The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
Though compact, Geneva Airport is capable of surprising visitors with its different shopping, dining and relaxing opportunities. If you have a few hours before your flight or just a quick layover, you can get your Swissie fix, international foods, fantastic lounges or good quality retail stores in convenient locations throughout Terminal 1.
There are convenient currency exchange counters, ATMs and banking services throughout the arrivals and departures areas. The Swiss Franc (CHF) is the currency used in Switzerland, but many businesses at the airports will also accept major international credit cards and some foreign currencies.
Swiss SIM cards can be sold in convenience shops and telecom stores within the airport. eSIM services are also common, ensuring instant connectivity for travelers coming from abroad.
Wireless Internet access is free of charge and can be used in all areas of Geneva Airport, subject to simple registration. The network is capable of supplying web surfing, video streaming, distant working and messaging services, making it easy for leisure and business travelers.
Throughout the terminal, first-aid assistance, pharmacies and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are available. Airport personnel can swiftly direct passengers to medical assistance if necessary.
Baggage wrapping service, lost property service, luggage trolleys, porter service and left-luggage are available. Airport Assist can even arrange for luggage handling if you're traveling with a lot of luggage, oversized bags or sporting goods.
Geneva Airport is equipped with an extensive range of accessibility services such as handicapped parking spaces, wheelchair assistance, accessible toilets, lifts, induction loop, assistance for people with reduced mobility, etc. Airport Assist complements the airport staff to ensure personalised support from the arrival to the boarding.
There are a number of different hotels that are located within minutes of Geneva Airport, including the Nash Airport Hotel, Novotel Geneva Airport, ibis Geneva Airport, Crowne Plaza Geneva, and the Mövenpick Hotel Geneva. Most offer a free airport transfer and are a good choice for an overnight stay or layover.
All around the terminal 1 of Geneva Airport you will find a great choice of restaurants, cafés, bakeries and take out outlets. From a fast food joint before you catch a flight, to a traditional Swiss restaurant or food from around the world for a longer layover, you will find something to suit every timetable.
Freshly prepared European and Swiss cuisine in a comfortable sit down restaurant Le Chef is located in the public area of Terminal 1. Meat is a popular choice, as are the seasonal salads, pasta dishes and daily chef's specials, and it's a great choice either before or after check-in.
The Montreux Jazz Café is located in the departures area, post-security, and offers quality food and boasts the feel of the world-famous music festival in Switzerland. One of the most popular places to eat at the airport, it offers gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, local cheeses, fine wines and handmade desserts.
Starbucks is right in the middle of terminal 1 with freshly brewed coffee, espressos, sandwiches, wraps, pastries and light snack items. Favored by business travelers who need to work before leaving, it offers comfortable seating and charging options.
One of Geneva's most popular bakeries, Martel is a place where you can taste the freshly baked croissants, the artisan breads, pastries, sandwiches and Swiss coffee. Its great location makes it perfect for passengers who wish to grab a speedy breakfast or light meal prior to boarding.
After security, Burger King serves up comfort food staples such as flame-grilled burgers, fries, chicken meals, and vegetarian options. It has a longer operating hours which makes it a reliable option for those who fly in the early morning or late evening.
For a taste of authentic regional fare, visitors can head to a handful of cafes at the airport for Swiss cheese platters, Rösti, artisan chocolates, freshly baked pastries and locally roasted coffee. There are also many restaurants that serve seasonal Swiss wines and local ingredients.
Dining Tip: The majority of restaurants adhere to the airport's flight schedule, and the choices are greatest during the early morning till late evening hours. In extremely busy holiday periods or when skiing in the winter months, getting to more popular cafes and restaurants a little early can help avoid lines.
Geneva Duty Free is located in the Departure area post the security check in both Schengen and International (Non-Schengen) sections of Terminal 1. More duty free retailing in arrivals hall for eligible international travellers. Most outlets have daily flight schedules and have more flight time during the busier travel times.
There is a huge variety of Swiss finest chocolates, Swiss luxury watches, perfumes, cosmetics, fine wines, champagne, high-end spirits, tobaccos and confectionery, accessories for electronics, travel needs and high-end fashion accessories available for travellers to buy. Swiss made products are particularly a specialty at Geneva Airport and can be found as gifts or souvenirs.
Aelia Duty Free is the main duty free shop in the airport, which boasts a wide selection of international luxury brands in a single store. For the fashion-forward traveller there are also brands such as Longchamp, Montblanc and Tissot, while beauty brands like Dior, Chanel, Estée Lauder, Lancôme and Clarins are available for the beauty buff. The most sought after brands that go for purchase at the airports are also Swiss such as Lindt, Läderach, Toblerone, Victorinox and Wenger.
