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August 5, 2014
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August 19, 2014Geneva Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide
- last modified on May 11, 2025
Geneva International Airport (GVA/LSGG) is located 4km north west of the city centre and it’s the second biggest airport in Switzerland in terms of traffic and size after Zürich Airport. In 2024, the airport welcomed more than 17m passengers which represents an increase of almost 8% in comparison of 2023. The traffic is mainly dominated by easyJet (46.9%) following by Swiss (12.4%) and British Airways (4.5%), etc. GVA has two passengers terminals T1 and T2. T1 is the principal used on a daily basis but the T2 is activated during the winter charter season. The passenger traffic is growing steadily since 2002. More than 16.4 million passengers flew at Geneva in 2023. To get to the city centre, the train is the fastest alternative. On average, 5 trains run every hour from the airport station to Cornavin (Geneva city). It takes you only 7 minutes.
The strength of Geneva Airport is without a doubt the business and governments jets traffic. Geneva is a well-known city for lots of political meetings, international organisation, human rights, business, banks and peaceful place. So you can’t be disappointed about business jets traffic as it runs up every day. The Middle East countries are the most regular visitors with all types.
Geneva doesn’t have a real interesting civilian traffics, it’s less diversified than some major airport. In regards to the international flights, GVA holds the following carriers, Air Canada A333 (in Summer they tend to increase with B773 or B788/9), Air China A359, China Eastern A332 (new service from June 16th), Emirates twice daily B773, Ethiopian A359, Etihad B789, Kuwait A320/A338/9 or B77W, Qatar 359, Saudia A320/A321/A333, Swiss A333, Turkish Airlines A333/A359/B77W, United 763/4.
Additionally, GVA have some additional international airlines which run on “seasonal period” like Delta B763/4, Gulf Air A321 and Flynas A320 during (summer) and Air Mauritius with a mixed of A339/A359 during winter period.
Written by Jeremy Denton, Martin Rogosz & Omar Alex Saffe. Last update May 2025
| Rating | |
| Movements |  |
| Airline Variety |  |
| Photo Locations | |
| Weather |  |
| Airport Information | |
| Runways | |
| 04/22 | 3.900 m (12.795 ft) Concrete |
| Terminals | |
| Terminal 1 | Intercontinental, European, low-coast airlines |
| Terminal 2 | Winter charter terminal |
| ATC Frequencies | Tower : 118.700; Departure : 119.520; Arrival : 136.250 |
| Spotting Information | |
| Ladder | Necessary for some spots but not for the majority. Check where it’s mentioned. |
| Car/Public Transport | Car is required for some spots but 90% can be done by bus TPG (Transport Publics Genevois) from the station called “Aéroport” (‘Airport’). Use the lines 23 / 28 / 57 / Y |
| Restrooms | Only at the terminal. |
| Drinks/Food | At the airport there is a supermarket called “Migros” where you can buy drinks and food located to the train station, about 7 minutes walk from the baggage claim. There is also a Petrol Station close to the spot located on rwy04 and a supermarket called “Lidl” to the spot located on rwy22 |
| Hotels | There are 3 good hotels around Geneva Airport : – Holiday Inn is close to rwy04 (10 minutes by walk). – Nash Airport Hotel or Ibis Genève Aéroport are about 3 minutes by bus to the airport then you need to take another bus to the spotting locations |
| Season | We suggest April – September, chance of bad weather in winter is pretty high however during winter time you will be able to have really nice background pictures. |
| Runway Usage | |
| General Info | Nothing special about runways at GVA. Used in all directions. |
CLYS - MORNING ARRIVALS RWY22
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get onto bus 50 (direction Versoix). It will take you 10 minutes by bus and stop at Bellevue GE, Chemin des Clys. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and take the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. Then first on your right, pass the P48 (Business Jets static), follow the road until you’ll see the ILS take on the right there is a road called “Ch. des Clys”. |
| WHAT | Morning landings runway 22. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 75mm A342 / 110mm A320 / 145mm Casa 295 / 270mm Hawker |
P48 (BUSINESS JETS LONG-TERM PARKING)
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 7 minutes and stop at Tunnel Routier. Then about 5 minutes by walk. From the stop Tunnel Routier you will see the tails of aircraft. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and get out at the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. First way on your right and you will see the P48. |
