GVA — Geneva — Taxi Fare Guide
Official taxis line up at the marked rank directly outside the arrivals hall of Geneva Airport (GVA). Only licensed Geneva taxis may use this rank, and they are metered — Switzerland does not use airport flat fares here, so the final price depends on distance, time and traffic.
The standard meter starts around CHF 6.30 and adds roughly CHF 3.20 per kilometre during the day, rising to about CHF 3.80 per km at night, on Sundays and public holidays. Because the city centre is only about 4–5 km away, the meter and short distance combine to give a typical fare of CHF 35–45, with night and holiday trips at the upper end or slightly above. Extra passengers and luggage can add small surcharges.
The ride to central Geneva (Cornavin station, the lake, the old town) usually takes just 10–15 minutes outside rush hour. Cards are widely accepted; confirm the meter is switched on and reset when you set off, and ask for a receipt.
Uber operates in Geneva and is often a little cheaper than a rank taxi off-peak, though surge pricing applies at busy times. Note that Geneva Airport also offers a famous free public-transport ticket from a machine in the baggage hall, giving a cheap train or bus alternative into town.
| Destination | Approx. fare | Time |
| Geneva city centre / Cornavin | CHF 35–45 | 10–15 min |
| City centre at night / Sunday | CHF 45–55 | 10–15 min |
| Palais des Nations (UN) | CHF 25–35 | 8–12 min |
| Lausanne (approx.) | CHF 180–220 | 45–60 min |
| Practical tips: Taxis are metered not fixed, so check the meter is running and reset at the start. Grab the free arrivals-hall transport ticket if you want a budget train/bus into the city, and expect higher rates at night and on Sundays. |
Other ways to the city
Geneva has one of the easiest airport-to-city links in Europe, and part of it is free. Before leaving the baggage hall, take a free 80-minute public transport ticket from the machine near the exit — it covers the train, trams and buses into the city and is valid for all Unireso zone 10 services.
- Train: Geneva Airport station sits directly under the terminal. Trains run every 10-15 minutes to Genève-Cornavin (the main station) in about 6 minutes. A single ticket is roughly CHF 3, or free with the airport voucher. Direct trains also continue to Lausanne, Montreux and Bern.
- Bus and tram: Bus 10 runs to Rive via the city centre, bus 5 serves Vernier and the Jardin Anglais area, and bus 23 and 28 link the airport with Meyrin, CERN and the Palexpo area. Fares are around CHF 3 for a 60-minute ticket.
- Cross-border coaches: Regular coaches leave from the bus deck for Annecy, Chamonix, Annemasse and the French Alps, generally €15-40 depending on distance.
- Ski shuttles: Shared seasonal shuttles to the major French and Swiss resorts depart from the arrivals level, usually CHF 40-90 per person one way.
- Hotel transport: Most Geneva hotels give guests a Geneva Transport Card at check-in, giving free unlimited public transport for the length of the stay.
The train is quickest for the centre; a taxi or private transfer still makes sense for early flights, heavy luggage or destinations outside the Unireso network.
Fares are researched from official and public sources and are approximate — always confirm the meter or fixed fare before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a taxi from Geneva Airport to the city centre cost?
Where do I find taxis at Geneva Airport?
Can I take a taxi from Geneva Airport directly to the ski resorts?
Do Geneva Airport taxis accept credit cards, and should I tip?
Traveling via another city?
Check taxi fare guides for other airports before you fly.
See more airport guides