Passengers are able to pre-order many duty-free items online via Geneva Airport's shopping platform before leaving for their destination and pick them up at the airport. Special one-off offers during various seasons, airport-only editions, and travel only gift packs often occur throughout the year.
Traveller Tip: One of the best places to buy real Swiss chocolates, high-end watches and top quality skin care just before leaving Switzerland is Geneva Airport. Perfumes or confectionery can be a good value, but still it is advisable to compare prices of electronics and designer accessories before buying bigger.
Geneva Airport has a number of upscale lounges offering a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle of the main departure area. The airport's lounges provide a comfortable atmosphere with complimentary refreshments, workspaces, Wi-Fi and shower facilities, whether you're traveling for business or starting a long-haul flight, or you just want a quieter space before heading to your flight.
The Swissport Horizon Lounge in the International Departures Area of Terminal 1 is for the use of passengers from participating airlines, Priority Pass, DragonPass, LoungeKey and selected credit card holders. A buffet of hot and cold food, free beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, newspapers, business facilities and comfortable lounge seating overlooking the apron are available to guests.
The Marhaba Lounge offers a comfortable area for the passengers of any airline. It can be accessed by paid entry or through some lounge membership schemes, and provides a relaxed space for light eating and drinking, coffee and soft drinks, business workstations, charging points, and flight information displays, all away from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.
There are a number of international carrier companies at Geneva that offer separate lounges for First Class and Business Class passengers and eligible frequent flyer members. Lounge facilities are typically high quality, offering comfortable private seating areas, shower rooms, quiet work areas, high quality food and drink, and the opportunity to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Travellers can also relax while waiting for their flights using Airport Assist's lounge access for eligible travellers. Availability of lounges will be subject to airline partnerships, membership programmes and operating schedules on the day of travel.
One of the most convenient rail connections in Europe is at Geneva airport. From the railway station there are frequent connections to Geneva Cornavin Station in about 7 minutes. From there, the travellers can reach all Swiss destinations like for example Lausanne, Montreux, Bern, Zurich, Interlaken, Lucerne and Basel.
Geneva has a wide public transport system that covers the airport. Various bus lines link the terminals to the city centre, the suburbs around the city, the international organisations and neighbouring districts. Reliable and frequent public transport is ideal for those who are staying within Geneva.
Licensed Taxi service is around the clock from the ranks just outside the arrivals hall. Typically, it takes 15-20mins to reach central Geneva. Fixed fares are rarely available and taxis use official taximeters to determine fares.
For those who want to arrive at the airport with a more personalized touch, there are plenty of pre-booked chauffeur services and private airport transfers available. Airport Assist also can arrange executive transfers, luxury cars and airport-to-hotel transport to guarantee a hassle-free experience from airport to destination.
Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget and National are just a few of the international car hire firms at Geneva Airport. Vehicles can be collected, and rental counters have been provided within the arrivals area – they are clearly marked. The airport's location also makes it convenient for renting vehicles for the Swiss and French sides, especially for cross-border trips.
Three hours layover at Geneva Airport is perfect to avoid changing terminals. Begin at Martel Bakery to get some specialty coffee and pastry, and then shop at the duty-free shops for Swiss chocolate, fine watches and high-end cosmetics. When available, use the time to relax in the lounges with free drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating prior to getting to the departure gate (about 45 minutes before the flight).
Five to six hours will be sufficient to enjoy Geneva city centre. From the airport station under terminal 1, it takes only 7 minutes to reach Genève-Cornavin Station by direct train. Walk around Lake Geneva, see the famous Jet d'Eau fountain, go to the Old Town (Vieille Ville) or have lunch in a traditional Swiss café before heading back to the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
A long layover will give you an opportunity to explore some of Geneva's best attractions. Start at the United Nations Office and then the Broken Chair Monument, then visit the Patek Philippe Museum or the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. Then head back to the promenade by the lakes for a lunch with view of the Lake and the Alps before the train ride to the airport leaving enough time for security and passport procedures.
Airport Assist is a range of personalised airport services aimed at making each trip through Geneva Airport as smooth and stress-free as possible. We offer Meet and Greet, Fast Track Assistance, VIP services, lounge access, baggage assistance and transit support throughout your travel journey, whether you're travelling on your own, with family, for business or you will need extra mobility help. We take care of every detail of your airport journey from the moment you arrive until you are on board your flight, or from when you arrive by plane to your onward transport.
Pro Tip: With the station right underneath the terminal, Geneva Airport is one of the easiest to get to by train in Europe. If you have more than 5 hours of layover, and you are eligible to enter Switzerland, then consider taking the 7-minute train ride into Geneva. Enjoy the city's renowned lakeside, historic Old Town and world-class cafes, and arrive back home in time for your next flight. During the holiday and ski season, the Airport Assist with Fast Track & Meet & Greet services makes the arrival experience even smoother.
