Geneva airport, located at Cointrin is ideally placed for quick and easy access to the city center. Thanks to a variety of transport options, everyone can find the one that best suits their needs, whether in terms of budget or speed.
In this article, we’ll guide you through all the solutions available for a worry-free journey that fits in with your schedule.
Comparative table of time and cost for each means of transport
Geneva airport is less than 4 kilometers from the city center, making it a strategic starting point for your travels. To help you make the right choice, here’s a table summarizing journey times and estimated costs for each option.
| Means of transport | Estimated travel time | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 7 to 20 minutes | CHF 3 with a Zone 10 Unireso ticket (for one hour) |
| Bus (line 5 or 10) | 30 minutes | CHF 3 with a Unireso Zone 10 ticket (for one hour) |
| Cab | 20 minutes | CHF 25 to 60 |
| VTC (Uber, etc.) | 20 minutes | CHF 35 to 60 |
| Carpooling | Variable | CHF 2 |
| Bicycle (VéloPartage) | 20 minutes | CHF 5 (for one hour) |
| On foot | 1 hour | free of charge |
Public transport between Geneva airport and the city center
Geneva has a network of public transport and shuttle services. shuttle buses network. To help you get around, remember to buy a Unireso zone 10 ticket for CHF 3, valid for one hour on all the city’s public transport services.
You’ll find them at vending machines in the airport station, at bus stops, or online via the SBB or TPG websites.
Taking the train
The train is both a fast and economical option. With frequent departures (3 to 5 trains per hour), you can reach Geneva-Cornavin station in just 7 minutes, and 20 minutes at the most. It’s the ideal way to avoid traffic and get to the city center quickly.
Bus travel
Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) lines 5 and 10 link the airport directly to the city center, every 8 to 15 minutes during peak periods.
Depending on traffic conditions, the journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes. Stops are located in the immediate vicinity of terminal 1on the “Check-in” level near the CCF station.
💡 Tip: consult the online timetable on the TPG website or go to the information desk in the arrivals hall.
What about private transport options?
Cab and VTC services from Geneva airport to the city center
Average cab fares to Geneva city center
Cabs, available at the arrivals level, offer a comfortable way to reach the city center. You can also book by telephone. Prices vary according to your destination:
- Areas close to the airport: CHF 25
- International organizations: CHF 35
- Downtown (right bank) : CHF 50
- Downtown (left bank): CHF 60
💡 Note: These rates are regulated by Geneva law.
VTC rates
VTC services offer rates that are fixed at the time of booking, thus eliminating the uncertainties associated with traffic fluctuations.
Service providers such as Transfert Platinium offer customized trips between Geneva airport and the city center, with rates depending on the type of vehicle selected and the additional services required. To obtain an exact estimate and book with complete peace of mind, we recommend visiting their websites directly.
For their part, platforms such as Uber calculate the cost of a journey by taking into account distance, time and demand in real time.
On average, a VTC journey between the airport and the city center costs between CHF 35 and 60.
Economical alternatives for getting downtown
There are several, and they’re all worth considering.
Carpooling from Geneva airport
Carpooling is an economical, ecological and pleasant way of getting to the city center. Platforms such as BlaBlaCar, Catch a Car and Karzoo make it easy for drivers and passengers sharing a similar journey to get in touch.
The cost per person is generally very low, often around CHF 2.
Self-service bicycles
For a more active experience, the VéloPartage service offers the possibility of renting a classic or electric bike via a dedicated application. With around 500 stations throughout the canton of Geneva, it’s easy to find an available bike.
In the vicinity of the airport, several stations are strategically located, including :
- GVA Airport,
- Pre-wood,
- P50,
- WTC,
- Freight.
The main station is located in front of the main terminal.
💡 Tip: Use the Géovélo website or application to find the most suitable route between the airport and your destination.
Free airport transport card for visitors
The Geneva Transport Card is a nominative card that gives visitors unlimited access to Geneva public transport (bus, train and boat) on the UNIRESO network.
It is intended for people staying in a hotel, youth hostel, guesthouse or campsite in Geneva.
To obtain it, all you have to do is contact your accommodation establishment, which will take care of all the formalities. Remember to plan ahead to avoid any last-minute surprises!
💡 Important: don’t confuse the Geneva Transport Card with the former free transport ticket, discontinued in 2022. The latter enabled travelers arriving from Geneva airport to reach their destination free of charge.
How long does the journey take, depending on the mode of transport?
It all depends on the mode of transport you have chosen:
- Train: about 7 minutes.
- Bus: between 20 and 30 minutes.
- Cab and VTC: 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- Cycling: 1 hour.
- Carpooling: depends on the number of passengers and the route chosen.
These estimates may vary according to time of day and traffic conditions.
Choosing the right time to avoid traffic peaks
For a smooth journey between Geneva airport and the city center, we advise you to avoid the busiest time slots, generally between 7am and 9am in the morning, and between 5pm and 7pm in the evening.
During these periods, traffic is often congested, which can considerably extend your journey time, especially if you’re traveling by cab, VTC or bus.
Conversely, rail remains a reliable option, with regular departures and little impact from traffic conditions.
With a wide range of transport options, Geneva makes it easy to reach the city center from the airport. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort or economy, every solution has been designed to make your journey simple and pleasant. Make the most of your stay in this uniquely charming city!
