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Geneva Airport is a great place to start exploring the city and its surroundings. Downtown Geneva is just a short train or tram ride away, with the airport's train station located right outside the terminal. From there, you can explore the Old Town, with its cathedrals and cafes, or wander along Lake Geneva to see the Jet d'Eau, an enormous fountain spouting water 140m into the air. If you're a chocolate lover, Geneva offers some special independent boutique shops, as well as plenty of opportunities for chocolate tastings. For those interested in watchmaking, a short tram ride from the city centre will take you to a neighbourhood known for its watchmakers and indie clothes designers. There are also several museums to visit, including the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the Museum of Natural History. For day trips, you can visit the mountain resort of Chamonix or explore the largest 18th-century castle open to the public in Switzerland, the Château de Prangins.
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Explore the Old Town
Geneva Airport is located just 4km from the city centre, so it's easy to get downtown and explore the Old Town during a layover. The airport train station is located just outside the terminal, and all trains that leave the airport stop at the central railway station, Gare Cornavin, in just 6 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus to downtown, which takes about 20 minutes, or a taxi.
The Old Town is the most traditional-feeling spot in Geneva, with cathedrals and cafes lining the pedestrian plaza Place du Bourg-de-Four. You can walk up to the Old Town, on the Jet d'Eau side (look for the spires of St. Peter's Cathedral) and have lunch at Les Armures, which is located in the Old Town.
If you have time, you can also take a 3-hour chocolate tasting tour of the Old Town, or a self-guided audio tour.
There are plenty of eateries and bars at the airport, so you can also grab a bite to eat before you head out.
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Visit Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is a beautiful destination, offering a range of activities for visitors. The lake itself is a stunning sight, with the sun shimmering on the water during the day and a warm glow cast by the sunset in the evening. Adventure seekers can try ziplining or a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the lake. For a more relaxed experience, take a stroll along the shore path or explore the area's unique shops and award-winning restaurants.
If you're travelling with family, Lake Geneva has plenty of options to keep everyone entertained. The Lake Geneva area, Wisconsin, comes alive in spring with attractions and activities perfect for families. There are plenty of family-friendly hotels and restaurants in the area, and the lakefront promenade in Morges is a great place to stay, with easy access to the lake.
For those looking to indulge in some pampering, Lake Geneva is home to several acclaimed spas. You can spend the day relaxing and unwinding before heading to the lake for a sunset stroll. The area also boasts a variety of dining options, from comforting Swiss food like fondue to international cuisines such as Chinese, Thai, and Italian.
Getting to Lake Geneva is easy, with two major airports serving the area: O'Hare International Airport (50 miles from downtown) and MKE (35 miles from downtown). Round-trip flights to Lake Geneva start from $41, and one-way flights can be as low as $21. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best prices.
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Jet d'Eau
Geneva's most famous landmark, the Jet d'Eau, is a large fountain located in Lake Geneva, in the city's downtown area. It is situated where Lake Geneva exits as the Rhône and is visible throughout the city and from the air, even when flying over Geneva at an altitude of ten kilometres (33,000 ft).
The Jet d'Eau sprays water to an altitude of 140-150 metres (490 ft), consuming one megawatt of electricity and costing 510,000 CHF per year. The water leaves the ten-centimetre (4-inch) nozzle at a speed of 200 km/h (55 m/s). At any given moment, there are about 7,000 litres (1,800 US gallons) of water in the air. The fountain is best viewed from the Bains des Pâquis, a popular swimming venue for locals.
The first Jet d'Eau was installed in 1886 at the Usine de la Coulouvrenière, a little further downstream from its present location. It was used as a safety valve for a hydraulic power network and could reach a height of about 30 metres (100 ft). In 1891, its aesthetic value was recognised, and it was moved to its current location to celebrate the 600th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. The present Jet d'Eau was installed in 1951 in a partially submerged pumping station to pump lake water. Since 2003, the fountain has operated during the day all year round, except in frosty or windy weather. It also operates in the evenings between spring and autumn, when it is lit by a set of 21 lights.
