that there are separate Swiss and French car rental sectors at the airport, and returning a car to the wrong sector may result in additional fees.

The airport's location

Geneva Airport is located 4km (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva's city centre. The airport is spread across two municipalities: Meyrin and Le Grand-Saconnex. Its northern limit runs along the Swiss-French border, with the airport accessible from both countries. This unique location means that Geneva Airport is a European Union freight hub, despite Switzerland not being an EU member.

The airport's IATA code is GVA, although the French side of the airport uses the IATA code GGV. The airport has a dedicated railway station, with trains to Geneva-Cornavin station and other Swiss cities. Local buses also stop at the airport, as well as buses to and from Annecy and Chamonix in France.

Geneva Airport is the second-largest airport in Switzerland, serving as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland. The airport surpassed 15 million passengers a year for the first time in December 2014.

Geneva Airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). Terminal 1 is the larger of the two and is divided into five piers: A, B, C, D, and F. Terminal 2 is smaller and is only used during the winter season for charter flights. There is also a Business Aviation Terminal, known as Terminal 3 (T3), catering to private jet services.

Frequently asked questions