Jazmin Li
Geneva Airport (GVA) is located 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) from the Geneva city centre, in Cointrin, on the outskirts of the city. The airport is partially located within the commune of Meyrin (France) and partially in the commune of Grand-Saconnex (Switzerland), with its northern limit along the Swiss-French border, thus having a Swiss side and a French side. The airport can be accessed from both countries, making it a European Union freight hub, although Switzerland is not a member of the EU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Proximity to Geneva city centre | 4 km (2.5 mi) or 4 km (3 miles) or 5 km |
| Transport options | Train, taxi, bus |
| Time to reach the city centre by train | 7 minutes |
| Train fare | 3 CHF or just over 3 euros |
| Taxi fare | 50-60 CHF or 52-63 euros |
| Number of terminals | 2 |
| Number of runways | 1 |
| Length of runway | 3,900 m (12,795 ft) |
| Number of airlines | 50+ |
| Number of flights | 1,000s |
| Number of direct flight destinations | 70+ European cities and intercontinental destinations in India, Thailand, Australia, Brazil, the USA and Canada |
| Number of passengers | 15 million+ per year |
| Expected number of passengers by 2030 | 25 million |
| Facilities | Restaurants, bars, smoking lounge, underground shopping centre, baby care room, play zone for kids, ATMs, currency exchange, car parking, car rental, etc. |
| Currency accepted | Euros or Swiss francs |
| Country | Switzerland (Switzerland is not a member of the EU but is signed up to the Schengen agreement) |
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What You'll Learn
Geneva Airport's location
Geneva Airport (GVA) is located 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva's city centre, in an area known as Cointrin. The airport is partially located within the commune of Meyrin (France) and partially in the commune of Grand-Saconnex (Switzerland), with its northern limit along the Swiss-French border. This unique location allows the airport to be accessed from both France and Switzerland, making it a major arrival point for travellers heading to resorts in both countries.
Geneva Airport is well-connected to the city centre and other destinations in Switzerland and France. The airport has a dedicated railway station with trains to Geneva-Cornavin station and other cities in Switzerland, with a journey time of just 7 minutes to the city centre. Local buses also stop at the airport, providing connections to Geneva and other towns in Switzerland and France, including Annecy. In addition, taxis and car rental services are available at the airport, offering further transportation options to passengers.
As a strategic hub for air traffic in Switzerland, Geneva Airport serves as a crucial gateway for passengers travelling to and from numerous international destinations. The airport handles a significant volume of passenger traffic, with over 15 million passengers passing through each year. It is the second busiest airport in Switzerland and a major hub for airlines such as Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland.
Despite Switzerland not being a member of the European Union, Geneva Airport plays a significant role as a European Union freight hub. The airport's location and accessibility from both Switzerland and France contribute to its importance in facilitating freight operations between the two countries. Additionally, the airport's proximity to the Swiss-French border enhances its position as a convenient gateway to the Alpine ski resorts in both countries.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Geneva Airport is located just 4-5 kilometres from the city centre and offers a range of transport options for travellers. The airport is well-connected to Geneva and other main Swiss destinations, thanks to its efficient transport network.
One of the fastest and most comfortable ways to get to the city centre is by train. The train from Geneva Airport to the Genève-Cornavin station takes around 6-7 minutes and costs just over 3 euros. Trains depart every 12 to 20 minutes, with the first train leaving the airport at 5:07 and the last at 0:51. The train platform is located at the Airport Shopping Centre, a 5-minute walk from the airport terminal.
For those who prefer buses, the TPG city buses offer numerous lines and a high frequency of departures to and from the city. During peak hours, buses depart every 8 to 15 minutes for urban lines and every 20 to 30 minutes for regional lines. The buses are a good alternative if you cannot take a train. Additionally, there are bus connections to Annecy, France, and seasonal buses to ski resorts in France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Taxis are also available at the exit of the arrivals area, offering fares of around 50-60 CHF (approximately 52-63 euros) depending on your destination within the city. Car rental facilities are located on the ground level near baggage claim, with various national and international agencies represented. Geneva Airport provides well-organised car parks for those arriving in their vehicles and offers detailed information about parking rates on its official website.
Finally, for those staying in nearby hotels, several Swiss hotels offer free shuttle services to and from Geneva Airport, including Crowne Plaza, Express by Holiday Inn, Ibis, Mövenpick Genève, Nash Airport Hotel, NH Geneva Airport Hotel, and Starling Geneva Hotel & Conference Center.
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The airport's terminals and facilities
Geneva Airport, also known as Genève Aéroport, is located in Cointrin on the outskirts of Geneva city, right on the Swiss-French border. The airport is partially located within the commune of Meyrin (France) and partially in the commune of Grand-Saconnex (Switzerland). It has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), also known as the Main Terminal, and the smaller Terminal 2 (T2). 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 from or departing to French destinations. T2 is used only during the winter charter season.
