Geneva Cointrin International: A Divided Airport
Sharing just 4.5km of its border with the rest of Switzerland and the other 103km with France, Geneva can be geographically puzzling for some visitors. On touchdown in Geneva Cointrin International Airport passengers may wonder whether they’ve arrived in France or Switzerland and it’s easy to see why.
Geneva Cointrin International Airport is divided into a French sector and a Swiss sector. The airport is situated approximately 5km from the city centre, with its northern corner running along the Swiss-French Border. The airport can be accessed from both countries. However, passengers on flights from France aren’t required to undergo usual customs and immigration checks if they remain in the French section of the airport.
The French section of the airport allows those travelling without a Swiss visa to take domestic French flights to the French sector of the airport, as well as the option of taking road connections to nearby French towns and ski resorts without passing through Swiss territory. The segregated nature of the airport has implications for car hire too.
- Hiring a Car in French Geneva V Hiring a Car in Swiss Geneva
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- Generally speaking, prices for car hire in the French sector are cheaper
- Cars rented on the Swiss side come with a visible motorway sticker called a ‘vignette’. This allows drivers access to all motorways in Switzerland.
- Hiring a car on the French side means motorway stickers aren’t provided for Switzerland. This is a drawback for those planning on driving in Switzerland. Motorway stickers cost CHF 40 (€24) and if not provided, need to be purchased from post offices, petrol stations, garages or other motoring organisations. Currently, a fine of CHF 100-(€60) is in place for those who fail to display a valid motorway sticker.
Getting to France from Cointrin International Airport:
It’s possible to completely avoid Swiss territory by driving direct to France via Ferney-Voltaire on the D-984.
Getting to Switzerland from Cointrin International Airport:
Follow the N1 motorway from the airport. Be aware that motorway stickers are required for use of this route.
Click here for more information on Geneva Airport - Swiss Side
Click here for more information on Geneva Airport - French Side
Written by mcleare