| WHAT | Since May 2019, the P48 has released a brand new layout. The parking can now see all types, from the smallest one to the 747-800 and even the 380. However, sadly for us, they have built a large/tall wall which suround the airport so we definetly recommand to carry a big ladder. Fortunetly, you can still take pictures at some places. Please note also that the aircraft will sadly be park towards the exit. Which means the tail will face the wall and the nose will face the Jura Moutain. |
| TIME | In summer, the best is the morning from 08:00 to 13:00 but you can also come at 15:00 depend by the position of the aircraft. In winter from 09:00-12:00 and also at 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-200mm for any aircraft |
TUNEL ROUTIER BUS STOP / ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22 MORNING
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will takes 7 minutes and stop at ‘Grand-Saconnex, Tunnel Routier’. You’ll arrive right at the spot.
By car: From the airport follow the sign to drive towards Fret or France direction Tunel Routier, the location to park the car is a bit complex to be written, please refer to the map instead. |
| WHAT | Arrivals & Departures rwy22 plus taxiing aircraft to rwy22. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Taxiway: A320 = 75mm / FA8X = 100mm Runway: B763 = 100mm / A321&B738 = 140mm / GLF5 = 210mm / PC24 = 450mm |
PALEXPO STAIRS / FRET - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOTH RWYS 04/22
| WHERE | By bus: Take the bus from the airport. Get on bus 28 (direction Jardin-Botannique) or Y (direction Ferney-Voltaire). It will take you 3 minutes and stop at ‘Fret’. Than about 5-7 minutes by walk. Cross two parking’s then you will see 6 huge stairs and the fret area/parking where you have to walk towards the end of the parking. By car: From the airport, follow the direction “Lausanne”, you will arrive on the highway and get out at the exit “Gd-Saconnex”. Once out, take the roundabout and follow the direction “France”, you will pass over the highway. Follow the direction “Fret” and the road beside the airport fence. Then take on your right where the sign ‘Fret’ is situated. Park your car in the parking on your first right. It cost you nothing for about 1 hour then it’s 1 CHF per hour. |
| WHAT | Arrivals & Departures both runways plus taxiing aircraft. Pictures could be tricky as you are shooting through a metallic howl approx 12 centimetres and through a fence. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. A ladder is recommended to avoid shooting through the fence particularly if you have a big lens and to avoid as well the aircraft containers. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | A321&B738 = 210mm / E195 = 240mm / A318 = 290mm / F2000 = 400mm |
Fence
Stairs
RESTAURANT LE CHEF - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES BOTH RWYS 04/22
| WHERE | From the Terminal 1, follow the signs Restaurant “Le Chef”. You will have to go to the departure floor, take an elevator on which is located between of the security check and the toilets. Take the lift to the top (Le Chef). The restaurant is before the security check, so do not go throw the security. |
| WHAT | You can have pictures trough the windows from the bar or a table of the restaurant close to the windows. Taxiing aircraft, take-off and landings. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00 or night shots. |
| MISC. | This is an expensive restaurant, you can have a drink at the bar take pictures or sit at a table have a lunch and taking pictures. Be careful about reflection which is quiet a problem. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-300mm |
Terrasse Panorama - All movements
| WHERE | Located inside the Terminal 1 and accessible to the public (no need to hold a boarding pass), you can simply follow the sign “Terrasse Panorama” which starts from the Westside on arrival level. You’ll need to take the lift which will carry you to the floor nb4. You are allowed to take foods and drinks with you. A cafe with toilets are available at the terrace area. No security control. |
| WHAT | All movements both runways. Be aware of heat haze on runway during hot days. |
| TIME | Everyday from 9h00 to 22h00. |
| MISC. | Everything you need, foods, drinks, toilets, shadows, benches, etc. Be aware during Summer of the heat haze on the runway and on the tarmac due to APU etc. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18-400mm |
PARKING P51 - MORNING DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | From the airport, drive or walk by following the signs Parking P51 or car rental it is on the last floor. From highway, follow Geneva Airport then Rental Car, Parking P51 and drive until you reach the roof. |
| WHAT | Only departures on rwy22 in the morning. Recommended for big aircraft. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you.
