Getting Around in Geneva
Information about the bus, tram and ferry services operating in Geneva, with contact information and details on the TPG public transport system...
Unireso is the transport network covering Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring France and operated by SBB/CFF/FFS (trains), TPG (bus and tram) and SMGN (boat). With one ticket it allows users to travel by bus, tram, train and boat in the region. Unireso ticket and day passes can be bought from the vending machines at the stops.
- Uniresco (in French)
Tel: 0900 022 021 (07:00-20:00)
Buses and Trams
The bus and tram services in Geneva are run by the TPG (Transports Publics Genevois).
Buses and trams run from 06:00-24:00, depending on the service. Each bus and tram stop has timetables and maps covering the entire Geneva network.
The tramway is under constant expansion often resulting in road works. The TPG has a website providing information on their services: timetables, maps, information on road works and general information.
- For further information see the TPG website (in French)
Noctambus
On Friday and Saturday nights the TPG runs a night bus service, Noctambus, which runs from 0:00-04:00 (although times can be infrequent and irregular).
- For further information see the Noctambus service website (in French)
- For a list of Noctambus bus routes: Click here
Bus and tram fares
Bus and tram tickets can be bought at vending machines (points de vente), at a TPG office, and from certain newsagents. Bus passes can be bought at the TPG offices.
Geneva-resident children and retired people are eligible for reduced fares. Children under six travel for free. Guide dogs and small animals travel free, other animals may travel at a reduced price. Pre-paid discount cards - the Cart@Bonus - are also available.
It is illegal to travel without a ticket. Anyone caught without a valid ticket will have to buy one and pay a fine.
- To find a point de vente unireso: Click here and select the relevant postal code
- For more information about the types of tickets available: Click here (in French)
- For more information about weekly, monthly and annual passes: Click here (in French)
- For more information on the various daily passes available: Click here (in French)
There are three TPG offices:
- Transports Publics Genevois (TPG)
At: Case postale 950, Route de la Chapelle 1, 1212 Grand-Lancy 1
Tel: +41 22 308 33 11
Open: Monday to Friday from 07:30-17:00 - Agence TPG de Rive
At: Rond-Point de Rive, 1204 Genève
Open: Monday to Friday from 07:00-19:00, Saturday 09:00-18:00 - Agence TPG
At: Gare Cornavin, 1200 Genève
Open: Monday to Friday from 07:00-19:00, Saturday 09:00-18:00 - Lost luggage: +41 (0)22 546 09 00
- Help for the disabled: +41 (0)22 328 11 11
- TPG - Lost and Found
Transport card
Visitors staying in a hotel, youth hostel or campsite can benefit from a Geneva Transport Card free of charge. The card is given to the visitor upon check-in and is valid throughout the stay including the departure day. The card entitles the person use of the entire transport network in the Geneva canton (bus, tram and boat) without restriction.
- For further information: Click here
Public transport for people with disabilities
People with permanent or temporary disabilities can benefit from on-demand personal assistance when travelling on the Geneva public transport network. The service "Mobilité pour tous" includes a pick-up and drop-off service from the person's home and assistance during the journey. Reservations can be made by telephone 48 hours beforehand.
- Tel: +41 (0)22 328 11 11
- For further information: Click here (in French)
The service does not apply to wheelchair users, who should contact the Fondation Foyer Handicap for assistance.
- Fondation Foyer Handicap (in French)
Tel: +41 (0)22 794 52 52
Boats
The passenger ferries Mouettes Genevoises run regular routes across Lake Geneva in the summer months from April to October. The same ticket can be used for these ferries as for the bus and tram.
Departures for lake crossings every ten minutes from Quai du Mont Blanc, Quai Gustave Ador, Perle du Lac and Parc des Eaux Vives.
Mouettes Genevoises also organise lake and river cruises.
- Société des Mouettes Genevoises Navigation
At: 8 Quai du Mont Blanc, 1201 Geneva
Tel: +41 (0)22 732 29 44
Taxis
There are many taxi companies in the Geneva area (it is not the most economical way to travel).
Bikes and Cycling
Cycling is very popular in Geneva and there is a large network of cycle lanes. All privately owned bicycles have to have third party insurance. The licence sticker (vignette) can be bought at post offices and must be displayed on the bicycle.
Car-Pooling
Car sharing (covoiturage) is widely practiced in Geneva. People travelling a similar route at the same time share the car and running expenses. This saves on fuel costs and reduces pollution.
- See national website covoiturage.ch (in French)