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Chocolate tasting
Geneva is a chocolate lover's dream destination. The city is dotted with chocolate shops and chocolatiers, each offering their unique take on the sweet treat. If you're looking for a chocolate tasting experience near Geneva Airport, here are some options to indulge your sweet tooth:
Choco Pass
The Choco Pass is a great way to explore Geneva's chocolate scene and discover the city. This pass allows you to visit seven of the city's most famous chocolatiers, including Stettler & Castrischer, Sweetzerland, and La Bonbonnière. Each chocolatier offers a unique tasting experience, from the traditional Geneva pavé to innovative creations like cocoa-covered nuts and silky-smooth hot chocolates. The pass is valid for 24 hours after your first tasting, giving you flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. You can purchase the Choco Pass online or at the Tourist Information Centre near Cornavin station.
Local Flavours Food Tours
If you're looking for a more guided experience, Local Flavours Food Tours offers a highly-rated Chocolate Flavours Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through Geneva's award-winning chocolate creations, including pralines, truffles, pastries, and liquid chocolate. You'll also get to explore the city, discovering hidden gems and learning about the history of both Geneva and Swiss chocolate. It's a great way to connect with fellow travellers and locals, and it's an excellent option for families as well.
Geneva 3-hour Chocolate Tasting Tour and Old Town
For a more comprehensive experience, consider the 3-hour chocolate tasting tour of Geneva's Old Town. This tour not only offers chocolate tastings but also provides an opportunity to explore the charming streets, old churches, and beautiful squares of the city's historic centre. It's a wonderful blend of culinary and cultural experiences, and it departs from just outside the airport, making it easily accessible.
With these options, you can satisfy your chocolate cravings and immerse yourself in the rich chocolate culture of Geneva, even if you're just passing through the airport.
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Head to Montreux
Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest airport to Montreux, and the journey to the town is approximately an hour by car or train. There are a few transport options to get from Geneva Airport to Montreux, including train, bus, and car.
By Train
The train from Geneva Airport to Montreux is the best option if you don't have a car. The journey takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes and costs $35-65. Swiss Railways (SBB/CFF/FFS) operates a train from Genève-Aéroport to Montreux every 30 minutes. There are four trains per hour from Geneva, two of which are direct. You can buy your ticket from the ticket machines or the ticket office, where they speak many languages.
By Bus
Buses are also available, but the bus station is a 10-minute walk from the train station.
By Car
The driving distance from Geneva Airport to Montreux is approximately 57 miles, and the journey takes around 56 minutes. The fastest and cheapest way to get to Montreux is by driving, which costs $18-$27.
Things to do in Montreux
Once you're in Montreux, you can visit the Montreux Casino (Casino Barrière de Montreux), which is located on the shoreline of Lake Geneva. The casino has served as the venue for the Montreux Jazz Festival and was rebuilt after a fire in 1971, which was memorialized in the Deep Purple song "Smoke on the Water".
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a long layover, you can head downtown to explore Geneva's Old Town, which is a 6-minute train ride from the airport. There, you can visit cathedrals and cafes lining the pedestrian plaza Place du Bourg-de-Four. You can also visit Geneva's Jet d'Eau, an enormous water fountain on Lake Geneva. If you'd like to stay at the airport, you can choose from about 20 eateries and bars, or take a shower for 15 CHF, which includes a towel, soap, and shampoo.
Geneva Airport is located near Lake Geneva, where you can take a boat ride or stroll along the lake's promenades. You can also visit the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum, the Museum of Natural History, and the Patek Philippe Museum. If you're interested in chocolate, there are some independent boutique chocolate shops in Geneva that offer a special experience.
Geneva Airport has a train station located just outside the terminal, and all trains departing from the airport stop at the Gare Cornavin station in the city centre, which takes about 6 minutes. You can also take a bus, but the bus station is a 10-minute walk from the train station.