Geneva Airport is well connected to the city and the main Swiss destinations, thanks to an excellent transport network. The airport has a dedicated railway station with trains to the central Geneva-Cornavin station and other cities in Switzerland. The train is one of the fastest and most comfortable options to reach the city centre, taking just 7 minutes and costing 3 CHF (just over 3 euros). Local buses also stop at the airport, with numerous lines and a high frequency of departures to and from the city. Taxis are available at the exit of the arrivals area, with average fares of 50-60 CHF (between 52 and 63 euros).
Geneva Airport offers a wide variety of services designed to improve the comfort and travel experience of its passengers. These include currency exchange and ATMs, as well as several dining options, including bars and restaurants. The airport is also accessible to all, with dedicated services for people with special needs.
In addition to the two main passenger terminals, Geneva Airport also has a Business Aviation Terminal, or Terminal 3 (T3). This terminal is located at the southwest end of the airport, about 2 km from Terminal 1. Terminal 3 is a hub for private charter jet companies, offering facilities such as VIP lounges, private immigration, and customs screening. Parking at Terminal 3 is limited.
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Airlines operating from the airport
Geneva Airport, also known as Genève Aéroport, is located in Cointrin, on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, near the Swiss-French border. It is partially in the municipality of Meyrin and partially in the municipality of Le Grand-Saconnex. The airport is a major hub for travellers heading to Swiss and French Alpine ski resorts, and the number of flights increases during the winter sports season.
Geneva Airport has two passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), which is the newer and larger terminal and features the majority of flights, and Terminal 2 (T2), which is smaller and only used during the winter charter season. The airport also has a Business Aviation Terminal, or Terminal 3 (T3), located at the southwest end, which caters to private charter jet companies.
Geneva Airport offers quick check-ins and efficient transportation options to Geneva and other destinations. The airport is well-connected to the city centre, with a train to the Genève-Cornavin station taking approximately 7 minutes, and local buses running frequently. Taxis and car rental services are also available at the airport.
Several airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights from Geneva Airport, including EasyJet, which is a major low-cost carrier at the airport, offering up to 80 flights per day during the winter season. Other airlines that have used the airport include Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, United Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Swissair, Luft Hansa, and Air Union. The airport has a single concrete runway, which is the longest in Switzerland and can accommodate aircraft of all sizes.
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The history of the airport
Geneva Airport, formerly and still unofficially known as Cointrin Airport, is an international airport located 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of the city centre of Geneva, Switzerland. The airport is partially in the municipality of Meyrin and partially in the municipality of Le Grand-Saconnex.
The history of Geneva Airport dates back to 11 October 1919, when the Grand Council of Geneva approved the establishment of an "airfield" at Meyrin. A simple airfield was subsequently established in Cointrin, covering an area of 54 hectares (130 acres). From 1926 to 1931, the airfield's wooden sheds were replaced by three concrete hangars. By 1930, six airlines were serving Geneva Airport on seven different routes. Luft Hansa flew from Berlin to Barcelona via Halle, Leipzig, Geneva, and Marseille, while Swissair flew the Geneva–Lyon–Paris route through a codesharing agreement with Air Union.
In 1946, the first terminal was constructed, which is today used as Terminal 2. The runway was also enlarged to 2000 metres, and the first service to New York was inaugurated in 1947, operated by Swissair using a Douglas DC-4 aircraft. On 17 July 1959, the first jet aircraft, an SAS Caravelle, landed in Geneva, and in 1970, a TWA Boeing 747 landed for the first time. To accommodate jet traffic, the runway was extended to its current length of 3,900 metres (12,800 feet) in 1960, requiring some territory exchange between France and Switzerland.
Geneva Airport has continued to expand and upgrade its facilities over the years. In 1968, the main terminal was inaugurated, and by 1985, it was serving 7 million passengers annually. In 1987, the airport was linked to the Swiss rail system, significantly improving accessibility. Today, the airport features two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 being the newer and larger one, handling the majority of flights. The airport serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland, offering flights to European and international destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Geneva Airport is not in the EU. However, it is a European Union freight hub.
Geneva Airport is located 4km from the Geneva city centre, in Cointrin on the outskirts of the city.
You can get to the city centre by train, taxi, or bus. The train takes 7 minutes to get to the central Genève-Cornavin station and costs just over 3 euros.
Geneva Airport has several dining options, including bars and restaurants. However, food and drink are known to be expensive even by Swiss standards.
Yes, you can pay in euros or Swiss francs at restaurants and bars in Geneva Airport.
