Geneva Airport Terminals

Geneva Airport is Switzerland’s second-busiest airport and a major gateway for international organizations, business travelers, and winter tourism in the Alps. The airport is relatively compact and easy to navigate compared with many European hubs, which allows passengers to move quickly between check-in, security, and boarding areas.

The airport operates two passenger terminals, with Terminal 1 (T1) handling the vast majority of flights and Terminal 2 (T2) used mainly for seasonal charter traffic related to the winter ski season. 

History and Origins of the Terminals

Geneva Airport’s origins date back to the early aviation era, but its modern terminal infrastructure developed in the post-war period. Terminal 2, originally built in 1946, was the airport’s first main passenger terminal. As passenger traffic increased during the 1950s and 1960s, the airport required a larger and more modern facility. 

The current Terminal 1 opened in 1968, becoming the airport’s main operational terminal and undergoing several expansions over the decades to accommodate growing traffic and security requirements. 

More recently, Geneva Airport inaugurated the East Wing (Aile Est) in 2021, a modern pier designed for long-haul and non-Schengen flights, improving passenger comfort and sustainability standards. 

Terminal 1 – Main Passenger Terminal

Terminal 1 is the airport’s central hub and serves almost all scheduled flights, including both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. The terminal is divided into several piers: A, B, C, D and F, each serving different flight zones. 

Main Areas and Levels

1. Arrivals Level

• Baggage claim
• Customs control
• Airport train station access
• Tourist information and transport desks
• Shops, cafés, and meeting points

2. Check-in / Departures Level

• Airline check-in counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Security screening
• Duty Free and shopping area
• Food court and restaurants

3. Airside Gate Areas

• Boarding gates across different piers
• Lounges and relaxation zones
• Restaurants, cafés, and retail shops

The terminal also includes the “French Sector,” allowing passengers traveling to certain French destinations to access customs procedures without entering Switzerland.

Terminal 2 – Seasonal Charter Terminal

Terminal 2 is a smaller terminal used primarily during winter for charter and ski-related flights arriving in the Alpine region. 

Key characteristics:

• Simple check-in facilities
• Security control
• Limited services
• Bus transfer to boarding gates in Terminal 1

Facilities here are basic, typically including one restaurant and minimal retail options, as most services are located in Terminal 1. 

Shops and Retail Areas

Geneva Airport offers a good selection of stores concentrated mainly in Terminal 1.

Shopping Categories

Passengers will find shops selling:

• Duty Free products
• Swiss chocolates and gourmet food
• Watches and jewellery
• Fashion and accessories
• Cosmetics and beauty products
• Books, electronics, and travel essentials
• Souvenirs and gifts 

Duty Free

The Duty Free area is located after security and offers international brands, perfumes, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods. Many travelers also buy Swiss chocolates and watches, which are popular souvenirs.

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Geneva Airport has around 14 restaurants and about 20 fast-food outlets spread across the terminal.

Most food outlets operate roughly from 5:00–6:00 AM until around 10:00 PM, depending on flight schedules. 

Popular Options

Montreux Jazz Café

• Location: Arrivals hall (Terminal 1)
• Menu: Swiss cuisine, burgers, drinks
• Atmosphere inspired by the famous music festival. 

McDonald’s (Food Court)

• Location: Departures level
• Hours: approx. 05:00–22:00
• Menu: Fast food classics. 

Brezelkönig

• Location: Arrivals area
• Menu: Pretzels, snacks, sandwiches
• Hours: approx. 07:00–23:00. 

Heineken Bar

• Location: Airside departure area
• Menu: Drinks, bar food, live sports screens. 

Airport Facilities and Services

Connectivity and Passenger Services

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• ATMs and currency exchange
• Baggage lockers and luggage storage
• Showers and lounges
• Charging stations 

Family Facilities

• Baby-changing rooms
• Family rest areas
• Play areas for children

Reduced Mobility (PRM)

Passengers with reduced mobility can request PRM assistance services, which include help with check-in, security, and boarding.

Security and Baggage Control

Security screening is located after check-in in Terminal 1. Passengers must pass through:

1. Identity control

2. Security screening (liquids and electronics rules apply)

3. Duty Free and departure area

For busy travel periods, the airport offers fast-track security lanes.

Check-in and Boarding

Check-in options include:

• Traditional airline counters
• Self-service kiosks
• Online and mobile check-in

Most airlines recommend arriving 2 hours before European flights and 3 hours before long-haul departures.

Boarding gates are clearly displayed on flight information screens throughout the terminal.

Lost and Found

Lost property at Geneva Airport is managed by the airport’s Lost & Found service located in the arrivals area. Items found in the terminal, security zones, or aircraft cabins are registered and can be claimed after verification.

Most Popular Flights from Geneva Airport

Destination	Approx. Flight Time	Airlines Operating
London (Heathrow / Gatwick)	1h 40m – 1h 50m	easyJet, SWISS, British Airways
Zurich	50 min	SWISS
Rome	1h 30m	SWISS, easyJet
Lisbon	2h 30m	easyJet, TAP Air Portugal
Porto	2h 10m	easyJet
Nice	1h	easyJet
New York (JFK)	~8h 45m	SWISS
Athens	2h 40m	SWISS, easyJet

Location Map

Walking Tour

TRANSFER BETWEEN TERMINALS

Passengers can move walking between the two terminals, there are only 300 metres from each other.