The city center and airport of Geneva are joined by rail with more than 200 trains a day. A short 10 minute ride connects you to the “world’s smallest metropolis”.

The Swiss National Railroad system offers hourly links to Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich and to the famous holiday regions of the Cantons of Vaud and Valais. Many international routes pass through Geneva to provide convenient connections across Europe. The heart of Paris is only 3 1/2 hours away from Geneva by the TGV (high velocity train). Reaching a maximum speed of 270 km/h (170 m/h), city-centre to city-centre traveling time compares very favorably with intercity flights.

For the globe trotter who wants to travel and literally "watch Europe go by", what could be more exciting than a train itinerary from Geneva to Paris and from there to London, crossing the Channel by ferry or by the Euro-Tunnel.

Leaving Geneva by train along the lake Leman, will reveal not only the Jura Mountains, Geneva's water fountain the "Jet d'Eau", the symbol of the city, but also part of the Alps with the famous Mont-Blanc. Most of the large hotels and many restaurants are situated on the right-hand shore of the lake. The old town, the heart of Geneva with the shopping and business quarter, holds sway over the left-hand shore. One of the best-maintained streets is the Grand-Rue, where Jean-Jacques Rousseau was born. The «mouettes», a type of water taxi, enable crossings to be made from one lakeshore to the other, while larger vessels invite visitors to enjoy cruises on Lake Geneva.

Free travel with the Geneva Transport Card.
Since January 1st 2007, every visitor receives a free Geneva Transport Card upon check-in to their hotel with validity for the entire duration of their stay (including the full departure day). The card is personal and non-transferable, enabling visitors to make unlimited use of the entire public-transportation network, covering trams and buses, CFF Swiss Federal rail’s local trains, as well as yellow taxi boats operated by the Société des Mouettes Genevoises. More info

Find out more about historic trains from the Swiss Federal Railway Heritage Foundation.