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Getting to Geneva

Sustainable Travel in Geneva

Nestled between lake and mountains, Geneva is a city that combines natural beauty with a commitment to a sustainable future. By choosing environmentally responsible means of transport to get to Geneva, you are helping to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Here’s how to plan your arrival in a sustainable way.

Choosing sustainable transport to get to Geneva

By train: practical and environmentally friendly

 

Travelling to Geneva by train is the ideal way to reduce your carbon footprint. Here’s why:

✓ Reduce your ecological impact: Trains emit much less CO₂ per passenger than cars or planes.

✓ Enjoy the scenery: Travelling by train takes you through spectacular landscapes, from the Alps to Lake Geneva, turning your journey into a memorable experience.

✓ Comfort on board: With wide seats, spacious carriages and the ability to move around freely, trains offer a relaxing travel experience. What’s more, Wi-Fi and electrical sockets are available on some lines for you to stay connected!

✓ A first impression of the country: Arriving by train, you’re immediately immersed in the local atmosphere, from natural landscapes to bustling stations in the heart of the city.

Main connections: 

  • From Paris, the TGV Lyria takes you to Geneva in fewer than 3 hours.
  • From Milan, a direct 4-hour connection takes you through majestic Alpine landscapes.
  • From Zurich or Lausanne, fast and frequent trains take you straight to the city centre.

Arriving by train also means arriving directly in the heart of Geneva, without the hassle of traffic jams or parking.
 

For bicycle touring enthusiasts, Geneva can be reached via routes such as the Rhône Route (EuroVelo 17). Travelling through the region by bike is an unforgettable experience that combines physical activity with respect for the environment. Check out our routes on Komoot.

Companies such as FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer economical and environmentally friendly travel. These modern coaches are designed to minimise their impact on the environment, while offering optimal comfort.

If you do opt for the car, favour carpooling via platforms such as BlaBlaCar. Geneva also has a network of charging stations for electric vehicles, ideal for zero-emission journeys.

If flying is your only option, consider making a carbon contribution to a climate protection project.
Genève Aéroport offers information and several options to reduce the impact of your trip. Once you arrive, take public transport to reach the city centre in a few minutes.

Sustainable transport in Geneva

Once you’re in Geneva, there are several options to explore the city in an environmentally friendly way:

Public transport

With your free guest card, you can use trams, buses and electric shuttle boats (the “Mouettes”) to get around easily.

Find...

By bike

Rental services such as Donkey Republic and Genève Roule allow you to get around quickly and independently.

Explore Geneva...

On foot

Geneva is a compact and pleasant city to explore, with numerous parks, quays and pedestrian zones.

How to make a carbon contribution to a climate protection project

For an even more sustainable trip, consider offsetting your CO₂ emissions by supporting environmental projects. Here are a few options:

MyClimate: Reforestation and renewable energy projects
Compensaid: Initiatives for greener air travel
Swiss Climate: Local and international carbon offset programmes

These initiatives help preserve the planet while supporting concrete actions.