Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Geneva Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
I arrived at GVA at 8pm the day before my morning flight and was turned away at security. The staff emphasized that I can only enter the terminal on the same day as my flight. – a traveller
GVA Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Geneva International Airport.
What to Expect
Geneva Airport (Code: GVA) is comprised of two terminals. Terminal 1 is divided into five piers (A, B, C, D and F), while Terminal 2 is used for charters and seasonal flights. The airport has a modest selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and services, but all close at about 10:00 PM and reopen around 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM. Showers and free WiFi are available. For additional comfort during your layover, consider purchasing access to one of the airport’s lounges.
Sleeping in Geneva Airport
If you are planning an overnight stay at the airport, be careful about leaving the terminal at night as the doors lock, and you won’t be able to get back in. Those who remain inside the airport after closing may be required to show identification and proof of departure. If you do not have a connecting flight, you will not be able to enter the terminals until the day of your flight, so if you exit the building, you need to keep this in mind.
The terminals are relatively quiet and dimly lit until cleaning crews arrive at about 4:00 AM, so consider eyeshades and earplugs. While there is plenty of seating throughout the airport, it consists primarily of hard chairs with armrests, making the floor the only sleep option in many areas. Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:
- Terminal 1, Floor 2, has a waiting room that seems to be very quiet
- Terminal 1, near the exit for the train station, you may find some leather chairs, which are comfortable for anyone who can sleep while sitting up.
- A small nook with basic chairs is located just before the walkway leading to the car rental desks.
Floors are not carpeted, so come prepared with something to lie on if you need to stretch out.
For uninterrupted sleep, there are a few nearby airport hotels within easy shuttle distance of the airport. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Geneva Airport Guide.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open from 4:00 AM – 12:00 AM.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.
Airport Hotels
If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Geneva Airport:
- ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport – 10-minute walk to/from the airport or take bus #5 for two stops. » Check Rates
- Hilton Geneva Hotel and Conference Center – Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
- Ibis Geneve Aeroport – Free airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM. » Check Rates
- Nash Airport Hotel – The hotel is within walking distance, or you can take bus #10 to the Da Joinville stop. » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Geneva Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- Air France – KLM Lounge – Location: Main Terminal, Airside, 1st Floor. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Crystal Lounge by Aspire – Location: Main Terminal, Airside, between Gates C53 and C54. Lounge Access: Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs. Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Horizon Lounge (Swissport) – Location: Main Terminal, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Marhaba Lounge – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Mezzanine Level. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass.
- Marhaba Lounge – Location: Airside, East Wing Building. Non-Schengen flights only. Hours: varies. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass.
Airline Lounges
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
Main Terminal, Airside: British Airways Galleries Lounge • Swiss First Lounge • Swiss Senator Lounge • Swiss Business Lounge.
Related Pages: Geneva Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Thirsty? Refill your water bottles at the drinking water fountains near Gate A8 and on the Mezzanine Level.
Food & Drinks
No 24-hour food concessions are available, so stock up on food and water before eateries close for the night. Several food options are available from 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM or until the last flight departs for those in the transit zone.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Storage facilities are available:
- Left Luggage – Location: Landside, the CFF Railway Station level, behind the CFF/SBB counter. The storage fee is CHF 12 / item per day and a maximum storage period of 30 days. Hours: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Lockers – Self-service lockers are available in various sizes for rental periods of six hours to a maximum of four days. Sample fares for a small locker are CHF 5 / 6 hours. Meanwhile, an extra large locker costs CHF 10 / 6 hours. Location: Landside, on the CFF Railway Station level, in front of the CFF/SBB counter and behind the Chicorée Shop. Hours: 3:30 AM – 12:30 AM.
Mobile Charging
There are 15 Business Corners at the Airside near boarding gates, offering chairs with tables and USB and standard 220V sockets.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Showers are available in three locations. Locations: Arrivals (landside, near baggage carousel # 6) • Arrivals (landside, near Post office) • Departures (airside, transit area, near the first class/business lounges). Rate: CHF 15 (includes soap, shampoo and towel).
Tokens can be purchased (cash only) at the following locations: the Welcome Desk Swissport (Location: arrivals level, near baggage carousel # 2 and 3. Hours: 7:30 AM – last flight) • Information Desk (Location: Landside, Arrivals Area. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM.) • Nursery (Location: Airside, departures, transit area. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
WiFi/Internet
Free WiFi is available at Geneva Airport. Connect to the “Free_WiFi_GVA” network. A mobile phone is needed to receive the access code, or you can scan your boarding pass at any of the six purple “Free WiFi GVA” self-service machines located throughout the terminals.
Internet Terminals are also available in the Arrivals section at the Business Services Centre.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Geneva Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Dry Cleaning – A dry cleaner is available, offering dry cleaning, ironing, etc. Location: Railway Station. Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri) and 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Sat, Sun and Holidays).
Early Check-in – Check in your luggage the day before takeoff, at which time you will also receive your boarding card and seat assignment. Location: Railway Station.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Parents will find a children’s area equipped with games, a kitchen, baby change facilities and a rest area for children. Location: Transit Zone, Mezzanine Level, Gates C.
- Children’s Play Area – When you want to ensure your kids burn off all their energy before their flight, take them to the children’s play area. Location: in the transit area, between Gates A5 and A8.
Fast Track Service – As a premium service, customers with Fast Track security passes will be given priority service to ensure that wait times are minimal. Book online before midnight. Cost: 10.00 CHF (approx. €10.32).