Parking rates: |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 340mm CS300/A320 / 170mm B773 / 140mm = A124 |
THE BRIDGE - MORNING ARRIVALS RWY04
| WHERE | By bus: Take any of the following buses: 23 – 57 – 28 (direction Parfumerie) – Y (direction Val Thoiry) at the airport and stop at Blandonnet. It’s about 4 minutes. Then go on the right, cross the road, take the stairs and go straight you will see a bridge on your left. By car: From the airport, take the highway direction France and exit at Meyrin. Follow the road Route de Meyrin. Then turn on the right when you see TAG Aviation, go straight and pass in front of TAG, Privatair and Jet offices. You’ll see a parking on the right of the road. Here you can stay the morning without problem. |
| WHAT | Only arrivals runway 04 with Jura Mountains on the background. It’s a well known place especially in winter time. During Summer, avoid this location after 10:00 due to heat haze. |
| TIME | In Summer from 06:30 to 14:00. In Winter from 08:30 to 14:00. |
| MISC. | You have a supermarket called “COOP”, from the bridge follow the way. Heat haze might be a problem from ~25 degree on. Apart from this, the time for taking pictures is limited and you won’t be able to take more than 3 (if you aren’t using series-mode). Therefore the background is really nice. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 165mm = A345 / 170mm = A333 / 330mm = B738 / 340mm = A319 |
TAG AVIATION - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY04
| WHERE | By bus: Take any of the following buses: 23 – 57 – 28 (direction Parfumerie) – Y (direction Val Thoiry) at the airport and stop at Blandonnet. It’s about 4 minutes. Then go on the right, cross the road, take the stairs and go straight, pass TAG, JET and Privatair offices. You will see a parking on the right. By car: From the airport, take the highway direction France and exit at Meyrin. Follow the road Route de Meyrin. Then turn on the right when it’s write TAG Aviation (the spot is on your left but you need to park your car further), go straight pass in front TAG, Privatair and Jet offices. You’ll see a parking on the right of the road. Here you can stay the morning without problem.Parking inside the TAG Aviation area is PRIVATE! You might use the spots by the roadside or the COOP parking. |
| WHAT | At this point, you can have pictures of arrivals and departures on rwy 04 trough the fences. |
| TIME | In Summer, arrival from 06:30 to 14:00 and departures from 09:00-15:00. In Winter arrivals from 08:30 to 14:00 and departures from 10:00-14:00. |
| MISC. | You have a supermarket called “COOP” opposite of the spot. Cross the bridge and follow the way. Heat haze might be a problem on hot days.
