Welcome to the international city of Geneva

Getting to geneva

By plane

There are flights to Geneva International Airport (GVA) from 120 destinations worldwide. The airport is located only 4km from the city centre, which can be reached by frequent trains in just 7 minutes. Taxis are also available outside the arrivals hall.

Many other cities worldwide connect to Zurich International Airport (ZRH) directly, with only a short onward connection to Geneva by plane or 3 hours by train.

By train

Geneva is connected to 120 European cities by rail, with daytime and night train options available. You can enjoy climate-friendly travel with many direct routes, or via connections in beautiful cities along the way.

By bus

Several international and domestic bus companies, including FlixBus and Eurolines, serve the city centre bus station, offering an affordable way to reach Geneva from numerous European cities.

Local transport

The Geneva public transport (TPG) network includes buses, trams, and boats that cross the lake. The services run frequently and efficiently in all areas of the city. Download the app for easy journey planning on the go.

Visitors to Geneva can receive a free transport card for the local area from their hotel or Airbnb for the duration of their stay.

Cycling is a popular way to get around the city. Bikes can be booked ahead of your trip with Genève Roule and via 24/7 app with Donkey Republic.

The Uber app operates throughout the city and can also take passengers across the border into neighbouring France.

Getting to cicg

There are various options to get to the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG), the World Hospital Congress venue. Click here for detailed instructions.

Address: 17 rue  de Varembé, CH – 1202 Geneva

View on Google Maps

Useful information

Climate: Temperatures in September are cool and usually range from around 48°F (22°C) in the daytime to 35°F (16°C) at night. The weather can change quickly in this season. A mixture of clear skies and autumn sun, as well as cloud and rain, can be expected.

Language: Geneva is in the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Speaking English is also very common, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors. You will frequently hear other languages being spoken, particularly German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Time zone: Geneva uses Central European Time (CET).

Power supply: Switzerland, as in most of Europe, has a voltage of 230V/50 Hz. Switzerland uses type C (2-pin) and Type J (3-pin) plugs. (Type C 2-pin plugs also fit J sockets.)

Money: The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Euros are not usually accepted. Use bank and credit cards in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Tap-to-pay is widely available. A visit to Geneva can be managed without cash, but having some Swiss Francs for smaller purchases is a good idea.

Tipping: There is no obligation to leave a tip at cafés or restaurants – there is a minimum living wage set by each Swiss Canton to pay hospitality workers fairly. However, there is usually a jar to give a small tip of a few coins in cafés, and leaving a tip with around 10% of your bill would be very welcome in a restaurant.

Banks and shops: 24-hour ATMs can be found easily to withdraw cash. Banks are open weekdays (usually between 9am and 5pm) and often on Saturday mornings. Shops are open weekdays and on Saturdays (usually between 9am and 6pm). All banks and most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays, except for shops located at the airport and train station.

Water: The tap water in Switzerland is safe to drink. In cafés and restaurants tap water will usually be provided for free (ask for “une carafe d’eau” and they will bring a jug to the table). There are also water fountains on many streets in the city and you can refill a water bottle from any of these.

Safety and security: Geneva is a welcoming and peaceful city with low crime levels. However, as in any city, it is best to take common sense precautions to enjoy a worry-free visit.

  • Use the safe in your hotel room for valuable items. Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a copy with you.
  • In public places, do not leave your belongings unattended.
  • Avoid going out with a large amount of money – use bank and credit cards.
  • Use the excellent local public transport network to return to your hotel after an evening out.

 

In case of emergency, visitors can call 112 (the universal European emergency number) free of charge from any phone, including mobiles without a SIM card. This number connects you to all emergency services: medical, fire, and police.

Medical services: Tourists from EU/EFTA countries and the UK can receive medical treatment in Switzerland with the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Visitors from other countries must have sufficient insurance to cover the costs of treatment in Switzerland.

Ask at the hotel for advice if you need to see a doctor. Pharmacies can also help with medical advice and minor treatments. For emergencies, go to the nearest hospital or clinic or, in urgent cases, call 144 for an ambulance.

Postal services: The national postal service is Swiss Post, and there are many post offices around the city. They are open weekdays (usually between 8am and 6pm) and on Saturday morning. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

More useful information: Check the International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI)’s practical guide for conference delegates.

Dining out

Restaurants in Geneva

Geneva has a vibrant range of restaurants with many world cuisines on offer.

Note that many cafés and restaurants are closed on Sundays and Mondays. It is best to check the opening hours and make a reservation for a restaurant you would like to go to. You can book directly with a restaurant or use The Fork app, which often has discounted offers available.

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Coffee, tea, and bakeries

Restaurants in Lausanne

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