GVA Airport Insights & Guide
Key GVA Airport Topics:- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know GVA Airport
Discover Geneva Airport, your entry to Switzerland's wonders and the world's first to be awarded the Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation for its sustainability efforts. GVA streamlines your journey with essential amenities and services. Our concise guide covers everything from flight updates and terminal info to parking, dining, and shopping, ensuring a seamless experience. Dive into our guide for a hassle-free start to your Swiss exploration.
Explore more about global airports with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.
iFly Tip: Visit our Flying Info and Tips page for links to essential air travel information.
Navigating GVA's Terminals
GVA, also known as GVA Airport, has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 25 gates and is used by major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa. Terminal 2 has 19 gates and is used by EasyJet and other low-cost airlines. Both terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway, and there is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the terminals every few minutes.
When arriving at GVA, passengers will go through passport control and baggage claim before exiting into the arrivals hall. From there, follow the signs to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, depending on your airline. If you have a connecting flight, you may need to go through security again before reaching your departure gate.
Inside the terminals, there are plenty of food and beverage options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are also duty-free shops, newsstands, and gift shops for last-minute souvenirs. For those in need of additional services, there are currency exchange booths, ATMs, and a post office. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes, 24/7. The shuttle bus stop is located outside of each terminal's arrivals area. The journey between the terminals takes approximately 5 minutes.
If you prefer to walk, it is also possible to do so. The terminals are within walking distance of each other, with a covered walkway connecting them. The walk takes approximately 7-10 minutes, depending on your pace.
Tips from GVA Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Geneva Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from GVA-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"When flying out of GVA, I always give myself extra time to navigate Terminal 1. It's quite spacious, and you’ll find a lot of people around peak times. If you’re unsure where to go, the interactive maps are lifesavers." — Pierre M., Carouge, Switzerland, December 2023
"Terminal 2 is smaller and mainly for budget airlines. If you're flying EasyJet, you’ll likely be here. The shuttle between terminals is quick, but I prefer walking when the weather is nice." — Sophie D., Meyrin, Switzerland, March 2024
Getting To/From the City
"The train is the fastest way to get to Geneva city center. It takes just about 7 minutes and the station is right at the airport. Don’t forget to grab a free transport ticket from the machine in the baggage claim area." — Marco T., Vernier, Switzerland, January 2024
"If you have a lot of luggage, consider taking a taxi. It’s a bit pricier than the train but very convenient, especially if you’re heading to a hotel." — Ana P., Lancy, Switzerland, February 2024
Parking
"For long-term parking, I recommend using the P26 lot. It’s a bit of a walk to the terminals, but the savings are worth it if you’re traveling for more than a few days." — Jean-Luc B., Versoix, Switzerland, April 2024
"If you’re picking someone up, use the cell phone waiting area. It’s free and just a short drive to the arrivals area once your passenger is ready." — Emilie H., Nyon, Switzerland, June 2024
Inside the Airport
"For those with a sweet tooth, the Swiss Chocolate Chalet is a must-visit. Perfect for grabbing some last-minute gifts or a treat for yourself." — Luca R., Thonex, Switzerland, May 2024
"If you’re looking for a place to relax before your flight, head to the Montreux Jazz Café in Terminal 1. It has a great atmosphere and good food." — Isabelle F., Annemasse, France, July 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check the flight status online before heading to the airport. Delays can happen, especially in winter, and it’s better to know in advance." — Thomas G., Ferney-Voltaire, France, August 2024
"I recommend arriving at least two hours early for international flights. Security can be unpredictable, and it’s better to have some extra time to relax." — Claire J., Saint-Genis-Pouilly, France, October 2024
iFly Tip: Travel stress-free by following advice from our overweight passengers page.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
The airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. For those who wish to drop off passengers curbside, there are designated areas in front of each terminal. However, please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles may be subject to towing.
For those who wish to wait for arriving passengers, Geneva Airport offers cell-phone waiting areas. These areas are located just a few minutes away from the terminals and provide a convenient place to wait for passengers to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know they are ready to be picked up. You can then proceed to the designated pick-up area in front of the terminal.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're driving to Geneva Airport, you'll find a variety of parking options available to suit your needs. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals, making it easy to park and go.
In addition to the on-site parking options, there are also cell phone waiting areas available for those who are picking up passengers. These areas provide a convenient place to wait for your party to arrive without having to pay for parking.
