Flights from Edinburgh to Geneva

Geneva: Peace Capital where the Rhône leaves Lake Geneva

Geneva has numerous Swiss Heritage sites including the entire old city. Art galleries and museums abound, including the United Nations Headquarters and the International Red Cross Museum.

Best time for visiting Geneva

The best period for visiting for the best weather is between May and October, although winters in Geneva are relatively mild for Switzerland. The Marathon takes place at the beginning of May. In June there’s the Bol d'Or Regatta. The Fêtes de Genève summer festival is celebrated in August on Lake Geneva, with a grand firework display. Around 12th December the Escalade commemorates the city's defeat over the Duke of Savoy in 1602 with horse parades and processions.

Tips before travelling to Geneva

It’s a good idea to hire a car for exploring the mountains. As Geneva is in the French speaking part of Switzerland and very close to France, day trips to France are also easy. A local speciality is a type of raw sausage called Longeole. Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Restaurant meals will cost from about 20CHF upwards while a beer is about 7.50CHF.

Geneva local information

You can get a free public transport ticket from the Aéroport International de Genève to central Geneva. It’s valid for 80 minutes, must be purchased with your boarding pass and is available from a machine near baggage reclaim. The fastest public transport method with an approximately 7 minute journey is the train to the Gare Cornavin, the main station. Without the free ticket the fare is about 3CHF. Line 5 Bus or Line 10 Trolley Bus take about 30 minutes, also costing about 3CHF, without the free ticket. Taxis cost around 35-45CHF. Some hotels run a free Shuttle-Bus.

Hostel accommodation starts at around 25CHF per person per night, while 3 Star hotels near the station might cost around 135CHF upwards per night.

Trams, buses and trolley buses make up the public transport for getting around in Geneva. Youth hostel, hotel and campsite guests receive a Geneva Transport Card providing free public transport. The fares for other passengers are approximately: 3CHF single fare, 2CHF short journey, 8-10CHF day pass, 38CHF weekly pass. Taxi fares are quite high and it’s not really necessary to use taxis. Cycling is easy except in the old town centre where it’s hilly. Genèveroule provides free bike hire during the summer.