Geneva Airport (GVA) to Geneva
Trains reach Genève-Cornavin station in about 7 minutes, and arriving passengers can get a free public transport ticket from the machine in the baggage hall. Taxis are quick but expensive for the short distance.
Best for most people: Train. It is free with the arrivals ticket, takes only a few minutes and ends at the main station next to the centre.
All the options
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Hours | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Any train from Genève-Aéroport station to Genève-Cornavin (one stop) | about 7 min | every 10–15 min | free with the arrivals ticket; otherwise about CHF 3 | about 05:00–24:00 | Take the free ticket from the machine in the baggage reclaim hall; it is valid for about 80 minutes on Geneva public transport. |
| bus TPG city buses (for example lines 5 and 10) from outside Arrivals to the centre | about 20–30 min | every 10–15 min | free with the arrivals ticket | about 05:00–24:00 | Good for hotels away from Cornavin. |
| taxi Official taxi rank outside Arrivals | about 10–20 min | about CHF 35–50 by meter | 24 h | Luggage supplements may apply. |
*Approximate 2026 prices and times. Services change: check the operator before you fly, especially for late arrivals.
Sort it before you land
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Tips
- Pick up the free transport ticket before leaving the baggage hall; it cannot be taken afterwards.
- Hotels in Geneva give guests a free Geneva Transport Card for the rest of the stay.
- Geneva Airport also has a French sector; make sure you exit on the Swiss side if you need Swiss transport.
- Prices are in Swiss francs; euros are often accepted but change is given in francs.
Common questions
How much is a taxi from Geneva Airport to the city centre?
A taxi from Geneva Airport to the city centre usually costs about CHF 35 to 50 on the meter, depending on traffic and your exact address. Supplements can apply for luggage and at night. Taxis wait at the official rank outside Arrivals. For most travellers the free train or bus is quicker to organise and costs nothing.
Is public transport really free from the airport?
Yes. Arriving passengers can take a free ticket from the machine in the baggage reclaim area. It is valid for about 80 minutes on trains, trams and buses within Geneva's central zone, including the train to Cornavin. Collect it before you leave the baggage hall, because you cannot get it later.
How long does it take to get to Cornavin?
The train from the airport station to Genève-Cornavin takes about 7 minutes and runs every 10 to 15 minutes. City buses take 20 to 30 minutes depending on the route. A taxi takes 10 to 20 minutes, more at rush hour. Cornavin is a short walk from the lake and the old town.
Do trains run at night?
Trains between the airport and Cornavin run from early morning until around midnight. If you land very late, check the last departures or take a taxi, which is available 24 hours a day. Some weekend night buses also run in Geneva, but timetables vary, so confirm before you travel.
Compiled by TonyPlan from airport and transport-operator information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.