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Geneva Airport GVA

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Geneva Airport (GVA) Guide

Discover Geneva Airport, your entry to Switzerland's wonders and the world's first to be awarded the Level 4+ Airport Carbon Accreditation for its sustainability efforts. GVA streamlines your journey with essential amenities and services. Our concise guide covers everything from flight updates and terminal info to parking, dining, and shopping, ensuring a seamless experience. Dive into our guide for a hassle-free start to your Swiss exploration.

Explore more about global airports with our Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.

GVA, also known as GVA Airport, has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has 25 gates and is used by major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa. Terminal 2 has 19 gates and is used by EasyJet and other low-cost airlines. Both terminals are connected by a pedestrian walkway, and there is also a free shuttle bus that runs between the terminals every few minutes.

When arriving at GVA, passengers will go through passport control and baggage claim before exiting into the arrivals hall. From there, follow the signs to either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, depending on your airline. If you have a connecting flight, you may need to go through security again before reaching your departure gate.

Inside the terminals, there are plenty of food and beverage options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars. There are also duty-free shops, newsstands, and gift shops for last-minute souvenirs. For those in need of additional services, there are currency exchange booths, ATMs, and a post office. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes, 24/7. The shuttle bus stop is located outside of each terminal's arrivals area. The journey between the terminals takes approximately 5 minutes.

If you prefer to walk, it is also possible to do so. The terminals are within walking distance of each other, with a covered walkway connecting them. The walk takes approximately 7-10 minutes, depending on your pace.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

The airport offers several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. For those who wish to drop off passengers curbside, there are designated areas in front of each terminal. However, please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must be attended at all times. Unattended vehicles may be subject to towing.

For those who wish to wait for arriving passengers, Geneva Airport offers cell-phone waiting areas. These areas are located just a few minutes away from the terminals and provide a convenient place to wait for passengers to arrive. Once your passenger has arrived and collected their luggage, they can call you to let you know they are ready to be picked up. You can then proceed to the designated pick-up area in front of the terminal.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're driving to Geneva Airport, you'll find a variety of parking options available to suit your needs. There are several parking lots and garages located within walking distance of the terminals, making it easy to park and go.

In addition to the on-site parking options, there are also cell phone waiting areas available for those who are picking up passengers. These areas provide a convenient place to wait for your party to arrive without having to pay for parking.

If you require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all of the parking areas. These spaces are located close to the terminal entrances and are clearly marked for easy identification.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, there are several off-airport parking lots located near the airport. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the terminals, making it easy to get to your flight on time. Off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on parking fees, especially if you're going to be away for an extended period of time.

Get details about GVA parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

GVA Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers.

Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. The rental car desks are located in the arrivals area of the airport.

Taxi services are also available, with drop-off areas located outside the arrivals area. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination.

Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available for pickup at designated areas outside the arrivals area. However, these services are subject to certain restrictions and regulations in Switzerland.

Airport shuttles are available for transportation to and from the airport. These shuttles offer door-to-door service and can be booked in advance or on the spot. Pickup areas are located outside the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the destination and the number of passengers.

Public transportation options include buses and trains. The airport is connected to the Geneva public transportation network, making it easy to travel to and from the airport. Bus stops and train stations are located outside the arrivals area. Fares vary depending on the mode of transportation and the destination.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We have compiled a list of some of the best hotels that cater to every traveler's needs. From the Nash Airport Hotel, just 0.3 kilometers from the airport, to the Nash Suites Airport Hotel with a shared lounge and state-of-the-art fitness center, there are options to suit everyone. Other notable mentions include Maison des pilotes, Crowne Plaza Geneva, an IHG Hotel, ibis budget Geneve Palexpo Aeroport, ibis Styles Geneve Palexpo Aeroport and Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Geneva. These hotels provide a range of amenities and are all conveniently located within a short distance from the airport. To view our comprehensive list of airport hotels, click on GVA Airport Hotels.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

Geneva Airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, head to the Grab & Fly kiosks located throughout the airport for sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. For a sit-down meal, there are several restaurants to choose from, including Bento, which serves Japanese cuisine, and Burger King for classic fast food.

