Can I tap with a foreign bank card?

Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.

Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.

GVASwitzerlandTPL: fare-hacker-playbook

Geneva Airport

Geneva, Switzerland

Drop-off

Gare Cornavin (Geneva city centre)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Geneva Airport – Genève-Cornavin SBB trains

rail · 12-20m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Geneva Airport – Genève-Cornavin SBB trains
Headway: 12-20
Backup: TPG bus line 5 · 8-15m

Note

Mainline SBB trains run between Geneva Airport station (under the terminal) and Genève-Cornavin central station in about 6–7 minutes, typically every 12–20 minutes from early morning until around 00:50. All airport trains stop at Cornavin, where you can connect to trams and buses across Geneva.

Budget focus

Geneva: Fare Hacker Playbook

Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likegeneva airport busandgva to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Cheapest viable route

Brief

Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.

Service: TPG bus line 5
Mode: bus
Freq: 8-15m
Note: Urban bus 5 runs from Genève Aéroport to Gare Cornavin and then through central stops including Bel-Air and Musée before continuing to Thônex-Vallard. Buses typically run every 8–15 minutes at peak times and take around 15–25 minutes to reach Cornavin/Bel-Air depending on traffic.

Passes and bundles

Brief

Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.

When to splurge

Brief

Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.

Service: Geneva Airport – Genève-Cornavin SBB trains
Mode: rail
Freq: 12-20m
Note: Mainline SBB trains run between Geneva Airport station (under the terminal) and Genève-Cornavin central station in about 6–7 minutes, typically every 12–20 minutes from early morning until around 00:50. All airport trains stop at Cornavin, where you can connect to trams and buses across Geneva.

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FAQs

01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?: Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?: Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.