Geneva Airport (GVA)

Arriving passengers disembark into Terminal 1, moving through passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs into the public arrivals area.

• Follow overhead signage to Passport Control; Schengen and non-Schengen passengers are directed to separate lanes.
• Present valid travel documents to Swiss Federal Customs and Border Security officers at immigration control.
• Proceed to the baggage claim hall to retrieve checked luggage from the assigned carousel.
• Pass through Swiss customs control; choose the green channel if within duty-free allowances or the red channel if declaring goods.
• Passengers transferring directly into France via the French Sector should follow signage for the French border corridor inside Terminal 1.

• Train

  Train

  Direct SBB trains connect Genève-Aéroport station (located below the terminal) to Genève-Cornavin central station.

  Time:

  Roughly 7 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically CHF 3.00-4.00, or free with a hotel-provided Geneva Transport Card

• Bus

  Public Bus

  Local TPG buses (such as lines 5, 10, 23, and 28) connect the airport forecourt to various districts across Geneva.

  Time:

  Roughly 20-30 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically CHF 3.00-4.00, or covered by a Geneva Transport Card

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Official taxis are available from the ranks directly outside the main arrivals exit.

  Time:

  Roughly 15-20 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically CHF 35.00-50.00 depending on destination and traffic

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  App-based rideshare services pick up passengers at designated ground transport zones outside the terminal.

  Time:

  Roughly 15-20 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically CHF 25.00-45.00

Transferring at Geneva Airport is straightforward due to the compact layout of Terminal 1.

• Airside transfers between Schengen flights do not require passing through passport control.
• Non-Schengen to Schengen connections require clear border control and security screening prior to reaching the gate.
• Transfers to flights departing from the French Sector require clearing French border procedures via the designated sector exit.

Free Wi-Fi is available across all passenger areas in the terminal complex.

• Select the network name 'Free WiFi GVA' on your device.
• Authentication is required via SMS code verification, scanning a boarding pass, or scanning a passport at dedicated self-service kiosks.
• Sessions run for up to 90 minutes per session, with option to log back in afterwards.

The official local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF), though Euros (EUR) are widely accepted across commercial outlets.

• ATMs dispensing CHF and EUR are situated in both landside and airside sections of Terminal 1.
• Currency exchange counters operate in the arrivals hall and the departures airside shopping precinct.
• Contactless payment cards and mobile payment solutions are universally accepted across transport and shops.

Dining choices range from quick-service bakeries to sit-down dining options landside and airside.

• Landside options are available in the check-in hall and within the connected railway station shopping center.
• Airside options post-security feature Swiss food outlets, international chains, and coffee shops.
• Dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free items are available at major food outlets.

Several airline-operated and independent pay-per-use lounges are located airside in Terminal 1.

• Independent lounges offer entry via lounge membership networks or single-entry pass purchase at the door.
• Airline lounges serve eligible business class travellers and status cardholders.
• Lounge facilities typically feature Wi-Fi, quiet seating, light food buffet, and beverage selections.

Hotel accommodations are located adjacent to the airport perimeter or accessible via short shuttle rides.

• Selected hotels are connected to the terminal complex via covered pedestrian walkways.
• Hotel shuttle buses pick up passengers outside the arrivals level for nearby accommodation properties.
• Hotels in Geneva typically issue guests a complimentary Geneva Transport Card valid for local public transport.

Baggage reclaim, left-luggage counters, and lost-and-found offices operate within Terminal 1.

• Baggage reclaim carousels are located immediately following the passport control area.
• A left-luggage desk and automated luggage lockers are situated near the airport railway station area.
• Luggage trolleys are accessible near baggage carousels and passenger drop-off zones.

Family facilities are situated throughout the main terminal building to assist travellers with children.

• Baby care and diaper-changing rooms are located near public restrooms landside and airside.
• Dedicated children's play areas are available in the airside transit hall post-security.
• Personal strollers can typically be used up to the aircraft boarding gate.

• Free Wi-Fi
• Railway Station
• ATMs & Currency Exchange
• Luggage Storage
• Car Rental Desks
• Duty-Free Shops
• Pharmacy
• Medical Centre

Local emergency number: 112 (European General), 117 (Police), 144 (Medical).

• Dial 112 for general emergencies, 117 for police, or 144 for medical assistance in Switzerland.
• A medical center offering first aid and emergency consultations is located landside within the airport terminal area.
• Lost passports or identity documents should be reported immediately to the Swiss Federal Customs and Border Security desk at arrivals.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Geneva Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
• State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)Government source
• Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG)Government source
• Transports Publics Genevois (TPG)Official transit source
• Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)Official transit source
• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)Government source