Imagine waking up in Edinburgh, getting dressed at home, and then spending the day exploring the stunning city of Geneva, Switzerland, before returning home to your own bed that same night. This is termed as an extreme day trip to Geneva. It’s entirely possible with careful planning and efficient use of time. Here’s how to make the most of a one-day adventure in Geneva.
Getting There and Back
Morning Flight to Geneva:
Direct flights from Edinburgh to Geneva are available with airlines such as easyJet and British Airways. The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes, making it feasible to catch an early morning flight and arrive in Geneva around 9 AM. We flew with easyJet and our flight was at 6.25am.
Evening Flight Back to Edinburgh:
To maximize your day, choose an evening flight back, typically around 8 PM, giving you about 9 hours to explore the city. We went for a 6pm (roughly) flight home. It was delayed for a couple of hours and we ended up not taking off until after 8pm. We were home and in bed in the Scottish Borders by 11pm.
Transport Options from Geneva Airport
Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, you have several transport options to get into the city or venture further afield. There is a station attached to the airport, if you walk over into it there is usually someone by the ticket machines to help you pick the best ticket for your needs.
1. Train:
- Cost: Around CHF 3 for a single ticket.
- Time: Approximately 7 minutes to Geneva’s central station (Cornavin).
- Details: Trains run frequently, every 10-20 minutes. It’s the quickest and most efficient way to reach the city centre.
2. Bus:
- Cost: Free public transport ticket available at the airport for up to 80 minutes.
- Time: About 20 minutes to the city centre.
- Details: Bus lines 5 and 10 connect the airport with various parts of the city.
3. Taxi:
- Cost: Approximately CHF 35-45.
- Time: Around 15-20 minutes to the city centre, depending on traffic.
- Details: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal.
4. Car Rental:
- Cost: Varies by company and car type; around CHF 60-100 per day.
- Details: Ideal if you plan to explore areas outside Geneva. Several car rental agencies are located at the airport.
Best Option: The 9-5 Transport Pass
For a day trip, the “9-5 Ticket” is an excellent option. This day pass allows unlimited travel on Geneva’s public transport network, including buses, trams, and boats, between 9 AM and 5 PM. This is what we went for.
- Cost: CHF 8 per adult. CHF 6.50 per child over 5.
- Benefits: Unlimited travel within the city and surrounding areas, perfect for a full day of sightseeing without worrying about individual ticket purchases. Children under 5 are free.
Alternatively, you can go for a fuller Geneva pass that allows entry to certain museums and exhibits and even takes you over into France to ride a cable car into the snowy mountains.
What to Do in Geneva in a Day
With limited time, planning your itinerary efficiently is crucial. Here are some top attractions and activities that can be comfortably done in a day.
Watch our entire day in Geneva from start to finish here.
Flower Clock (L’Horloge Fleurie):
- Location: Jardin Anglais (English Garden).
- Details: A symbol of Geneva’s watchmaking industry, this beautiful clock is made entirely of flowers and changes with the seasons.
Check out this video I made from the Geneva Flower Clock.
Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and Jet d’Eau:
- Location: Along the lakeside in central Geneva.
- Details: Walk along the promenade to see the Jet d’Eau, one of the tallest water fountains in the world, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Geneva. You can walk out on a walkway to the Jet D’Eau and we did it until we started to get sprayed with water and then turned back toward the main promenade and visited a tiny beach.
If you want to eat somewhere by the lake, I recommend this place. We found the price so reasonable and my two autistic boys still say it is the best pizza they ever had.
Baby Plage (Baby Beach):
- Location: South of the Jet d’Eau.
- Details: A small, family-friendly beach perfect for a quick dip or relaxing by the lake. It’s an ideal spot for those traveling with children because it also has a play park and a grassy area near the promenade. We spent a good part of our day playing here.
This is the video I made of Baby Plage, but there are a few small beaches on the lake within walking distance.
Boat Rides on Lake Geneva:
- Options: Various boat tours and ferry services are available.
- Cost: Prices range from CHF 10-50, depending on the length and type of tour. Remember, if you have a Geneva City Pass you can use some of the boats for free.
- Details: Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, offering unique perspectives of the city and surrounding mountains.
You can also just walk over a bridge on the lake to get to the other side.
Exploring Old Town (Vieille Ville):
- Location: Central Geneva, accessible by foot or tram.
- Details: Wander through cobblestone streets, visit St. Pierre Cathedral, and explore historic sites like Maison Tavel and the Reformation Wall.
Parc des Bastions:
- Location: Near the University of Geneva.
- Details: A beautiful park featuring the Reformation Wall, large chessboards, and plenty of green space for a relaxing break.
International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum:
- Location: Near the United Nations Office.
- Details: Learn about the history and humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross. This museum offers interactive exhibits that can be both educational and engaging for older children and adults.
I wanted to make a note that there were public toilets available near the park beside the Flower Clock. When travelling, use this toilet-finding app to locate public toilets anyone can access.
To the right is a picture of just outside of the public bathrooms on the promenade.
To the right of the first picture is the promenade that I am talking about. This is the main walkway along the lake on the Flower Clock side of the lake.
An extreme day trip to Geneva with kids from Edinburgh is not only feasible but also incredibly rewarding. Geneva is considered one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe, and we managed to spend less than £72 per person to visit for the day (and this included parking in Edinburgh Airport and also extra food due to the flight delay). I did this video as a cost breakdown for Geneva as a day trip. We managed to keep costs low by bringing a travel backpack each and also a snack bag that kept the kids in snacks all day without having to stop other than for planned meals.
With efficient transportation options and a well-planned itinerary, you can experience the highlights of this beautiful Swiss city in just one day. Make the most of your visit by utilizing the 9-5 Ticket for unlimited travel, ensuring you see all the top sights without the hassle of purchasing multiple tickets. Whether it’s enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Geneva, exploring the historic Old Town, or taking in the vibrant culture and scenery, Geneva offers a perfect blend of experiences for a memorable day trip.