Flights to Geneva

Arriving at Geneva Airport

Before leaving the baggage hall, take a free public transport ticket from the machine, valid for 80 minutes on trains, trams and buses into town. Hotels in the city also give guests a transport card for their stay. Skiers heading to the French or Swiss Alps can choose from shared shuttles, private transfers and trains, with Chamonix about an hour and a quarter away by road.

Lake, Old Town and international Geneva

The Jet d'Eau shoots water around 140 metres above the lake, and the promenades along both shores lead to beaches, parks and the Bains des Pâquis, a popular lakeside bathing spot. Uphill, the Old Town is crowned by St Pierre Cathedral, whose towers give views over the rooftops. The Reformation Wall in the Parc des Bastions honours Calvin and other reformers. Tours of the Palais des Nations show the UN's European headquarters, and the Red Cross museum is opposite.

Trips around the lake

Belle Époque paddle steamers sail to lakeside towns such as Nyon, Lausanne and Montreux, where the Château de Chillon stands on a rock in the water. CERN, the particle physics laboratory, runs a free visitor centre on the edge of the city. In winter, resorts in Switzerland and France are within easy reach for day or week-long ski trips.

Choosing when to go

Summer is warm and lively by the lake, with the Fêtes de Genève fireworks in August. Winter weekends are busy with skiers passing through the airport, so allow extra time at check-in. Spring and autumn suit city sightseeing, and December brings Christmas markets and the Escalade festival in the Old Town.

Booking flights for a ski group? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll help with ski bags and timings.