Apart from this, the time for taking pictures is a bit limited and after a few shots the fence will appear in the bottom of the shot(s). But after a few planes you’ll get used to the situation and spotting will be “easier”. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | Approach: 95mm B763 / 115mm B752 / 180mm Citation XTaxiway: 55mm B763 / 90mm B733 / 116mm A319 |
LINE-UP RWY04 - MORNING ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
| WHERE | From spot 9, get out of the parking and take the way on your right for about 200m, then you will have a nice view of the airport and line-up aircraft. |
| WHAT | You can have great shot of line-up, departures, an overview of the airport and close-up arrivals. |
| TIME | In Summer and Winter, when the sun is on the axis of the planes 14:00 to 17:00 |
| MISC. | There is a petrol station called “Total” at 5 minutes by walk direction north from the spot. Due to the high trees, taking pictures of arrivals got quite difficult. For more time change to spot #9/TAG Aviation. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 55mm = B744 / 120mm = A319 / 130mm = RJ85 / 140mm = G550 |
RESTAURANT LE GAROCO - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS RWY04
| WHERE | From spot 10, continue to walk for about 7 minutes on the north where the petrol station “Tamoil” is. Than on the right of the petrol station, you will see the Nissan garage. You need to go behind the building where there is a small rise way which allows you to access by foot to the roof and then you will see the terrace of the restaurant. |
| WHAT | Good spot for landings runway 04. |
| TIME | In Summer from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter not good, too much in the axe. |
| MISC. | There is the petrol station 3 minutes by walk from the spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 80mm = B744 / 105mm = A310 / 130mm = A320 / 170mm = G650 |
CRASH GATE - ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY04
| WHERE | From spot 11, continue to walk along the fences direction est until you reached the crash gate. Other wise, take the car, exit the Nissan garage on the left follow the road direction north. Before the second roundabouts turn on the left and park along the trees. Don’t drive on the dirty road on the right (you have a sign that does not allow you to drive here as it is reserved to the farmers). on top of that, you might be in troubles with the police. |
| WHAT | Good location for landings and departures on rwy04 as you shot throw the fences and a big lense might be a problem but a nice background could be seen on the pictures. A LADDER is highly recommended ! |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm = B788 / 100mm = A321 / 120mm = E195 |
AEROCLUB - MOVEMENTS RWY04 & HEAVY DEPARTURE RWY22
| WHERE | From the spot 12 continue on “Rte H.-C. Forestier” pass the graveyard on your left, then Swiftcopter and the aeroclub on your right. Park your car in that parking area and walk towards the security gate, make a left turn and enter in the public observation area which is located next to the Aeroclub (where it used to be the “aerobistro”). |
| WHAT | Rwy04 movements if the grass is not too high and heavy departures on rwy22. Additionally, you can shoot the movements that leave the general aviation ramp if they use rwy04 and if you do not have obstacles. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | You can enjoy a free entry which offers some bench and view on the airport. Bring with you what you need. Also bear in mind that you shoot through a fence so we recommend you to take a ladder. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 100mm |
GENERAL AVIATION
| WHERE | From the spot 13 continue on “Rte H.-C. Forestier” exit the parking on your right that you will face the airport gate which you can access by taking a ticket. The first 10 minutes are free. Enter the parking and drive until the bizjets ramp. |
| WHAT | Only static business jets are possible. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | Nothing nearby the location, bring with you what you need. Keep in mind that you are on a private area so we recommend you to just shoot the aircraft and leave. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 18mm to 100mm |
AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWYS04/22
| WHERE | By car : Coming from the Ferney border, turn right on the 2nd runabout, direction “Meyrin”. Follow the road for about 1500m, when you see the Leclerc supermarket, just before the runabout there’s a road on your left heading to the forest. That’s what you’re looking for. Coming from Meyrin, just follow the road to Ferney and after the runabout by the Leclerc supermarket, the road leading to the spot is on your right. Please note that you need to park your car at the beginning of that road and walk for about 10/15min to the airport fence. When reaching the forest, take the RIGHT road. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and departures can be taken for both runways. Ladder is necessary. |
| TIME | From 17:00 to 20:45. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50mm – 200mm |
COW FIELD - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | By car : After the customs, continue strait until the roundabout, come back and then take immediately on the right before the customs. Finally go strait until you see the fence of the airport. By bus : Stop at “Tunnel Routier”, cross the customs go strait and take the grass on the left side. Continue strait until the fence of the airport. |
| WHAT | Arrivals and take-off can be taken on rwy04. One favour, when cow are present on the field, please don’t go. The farmer allows us to take pictures on his field but he doesn’t want to see us when his cows are on the field. |
| TIME | From 17:00 to 20:45. |
| MISC. | There is nothing close to this spot. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 50mm – 200mm |
L'OASIS - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES RWY22
| WHERE | By Bus: From the Tunnel Routier, the one who is after the house next to the P48, after stop at Douane and walk for about 20 minutes. Pass the customs then take the first road on the right called “Chemin de Colovrex” go straight until you see Lidl supermarkert. Pass the parking and follow the way.
