Located just 4 kilometers from the center of Geneva, Geneva airport is a key hub for French-speaking Switzerland.
Whether you’re traveling for business, pleasure or transit, this modern airport offers a convenient experience, thanks to its well-thought-out facilities and numerous services.
In this article, we provide you with the essential information to optimize your stay at Geneva airport, presenting you with the services available and practical tips to make your trip even more enjoyable.
The history of Geneva airport
The history of Geneva airport began in 1919, when the Grand Council of Geneva approved the creation of an “airfield” at Meyrin, near Cointrin.
In 1922, the first commercial lines appeared, marking the start of rapid development to meet growing demand.
In 1949, a new terminal was built, followed by a further one in 1968 to cope with ever-increasing traffic.
This structure underwent several phases of modernization and expansion during the 1990s and 2000s to adapt to market needs.
The current runway, commissioned in 1960, is exceptionally long for an airport of its size, thanks to a land swap between Switzerland and France.
Over the years, Geneva airport has evolved from a simple aerodrome into a modern hub, meeting the needs of passengers and airlines alike, including EasyJet.
Geneva airport services
Banks, foreign exchange and post office
Bank
The Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE) offers cash dispensers (bancomats) for withdrawals in CHF and euros. Raiffeisen and UBS also offer self-service ATMs for withdrawals and easy account consultation.
Change
Global Exchange provides a service covering more than 70 international currencies.
In addition, Global Exchange facilitates VAT refunds for foreign customers thanks to a Tax Free invoice collection service.
Position
La Poste offers a range of postal services at the airport, including a Postomat for CHF and euro withdrawals and account consultation.
Travelers can also use Postomat services to send money abroad by postal order, buy Ticketcorner tickets, or purchase SIM cards.
Transport tickets
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) ticket offices offer a full range of services, including train tickets for all Swiss destinations, Swiss Travel Passes for exploring the country in complete freedom, and Unireso tickets for Geneva public transport.
In addition, they offer currency exchange services, money transfers via Western Union, and Travel Cash cards for secure payments.
L’TUR Last Minute offers last-minute vacation and travel reservations.
Whether you’re looking for a short getaway or an extended vacation, this service lets you take advantage of low rates and get away quickly…
Luggage
Geneva airport offers a range of services to help manage your baggage and ensure its safety.
Service Bag Wrap wraps your suitcases with an extra protective film.
For the temporary storage of luggage or objects of limited size, automatic automatic lockers are available.
These lockers, located in the SBB shopping mall and near the Chicorée store, offer a practical solution for storing your personal belongings in complete safety.
Visit SBB luggage counter luggage counter also offers a depot service where you can leave your luggage.
VIP services
For those seeking an exclusive travel experience, Geneva airport offers a range of VIP services to suit every need.
The Marhaba salon offers a luxurious experience, from access to the prestigious Skyview lounge to a limousine transfer service to the aircraft.
The “Gold” service is specially designed for business travelers, with personalized assistance from check-in to the lounge.
Swissport also offers tailor-made VIP services, including a personalized welcome on arrival at the airport and accompaniment to the aircraft.
Passengers can relax in VIP lounges before their flight.
What’s more, a “Door to Door” service in partnership with Elite-Rent-A-Car ensures complete pick-up from your home or office.
The Priority Lane service is also available for premium passengers, allowing them to pass through security checkpoints faster thanks to a dedicated lane.
This service is available to passengers with special authorization from their airline, or to those who have purchased Priority Lane access online.
The most popular destinations from Geneva
According to the Geneva Airport blog, the most popular destinations from Geneva are mainly are mainly European. The top 10 include London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Porto, Lisbon, Madrid, Barcelona, Nice and Istanbul.
London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam are major destinations for business travel and tourism, thanks to their role as international hubs and their numerous air links.
Porto and Lisbon are also among the favorites, not least because of the large Portuguese-speaking community in French-speaking Switzerland.
