Why Geneva
Why Geneva
At the Heart of Europe
Geneva is the ideal gateway to Switzerland, served by 200 trains a day and 935 direct flights. Geneva’s international airport, a hub for European low-cost airlines, is only six minutes by train from the city centre. All tourists staying at a hotel receive a Geneva Transport Card entitling them to free public transport.
An Idyllic Landscape
Geneva offers its visitors exceptional views. The lakeshore with its "Jet d'Eau", the Mont Blanc, the charming villages and vineyards all delight the visitor.
Unrivalled Quality of Life
Geneva is ranked as the 8th most pleasant city in the world in 2012. Its 50 parks make it one of the greenest destinations in Europe, an ideal place to relax in calm and peaceful surroundings. Everything is nearby in this humane city. It is even possible to go skiing and shop downtown in the same day!
The Cradle of Luxury Shopping
For a very long time now, Geneva's master watchmakers have made the city the center of excellence for the finest and most prestigious watches. They can be admired in the shop windows on the Rue du Rhône: the main thoroughfare for luxury shopping, which is also home to the most beautiful pieces of jewelry and the world's most prestigious brands in more than 80 exclusive boutiques.
The Capital of Peace and Freedom
Geneva, which hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations and some 200 other organizations, is one of the major international cities. It is also the birthplace of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement. Due to its vocation for peace, Geneva occupies a prominent place in negotiations and decisions that affect the whole world.
A Mark of Excellence
In its 15 five-star hotels, 10 starred and 36 gourmet restaurants in Michelin’s Guide plus 64 restaurants selected by Gault & Millau, Geneva plays host to the most demanding clientele. It is renowned for its excellent services: concierge services, private jet companies, private clinics and schools. On weekends and in the months of July, August, November and December, hotels offer very attractive rates.
A Crossroads for European Culture
Due to its international dimension, Geneva offers exceptional multi-cultural diversity. Steeped in more than 2,000 years of history, the city boasts 40 museums, as well as numerous festivals and international trade fairs. The Geneva Pass allows visitors to take part in more than 50 activities and attractions either for free or at preferential rates.
How to get here
By plane
Genève Aéroport key figures:
- more than 50 European and international airlines- some 142 direct flight destinations
- a 'French sector’ to arrive in or board from France without entering Switzerland
- a railway station with connections to the centre of Geneva, Switzerland and Europe
- more than 80 boutiques and a wide selection of restaurants
- long-stay parking
- two duty-free shops (arrival and departure)
- from the airport, it only takes six minutes to reach the city centre free of charge with tickets available from the ticket machine in the baggage reclaim hall
Genève Aéroport
Information: +41 22 717 71 05
Flight information: 0900 57 15 00
www.gva.ch
By train
Next stop, Geneva!
You are well on track with Geneva and its three railway stations at the core of Europe’s rail network. The Swiss Railway network reaches every corner of Switzerland. And France’s high-speed trains TGV from Paris reach Geneva’s main railway station in just three hours!
Place Cornavin
Phone: 0900 300 300 (CHF 1.19/min)
www.cff.ch
TGV Lyria
www.tgv-lyria.com/en
By bus
Close to the railway station in the heart of the city, you find the coach station whose routes serve some 20 European countries, the Geneva canton and the French ski resorts. From here start the city tours and excursions.
Place Dorcière
Phone (from Switzerland): 0900 320 230 (CHF 1.50/min)
Phone (from abroad): +41 22 732 02 30
www.gare-routiere.ch
By car
All roads lead to Geneva!
Geneva is located at the crossroads of the European motorway network. A perfect city for a perfect city break - or a weekend – on the way from North to South.
The N1 motorway alongside Lake Geneva circles the city and also leads straight into the centre. At the French border in Bardonnex, it joins the A40 towards Lyon and Paris, or Chamonix and Italy.
Distances from Geneva:
Zurich: 279 km
Basel: 237 km
Paris: 541 km
Rome: 880 km
Access to the Swiss motorways requires a motorway tax sticker (40 CHF), available at post offices, at the border or at garages.
