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Getting around Geneva

The best way to see Geneva requires you to slow down a little. You can walk through the city or pick up one of the free bicycles that are available outside Genève Roule, the main train station, from May to October. The public transport system is very reliable and fast, but you’ll miss some of the lovely city if you’re speeding by on a tram, bus or trolley. You can travel on a bus or tram from early morning to midnight. After that a night bus runs until the next morning. 

Purchase your tickets ahead of time and don’t forget to validate them when you board. Buy a week-long pass if you’re staying long enough and save a bit of money. To get across the lake and back, hop aboard the seagull shuttle boats (les mouettes), which are part of the public transport system. Bus tickets and les mouettes tickets are interchangeable. You can also lounge around the lake on one of the many cruises offered. Float around for the whole day, half a day or just an hour, whatever your heart and travel schedule desires. Taxis are easy to find, but fairly expensive. Parking is so difficult that it’s not worth the hassle of renting a car. Instead, try hiring a car and driver for the day.

Getting from the airport to the city

Flights to Geneva, one of Switzerland’s main business centres, are served by the Geneva International Airport (GVA) which offers fast and reliable public transport options directly to various areas of the city. Using public transport between the city and airport is free for all visitors of Geneva – simply pick up a ticket from the machine in the baggage collection hall. Each ticket is valid for 80 minutes, but allows unlimited free travel within that time. For use of public transport during the rest of your Geneva visit, tickets can be purchased from the machines located at bus stops or railway station.

Trains run every 12 minutes during rush hours, shuttling quickly between the airport’s own station and the city’s main station, Geneva-Cornavin. The journey takes only 6 minutes from departure to arrival and takes you right to the centre of the city.

Alternatively, buses are available, running every 8-15 minutes to various areas of the city; the number 10 takes passengers to the city centre.

Or, if you want to relax in more private surroundings, taxis are readily available – either catch one from one of the authorised ranks, order in advance via telephone, or hail one in the street.

Finally, a number of hotels offer free shuttle buses direct from the airport to their own front doors. Others offer free shuttle transfers on demand; check with your hotel when booking.

What is good to know if travelling to Geneva?

• Geneva is known for watches and clocks. One more unusual version is the flower clock in the Jardin Anglais. The huge clock is planted with many flowers and keeps perfect time. Its second hand is the largest of any clock in the world (at 2.4 m long).
• Walking tours of the city centre are available through the tourist board and are an excellent way of seeing the main tourist spots along with some less well-known attractions.
• The town of Lausanne is situated near to Geneva on the banks of the lake and is an easy day trip to make. The famous town was once known for its restorative qualities because of its position on the lake. Today, it is a vibrant and fascinating city, with some stunning Swiss architecture.
• Shopping is a popular pastime in Geneva. As well as watches, other good buys to take home include the famous Swiss Army Knife (made by only two companies in the world) and chocolate.
• Geneva is the main arrival point for skiers to the French and Swiss Alps. Be aware that the airport is divided into two sections and you can exit by either the French or Swiss side depending on your destination. As you exit the airport in the winter season, you’ll be faced with lots of ski reps collecting passengers for their buses. If you’re not booked on a package, don’t worry. It’s very easy to catch to the snow train to the major resorts. Failing that, try sweet-talking one of the reps headed to your resort to let you on the bus. If they’re not full up, they may take you.