Transportation in Geneva

Geneva's public transport network, run by TPG (Transports Publics Genevois), forms the practical backbone of the city. Trams and buses weave through the compact center with reliable frequency all day. The tram is your workhorse: clean, punctual, and covering most routes a first-time visitor needs. It runs from Cornavin, the main railway station, through the old town and out to the lakefront. Fares sit at a fraction of what a taxi costs for the same journey. Staying in a hotel? Ask at check-in about the Geneva Transport Card. Guests typically receive it free. It covers unlimited city-zone travel for the duration of their stay. This is one of the better-kept open secrets in Swiss tourism. The airport connection is one of Europe's most frictionless. A direct train from Geneva Airport to Cornavin takes only a few minutes and runs throughout the day. Don't overthink it. Follow the rail signs inside the terminal, not the taxi queue. The queue is the expensive option and rarely faster once traffic is factored in. One caveat: late-night arrivals should check the last departure time before assuming the train is running. Missed the final service? The taxi rank is straightforward. Metered fares in Geneva reflect Swiss cost-of-living. Treat them as a splurge, not a routine choice. What not to do: don't rent a car for city exploration. Parking is scarce. It is expensive. It is unnecessary given how well the trams cover the main sights. The lake itself also has a small ferry network. The Mouettes Genevoises cross between the two shores. This is more useful than it looks on a map. It is far more pleasant than doubling back through the center on foot.