A Simple Guide And Review To Geneva Airport GVA
Geneva International Airport GVA or (Genève Aéroport) is the main airport that services the city of Geneva and also borders both countries of Switzerland and France. The airport is actually built over the border of both countries and can be easily accessed from both Swiss and French sides, with entrances into the airport in France and Switzerland.
Due to its location, it is the closest airport to Lake Geneva and as well as providing easy access to Geneva itself, it also provides a fantastic gateway to many of the popular ski resorts in both the French and Swiss Alps. Its close proximity with a large number of world famous ski resorts, has meant that the airport is now a very popular destination with skiers and snowboarders during the Winter months.
When the airport was first opened as a commercial airport in the early 1920’s, it was known as ‘Cointrin’ Airport and many people still refer to the airport as Geneva Cointrin International Airport.
Over the years, the airport in Geneva has grown at a considerable rate and know has over 15 million passengers passing through its doors each year. Due to the large volume of passenger traffic from both Business and Leisure travellers, the airport provides a very efficient ground support system to help passengers transfer to and from the airport. This website has been designed to provide an overview of the airport and also to try to help answer some of the more frequently asked questions from passengers travel to and from Geneva.
FAQ A Quick Guide For Geneva International Airport
Where is Geneva International Airport
Hotels Near Gevena International Airport
Getting To And From The Airport
Where Is Geneva Airport
Geneva International Airport is located on the border of both Switzerland and France approximately 4klms (2.5 miles) from the centre of Geneva itself. It actually lies between two communes and these are ‘Grand-Saconnex’ which is in Switzerland and Meyrin which is in France both municipalities of Canton of Geneva.
The map of Geneva Airport below shows you the exact location of the airport in relation to both countries of France and Switzerland.
What Is The Distance From The Airport To Geneva
Approximately 4 klms (2.5 miles)
What Is The Airport Code For Geneva
The IATA Code for the airport is GVA (Swiss side) and GGV (French side)
IATA Codes: GVA
The IATA Code is the three digit number that is assigned to airports by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is the code that you see displayed on your luggage labels and travel documents.
The ICAO code for the airport is LSGG:
The ICAO code is a four digit code assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization. The ICAO are usually used for flight planning and Air Traffic Control.
How Many Terminals Are There At The Airport
There are currently two terminals at Geneva Airport and these are known as T1 (Terminal 1) and T2 (Terminal 2). However, T1 is the main terminal which is also known as Terminal (M) and is constantly used throughout the year, whilst T2 is only used for selected Charter flights throughout the Winter Season and is then closed for the rest of the year.
The main terminal (T1) has 5 levels and each level is designated for a specific purpose, such as Arrivals, Departures, Lounges with each level being easily accessible via escalator or lift. Throughout these 5 levels, you will find a selection of services such as, bars, cafes, restaurants, Duty Free shops, Lounges, shower facilities, business services, travel agents and hotel booking agents to name but a few.
Restaurants, bars and cafes, gift and souvenir shops, information counters, medical room, nursery, lounges, hotel reservations, shower rooms, travel agents, business services, wireless Internet access and porter services
Piers/Portes:
Attached to the main terminal (T1) are 5 Portes (Also known as Piers) and these are known as A, B, C, D,
Which Is Terminal M
Terminal 1 (T1) is also known as Terminal M at Geneva Airport and this can be a little confusing for passengers, especially as Terminal M or (M) is not well documented or displayed on the airport maps or plans on the websites.
Are There Airport Lounges At Geneva
Yes, there are a number of lounges located throughout the airport which are available to passengers. Several of the lounges are specifically for passengers travelling with certain airlines who hold a valid ticket to entitle them entrance. However, there are a number of lounges that are available to passengers regardless of which airline or class of ticket they are travelling on.
British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa
Swiss First, Swiss Business, Swiss French Sector, Swissport and Jet Aviation.
Are There Any Hotels Near Geneva Airport
There are no hotels located actually onsite at the airport, however, there are a large number of hotels that are situated within 1 klm of the airport and these are convenient, accessible and cater for all budgets and tastes. The majority of hotels near to Geneva Airport offer shuttle bus services to and from the airport but it is always a good idea to check before you book.
Below are just a few of the different star rating hotels that are close to Geneva International Airport:
Movenpick Hotel & Casino (5 Star): 0.6 Miles)
Nash Airport Hotel (4 Star) : 0.3 Miles
Crowne Plaza (4 Star)
Hotel Pheonix (3 Star): 0.4
Holiday Inn Express (3 Star): 0.7 Miles
Trent Trois 33 (3 Star): 0.4 Miles
Getting To And From Geneva Airport
There are several different options for passengers arriving and departing from Geneva in terms of transport. The type of transport you choose is simply down to your own budget, needs and requirements. However, there are many different factors to consider when choosing the right form of transfer to enable you to make the right decision.
Public Transport
There are several different forms of public transport available from the airport that provide efficient and cost effective transfers, especially if you are travelling alone or on a limited budget. However, public transport can be restricting and limited and it is always advisable to do your research in advance to ensure that there is public transport available to your final destination at the required time of arrival or departure.
Trains
Is There A Direct Rail Link
Yes, Geneva Airport has a direct rail link which means passengers can catch the train direct from the airport to the city centre of Geneva. The beauty of catching the train from the airport is that you can be in Geneva Gare Cornavin Train Station (the main train station in Geneva) in just 6 minutes.
How Often Are Trains From Geneva Airport To The City Centre
The trains from Geneva International Airport to the city centre run at regular intervals throughout the day and are every 12 minutes at rush hour and peak times.
Is The Airport Open 24 hrs
No, the airport is not open 24 hours and the opening times are:
Opening Times For Geneva Airport: 04.00am – 00.00am (Midnight)
Is WiFi Available At The Airport
Yes, there are several ‘Wifi Hot Spots’ located throughout the airport and there is also a designated area where you can use the Internet for a small charge.
Airlines:
Swiss International Air Lines, is the national airline of Switzerland and offers a number of flights from Geneva to many different destinations throughout the world. Although Swiss Air operates a great number of flights from Geneva, its main hub is at Zurich Airport.
Easyjet the low cost airline provides flights both from and to Geneva throughout the year and offer a cheaper alternative to for passengers.
Etihad Regional Darwin Airline provides schedule and Domestic flights to and from Geneva.
Switzerland:
Switzerland is part of the European Free Trade Association but is not a member of the European Union. The currency of Switzerland is Swiss Francs.
Geneva Airport Address and Telephone Number: Route de l’Aéroport 21, 1215 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland – Tel:+41 22 717 71 11