These cities are not only family gathering places, but also departure points to Brazil.
Madrid serves as a gateway to South America, while Barcelona is popular for short tourist stays and business opportunities.
Nice attracts travelers thanks to its proximity to the French Riviera, Monaco and Italy’s Liguria region.
Finally, Istanbul, the only eastern city in this ranking, attracts a diversified flow of passengers: family visits, cultural tourism, and connections to Asia, Turkey and the Middle East.
These destinations are also subject to seasonal variations, with a marked increase in Mediterranean tourism in summer and a strong influx to Alpine ski resorts in winter.
How do I get to Geneva airport?
Geneva airport is ideally located, just 4 km from Geneva city center.
Pour ceux qui voyagent léger, il est même possible de s’y rendre à pied.
Public transport
Several shuttles to the airport.
The city buses from Transports Publics Genevois (TPG), including Aérobus for early-morning arrivals.
Regional buses also offer connections from outlying areas,
The airport station served by SBB trains, connects the airport directly to the main Swiss cities.
Personal transport
For those who prefer more personalized transportation, cabs and VTCs are readily available to take you directly to the airport.
Soft mobility options are also present, with self-service bicycles via the VéloPartage system, ideal for short trips from the city center
Personal vehicle
If you choose to bring your own car, there are several parking options available.
Geneva airport has official parking lots, but there are also private parking lots competitors nearby, often at competitive rates.
Your choice of parking lot will depend on the length of your stay: short or long term with different options to suit every need.
For more details, please consult our parking lot price comparison article to explore all the possibilities and make the most advantageous choice.
Geneva airport terminals: everything you need to know
The Terminal 1 is the airport’s main terminal, is divided into five sections: A, B, C, D, and F. Building F, also known as the French sector, is specially designed for passengers travelling to or from France.
This sector allows baggage check-in and boarding without passing through Swiss territory.
For security reasons, Terminal 1 is closed between midnight and 4am.
In addition, the access road to the France sector closes about an hour after the last flight, at around 00:30, and reopens at 4am.
During these closing hours, it is not possible to stay inside the terminal.
As for the Terminal 2 is operational only during the winter season, to handle the influx of passengers linked to winter sports.
It is accessible by various Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) bus routes, including 10, 23, 28, 56 and 57, with a stop at “Tour-de-Contrôle”.
Terminal 2 can also be reached on foot from the SBB station or from Terminal 1.
Stores, restaurants and practical services at Geneva airport
Restaurants at Geneva airport
Geneva airport offers a variety of dining options, with 14 restaurants and around 20 snack bars, bars, snacks and tearooms.
For a complete culinary experience, the Montreux Jazz Café is an excellent option.
Inspired by the famous music festival, this restaurant offers a relaxed setting with quality cuisine. Le Marché is another flagship restaurant, offering a friendly atmosphere and a variety of dishes.
Among the options for snacks. Caffè Ritazza is a popular choice for those looking to grab a coffee and pastry on the go. Upper Crustknown for its fresh sandwiches and pastries, is also a convenient option for a light meal before boarding.
Stores
Geneva airport offers some thirty stores.
Les magasins Hermès and The Fashion Gallery offers clothing and accessories from international brands.
For those looking for luxury items, the Hour Passion presents an impressive selection of Swiss watches and fine jewelry.
Fans of local products will not be disappointed with stores such as Caviar House & Prunier. Swatch also offers a range of watches at affordable prices, perfect for a last-minute souvenir.
On the practical side, the airport is also home to a pharmacy and several beauty stores.
Visit kiosks offer a wide selection of newspapers, magazines, books and tobacco products, while souvenir and souvenir and electronics stores allow passengers to find gadgets or gifts for their loved ones.
Practical services
Geneva airport is well equipped to meet the needs of families.
A children’s playground is located in the transit area, between gates A5 and A8.
