Die Fakten, die man zuerst sucht – aus diesem Guide.
From Geneva Airport (GVA)
Download the SBB Mobile App: This is essential. It provides real-time train schedules, platform information, and allows you to purchase tickets directly on your phone. It’s much easier than navigating ticket machines upon arrival.
There are two main locations: at Geneva Airport and at Gare Cornavin, the main train station. At the airport, storage is available in automatic lockers at the airport train station or at a personal baggage counter.
The station is very accessible, featuring plenty of elevators and escalators. If you have heavy luggage, look for the elevator signs to avoid the stairs.
The station offers free "SBB WiFi." For restrooms, look for the "McClean" facilities. They cost CHF 1.50, but you can pay with a card or mobile payment.
WiFi & Facilities: The station offers free "SBB WiFi." For restrooms, look for the "McClean" facilities. They cost CHF 1.50, but you can pay with a card or mobile payment.
Genève Cornavin is the city’s central railway hub. Whether you are arriving by air or staying in the city center, it is easily accessible.
From Geneva Airport (GVA)
From City Center
By Taxi
Important: Do not worry about complex ticket zones. For travel entirely within the city, you only need the "Tout Genève" (Zone 10) ticket.
Genève-Cornavin is a straightforward, compact station that serves as the primary railway hub for Geneva. Despite its status as the third-busiest station in Switzerland, it features a manageable layout with only eight through-platforms, all arranged in a single row on a viaduct above street level. Think of the station as a long, elevated platform block accessible from the concourse below; because it is a through-station, there are no dead-end terminal tracks to confuse your direction of travel.
When you arrive, you will find the platforms numbered 1 through 8, starting from the main city-facing entrance. Access to these platforms is exclusively from the ground-level concourse via escalators, elevators, or stairs that lead directly up to the tracks. Navigation is intuitive: simply look for the large electronic departure boards in the main hall to confirm your platform number, as these are updated in real-time.
For travelers heading to Paris, please note that TGV Lyria high-speed trains typically depart from platforms 6 or 7. These platforms are located towards the far end of the station’s under-track passageway. If you are traveling to the CERN area or taking regional services, you will likely use the lower-numbered platforms (1–5). Because the station is quite compact, you can easily walk between the most distant platforms in under five minutes, even with luggage.
A common point of confusion for first-time visitors is the "border control" area. Platforms 6 and 7, which handle international traffic to France, are accessed via a specific passageway that may look like a restricted area; simply follow the signs for international departures. While the station is well-marked, always double-check the departure screens upon arrival, as platform assignments can occasionally change due to operational requirements. If you have extra time before your departure, the station’s ground-level concourse offers ample shopping and dining options, making it a convenient place to wait. With only eight platforms to navigate, you will find that finding your way is a stress-free experience.
Navigating a busy hub like Genève Cornavin can be daunting, but with a few insider tips, you’ll breeze through like a local. I wish someone had told me these things before my first trip!
There are two main locations: at Geneva Airport and at Gare Cornavin, the main train station. At the airport, storage is available in automatic lockers at the airport train station or at a personal baggage counter. The airport and train station are connected by a direct train that takes 8 minutes and runs every 3 to 18 minutes.
Prices vary by locker size and duration. For example, a Small (S) locker costs CHF 5 for 0-6 hours, CHF 7 for 6-12h, up to CHF 35 for 72-96 hours. A Large (L) locker costs CHF 9 for 0-6h, CHF 17 for 12-18h, and CHF 69 for 72-96h. The fee for the first 6 hours is paid upon deposit, with the remainder due upon removal.
Payment is automatic using coins or credit cards. If you lose your ticket, a fine of CHF 20 is charged, and you must contact the counter during its opening hours. Access to the lockers is only available during airport opening hours, from 3:30 AM to 12:30 AM. Storage exceeding 96 hours may result in SBB emptying the locker.
Yes, for very large baggage that is hard to lift or may not fit in lockers, there is a personal baggage counter. The luggage storage price at this counter is CHF 10 or EUR 10 per day per suitcase.
The automatic baggage lockers are accessible during the airport's opening hours, which are from 3:30 AM to 12:30 AM. Most shops, restaurants, and cafes inside the airport close around 10:00 PM and reopen between 5:00 AM and 6:00 AM.
You can stay, but be careful. The terminal doors lock at night, and if you leave, you may not be able to re-enter. Those remaining inside after closing may need to show ID and proof of departure. You cannot enter the terminals until the day of your flight if you do not have a connecting flight. The terminals are quiet and dimly lit until cleaning crews arrive around 4:00 AM.
Through station serving Geneva, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1858, this major transport hub has undergone significant modernizations, including a major reconstruction completed in 2014. It stands as the third-busiest railway station in Switzerland, functioning as a critical connection point for high-speed TGV Lyria services to France, international trains, and the regional Léman Express network.
For first-time visitors, the station features eight through-platforms, which are clearly signposted. While the station is a busy hub, its layout is straightforward. Travelers should note that the station is divided into sectors; platforms 5, 6, and 7 (formerly 6, 7, and 8) often serve international routes and may include customs controls. Because platform assignments can change 30 to 60 minutes before departure, you should verify your train’s platform on the digital departure boards upon arrival. To ensure a stress-free experience, allow extra time to navigate the station, especially if you are connecting to an international service. The station is fully accessible and offers essential amenities, including luggage lockers and direct access to local trams and buses.
