Geneva Airport opening hours — and the nightly closure
Terminal 1 closes every night from 00:00 to 04:00, and flights, check-in desks, shops and transport each run on their own timetable. Here is exactly what is open, and when, at Geneva Airport (GVA).
Is Geneva Airport open all night?
No. Genève Aéroport closes Terminal 1 every night from 00:00 to 04:00 for security reasons, and staying inside during that time is not permitted.
Genève Aéroport states that Terminal 1 closes each night from 00:00 to 04:00 for security reasons, that staying inside the terminal during that period is not permitted, and that access to the France Sector via the customs road is also closed (roughly 00:30 to 04:00). If you land late or leave very early, the airport advises arranging accommodation nearby. Geneva is also not a 24-hour operational airport: a night curfew bans scheduled departures between 00:00 and 06:00, and late arrivals are only tolerated until around 00:30. Between roughly midnight and 05:00 the terminal is quiet, most shops and food outlets are shut, and only a handful of services stay open. If you need to spend the night, see our dedicated sleeping at Geneva Airport guide.
Geneva Airport hours by service
Indicative times — individual outlets vary. Always allow margin for an early flight.
| Service | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Closed every night 00:00–04:00 · staying inside is not permitted |
| Scheduled flights | First departures ~06:00 · last arrivals ~00:30 · curfew 00:00–06:00 |
| Check-in desks | Open ~2–3 h before departure, close ~40–60 min before |
| Security checkpoint | From ~04:30 until the last departure |
| Shops & duty free | Most ~06:00–21:00/22:00 (some from 05:30) |
| Restaurants & cafés | Most ~05:30–22:00; limited choice overnight |
| Train station (below T1) | First train ~05:00 · last ~00:30 |
| Information desk | ~06:00–22:00 |
| Pharmacy & medical | Daytime hours; 24/7 medical on-call via airport staff |
Catching the first departures (around 06:00)
The first wave of flights leaves shortly after 06:00, so the terminal wakes up early.
For a 06:00–07:00 departure, plan to be at the airport by 04:00–04:30. Check-in for the earliest flights opens around 04:00–04:30 and the central security checkpoint starts processing passengers from about 04:30. The first trains from Geneva-Cornavin reach the airport at roughly 05:00 — cutting it fine for the very first flights — so if you are leaving before 06:30 a pre-booked transfer or taxi is the safer option. A Fast Track (Priority Lane) ticket from CHF 13 is worth it if you arrive during the busy early-morning peak.
Landing late at night
Arrivals are tolerated until about 00:30 — but the last public transport may already be gone.
If your flight lands close to midnight, the baggage hall and arrivals exits are still open, but options to leave thin out. The last train and most buses run until roughly 00:30, after which a taxi or private transfer is the only way into the city. A pre-booked chauffeur will track your flight and wait in the arrivals hall even if you land late — useful when you can’t predict the exact time. To wait until morning inside the terminal, see sleeping at Geneva Airport.
Opening hours — FAQ
Is Geneva Airport open at night?
No. Genève Aéroport closes Terminal 1 every night from 00:00 to 04:00, and staying inside during that period is not permitted. But flights are subject to a night curfew (no scheduled departures between 00:00 and 06:00), and most shops, restaurants and desks close overnight, so the airport is very quiet between roughly midnight and 05:00.
What time does Geneva Airport open for check-in?
Check-in desks open about 2–3 hours before each departure and close 40–60 minutes before. For the earliest flights (around 06:00), check-in typically opens at 04:00–04:30. Security starts processing from about 04:30.
What time is the first and last flight at Geneva Airport?
The first departures leave shortly after 06:00. Late arrivals are tolerated until around 00:30, but no scheduled flights depart during the 00:00–06:00 night curfew.
Are shops and restaurants open at night at GVA?
Mostly no. Shops and duty free generally run from about 06:00 to 21:00–22:00, and restaurants from around 05:30 to 22:00. Overnight, choice is very limited — bring what you need if you have an early flight or a long layover.
Keep exploring GVA
Sleeping at the airport
Where to rest overnight at GVA, day-use hotels and the quiet zones.
Train times & the station
First and last trains, 6 minutes to Cornavin, and the free transport ticket.
Priority Lane (Fast Track)
From CHF 13 to skip the early-morning security queue.
Airport services
WiFi, showers, ATMs, baggage storage and everything practical at GVA.
Early flight or a midnight landing?
A pre-booked driver tracks your flight and waits in arrivals — whatever the hour.
Book a transfer →