When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Geneva?
The best time to visit Geneva is the summer when the weather is at its best. The Lake Parade in July and the Fêtes de Genève in August are two popular festivals that fill the city with visitors each year. Geneva flights are more expensive around these celebrations, so book your trip in advance if you want to take part in the festivities. Flights to Geneva spike again between December and February, mainly for Christmas and snow sports. Prices are at their lowest starting in March and going through mid-June.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Geneva?
You can grab last-minute flights throughout the year with Netflights, but to enjoy the biggest selection of routes and rates, start looking for flights to Geneva at least two months before departure. Avoid travelling on Fridays and be flexible with your departure airport for the biggest savings. Indirect flights can often be cheaper than direct flights. If you’re travelling during the winter, be prepared to hit sub-zero temperatures as soon as you step off your Geneva flight.
Flying to Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva Airport (GVA) is still unofficially known as Cointrin Airport. Located just 2.5 miles (four kilometres) north-west of the city centre, the airport touches the Swiss-French border at its northern limit and can be accessed from the two countries independently. You can find direct flights from SWISS (check-in at London-City, London-Heathrow and London-Gatwick). Indirect return flights are available from Air France, Austrian Airlines, Eurowings, KLM, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines and SN Brussels Airlines. These return flights will include at least one stopover in the airline’s home country. Choosing indirect flights enables travellers to check-in at airports around the United Kingdom, including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds-Bradford and more.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Geneva Airport (GVA) has two passenger terminals. Terminal 1, also known as Main Terminal (M), is newer, larger and handles most flights. Terminal 2 is now only used for additional flights during winter. Terminal 1 is divided into 5 areas: A, B, C, D and F. A to D are located on the Swiss side of the airport. Passengers using these gates check-in at the main hall before heading through the central security check. There are a wide range of standard airport facilities available in both the arrivals and departures lounge.
Getting to the City from Geneva Airport (GVA)
Geneva Airport is well connected to the city centre. You can get a free ticket for public transport, valid for 80 minutes within Geneva, from machines in the baggage collection area of the arrivals lounge. The train takes just six minutes (or 12 during rush hour) to get from the airport to the central Geneva-Cornavin station. Urban buses run every 8-15 minutes, departing from the train station. There are also free shuttle buses that connect the airport to some of the city’s main hotels as well as private taxis and car hire companies.
Why visit Geneva?
Some of the world’s most powerful institutions, illustrious chocolate makers, big-time banks and flashy watch shops have their home base in Geneva. It’s a great spot for it. The city hugs the biggest Alpine lake in Europe and has a maze of boutiques and luxury hotels, fine-dining establishments and hipster cafes. Smart and sassy, Geneva’s artistic counterculture is alive and kicking too. The neighbourhood bars of Les Grottes the Quartier des Pâquis buzz with creativity.
The banks of Lake Geneva are a beautiful playground. Cycle past the Jet d’Eau, stroll alongside clinking yachts or take a boat ride on the picturesque waters. Explore the gabled houses, grand avenues and narrow streets of Old Town. Don’t miss the 'The Archives of Human Diversity’ museum, which won the title ‘European Museum of the Year’ in 2017. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, cultural family trip or city break with shopping and dining as top priorities, start looking for cheap flights to Geneva today.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
Though you’ll find plenty of ATMs and currency exchange desks in Geneva Airport (GVA), it’s a good idea to have Swiss Francs with you upon arrival. British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to any country in the EU – you can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. You just need to make sure that your passport has at least six months validity left, on the day you travel.
