When is the best time to visit Geneva?
Unlike a lot of European destinations, flying to Geneva is equally popular with visitors all year round. Whilst the time for a city break is usually around late spring to early summer, tourists also flock to the area in the winter, to take some well-deserved ski getaways and make the most of the festive season. With such a range of activities to do in and around Geneva, the time of year that you visit will have a great impact on your experience of the city and its surrounding areas. It’s therefore down to personal preference as to which time is the best.
Geneva has an average rainfall of 2-3in (5-8cm) all year round. However, whilst winter temperatures are cool – dropping below minus degrees Celsius - they are much, much milder in the summer months. Dare we even say it: sunny. The city of Geneva is beautiful when the sun shines, with warm temperatures and its famous lake inviting visitors and locals alike in to take part in water sports. This is the busiest time for tourists – noticeably so – but many would argue that is for good reason. July and August is when the weather is best, so if it’s a sunny city break you’re after, use our Flight Finder to find the best deals within these dates!
However, classic Alps ski is to be found in the winter months. December through to April are the best and most popular months. Flying to Geneva provides you with easy, efficient access to famous resorts such as Zermatt, Courchevel, Verbier, Tignes, Les Gets and Morzine. Whilst you’re less likely to experience the true Swiss city life, it’s still a very popular reason to fly to Geneva.
When is the cheapest time of year to fly to Geneva?
Unfortunately for the price-conscious, Geneva is an expensive city to visit. The cost of food, drinks, travel and entry to attractions is simply much higher than the average, which makes it difficult for budget travellers to experience to city at its best. There are, however, ways in which tourists can save money.
Due to its year-round appeal, Geneva doesn’t have flight price peaks over the summer months to the same extent as many other European destinations. Instead, its prices tend to rise and fall in line with school holidays and half-term breaks. The cheapest time to fly is therefore any time outside of these periods: avoid the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays in particular if you’re looking for a cheaper visit. Use our Flight Finder for the best deals.
The price of accommodation will vary greatly depending on the time of year and type of destination. Prices rise and fall in line with demand, so, perhaps predictably, city centre visits will be cheaper in the winter, whilst ski resorts are cheaper outside of their winter peak seasons. Many ski resorts close in the summer, but arriving off-peak (spring/autumn) will be significantly cheaper.
Are there any direct flights from the UK to Geneva?
Yes! In fact, direct flights are often cheaper than indirect ones!
Use our Flight Finder to search and book, or read on to see which airlines offer direct flights.
Direct flights, as mentioned above, are plentiful on routes from the UK to Geneva. A plethora of airlines fly between the two every day –14, in fact - so look out for deals with the following:
Additionally, these airlines fly between the UK and Geneva indirectly:
Are there any low cost airlines that fly to Geneva?
Plenty. Out of the carriers listed above, the following are specifically low cost:
As always, remember to try a range of airlines to find the best price. Often the best value won’t be found amongst the ranks of budget airlines. Use our Flight Finder to find the best deals for your dates.
What’s the best airline to fly to Geneva from the UK?
On such a quick route, the majority would look primarily for the cheapest flight possible. The low cost airlines listed above therefore come highly recommended, as do the other airlines which offer low fares despite not being specifically ‘budget’.
With such regular flights and bargain prices, EasyJet might be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. Whilst their fares are no-frills, frills are rarely necessary on a flight only 90 minutes long! Check our Flight Finder to find cheap tickets to Geneva with any of our airlines, however, as great deals can be found across the board.
How long is the flight from the UK to Geneva?
The wonderful thing about flying within Europe is the miniscule flight duration; you can find yourself in a whole new country faster than you can some areas of the UK.
Geneva is a mere 95 minutes from London, or just under 2 hours from Manchester.
Efficient airport service and no visa requirement for European arrivals means that with careful planning, you can be at home for breakfast and overlooking the Jet d’eau in time for lunch.
How much is a flight from the UK to Geneva?
With some of Europe’s best-known budget airlines flying between the UK and Geneva daily, flights can be found for very affordable prices. EasyJet fly regularly, with single journeys in Economy starting from around £30.
Flights from London tend to be cheaper than from the regional airports, and vary according to time of year – an average price is therefore hard to predict. However, expect to pay no more than £150 for a return economy flight from any major UK airport. Do remember to book in advance and use our Flight Finder to avoid hefty travel costs!
How far is the airport from the city centre?
The city’s main airport, Geneve-Cointrin, is a mere 4km (2.5 miles) from Geneva city centre. With only one terminal, it is relatively small compared to other European airports and relatively easy to navigate, although it is split into Swiss- and French-speaking halves. Finding your way to departure points is well sign-posted from either half, or alternatively, ask at one of the many information desks throughout the airport.
What’s the best way to reach Geneva’s city centre from the airport?
As should be expected from one of Switzerland’s main business centres, Geneve-Cointrin (or Geneva International Airport) offers fast and reliable public transport options directly to various areas of the city. Using public transport between the city and airport is free for all visitors of Geneva – simply pick up a ticket from the machine in the baggage collection hall. Each ticket is valid for 80 minutes, but allows unlimited free travel within that time. For use of public transport during the rest of your Geneva visit, tickets can be purchased from the machines located at bus stops or railway station. They vary in price, but can be bought using either CHF or Euros.
Trains run every 12 minutes during rush hours, shuttling quickly between the airport’s own station and the city’s main station, Geneva-Cornavin. The journey takes only 6 minutes from departure to arrival and takes you right to the centre of the city. Access the airport railway station directly from the airport; it links to both the Check-In area and Arrivals.
Alternatively, buses are available, running every 8-15 minutes to various areas of the city; the number 10 takes passengers to the city centre. For an up-to-date list of routes, including which number bus reaches each part of the city, see this page of Geneva International’s website.
For night time public transport use, try the Noctambus service – providing easy transport around the city if you arrive after-hours.
Or, if you want to relax in more private surroundings, taxis are readily available – either catch one from one of the 50+ authorised ranks, order in advance via telephone, or hail one in the street. Fares between the airport and city cost around CHF 30-35 (£20-23) and run on a meter.
Finally, a number of hotels offer free shuttle buses direct from the airport to their own front doors. Others offer free shuttle transfers on demand; check with your hotel when booking.
Where can I get even more information on travel to Geneva?
See our Geneva destination page for more details on the city, its visa requirements and local laws, and our flight and travel guide for a range of before-you-leave advice.
We also have a guide for Geneve-Cointrin airport.
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