Free transport at GVA — what actually exists.
Geneva Airport used to dispense a free 80-minute Unireso ticket in baggage reclaim. According to Genève Aéroport’s FAQ, that ticket was discontinued on 1 January 2022. Here is what exists instead — and how to get into town for free if you qualify.
The Geneva Transport Card
Genève Aéroport states that if you are staying in a hotel, youth hostel or campsite in Geneva, you can get a Geneva Transport Card. It lets you use public transport in zone 10 free of charge — including the airport-to-Genève-Cornavin leg. Ask your accommodation or Genève Tourisme for it; it is issued by them, not at the airport.
tpgAérobus, the early-morning shuttle
The tpgAérobus is free on presentation of your air ticket, for arrival at the airport between 03:30 and 06:00. Six lines, A1 to A6, run from Geneva and neighbouring France. It exists to get you to the airport before the normal network starts — not to get you away from it.
Where to buy a ticket
Tickets are sold at the machines by the stops (Swiss francs, euros, credit cards), in the SBB station, and through the tpg and unireso apps. There is an information desk in the Arrivals hall, opposite the customs exit. The bus stops are on the Check-in level, in front of or next to the SBB station.
Twelve tpg lines, and the train
Genève Aéroport says twelve tpg lines serve the airport directly, every 8 to 15 minutes at peak times on urban routes and every 20 to 30 minutes on regional ones. The SBB station sits under the terminal; Genève-Cornavin is a few minutes away.
Free transport at Geneva Airport — FAQ
Is there still a free 80-minute ticket at Geneva Airport?
No. According to Genève Aéroport’s FAQ, the free Unireso ticket for arriving passengers was discontinued on 1 January 2022. Two free options remain: the Geneva Transport Card for anyone staying in a Geneva hotel, hostel or campsite, and the tpgAérobus for early-morning departures. Otherwise, a zone 10 ticket costs CHF 3.00 and is valid for 60 minutes.
How do I get the Geneva Transport Card?
Through your accommodation. Genève Aéroport directs travellers to their hotel, hostel or campsite, or to Genève Tourisme. The card covers zone 10 public transport, including the trip between the airport and Genève-Cornavin.
Is the tpgAérobus really free?
Yes, on presentation of an air ticket, and only for arrival at the airport between 03:30 and 06:00. It runs on six lines, A1 to A6, from Geneva and neighbouring France.
Where do I buy a ticket if I do not qualify for either?
At the machines by the stops, which take Swiss francs, euros and credit cards; in the SBB station; or through the tpg or unireso apps. An information desk in the Arrivals hall, opposite the customs exit, can help.
Checked against Genève Aéroport’s public-transport page and FAQ, and the unireso fare leaflet, on 18 October 2026. This is an independent guide; always confirm on gva.ch before you travel.