Geneva Airport, originally Cointrin Airport, is in Switzerland and is a sleek and well designed airport just 4km from the city of Geneva (spelt Genève in French). 

Servicing over 15 million people a year, with a wide range of airlines (mainly through terminal 1), flights cover most of Europe and there are a selection of long-haul destinations. 

Geneva airport has the longest runway in Switzerland allowing any size plane to take off or land. 

In the winter months, when passengers are travelling to the many local ski resorts in France and Switzerland terminal 2 is often used for charter flights. Terminal 2 is small and has just one restaurant, so our tip is to take something to eat with you.

Terminal 1 - Geneva airport departures

In terminal 1, once you have checked in your luggage, security control is on the floor above. In this public area you will find a small collection of shops and restaurants such as a McDonalds, a Starbucks, Il Forno (who provides a very good pizza), a bar, a tea room, Thai food and a fresh kebab counter. 

Security is quick and efficient with multiple terminals flowing continuously, but what else would you expect from a Swiss airport?

Once you are through the whole experience is easy. Passengers are not deliberately directed through a duty free shop once through security, like many airports. 

There is a small selection of high end brands and watch shops, with Swiss chocolate and souvenir shops sprinkled between. 

Note that if you have children you can't buy specific kids or baby food easily as there is no pharmacy so take what you need with you. If you are happy for them to eat chocolate and cheese there is more than enough to choose from.

A selection of restaurants are available, as shown below, and a large seating area. 

Geneva's departure area is separated into different 'hubs'. Each departure lounge manages 4 flights at a time, making the whole departure process quick and efficient. 

There is a passport control at each hub so you wont wait in any long queues.

Terminal 1 - Geneva airport arrivals

When your flight arrives at Geneva airport you are dropped off at the corresponding hub so there are no long passport control queues. You are likely to be through to baggage collection in under 15 minutes.

Ski and snowboard equipment will arrive on a separate belt at the rear of the baggage room, where larger equipment is delivered. 

There is a duty free shop before you go through customs, so if you've forgotten to buy your duty free this is your last chance at Geneva airport arrivals. Go through into the main arrivals lounge to meet your Whiterides driver. 

Once through, you will find a selection of shops, cafés and restaurants for use before getting into your minibus and setting off to your ski resort. If you have a long time to wait here, we recommend the Montreux Jazz café.

There are 4 primary airports that our clients have been flying too over the past 10 years. After taking the time to talk with them about their trip and also traveling from all of the alpine airports we have put together detailed pages about the reaming 3 airports:

• Lyon Airport - France
• Grenoble Airport - France
• Chambery Airport - France

You will find free WiFi throughout the airport and it is pretty good. You do need a phone number to accept a code though. 

A good quick coffee is available from a little stand in arrivals outside the shop, priced at only 2 euros this is by far the best coffee in the airport.

The GVA app, developed last year, is an excellent companion for your smart phone (IO's or android) and it provides up to date information on flights, the airport and parking. This in English, French and German.

Download GVA App from itunes

Download GVA App from google play

Meeting your Whiterides Driver

Your Whiterides driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign board with your name on it. It is then just a short walk to the minibus in the car park. 

On the route back Whiterides drop you right at the departures door, making your travelling as seamless and efficient as possible. Geneva Airport is an easy airport to navigate and we highly recommend it for your ski trip.

If you are flying to Geneva and need more information take a closer look at Geneva Airport FAQs.