If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all of the parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminal entrances and are clearly marked for easy identification.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the terminals, making it easy to get to your flight on time. Off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on parking fees, especially if you're going to be away for an extended period of time.
Get details about GVA parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
GVA Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.
- Car rental: Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. The rental car desks are located in the arrivals area of the airport.
- Taxis: Taxi services are also available, with drop-off areas located outside the arrivals area. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.
- Ride share services: Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available for pickup at designated areas outside the arrivals area. However, these services are subject to certain restrictions and regulations in Switzerland.
- Airport shuttles: Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and can be booked in advance or on the spot. Pickup areas are located outside the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the destination and the number of passengers.
- Public transportation: Public transportation options include buses and trains. The airport is connected to the Geneva public transportation network, making it easy to travel to and from the airport. Bus stops and train stations are located outside the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the mode of transportation and the destination.
iFly Tip: Travel with ease by checking out our carry-on luggage tips before you pack.
Airport Hotels
Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We have compiled a list of some of the best hotels that cater to every traveler's needs. From the Nash Airport Hotel, just 0.3 kilometers from the airport, to the Nash Suites Airport Hotel with a shared lounge and state-of-the-art fitness center, there are options to suit everyone. Other notable mentions include Maison des pilotes, Crowne Plaza Geneva, an IHG Hotel, ibis budget Geneve Palexpo Aeroport, ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport and Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva. These hotels provide a range of amenities and are all conveniently located within a short distance from the airport. To view our comprehensive list of airport hotels, click on GVA Airport Hotels.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Geneva Airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, head to the Grab & Fly kiosks located throughout the airport for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. For a sit-down meal, there are several restaurants to choose from, including Bento, which serves Japanese cuisine, and Burger King for classic fast food.
If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, Geneva Airport has plenty of shops to explore. For luxury fashion, check out the Hermès and Gucci stores. If you're looking for Swiss souvenirs, head to the Swiss Chocolate Chalet or the Swiss Knife Valley store. There are also duty-free shops for those looking to save on tax-free purchases.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at GVA can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.
Passenger Services
The airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.
If you have lost an item, head to the lost and found located in the Arrivals area.
Traveling with children? There are designated play areas located throughout the airport to keep little ones entertained.
Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
For banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport.
In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical center located in the Arrivals area, open 24/7.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At Geneva Airport, there are several ways to check for flight updates. One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS) which displays real-time information on all departing flights.
Passengers can also stay informed about any departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes by downloading their airline's mobile phone app. These apps allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status. Additionally, passengers can check the airport's website for updates on their flight status.
It's always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, especially if there are any weather conditions or other factors that may affect your flight. If you do experience any delays or cancelations, be sure to speak with your airline's customer service representative for assistance.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Geneva Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Geneva Airport (GVA), also known as Cointrin Airport, is located just 4 km northwest of Geneva city center in Switzerland.
- Terminals: The airport features two terminals, T1 and T2, connected by a pedestrian walkway.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines serving the airport include easyJet, Swiss International Air Lines, and British Airways. For a complete list of airlines, visit the GVA Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: Geneva Airport handles approximately 17 million passengers annually.
- Flight Operations: The airport sees around 200,000 flights per year, averaging 500 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations served from GVA are London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Madrid. Other notable destinations include Dubai, New York, and Moscow.
- Hub Status: Geneva Airport serves as a hub for easyJet Switzerland and Swiss International Air Lines.
Airport History
GVA, also known as Cointrin Airport, is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second busiest airport in Switzerland and serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1919 - The first flight from Geneva takes off, a commercial flight to Lyon, France.
- 1920 - The airport is officially opened with a runway and a small terminal building.
- 1936 - The airport's runway is extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
- 1940 - During World War II, the airport is used by the Swiss Air Force and is heavily bombed by the Germans.
- 1950 - The airport's terminal is expanded to handle increasing passenger traffic.
- 1960 - The airport's runway is extended again to accommodate the new generation of jet aircraft.
- 1980 - A new terminal building is constructed, increasing the airport's capacity to handle up to 7 million passengers per year.
- 1990 - The airport's runway is once again extended to accommodate the Airbus A340.
- 2011 - The airport's new terminal, known as Terminal 1, is opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle up to 15 million passengers per year.
Today, GVA Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for Switzerland and the surrounding region, connecting passengers to destinations all over the world.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Geneva Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: GVA
- Airport Website
- Phone: +41 22 717 71 11
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Geneva Airport, Route de l'Aéroport 21, 1215 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Geneva Airport Q&A
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