saporana

I have an early flight out of the Geneva airport (7:10 a.m.) and the airport hotels free shuttles do not start until 5:50 a.m., too late for the requirement of being at the airport two hours ahead of time. I considered staying at one of these hotels and just walking to the airport but not sure it is a wise idea at 5 a.m., nor do I know what the weather might be like (this will happen next week, first week of January 2012) Plus I thought food options might be better staying in downtown Geneva as well for dinner the night before. And the train is so easy to take from downtown to the airport so I found a hotel near the main train station; but the only thing is I am have a terrible time finding a schedule for how early the trains run in the morning.... does anyone know? have a link to the train schedule?
Only other thing is wondering how safe it might be to walk from hotel, a couple minute walk to train station at 5 a.m.? I am a female and will be with my 15-year old son.
Thank you for your help.

swandav2000

Hi saporana,

Just use the Swiss rail site

www.rail.ch

Enter

From Geneva

To Geneva airport

and then the time.

It looks like the first train is at 05.17, getting you there at 05.24.

The only problem you may have is with pickpockets, so just guard your valuables.

If you're not flying a US carrier, you can check in at the railstation the night before --- check your bags and get your boarding card.

Have fun!

s

PalenQ

are you traveling elsewhere on trains in Switzerland - if so I note you have 15 yr old son with you and he can travel absolutely free on any form of Swiss transport from trains to city trams and mountain chairlifts with the free Swiss Family Pass that comes with a Swiss Pass - so if traveling around look at the pass and also the Half-Fare Card is not traveling all that much - anyway do not worry about schedules for trains from the airport into Cornavin station, the main station in the heart of Geneva as these go all the time so when arriving just buy tickets and head for the airport train station and hop on just about any train as I think they all pretty much have to go to Cornavin station before going onto elsewhere.

And for loads of great info on Swiss trains check out these fab IMO web sites - www.swisstravelsystem.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; and www.ricksteves.com

amer_can

Watch your bags very carefully as mature daughter had hers stolen at the Geneva train station..ALL of her cards, passport, student visa , $ and lap top GONE. Police said train stations are probably #1 places for trolling and lifting..Hands on the bags not just the eyes. the baddies are slick.

J62

Where is your flight to that requires you to be at the airport at 5am?

There are not departures to North America that depart at that hour.

saporana

Thank you to all for replies! Very helpful info. and links.
Flight goes to another European city first before heading to states.
We are not traveling thru Switzerland but nice to know train info for future.
I think staying at an airport hotel just might be the easiest.
Many thanks!!!

PalenQ

still try to hop into Geneva itself, lovingly set on Lake Le Man (a k a Lake Geneva) and if it's clear Mt Blanc in all its glacier-drenched majesty should be out in its glory high above the lake.

PalenQ

nor do I know what the weather might be like (this will happen next week, first week of January 2012>

weather very unlikely to be poor or at least not inhibit getting to terminals - Geneva is rather mild and rarely has any snow I believe.