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Genève-Cornavin Railway Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Genève-Cornavin Railway Station is the beating heart of Geneva’s transport system and a symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan spirit and historical depth. Established in 1858, Cornavin has transformed from a modest 19th-century stop into a sophisticated, multi-modal gateway connecting Switzerland with France and beyond. Today, it serves approximately 170,000 passengers daily, combining functional architecture, contemporary upgrades, and a vibrant urban role.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for a seamless visit: from opening hours and ticketing to facilities, accessibility, and nearby cultural attractions. Whether you are a commuter, tourist, or international traveler, Genève-Cornavin is the perfect starting point for exploring Geneva and its rich heritage (Geneva Tourism, Swiss Federal Railways, Wikipedia).

Overview and Key Facts
History and Architectural Evolution
Station Layout and Navigation
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Amenities and Passenger Services
Accessibility and Assistance
Transport Connections
Luggage Services
Dining and Shopping
Safety and Security
Exploring Nearby Geneva Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources

Overview and Key Facts

Location: Place de Cornavin 7, central Geneva
Open: 24/7 (shops/services: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM)
Daily passengers: ~170,000
Main connections: Swiss cities (Lausanne, Zurich, Bern), France (Paris, Lyon), and Geneva Airport

Genève-Cornavin is not only a transit hub, but also a cultural and social landmark. Its strategic position provides easy access to Geneva’s Old Town, the United Nations, and the lakeside.

History and Architectural Evolution

Opened in 1858 on the Lausanne–Geneva line, Cornavin’s growth mirrors Geneva’s development as an international city. The original building was replaced in the 1930s with a functionalist design—characterized by clean lines and spacious halls—which still defines the station’s appearance. Ongoing projects, such as Léman 2030, will add underground tracks and further improve passenger capacity and accessibility (SBB Project Overview).

The main concourse sits at street level, with platforms accessible by escalators, elevators, and ramps, ensuring step-free transit throughout (ShowMeTheJourney). Multilingual signage (French, English, German) and digital departure boards make navigation straightforward. Allocate 15–30 minutes before departure to find platforms and access services like ticket offices or luggage storage (TrainStation.World).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Station: Open 24 hours
Ticket counters: 5:00 AM–midnight
Shops/services: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (varies by outlet)

Ticketing: Purchase tickets at staffed counters, vending machines, or online (SBB Mobile, Léman Express apps). Options include single rides, day passes, and regional or international fares. Advance booking is recommended for TGV Lyria and international trains (Swiss Federal Railways).

Public Transport: Geneva tram and bus tickets can be bought at station machines or via the TPG app. Visitors staying in Geneva hotels often receive a free public transport card.

Amenities and Passenger Services

Shopping & Dining: Over 60 shops and eateries, including supermarkets (Migros, Coop), bakeries, cafés (Starbucks), and restaurants (TrainStation.World).
Free Wi-Fi: After registration.
Luggage storage: Self-service lockers (CHF 5–12/day) and staffed offices.
Tourist information: Year-round desk with maps, advice, and booking services.
Other facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, lost & found, and public restrooms.

Accessibility and Assistance

Cornavin is fully accessible:

Step-free access: Elevators, ramps, and sloped walkways.
Tactile guidance: For visually impaired travelers.
Accessible toilets near main waiting areas.
Assistance: Bookable through the SBB Call Center Handicap or at the information desk.
Multilingual signage and staff available to assist (ShowMeTheJourney).

During high season, “Tourist Angels” provide mobile guidance throughout the station and city.

Transport Connections

Rail:
- Domestic: InterCity, InterRegio to Lausanne, Bern, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne.
- International: Léman Express (to France), TGV Lyria (to Paris, Lyon), connections to Milan and Venice.
Local transport:
- Multiple tram and bus lines (TPG) connect to Geneva Airport (approx. 7–8 minutes), the United Nations, Old Town, and other key sites.
- Taxi ranks at Place de Cornavin.
Parking:
- Underground car park (900 spaces).
- Secure, weather-protected bicycle parking (ShowMeTheJourney).

Luggage Services

Lockers: Accessible 24/7, CHF 5–12/day.
Staffed left-luggage office: Open during business hours for larger items (TrainStation.World).

Dining and Shopping

Enjoy a range of options from fast food (McDonald’s, Café Ritazza) to sit-down restaurants and local bakeries. Metro Shopping Cornavin features supermarkets and retail stores for essentials, gifts, and travel items (TrainStation.World).

Safety and Security

Monitored by 24/7 security staff and CCTV.
Emergency call points throughout.
Police station and pharmacy on site.

The station and surrounding area are clean, well-lit, and considered safe for solo travelers.

Exploring Nearby Geneva Attractions

Cornavin’s central location is ideal for sightseeing:

Old Town (Vieille Ville): 15–20 minutes on foot, or by tram.
St. Pierre Cathedral: Open daily, free entry to the main nave; CHF 5 for towers/archaeological site.
Maison Tavel: Geneva’s oldest house, museum open Tue–Sun.
Jet d’Eau: Iconic fountain, an easy walk from the station.
United Nations Headquarters: 15-minute tram ride.

Guided tours of the Old Town and themed walks can be booked via Geneva Tourism.

Practical Visitor Tips

Language: English widely spoken; French greetings appreciated.
Arrive early: Allow extra time for ticketing and navigation.
Prepare travel documents: Required for international rail journeys.
Use apps: SBB Mobile and TPG for schedules, tickets, and maps.
Hotels: Many accommodations, including Hotel Cornavin Genève and ibis Styles Geneva Gare, are located nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the station’s opening hours? A: Genève-Cornavin is open 24/7; shops and services operate mainly from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Q: How can I buy tickets? A: At the SBB travel center, ticket machines, or via mobile apps.

Q: Is the station accessible for people with disabilities? A: Yes, with step-free routes, elevators, tactile guidance, and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are there luggage storage facilities? A: Yes, self-service lockers and staffed left-luggage services.

Q: How do I get from the station to Geneva Airport? A: Direct trains every 7–20 minutes (approx. 7–8 minutes travel time), or bus line 5.

Q: Are guided tours available for Geneva’s historical sites? A: Yes, guided walking tours can be arranged through Geneva Tourism.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Genève-Cornavin Railway Station is more than a gateway—it’s a living landmark that captures Geneva’s spirit of innovation, history, and openness. With excellent connections, modern amenities, and proximity to world-renowned attractions, Cornavin is the perfect starting point for your Geneva adventure.

For real-time updates and personalized travel tips, download the SBB Mobile and TPG apps. Enhance your journey with the Audiala app, and follow us on social media for event updates and insider guides.

For further details, consult the resources below, and enjoy your time exploring Geneva from the city’s most iconic station!

Sources and Further Information

Recommended visuals:

Main concourse interior (alt: “Genève-Cornavin Railway Station main concourse”)
Exterior façade at Place de Cornavin (alt: “Genève-Cornavin Station exterior facade”)
Platforms with trains (alt: “Trains at Genève-Cornavin Station platforms”)
St. Pierre Cathedral and Jet d’Eau (alt: “St. Pierre Cathedral facade”; “Jet d’Eau fountain at sunset”)