Travelling around Geneva

 Train

Geneva is connected to a great railway network, providing rapid access to the rest of Switzerland and Europe. It is only 3h away from Paris or 3h50 from Milan. Cornavin station is the central station and is located in the heart of the city centre. From the airport to Cornavin takes only 6 minutes. To find out more please visit CFF. From here you can take buses, trams and taxis to anywhere in the city.

Buses & Trams

The tpg is the bus and tram service in Geneva with prices ranging from 3 to 10CHF, however a tpg pass is provided when booking a hotel for the duration of the stay. There is a vast network which has links to almost anywhere in the city.

Car

Thanks to the highly efficient road network through Switzerland and Europe, Geneva is easily accessible by car.  There are various parkings available in the city. Parking is available at the venue (CICG) for CHF 10/day instead of CHF 25. To benefit from this discount, please select the parking option during registration online. A vignette is required when on the highway and can be bought at any petrol station (or online www.e-vignette.ch) for CHF 40.

Plane

Geneva Airport is connected to 140 destinations all over the world. It is one of EasyJet’s main hubs with more than 70 destinations to/from Geneva. Amongst the European main cities, Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Madrid and Lisbon have all direct flights to Geneva. Geneva Airport is next to the city, with a short train ride to Cornavin or various bus routes to anywhere!

More info

Visa
A visa is needed if travelling from outside the Schengen area. For more information please click here.
Currency
The currency in Switzerland is Swiss Franc (CHF) however various establishments take Euro notes but not coins. The exchange rate is usually 1:1, this is something to be mindful of. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATMs available 24/7 across the city. Banks are generally open from 9:00 to 17:00 with some closing for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00.
Language
In Switzerland there are 4 main languages, French, German, Italian and Romansh, in Geneva however French is the most widely used language. Due to its international character, other languages such as English, German, Spanish and Italian are often spoken in Geneva.
Adapter
Switzerland uses a 3-prong outlet system which is smaller than most continental plugs so an adapter may be required. A plug type J of 220 volts is needed, these can be found in local shops throughout the city.
Weather
In September the weather can be quiet variable ranging from 10°C at night to 20°C during the day. There can be a mix of sun and rain so layers and a rain coat are advisable.
Average prices
A lunch menu can be around CHF 25 to 30 per person. A "plat du jour" can be slightly cheaper. Alternatively, there are bakeries which sell sandwiches and quiches for between CHF 6 to 15. For dinner, for a main dish 'a la carte' the price range is between CHF 20 to 50. There are other options such as take-aways and snack bars. Prices include service charges and taxes. A tip is justified for good service. There are some great bars and clubs in Geneva with ticket prices ranging from CHF 10 to 30 and drinks ranging from CHF 6 to 20.
Time zone
Geneva operates on GMT+1. Lunchtime is between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner is usually served between 19:00 till 21:00.
Shopping
During the week shops and supermarkets are open till 19:00. On Saturdays the majority close at 18:00 and on Sundays they are fully closed. Only supermarkets at Cornavin and the airport stay open Monday to Sunday till 22:00 and most convenience stores at gas stations.