Geneva Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport (formerly known as Cointrin Airport), is a large and modern international airport with all the amenities you’d need and expect when heading off on your travels. Located within easy reaching distance of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, and only 4 kms from Geneva city centre, it’s a popular and convenient airport for skiers heading to the slopes. Here’s why:
Its served by a large number of airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, Emirates, Jet2, Swiss and Turkish, covering an extensive route network, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the world
If you’re heading to the popular resorts of the Three Valleys, Espace Killy, or Paradiski you can avoid the motorway most of the way, dodging most of the worst congestion in peak weeks
Its well equipped with a wide range of shops, restaurants and bars, making it a good option, as airports go, to while away a few hours
Transfer times from Geneva Airport to French ski resorts
If you’re still weighing up your options, and wondering how long it will take you to transfer from Geneva, the following transfer times to some of the most popular French resorts might help:
Three Valleys
- Courchevel - 2h20
- La Tania - 2h20
- Méribel - 2h20
- Val Thorens - 2h35
Paradiski
- La Plagne - 2h45
- Les Arcs - 2h40
Espace Killy
- Val d'Isère - 3h00
- Tignes - 3h00
NB. These times are based on you taking a private airport transfer. They’ll likely vary if you take public transport, or choose to hire a car and don’t know all the tricks of the trade. They’re also estimations and will vary depending on traffic and the weather.
Book your Geneva Airport transfer
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient way to reach a ski resort from Geneva Airport, look no further. Snowlinx provides private airport transfers from Geneva Airport to all of the main ski resorts nearby.
Enjoy our luxury vehicles and premium service, and let us take all the stress out of travel for you. Read more about transfers from Geneva to the popular resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel and Val Thorens.
Geneva Airport traveller info
Dining at Geneva Airport
If you’re feeling peckish, or have a few hours to kill, there are a wide range of dining options from fast food and snacks in the food court found on the first floor of the public area, just before departures; to more upmarket restaurants and wine bars, if you’d like something a little more refined.
Shopping at Geneva Airport
If you’re travelling through Geneva and need to pick up some gifts, or get a retail fix, there are plenty of shops to fit the bill. Their shopping mall has everything to offer from your finest Swiss chocolates, stationery, and pen knives to duty-free Rolex watches and caviar. All of their shops are open from 06:00 until 21:00, which should be long enough for the hardiest of shoppers. For those fashionistas amongst you there are the likes of Hermès and Ralph Lauren. For watches and jewellery you have Air Watch Center, Manor, Omega, Rolex and Swatch among others.
For more info on the services available at Geneva airport, have a read of our FAQs below.
Geneva Airport frequently asked questions
How far is Geneva Airport from the city centre?
Geneva Airport is just a mere 4 kms from Geneva city centre and easily reachable by public transport.
How do I get from Geneva Airport to downtown Geneva?
The easiest way is to hop on a train from the airport train station, which will take you straight to the city centre (Gare Cornavin) in just 6 minutes. You can get a voucher for a free ticket in the arrivals hall if you’ve just landed. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from just outside the arrivals hall.
What are the parking options at Geneva Airport?
Geneva Airport and the nearby Palexpo exhibition centre have a range of different parking options to suit different durations and accessibility needs. Long stay car parks P26 and P51 are two of the most affordable options, but are often full during busy periods. P1 is the most convenient, located just outside the arrivals hall. Read more about parking options at the airport here.
What hotel options are available near Geneva Airport?
There are a wide range of hotels within easy reach of the airport, including more affordable options such as ibis budget, to more higher end options, such as Nash Suites or the Crowne Plaza. Many offer free shuttle buses from the airport if they’re not within walking distance.
Is there free wifi at Geneva Airport?
There is free high speed wifi at Geneva Airport. You’ll need to connect using one of three options: using your boarding card on one of the machines located around the airport, via SMS, or using your ID to authenticate.
How early should I arrive at Geneva Airport before my flight?
Queues can build up at peak times, we’d recommend allowing at least 2 hours, or longer if you’re travelling in a busy period, like a Saturday.
What are the dining options at Geneva Airport?
Geneva has a wide range of places to eat, from snack bars to more formal restaurants. There’s a food hall in the main airport, before you go through to departures which has a Starbucks, McDonalds, Seven Spices (oriental), Thai Urban Kitchen, Pastaria (serving pasta and pizza) and Il Forno (pizza, sandwiches and salads), among other options. Or for more formal dining there are several brasserie style places in both the public and departures zone, including a caviar and seafood bar, Swiss Cellar wine bar and not forgetting of course the Montreux Jazz Café, which offers food, drinks and music in a comfortable setting, in the arrivals hall.
Are there water fountains at Geneva Airport?
Yes, there are water fountains available within the departure hall to fill up your bottles, including one located near the children’s play area.
Are there any restrictions on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage at Geneva Airport?
As with most airports, there are restrictions on liquids in carry-on luggage, restricting you to no more than 100ml in any one bottle or container, with all containers fitting within a single zip lock bag. There is, however, one security area down a corridor to the right hand side as you go through to departures, where restrictions don’t apply, and you don’t need to get everything out of your bag due to their x-ray machines. It’s probably too risky to bring extra liquids and rely on going through this area, but it’s usually quicker and more convenient if it’s an option.
What are the nearest ski resorts to Geneva Airport?
If you’re heading to the slopes and want to minimise travel time, you might want consider some of the following nearby resorts:
- Portes du Soleil (Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz - 80-95 mins)
- Chamonix (70 mins)
- Flaine (80 mins)
- Three Valleys (Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Val Thorens - from 2 hrs 20)
How can I get from Geneva to the Three Valleys?
The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Geneva airport to the Three Valleys (Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel or Val Thorens) is by a private transfer, taking around 2 hours door-to-door, depending on where you’re staying. Snowlinx provides private airport transfers for hassle-free travel. Find out more about our premium transfer service.
Alternatively, you can take the train, changing at Chambéry. The train only goes as far as Moutiers though. From there, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to resort, which is about 20-30 mins away. There are also some public buses available.