Visit Baby Care Roomslocated in the East Wing (doors C) and between doors A2 and A3, are also available for breast-feeding and changing babies in complete tranquillity.
For the comfort of travellers, showers showers are available in the transit area and on arrival.
A space for meditation is accessible from the transit area.
For business and multimedia needs, the airport offers several Business Corners located near the boarding gates, equipped with high chairs and tables with USB sockets and standard electrical outlets.
Visit photo booths, photocopiers and free Wi-Fi are available throughout the airport to keep you connected.
Last but not least payphones allow you to make free calls to Swiss fixed and mobile networks.
Security measures at Geneva airport
Geneva airport rigorously applies the safety standards in force in the European Union, thanks to the bilateral air transport agreement between Switzerland and the EU.
This includes adherence to the standards of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Automated security control
To modernize and streamline screening procedures, Geneva airport is using modular kiosks supplied by SITA, equipped with advanced biometric technologies.
These kiosks enable rapid check-in, automated baggage drop-off, and easier passage through security control.
Forbidden items
Certain restrictions apply to items carried in checked and carry-on baggage:
- Camping gas bottles and soda cartridges
- Incapacitating devices such as pepper sprays
- Safety cases
- Electrical weapons such as Tasers
- Paints and solvents
- Gasoline and alcohol over 70
- Combustible gels for fondue appliances
- Fireworks display
- Chemicals and poisons
- Flame-jet or flashlight lighters
Hand luggage is also forbidden:
- Firearms, including imitations
- Sharp objects larger than 6 cm, such as knives or scissors
- Blunt objects likely to be used as weapons
- Mercury-containing fever thermometers
Our advice to help you prepare for your trip to Geneva airport
For smooth passage through Geneva airport, arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute problems.
Before you go to the airport, make sure that all your documents are in order.
Make sure you have your passport, visa if necessary, and tickets to hand.
To facilitate your passage through security checks. For example, if you’re travelling with a large bag, place your liquids in a transparent plastic bag, remove metal objects in advance and take your electronic devices out of your hand luggage.
Choose shoes that are easy to remove.
Concerning your luggage, take the time to check weight and size restrictions, as well as prohibited items.
Organize your hand luggage, keeping essential items such as medication and documents easily accessible for greater comfort during the flight.
Finally, to stay informed of the latest updates on your flight use the airport’s mobile applications and consult the information screens available on site.
Park easily at Geneva airport with Parking Cointrin
For parking at Geneva Airport, you can choose between Geneva Airport’s official parking lots and several private parking options.
Geneva Airport has 6 main parking lots, complemented by a “Kiss & Fly” drop-off center for short-term stops.
As far as private parking is concerned, some fifteen companies operate in the vicinity, including Parking Cointrin.
Parking Cointrin’s rates are often lower than those of Geneva Airport’s official parking lots, especially for longer stays.
Here are some indicative prices for comparison:
| Parking | Tentative rates |
|---|---|
| Parking Cointrin |
4 days: CHF 90 1 week: CHF 120 2 weeks: CHF 190 |
| Parking P1 and P20 |
4 days = CHF 128 1 week = CHF 197 2 weeks = CHF 407 |
| Parking P26 and P51 |
4 days = CHF 81 1 week = CHF 132 2 weeks = CHF 237 |
In addition to competitive rates, Parking Cointrin offers additional services for your convenience: a fast, free shuttle that connects the parking lot to the airport in 3 minutes, a cleaning service for your vehicle while you’re away (CHF 90 for the interior, CHF 80 for the exterior, CHF 165 for a complete cleaning), a visual inspection of the vehicle on arrival, and a valet service to park your car for you.
In conclusion, Geneva airport stands out for its wide range of passenger services.
By planning your trip well, taking advantage of the various transport and parking options, and following our advice, you’ll optimize your airport experience.
Parking Cointrin is at your service to simplify the parking of your vehicle and make your journey even more pleasant.
