Getting Around
Geneva has a very dependable network of trams, buses, some trains and yellow taxi boats that cross the lake. The excellent bus and tram network operates from about 5am to midnight, with a night bus service running on weekends. Tickets must be pre-purchased and validated on boarding; however, tourists should receive a Geneva Transport Card from their hotel or hostel, which allows for unlimited free use of public transport. Taxi apps such as Uber and Lyft are also options. If there is no hurry, it is cheaper and more practical to walk or cycle. From mid-April to mid-October city bicycles can be borrowed from Geneve Roule outside the main train station free of charge for four hours. Taxis are plentiful but are generally an expensive means of transport. Driving in the city is not recommended, as parking is very difficult, but hiring a car is the most practical way to tour around Lake Geneva.
Airports
Geneva Airport
The airport is situated three miles (5km) north of Geneva.
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Location
The airport is situated three miles (5km) north of Geneva.Getting to the city
Public buses leave for the city centre every few minutes from the departures and arrivals levels. Passengers can pick up tickets for public transport from the machines in the baggage collection area on the arrivals level; information is available at the Unireso information counter in the arrivals hall. A free hotel shuttle transports passengers to major hotels. A Unireso train leaves for Cornavin RR Station in the city centre roughly every 10 minutes, from where connections can be made to destinations throughout Europe.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).Car rental
Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Travellers should ensure they hire their car on the French side of the border if they are going to France, and vice-versa. It is only about three miles (5km) into town.
Airport Taxis
Taxis can be found outside of the arrival terminal. The trip is three miles (5km) and commute times vary according to traffic. Taxis are metered and there are around 60 registered taxi ranks in Geneva.
Transfer between terminals
Terminal 2 is only used for charter flights in the winter months and is usually closed.
Facilities
Luggage lockers can be found in the Train Station Mall and on the arrivals level. The Business Corner offers a range of business facilities; other amenities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, bars and restaurants, tourist information, a hotel reservation desk, post office and shops, including duty-free. Facilities for disabled passengers are good; those with special needs should contact their airline in advance.
Parking
Parking at Geneva Airport ranges upwards from about CHF 5 an hour for short-term parking, to CHF 55 daily and CHF 205 weekly in long-term parking. Note that tariffs vary dramatically depending on the parking lot. P51 is the cheapest long-term option. Eurocard, American Express or Visa cards can be used to pay for parking in parking lots.