Geneva Airport (IATA Code: GVA)

Geneva Airport is one of Switzerland’s principal gateways to the world. Situated just four kilometres northwest of the city centre, it serves not only the city and parts of neighbouring France, but it is also the main arrival destination for skiers during the ski season. On a good run, Geneva Airport is a two-and-a-half-hour transfer to La Plagne.

Location

Just 4km northwest of Geneva city centre

Transfer Time

2.5 hours to La Plagne

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi available throughout

Aerial view of Geneva Airport

Geneva Airport Overview

Geneva Airport is one of Switzerland’s principal gateways to the world. Situated just four kilometres northwest of the city centre, it serves not only the city and parts of neighbouring France, but it is also the main arrival destination for skiers during the ski season. On a good run, Geneva Airport is a two-and-a-half-hour transfer to La Plagne.

In our opinion, Geneva should be your first-choice airport not only due to the large number of daily flights, but principally because it is such a major transfer hub, it very rarely, if ever, gets closed due to bad weather ensuring your flight is very unlikely to be diverted. The airport has two terminals and free wi-fi is available throughout.

Arrival Procedure at Geneva Airport

Terminal 1 (Main)

Terminal 1 is the bigger of the two terminals at Geneva Airport. Most airlines such as EasyJet and British Airways use this building during the ski season. It is most likely your flight at this terminal when you land at Geneva.

Arrival Procedure

Exit customs, but not the airport terminal, and turn left towards the train station. Walk for no more than 100m. On your left you will see the Swiss Chalet Restaurant where your driver will wait, holding their phone with your name clearly on it.

Terminal 2 (Charter)

Terminal 2 is used mainly for charter flights and is a ten minute walk from Terminal 1. It is a hangar with not many facilities or shops on site today. The budget airline Jet2 use this terminal at weekends during the winter ski season.

Arrival Procedure

Terminal 2 is smaller than Terminal 1 and so it is easier to find your driver there. After passport control and baggage reclaim, walk through to the arrivals hall. Your driver will stand at arrivals, holding their phone with your name clearly on it.

French Sector

The French Sector is mainly used for internal flights within France and Switzerland. Most ski passengers arrive at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 instead of here. It is unlikely you will land here. Please check your departure gate.

Arrival Procedure

If you arrive in the French Sector, do not exit through French Customs. Follow signs for Switzerland, pass Swiss customs, and you will reach Terminal 1. Your driver meets you at the Swiss Chalet Restaurant,

Geneva Airport – Did you know ?

Genève Aéroport generates enough income every year to cope with the maintenance of its infrastructure and to finance its development. The company does not receive subsidies from any public authority and each year it pays half of its profits to the State!