I am flying into Geneva on Feb 20 at 14:00 and plan to take a train to Lyon. I'm wondering if it would be advised to buy my train ticket on SNF now instead of when I arrive at the airport? I'm unsure about how long it will take to disembark, get through customs, store ski bags, and get to the main train station in Geneva. In planning, I'm allowing myself 3 hours after my plane arrives. I would then be able to take the 17:02 train from airport and change in Geneva to the train going to Lyon. However, there is only 11 minutes to get to the train going to Lyon. Is anyone familiar with this connection or is this going to be pushing it? Thanks in advance for any insights you may be able to share with me.
Posted by
Green Bay
21159 posts
If I recall, last time I did that (going the other way) it was a TER train, no reservations. Looking at DB today, its a short train to Geneva Cornavin, then TER train(s) to Lyon Part Dieu. No reservations taken. Just buy a ticket and get on the trains.
The date I am looking at, it is at 17:05 depart from the airport with 8 minutes change at Cornavin. but there are trains at 16:25 with another change at Culoz, and one at 15:05. If you land at 14:00, you can probably make that one.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks Sam.
Posted by
Grand Rapids, MI
768 posts
I'm a bit unclear on what you are asking. Are you looking at the schedules and saying that the "airport train" arrives at the main train station (Cornavin) and then 11 min later the Lyon train leaves? And if so, is that enough time?
Answer to the above: yes and no. Cornavin is not that big, with 8 to 10 tracks and good signage and helpful conductors, so that 11 min should be enough. BUT, there are other considerations: I don't think you can store ski bags at the airport. I do know there is a storage facility with lockers at Cornavin, near the Migros store in the station.
Customs has always been efficient at the Geneva airport in the past, so I think 3 hrs is more than plenty. BUT the larger question is, will your PLANE be on time? I've certainly been held up on planes into Geneva (but almost never by trains).
Also, the #10 bus from the airport to Geneva Cornavin is free, if you get the free ticket from the machine as you leave the baggage carousel room at the airport. I think it runs about every 20 min.
Finally, why do you want to buy the Lyon ticket in advance? Is it to save time, or worried about a full train? (VERY rare)
I'm guessing here, but I'd guess there is another train to Lyon every half hour.