Geneva Airport (GVA) and the lake
Geneva Airport lies right next to the city, at the western end of Lake Geneva. From there the lake stretches along the Swiss shore through Lausanne and Vevey to Montreux, and the French shore faces it with Évian and Yvoire. Almost every trip on this site starts with the same question: how do you get from the airport to the water?
The short answer is the train. The airport has its own station with a direct connection to the centre of Geneva, and from the main station you can continue along the lake. If you arrive with a lot of luggage or late at night, a pre-booked transfer is the calm alternative. Drivers and travellers coming from France have their own routes, covered further down.
By train from the airport
The airport station sends trains straight to the centre of Geneva in 7 minutes, and at busy times up to 7 trains an hour. A Geneva Transport Card covers the ride from the airport to Cornavin station in zone 10. Your accommodation can send the digital link up to 3 days before you arrive, so the card also works for the airport ride. See the where to stay page for how the card is issued.
Without the card, a Unireso ticket for zone 10 costs CHF 3 in 2nd class and is valid for 60 minutes. That is a city ticket for Geneva and its surroundings. Do not treat it as a rail fare to Lausanne or Montreux, which is priced differently. The airport ride is not free for everyone who lands, so check whether your stay qualifies for the card.
A tour with hotel pickup in Zurich
If you arrive in Zurich, this day tour collects you at your hotel and heads to Lavaux, Lake Geneva and Montreux.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Geneva tours and day trips
Day trips that start from Geneva or Zurich and show the lake, with live prices and availability.
Taxi and transfer from Geneva Airport (GVA)
If you prefer to skip the train, a pre-booked transfer takes you from the airport to your hotel on the lake. You book it before you travel, so you do not have to work out tickets or platforms with your luggage. That suits families, late arrivals and anyone going straight to an address on the lake shore. Agree the pick-up point and your flight details when you book, and check what the booking includes for luggage and extra stops.
Reserve your transfer from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Montreux in advance on Kiwitaxi.
Geneva to Montreux by train
The fast regional line IR90 leaves Geneva towards Lausanne, Montreux and Brig. It follows the Swiss shore of the lake, so it is the natural way to reach Lausanne, Vevey, Montreux and the stop for Chillon. The journey time and the fare depend on the connection, the date and any discount you hold, so look up your own connection in the timetable before you go. Once you are in Montreux, the Montreux page and the Chillon Castle page show what is close to the station.
Driving, vignette and parking
Swiss motorways need a vignette. It costs CHF 40 and the one for 2026 is valid from 1 December 2025 until 31 January 2027. Parking rules differ from place to place, so check each destination. Three examples: Chillon has street parking that is free for a limited time, Maison Cailler has a free visitor car park, and Chaplin's World charges CHF 5 per day with an entrance ticket. Parking near the water in summer fills up, so train and boat are often easier. To plan the boat section, see Lake Geneva boat tours.
Swiss Travel Pass on trains and boats
The Swiss Travel Pass is valid on the lake steamers of CGN, except on special events, and the Half Fare Card is accepted too. Compare it with the cost of the tickets you will really use, because on a short stay the single tickets and day card can be enough. For longer routes across the country, our Swiss Alps guide explains how the pass works on mountain lines.
Arriving from France
From Chamonix, daily buses connect the airport at Geneva with the valley. The operator does not guarantee a travel time, because traffic and snow can change it. From Annecy, public bus line 272 runs between Annecy and Geneva. Check the current timetable before you travel, and see the tours page if you want a guided day trip instead. For the town itself, the Annecy guide to the trip from Geneva shows the route from the other side.
Arriving from Zurich
If you come from Zurich, one private tour starts with a pick-up at your hotel in Zurich and visits Lavaux, the lake and Montreux on the way. It includes a wine tasting and entrance to Maison Cailler and to Maison du Gruyère, while lunch is extra. Treat it as an alternative for guests from Zurich and not as a replacement for the airport transfer.
Getting to Lake Geneva: frequently asked questions
How far is the train from Geneva Airport to the city?
The direct train to the centre of Geneva takes 7 minutes, with up to 7 trains an hour at peak times.
Is the train from the airport free?
It is covered by the Geneva Transport Card if your accommodation qualifies. Otherwise a Unireso ticket for zone 10 costs CHF 3 in 2nd class.
Which train goes from Geneva to Montreux?
The IR90 towards Lausanne, Montreux and Brig. Check your connection for the time and price.
Do I need a vignette to drive in Switzerland?
Yes, for motorways. It costs CHF 40 and the 2026 vignette is valid from 1 December 2025 until 31 January 2027.
Does the Swiss Travel Pass work on the lake boats?
Yes, on CGN cruises except on events. A purchase online does not guarantee a seat.