Geneva Cointrin Airport: Geneva Airport (IATA: GVA – ICAO: LSGG), officially known as Genève Aéroport, is the main international airport serving Geneva, Switzerland. Situated approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of the city center, it is one of the busiest airports in Switzerland and a vital hub for diplomatic, business, and leisure travel.

GVA offers a wide range of European and intercontinental flights and is jointly operated by Swiss and French customs due to its proximity to the French border. It features a dedicated French sector allowing access without crossing Swiss customs.

The airport serves millions of passengers annually and offers connections throughout Europe and beyond. It is officially called Geneva Airport, but many people still call it Cointrin Airport. Visit the official Geneva Airport website for up-to-date flight times, maps, and more information.

With easy transport links, modern facilities, and helpful services, Geneva Cointrin Airport is built for ease and efficiency. Travelers can expect a smooth experience whether they are arriving, departing, or spending time between flights.

General Information – Geneva Cointrin Airport

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Country: Switzerland
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: GVA
ICAO Code: LSGG
Elevation: 1,411 feet (430 metres)
Coordinates: 46°14′19″N 006°06′52″E
Timezone: UTC+1 (CET) / UTC+2 (CEST during Daylight Saving Time)
Distance from City Centre: Approx. 4 km (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva
Website: www.gva.ch
Operator: Genève Aéroport
Services: International and domestic flights, VIP lounges, customs for Swiss and French travelers, general aviation

Parking Information

Short-Term Parking

Rate: From CHF 4/hour (~€4.10)
Distance: Adjacent to the terminal (P2 and P3)
Ideal For: Quick drop-offs, short visits

Long-Term Parking

Rate: From CHF 25/day (~€26)
Distance: Shuttle or walkable lots (P1 and P51)
Ideal For: Long trips and vacation stays

Payment Methods: Credit/debit cards, Swiss Francs, Euros, mobile apps
Security: Monitored 24/7 with gated access

Contact Information

Airport Info Line: +41 22 717 7111
Email: info@gva.ch
FBO Services: Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation, and Swissport Executive

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: Schengen visa required for non-EU citizens; biometric passport or ID card for EU/EEA travelers
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration
Transport Options: Geneva Airport railway station, taxis, buses, car rentals, hotel shuttles
Nearby Accommodation: Mövenpick Hotel Geneva, Nash Airport Hotel, Crowne Plaza Geneva
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF); Euros accepted in many locations

Local Attractions Near Geneva Cointrin Airport

Jet d’Eau

Geneva’s iconic 140-meter fountain located on Lake Geneva.

Old Town (Vieille Ville)

Medieval city center with cobbled streets, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and historic cafés.

Palais des Nations

United Nations European headquarters offering tours and exhibitions.

Patek Philippe Museum

A tribute to Swiss watchmaking heritage with timepieces dating back to the 16th century.

Mont Salève (France)

Nearby mountain with panoramic views accessible by cable car—entry via French sector of the airport.

Travel Tips

Airport has excellent rail connectivity—Geneva city center is reachable in under 10 minutes.

Free public transport card available at the airport for hotel guests (valid for buses, trains, trams).

French sector is accessible from the French side without entering Switzerland—useful for cross-border travelers.

Multilingual signage (French, English, German) makes navigation easy.

Location and Accessibility

Geneva Cointrin Airport is situated just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of Geneva’s city center. This close distance allows passengers to reach downtown in under 10 minutes by train or taxi. Public transport connections are strong, with frequent buses and trains available every day.

Travelers can also reach the airport by bicycle, thanks to nearby urban cycling paths. The airport is designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, and it has features such as step-free access, ramps, and special assistance services. Quick connections to neighboring France are possible, as the airport is near the Swiss-French border.

The ease of access, strong connections to public transport, and support for sustainable travel help make Geneva Cointrin convenient for local and international travelers. For more details, see information about Geneva Airport’s location.

Terminals and Facilities

Geneva Cointrin Airport is a compact airport with a single main runway. There is one main terminal that is easy to navigate, designed to make travel simple, even for first-time visitors. The terminal has various shops, restaurants, and cafes offering local and international food.