Information Desks – A Tourist Information Desk in the Arrivals Area provides airport assistance. Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM. If you are in Transit, head to the Center Square, where you will find an additional Information Desk. Hours: unknown.
Luggage
- Baggage Trolleys – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage trolleys are available in 83 different locations around the airport. Rate: 2 Swiss francs or 2 Euros coins.
- Luggage Storage & Lockers – see “Luggage Storage & Lockers” above.
- Porters – If you need help with your luggage, porters are available to assist you. Rates: CHF 20 for 1 to 3 pieces of luggage from the curbside, Kiss&Fly area, P1, P20, P21, and the train station. CHF 30 for 1 to 3 pieces of luggage from P26 and P51.
Meditation Room – Location: transit area, mezzanine level.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Machines are operated by Banque Cantonale de Genève (Landside, departures), La Poste (Landside, Arrivals), Raiffeisen (Landside, Arrivals) and UBS. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans.
- Currency Exchange – Global Exchange offers currency exchange services at 4 locations (Landside, Arrivals • Airside, Arrivals • Landside, Departures • Airside, Departures). Hours: Varying opening times, but the earliest is 5:10 AM, and the latest closes at 11:45 PM. The Swiss Rail Counter can also provide currency. Location: Airport Railway Station. Hours: 7:30 AM – 8:15 PM.
- TAX Refunds – Get your VAT Refund at two Global Exchange offices. Locations: Main terminal, Arrival level • International area. Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Tax refunds can also be requested by mail. Use the mailbox located on the arrivals level near the visitor centre to send your slips.
Observation Deck – The Panorama Terrace is a rooftop terrace accessible to passengers in Terminal 1, Level 4. The deck has a refreshment bar and access to a projection room where movies about the airport are shown.
Pay Phones – At Geneva Airport, passengers can call Swiss phone numbers free of charge with the airport’s pay phones. Call cards must be purchased at Global Exchange or K Kiosk for international phone calls. Locations: Arrivals Level, Business Service Corner • Baggage Claim, Belt 4 • Departures Level, Landside, near Priority Lane • Arrivals Level, Satellite 40 • Boarding Area, Airside, near Gate A9-10 • near Gate C51 and C52.
Pharmacy – Pharmacie Principale – Location: Landside, Departures Level. Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tue – Thu) • 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Fri – Mon).
Post Office – Send your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s post office. Locations: Landside, Arrivals Level. Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, 01:00PM – 5:00PM (Mon-Fri) • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Sat).
Shopping – There are duty-free stores (5 locations) and various stores selling clothing, souvenirs, chocolate, alcohol, books and more. The K Kiosk (Landside, Departures – Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM • Landside, Arrivals – Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) may be handy for any last-minute items).
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Smoking – There is a smoking room in the Terminal 1 transit area.
Travel Agencies – If you are arriving in Geneva and need local arrangements or help planning a last-minute trip abroad, there is a L’Tur Last Minute travel agency at the airport that can probably be of assistance. Location: Landside, Arrivals. Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Sat – Sun).
Bus
Several city bus lines run to and from the airport as part of the UNIRESO network. Scheduled coach service for Annecy, Grenoble, Chambery and Lyon is also available directly from the airport. Most regional and international bus lines operate from Geneva coach station (Gare Routiere), a 10-minute walk from Gare Cornavin train station. For more information, visit the UNIRESO website. Passengers travelling at night can use the Noctambus service, which is part of the UNIRESO network. More information can be found on the Noctambus website.
Please note: All buses and trains from the airport to France pass through Swiss territory. Please be sure to have valid identification and visa, if required.
Car Rentals
The airport’s Swiss and French sectors have on-site rental car agencies. Passengers who need to rent a car in one sector and return it to the other may be charged a fee. The Swiss sector on-site rental agencies are Avis • Budget • Dollar/Thrifty • Enterprise • Enterprise Go • Europcar • Hertz • National/Alamo • Sixt. The French sector on-site rental agencies are: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt.
Hotel Shuttles
Some hotels near Geneva Airport offer airport shuttle service: Crowne Plaza Geneva • ibis Genève Aéroport • Hilton Geneva Hotel & Conference Centre • Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport • Movenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva • Nash Pratik Hotel • Nash Suites Airport Hotel • NH Geneva Airport Hotel • Novotel Geneve Airport France.
Hotel shuttles pick up their guests outside of the Arrivals Level.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Ride Sharing
Uber operates throughout Switzerland. A ride to the city centre will cost you about CHF 33.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available. At the time of this update, fares between GVA airport and the city range from CHF 50.00 (to the city centre’s right bank) to CHF 60.00 (to the city centre’s left bank).
Train
Geneva Airport has a train station under the runway, about 250m from the airport terminal, with direct access to Check-In and Arrivals Levels. All trains leaving the airport train station go directly to Geneva-Cornavin station (Gare Cornavin) in the city centre, about 7 minutes away. The Swiss rail network and long-distance trains from France and Italy service Gare Cornavin. Most Swiss ski resorts can be reached by train from Geneva Airport train station via Gare Cornavin.
Please note: All buses and trains from the airport to France pass through Swiss territory. Please be sure to have valid identification and visa, if required.
UNIRESO Public Transportation System
UNIRESO is Geneva’s public transportation system, which includes train, boat, bus and tram travel. Only one single ticket is needed to travel within the UNIRESO network. For more information, visit the UNIRESO website.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.