If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, Geneva Airport has plenty of shops to explore. For luxury fashion, check out the Hermès and Gucci stores. If you're looking for Swiss souvenirs, head to the Swiss Chocolate Chalet or the Swiss Knife Valley store. There are also duty-free shops for those looking to save on tax-free purchases.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at GVA can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, click here.

Passenger Services

The airport offers a range of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.

For those needing to stay connected, free wifi is available throughout the airport.

If you have lost an item, head to the lost and found located in the Arrivals area.

Traveling with children? There are designated play areas located throughout the airport to keep little ones entertained.

Special-needs services are available upon request, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.

For banking needs, there are several ATMs and currency exchange offices located throughout the airport.

In case of a medical emergency, there is a medical center located in the Arrivals area, open 24/7.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. At Geneva Airport, there are several ways to check for flight updates. One of the easiest ways is to use the in-airport Flight Information Display System (FIDS) which displays real-time information on all departing flights.

Passengers can also stay informed about any departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes by downloading their airline's mobile phone app. These apps allow passengers to receive push notifications, text messages, or emails about any changes to their flight status. Additionally, passengers can check the airport's website for updates on their flight status.

It's always a good idea to arrive at the airport early, especially if there are any weather conditions or other factors that may affect your flight. If you do experience any delays or cancelations, be sure to speak with your airline's customer service representative for assistance.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Geneva Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are during peak travel seasons, which include summer and winter holidays, as well as weekends.

Getting to the Airport

The best way to get to Geneva Airport is by public transportation. The airport is easily accessible by train, bus, and taxi. The train station is located within the airport and provides direct connections to major cities in Switzerland and France. The bus station is located a short walk from the airport and provides connections to various destinations in the region. Taxis are also available outside the airport terminal.

Getting Oriented

To get oriented at Geneva Airport, passengers can use iFly.com's interactive airport maps. The maps provide detailed information about the airport's facilities, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. Passengers can also use the maps to locate their departure gate and other important areas of the airport.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at GVA, passengers should check-in online before arriving at the airport. This will save time and reduce the risk of missing their flight. Passengers should also ensure that they have all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, before arriving at the airport. It is also recommended that passengers pack their carry-on luggage in accordance with the airport's security regulations to avoid delays at the security checkpoint.

Airport Facts & Stats

GVA, also known as Cointrin Airport, is Switzerland's second-busiest airport, located just 4 km northwest of the city center. It has two terminals, T1 and T2, which are connected by a pedestrian walkway.

On average, GVA Airport handles around 17 million passengers and 200,000 flights per year. The airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including easyJet Switzerland and Swiss International Air Lines.

The top airlines with the most daily flights from the airport are easyJet, Swiss International Air Lines, and British Airways. The average number of daily flights is around 500.

Geneva Airport serves over 140 destinations worldwide, with the top 5 destinations being London, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Madrid. Other popular destinations include Dubai, New York, and Moscow.

Aside from easyJet Switzerland and Swiss International Air Lines, other airlines that use Geneva Airport as a hub include Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Airport History

GVA, also known as Cointrin Airport, is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It is the second busiest airport in Switzerland and serves as a hub for Swiss International Air Lines.

Here are some significant events in the airport's history:

  • 1919 - The first flight from Geneva takes off, a commercial flight to Lyon, France.
  • 1920 - The airport is officially opened with a runway and a small terminal building.
  • 1936 - The airport's runway is extended to accommodate larger aircraft.
  • 1940 - During World War II, the airport is used by the Swiss Air Force and is heavily bombed by the Germans.
  • 1950 - The airport's terminal is expanded to handle increasing passenger traffic.
  • 1960 - The airport's runway is extended again to accommodate the new generation of jet aircraft.
  • 1980 - A new terminal building is constructed, increasing the airport's capacity to handle up to 7 million passengers per year.
  • 1990 - The airport's runway is once again extended to accommodate the Airbus A340.
  • 2011 - The airport's new terminal, known as Terminal 1, is opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle up to 15 million passengers per year.

Today, GVA Airport continues to serve as an important transportation hub for Switzerland and the surrounding region, connecting passengers to destinations all over the world.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about Geneva Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: GVA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +41 22 717 71 11
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: Geneva Airport, Route de l'Aéroport 21, 1215 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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