Driving speed:
In town : 50 km/hr (some zones 30 km/hr)
outside built-up areas (national roads) : 80 km/hr
motorways : 120 km/hr
The wearing of seat belts both in front and back seats of vehicles is compulsory.
In Geneva, don't miss the boat!
You can’t possibly stay in Geneva without crossing Europe’s largest lake! In Geneva, you can get from one side to the other by water bus, you can go on a cruise to discover hidden gems scattered on the shores and, in the summer, you can become a captain on the rental boat of your dreams.
The Mouettes
The Mouettes Genevoises (Geneva Gulls) are those little yellow water buses that are perfect for crossing from one shore to the other in a few minutes. With the Geneva Transport Card, you can board the boat for free. Departure every ten minutes:
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M1 line: Pâquis-Molard
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M2 line: Pâquis-Quai Gustave Ador
Departure every 30 minutes:
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M3 line: Pâquis-Genève-Plage
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M4 line: Genève-Plage-De-Châteaubriand
Parking options
On free places in the badge zone: 1 hour maximum, with a blue disc (mandatory). Blue discs are available from the Tourist Information Center or the Fondation des Parking. Tip: buy a multi-zone all-public badge that allows you to park in all the macaroon areas of the Canton, for the day or half-day.
On spaces with individual or shared parking meters
Paying car parks, including numerous "Park and Ride" facilities throughout the canton: www.geneve-parking.ch
On paid white places, via time stamps or via your smarthphone with the apps PayByPhone, Parknow, Easypark, PrestoPark and Parkingpay.
In one of the many public or "Park and Ride" car parks spread throughout the canton.
Tip: Many "Park and Ride" are available without subscription or conditions, for CHF 14.00/day (parking + public transport All Geneva) for 2 people.
For detailed information, you can consult the website of the Fondation des Parking: www.geneve-parking.ch or call +41 22 827 44 90.
Geneva on a bicycle
The bike is king in Geneva! Short distances, miles of cycling lanes and bicycles free to use. Two wheels to explore the city and the countryside leisurely. Find all info to rent your bike in Geneva on https://www.geneveroule.ch/en/rent-loan
You can also experience the unique opportunity of riding through the heart of the Geneva countryside on a wonderfully comfortable electric bike and discover its magnificent landscape!
Contact, information and registration:
Geneva Tourist information centre
Rue du Mont-Blanc 18
+41 22 909 70 00
Free public transport
Public transport? It's free for you in Geneva!
When you stay in an accommodation in Geneva, you receive a "Geneva Transport Card" free of charge. Thanks to this card, public transport in Geneva is free for the full duration of your stay.
This personal and non-transferable card allows you to use the Geneva public transport network (UNIRESO: bus (TPG), train (CFF) and boat (Mouettes genevoises) without limits for the entire duration of your stay. You will receive a link by email three days before your arrival to obtain your Geneva Transport Card. You will then be able to use it to reach your accommodation from the airport.
Top 10 Geneva
Fun facts
Ready to learn some interesting stories about our favourite places in Geneva?
From Geneva to the Alps
Geneva, a small city pearl, opens onto the most beautiful mountain ranges in France.
Geneva, watchmaking city
A worldwide symbol of luxury watchmaking, the streets of Geneva reflect this international reputation. The city tells the time in a thousand and one ways and flaunts its many watchmaking symbols and its most prestigious watchmaking brands.
Geneva's Old Town
A journey to the heart of Old Geneva, between medieval heritage and beloved legends.
Meet Geneva locals
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The Geneva story of Anouck Grau
"Geneva is close to my heart. When I was small I used to spend my summer holidays there and my memories are in Geneva."
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Meet Emilie from Les Petits Genevois
"It’s is the city of my childhood, I have so many memories here! What I particularly appreciate are its different facets and contrasts."
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The Geneva story of Chris Black
"Originally from Canada, I’ve been lucky enough to live and work in the heart of Geneva for almost 30 years. About a decade ago I started running more seriously, largely motivated and inspired by a fantastic local running club: Geneva Runners."