Travelers will find business lounges, currency exchange, and baggage services within walking distance. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and there are modern waiting areas for comfort. ATMs, pharmacies, and car rental counters are nearby for convenience.

Parking options include short-term and long-term lots, and there are designated spaces for people with disabilities. Information desks help travelers navigate airport services. For details about available facilities, refer to the official Geneva Airport website.

History and Development

Geneva Cointrin Airport opened in 1920, making it one of Switzerland’s oldest airports. Over the years, it expanded to handle more passengers and larger planes. The construction of its concrete runway, completed in the 1940s, marked a significant upgrade in its ability to support modern aircraft.

In the 1960s and later, more renovations added extra terminal space, better security, and improved passenger services. Today, the airport continues to update its facilities while keeping its easy-to-use layout. Geneva Cointrin’s growth has helped it become a leading European airport for international and local flights.

Historical milestones and the airport’s reputation for efficient upgrades can be seen on the airport’s history page.

Airlines and Destinations

Geneva Cointrin Airport is a central hub for international and regional air travel. It serves as a key point of connection in Switzerland and offers a range of destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Major Airlines Operating at Geneva Cointrin Airport

Several leading airlines have regular operations at Geneva Cointrin Airport. Swiss International Air Lines is a leading carrier, providing direct flights to key European cities such as Athens, Berlin, Brussels, and London-Heathrow.

easyJet is another prominent airline at the airport and runs a large number of flights, especially within Europe. Other well-known airlines operating here include Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, and Turkish Airlines.

A mix of full-service and low-cost airlines caters to travelers with different budgets and needs. The airport also serves long-haul airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, which connects Geneva to Addis Ababa and further African destinations. To explore the full roster of airlines at the airport, travelers can find detailed contact and service information on the Geneva Airport airlines list.

International and Domestic Routes

Geneva Cointrin Airport offers direct connections to over 145 destinations, making it a central point for international and European travel. Top international routes include London, Paris, Lisbon, New York, and Moscow.

The airport also features regular flights to popular Spanish cities such as Madrid and Málaga and Mediterranean destinations including Athens and Marrakesh. Flights to Zurich mainly handle domestic air travel within Switzerland, though most routes are international due to Geneva’s location near the French border.

The official Geneva Airport destinations page regularly updates a detailed list of all direct flights and their destinations. This helps travelers plan trips efficiently based on direct flight availability.

Seasonal and Charter Flights

In addition to regular year-round service, Geneva Cointrin Airport sees a significant increase in seasonal and charter flights. Popular winter routes include flights to ski resorts and mountain regions in France, Austria, and Italy, catering to holiday tourists.

During summer, airlines add direct flights to vacation spots like the Greek Islands, the Canary Islands, Egypt, and southern Spain. easyJet and other budget carriers often run more frequent seasonal services to beach destinations and event locations.

Charter companies also operate special flights during peak travel times. Travel groups or package holiday providers often book these. Travelers can review current seasonal flights and charter options on the Geneva Airport destinations list, as schedules change based on demand and season.

Passenger Services and Amenities

Geneva Cointrin Airport provides efficient travel choices, plenty of places to eat and shop, and comfortable relaxation areas for passengers. The airport also offers helpful services for baggage needs and support for all types of travelers.

Transportation Options

Geneva Cointrin Airport sits about 4 kilometers northwest of downtown, making it quick to reach from the city center. Travelers can choose from several ways to get to and from the airport.

Public transportation is popular because trains and buses travel frequently between the airport and central Geneva. The airport railway station is right below the terminal and offers direct connections to many Swiss cities. Buses go to various neighborhoods and even serve some French towns across the border.

Taxis gather outside the arrivals area, and car rental desks are inside the terminal for those who want to drive themselves. Short-term and long-term parking options are available and can be booked ahead of time through the airport’s website. More details on these services are found on the Geneva Airport FAQ page.

Dining and Shopping

There are various dining choices throughout the airport, from coffee shops and bakeries to casual restaurants and bars. Passengers can pick up snacks, enjoy a sit-down meal, or grab food before flights.

