Geneva Geneve-Cointrin Airport (GVA) Flights & Flight Status

Geneva Airport (formerly known as Cointrin) is quite a mixed bag. The design can feel like a patchwork improvisation made to fit many flights into a relatively small area, and it can become crowded and confusing, requiring circuitous walks. On the other hand its incredible proximity to the centre of Geneva (7 minutes by rail) and its seamless connections to the Swiss rail network are real wins. Not to mention excellent mountain views on approach.

Terminal layout & finding your way around

Geneva has two commercial terminals technically speaking, however the older Terminal 2 is only used as an overflow terminal in the peak winter skiing season. So most passengers will fly through Terminal 1.

Terminal 1 is made up of one main building for check-in and security connected to a number of different piers where the gates are. These are lettered A, B, C, D and F. Some of these (B and D gates) require a walk underground to reach a small circular satellite building with a number of gates attached. A and C gates are directly connected to the main concourse, and C gates are used for non-Schengen international flights.

The French sector (F gates)

Where Geneva is unique is in the F gates, located in what’s known as the French Sector. One side of the airport actually runs along the French border, and conveniently, the French sector allows for taking flights between French destinations and GVA without having to clear Swiss immigration and customs.

Crossing between the French sector and the Swiss side of Geneva within the airport is relatively straightforward – but is only allowed for ticket holders who need to be there. In other words you need to have a ticket for a flight to France, and exit Swiss immigration before entering the French sector. Same but in reverse if arriving from France. It’s generally well-signposted.

Airlines & destinations

Because Geneva Airport feels so small, and because it’s so close to the city, I’m always a bit surprised by how much airline service it gets including long-haul flights. Although it’s only a single runway airport that runway is quite long and can handle just about any aircraft type.

For that reason you’ll find flights to far-flung places such as Doha (Qatar Airways), New York (United and Swiss), Abu Dhabi, Montreal (Air Canada), Beijing (Air China), Kuwait City (Kuwait Airways), Riyadh (Saudia) and Mauritius (Air Mauritius), to name just some.

Naturally there’s extensive service around Europe as well, and that reaches a peak during winter when travellers flock to the airport to access skiing in the Alps. Geneva is used as a base by easyJet Switzerland with flights all over Europe, and it’s a secondary hub for Swiss (after Zurich). And you’ll find just about every other European carrier here as well.

Security

During busy times, including in summer and winter, as well as when there’s a convention going on at the Palexpo next door (the major business jet show EBACE is one example) things can get busy at Geneva and that will generally be felt first in long queues for security. As I often advise: it’s good to go in with plenty of time just in case.

The good news is Geneva does have a number of advanced screening machines that allow you to leave most items in your bags (current European rules still call for removal of liquids regardless, unfortunately). This should speed things up, though I’ve found the bottleneck here is passengers who don’t understand the rules. But hopefully it gets speedier overall as people become used to these machines.

Shopping & dining

Geneva Airport doesn’t have the kind of extensive shopping and dining offerings you might expect from a major international airport. Space is relatively constrained so there’s not a lot of places to put shops and restaurants. However it does cover the basics. Costs tend to be quite high though, this being Switzerland and in an airport.

For shopping you will find a number of the more well-known Swiss brands – including of course watches, chocolates and pens. Personally I’d rather buy these things in Geneva itself if I was in the market for them, but for last-minute purchases you have the option here as well. Rolex, Omega, Victorinox, Montblanc – these and more are all here.

In terms of restaurants there is enough variety to ensure everyone will find something they like. One of my favorites is the Montreux Jazz Cafe. You’ll find one in the arrivals hall and one in the departures area. The Montreux Jazz Festival is one of the best cultural events of this part of Switzerland with a long history, and these cafes give you a taste of what they’re like alongside some inventive menu offerings.

Lounges

Geneva Airport offers several lounges including three Swiss lounges. Those include the Business, Senator and First lounge, in ascending order of quality (Senator lounges are accessible by holders of Star Gold elite status). Other airline lounges include a British Airways and an AF/KLM lounge.

Aside from that you’ll find a handful of contract lounges offering day passes and entry using Priority Pass. Note that Priority Pass members can use it to access the AF/KLM lounge regardless of which airline you’re flying. Though given the choice, I marginally prefer the Crystal Lounge by Aspire.

Other facilities at Geneva

Geneva has a few services and facilities that can be useful to know about.

Luggage storage

If you’re leaving the secure area and spending some time in the area between flights, there is a convenient luggage storage on the lower level at the railway station. Simply leave your bags here and then get on your way within minutes to the city.

Showers

You can also make use of shower facilities, available in the arrivals area. If you’re on a long layover without a hotel and simply want to freshen up, this can be a good option.

Photo booth and copy machines

In the arrivals hall outside the secure area you’ll find an area where you can access the internet, make copies and print documents as well as a photo booth. If you find yourself needing to quickly arrange a visa application, for example, this could come in surprisingly useful.

Getting to and from the airport

Geneva Airport is very well-connected to the city and beyond via the Swiss Railways network, with no need to go into the city to catch onward services to some places. It’s a fantastic airport for connectivity both to town and to the wider area.

Taxi & Uber

Taxis (and Uber as well) are very expensive in Switzerland, and Geneva is no exception. There are plentiful options for getting a taxi from the airport, but I never do it.

Train

The train station is directly below the terminal and offers frequent departures to Geneva’s central station with a relaxing 7-minute total journey time. It’s affordable and efficient, and I definitely recommend this option.

You can also head up north toward Lausanne and beyond (including to France) by train directly from the airport train station. Ticket machines as well as manned service counters are located here should you need any human assistance.

Bus & coach

There are city buses serving Geneva itself as well as other destinations around the Canton and neighboring areas in France. Longer-distance coaches are on hand to take you to other Swiss and French cities, and in the winter directly to ski resorts as well.

Car hire

You can hire a car here from all the major companies. A quick shuttle bus will take you to the car hire area that houses most of them. You can also hire a car from the French side of the airport, but due to current security measures that’s only possible if you’ve arrived from a French domestic flight into the French Sector, or have a ticket departing from there within one day.

What to do during a layover

At the airport after exiting the secure area, you’ll find the Panorama Terrace. If you’ve just got a few hours between flights but want to get some fresh air and mountain views (especially if the weather is nice) this can be a great option.

If you have more time than that it’s very easy to get into central Geneva. Take a stroll around the lake, try on some watches, have a meal of fondue. There are plenty of options to get a good dose of Swiss life between planes.

Airport hotels

If staying overnight at the airport I would highly recommend booking one of the hotels that are within walking distance to the terminal. The ibis Geneva Aeroport is probably the most convenient as it’s close and usually offers reasonable rates. The Mövenpick is around a 15-minute walk from Terminal 1 and is nicer, but also more expensive. A bit further along there’s also a Holiday Inn Express.

There are many other hotels including on the French side but if it requires a taxi ride any savings on the room rate will be quickly squandered.