Geneva Airport to City Center: Train, Bus, Taxi, Prices

Landing at Geneva Airport and want to reach the city fast? You’re in luck: Geneva is one of the easiest European cities for airport transfers. The train is extremely quick, buses are straightforward, and taxis are available 24/7. Below is the simplest way to choose the right option for your budget and arrival time.

• Fastest option – the train: about 7 minutes to the main station.
• Buses are more flexible: handy if your hotel is closer to a specific stop.
• You can grab a free public-transport ticket after landing: a great money-saver for your first ride.
• One ticket works across modes: the same city-zone ticket covers train and bus.
• Taxis are convenient but pricey: costs rise with traffic and night surcharges.
• Private transfers can be a smart deal with luggage or family travel: you lock in the price in advance.

The train station is inside Geneva Airport and is easy to reach by signs from Arrivals. Trains go directly to the central station (Genève-Cornavin), and the ride is typically around 7 minutes – no traffic delays.

Good to know:

• Trains run frequently (often every 10-15 minutes during the day).
• You usually don’t need a special “airport” fare – the airport sits within the city public-transport zone.

If you’re continuing beyond Geneva (for example to other Swiss cities), it can help to compare schedules and ticket options via Omio before you travel.

Buses are a great choice if:

• your accommodation is closer to a bus stop than to the main station;
• you want to reach a specific district without changing lines;
• you prefer a simple curbside ride straight from Arrivals.

From Geneva Airport, several urban lines connect to key city hubs, including the main station and central interchange stops. Use the electronic displays and route maps at the stop – they’re traveler-friendly.

Official taxis queue outside Arrivals. Typical driving time to central areas is about 10-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Taxi is often best if:

• you arrive late at night;
• you have heavy luggage, a stroller, or sports gear;
• you’re traveling as a small group and want door-to-door service.

Pricing basics:

• most rides are metered;
• surcharges may apply at night, on weekends/holidays, for extra passengers, and for luggage.

If you prefer a pre-booked, fixed-price option, check private transfers via Welcomepickups or Kiwitaxi – especially useful for early departures and family trips.

Geneva uses a unified ticket system: within the city zone, one ticket typically works across buses, trams, local trains, and some lake shuttle services.

Key points:

• For trips from Geneva Airport into town, a city-zone ticket is usually enough (commonly valid for 60 minutes).
• Many official accommodations provide a guest transport card, which lets you use city public transport for free during your stay.
• Right after landing, you can often pick up a free short-validity public-transport ticket – perfect for your first ride into town.

For deeper details on passes, zones, and how to buy tickets, see the Switzerland transport guide.

If it’s your first time in Geneva, the simplest “anchor” is Genève-Cornavin (the main station). From there you can:

• walk to many central hotels;
• connect to trams/buses for any district;
• head toward the lakefront and landmarks like Jet d’Eau.

For classic sightseeing, Geneva Old Town is a popular target – easy to reach from the center by tram/bus or on foot in good weather.

• Want the fastest, most predictable ride – take the train.
• Need a specific neighborhood stop – take the bus.
• Traveling late or with lots of luggage – choose taxi or transfer.
• Want the cheapest start – use the free post-arrival ticket if available, then switch to city tickets/passes.

• Free short-validity public-transport ticket after arrival: 0 $
• Single city-zone ticket (covers train or bus, commonly 60 minutes): 3-5 $
• City-zone day pass: 9-12 $
• Train Geneva Airport → center (to Cornavin): 0-5 $ (depending on free ticket/guest card)
• Bus Geneva Airport → center: 0-5 $ (same logic)
• Taxi Geneva Airport → city center: 40-55 $ (can reach up to 70 $ with surcharges/traffic)
• Taxi base fare: 7-10 $
• Taxi per 1 km: 3-6 $
• Taxi waiting (1 hour): 55-100 $

• Pick up the free short-validity ticket right after arrival while you’re still near baggage claim.
• If you’re new to the city, aim for the main station first – it’s the easiest place to orient yourself.
• A bus can feel “faster” if it drops you closer to your hotel than the station does.
• For night arrivals, add buffer time – road traffic can change quickly.
• Check whether your accommodation provides a guest transport card before buying multiple tickets.

1) How long does the train take from Geneva Airport to the center?
About 7 minutes to Genève-Cornavin in most cases.

2) Can I really ride into town for free on public transport?
Often yes: there’s usually a free short-validity ticket after landing, and many accommodations provide a guest transport card for the duration of your stay.

3) Do I need separate tickets for train and bus?
No. Within the city zone, the same ticket typically works across both.

4) How much is a taxi from Geneva Airport to central Geneva?
Commonly 40-55 $, but with night/weekend surcharges and traffic it can reach up to 70 $.

5) What’s best with heavy luggage or a late-night landing?
A taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the simplest door-to-door option.

From Geneva Airport to central Geneva, the train is usually the best all-around choice – fast and predictable. Buses win when you need a specific stop, while taxis and transfers are ideal for comfort, late arrivals, and heavy luggage. Start with the free arrival ticket if available, then use the city-zone ticket system for everything else.

1. Genève Aéroport – Official airport transport page
2. Genève Aéroport – Transport & access FAQ
3. Genève Aéroport – Official taxi fares (PDF)
4. TPG – Ticket and pass fares
5. University of Geneva (DEGIT) – Arrival transport info
6. Genève Tourisme – Free Geneva Transport Card