The airport has duty-free shops in both the Schengen and international zones. These stores offer cosmetics, electronics, chocolates, watches, and Swiss products. Other shops sell books, souvenirs, fashion accessories, and travel supplies, making it easy for travelers to purchase what they need or find a special gift.

Shopping and dining locations are marked, with opening hours tailored to match flight schedules. Visit the Geneva Airport facilities page for a list of services and shops.

Lounge Access and VIP Services

Geneva Airport offers several passenger lounges for both business and leisure travelers. Lounges provide quiet spaces to relax, work, or enjoy refreshments away from the main terminal. Facilities often include comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, WiFi, reading material, and shower access.

Frequent flyers and premium ticket holders can use airline lounges, while other travelers can buy single-entry passes for independent lounges in the terminal. A paid VIP service includes fast track through security, private check-in, and personalized assistance. The Geneva Airport FAQ provides more information.

Baggage Services

Baggage services at Geneva Cointrin Airport are designed to help with everyday travel needs. There are staffed left luggage counters where passengers can store bags securely if they wish to explore the city before or after their flight. Oversized luggage and sports equipment can also be handled.

Baggage wrapping stations are available if passengers want extra protection for their suitcases. Lost and found counters help to recover missing items, and helpful staff are present to answer questions. Self-service luggage carts are free for passenger use around the terminal. See the Geneva International Airport facilities overview for more about luggage services and policies.

Sustainability and Future Developments

Geneva Cointrin Airport is focusing on environmental responsibility and efficient growth. Key actions include sustainable energy use and expanded traveler facilities.

Environmental Initiatives

Geneva Airport has set specific goals to reduce its environmental impact. It uses renewable energy sources and has invested in solar panels. Some airport vehicles now run on electricity instead of fuel. Efforts to reduce noise and air pollution include limiting certain nighttime flights and encouraging airlines to use newer, quieter aircraft.

A significant step is the increased use of sustainable aviation fuel for planes at the airport. This helps cut down on carbon emissions from flights. The airport also works to get more passengers and staff to use public transportation, bikes, and carpooling. Waste sorting and recycling programs are in place across the terminals.

Upcoming Expansion Projects

The CAP2030 project includes expansion plans, including new buildings and more space for travelers. The project also aims to increase the number of passengers arriving by public transport and bicycle from 50% to 58% by 2030.

Improvements focus on making the airport more energy efficient and comfortable for users. New designs use sustainable materials and better insulation. New shops, waiting areas, and services will improve the customer experience. The entire expansion follows guidelines for greener buildings and smarter resource use, as shown in plans for a new sustainable pavilion that uses renewable energy systems.

Frequently Asked Questions – Geneva Cointrin Airport

Travelers at Geneva Cointrin Airport often look for updates on flight schedules, parking, and transportation. Concise details are gathered here to help passengers plan each visit step.

How can I find the latest departure information at Geneva Cointrin Airport?

Passengers can view updated departure times on display boards throughout the airport. Online schedules are also available on the official Geneva Airport website, which shows real-time changes, gate assignments, and delays.

Where can I check real-time arrivals at Geneva Cointrin Airport?

Arrivals are listed online with minute-by-minute updates. The airport provides a live feed for flight status through its passenger information page.

What are my parking options at Geneva Cointrin Airport?

Geneva Airport offers travelers several parking options, including short-term, long-term, and reserved spots. Visitors can book spaces and check parking availability directly through the airport’s parking page.

How do I navigate the terminal at Geneva Cointrin Airport?

Clear signs in multiple languages help travelers find check-in, security, and boarding gates. Airport staff are available to answer questions. Terminal maps are available online and at information desks throughout the airport.

Can I get information on today’s incidents at Geneva Cointrin Airport?

The airport’s official website publishes updates about disruptions, incidents, or special announcements. For urgent news, check the FAQ section or listen for announcements inside the terminal.

What transportation options are available from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the city center?

Options include trains, buses, taxis, and rideshare services. The train from the airport to the city’s main station takes about seven minutes and runs frequently. Bus stops are located just outside the terminal. Detailed transportation information can be found on the Geneva Airport site.