By Car: Follow the direction Ferney on the left from the crossroads, you will pass under the tunnel, pass the customs than take the first road on your right “chemin de Colovrex”. Go straight until you see Lidl supermarket, you can park your car inside. |
| WHAT | Good location for landings and departures on rwy22. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is a supermarket called “Lidl” where you can buy drinks and food |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 70mm B772 / 90mm B762 / 116mm B738 / 240mm Learjet |
FARMER FIELD - AFTERNOON ARRIVALS RWY22
| WHERE | By car: From spot 1, continue the road you’ll pass under the ILS, then strait and take the second road on your right called “Chemin de la Radio”. Park your car next to the dirty ground not to block the road. |
| WHAT | Only landings on rwy22 in the afternoon. |
| TIME | In Summer, from 17:00 to 20:45. In Winter from 14:00 to 17:00. |
| MISC. | There is nothing nearby, so take what you need with you. |
| FOCAL LENGTH | 140mm A359 / 210mm A320 / 240mm Dhas8-400 |
Hi all, In winter season is the Viewing area open in the terminal ? As may pop over for the ski season from Southampton.
Appreciate any response 🙏
Good spotting and Foting all.
Hi, not that we are aware of. It is even closed since September 2023… we don’t know when it will open again.
There was a terrace at the gva aeroclub is this closed now?
Yes, it was a Thai restaurant and indeed it closed due to financial issues. The airport has take over the place and should in the near future use this place.
Hi, please check the this airport Description.the numbers on the map are not corresponding with the Description. For examble No 11 on map is Text no 10 and so on. Thx
Hi Markus, indeed the map was outdated. I have fixed it. Thanks for the hint.
-Julian
Is spot 10 still available for line-ups? Or are the trees blocking the view completely?
Spot is still available for line-ups and the trees are not blocking the view.
Bonjour, J’ai vu hier le 9 sept 2022 dans l’après-midi décoller un 737 immatriculé YP-CK.. Je n’arrive pas à trouver le pays d’origine de cet avion. Pouvez-vous m’aider? Merci
The Terrasse Panoramique is simply superb. ONly its opening schedule during winter could be improved… but this may come. Thank you, dear Geneva Airport and thank you, Mr. CEO Scheinder!
Spot 1: there is a direct bus (20/50), just exit at Bellevue GE, Chemin des Clys.
Since 2 weeks gva opened an real observation deck
Hi,
Re. location 3 on the roof of Palexpo, a bit further to the left from where you see a person standing in front of the fence in this guide, they made a small camera hole. It is not ideal for photography, also because of objects on the apron. But it may provide an opportunity for the occasional good picture if you are lucky.
In addition, spot 5 has been closed by a small fence now. One can easily climb over it. However, to prevent problems. one can also walk alongside this small parking / construction-site on the Voie des Traz and then climb up the small hill where one would stand before, but this time in front of the fence.
Bonjour, je m’interroge sur l’endroit numéro 5.
Il est écrit qu’une échelle est nécessaire pour que la barrière ne soit pas visible sur les photos, quel type d’échelle avez-vous utilisé pour obtenir les photos proposées ? (hauteur approximative)
De plus, sur google maps, je vois un portail fermé bloquant l’accès au lieu. Ce portail est-il toujours d’actualité ? L’endroit peut-il être inaccessible par moment ?
Merci d’avance pour votre réponse
Hello, I wonder about place number 5.
It is written that a ladder is necessary, what type of ladder did you use to obtain the proposed photos ? (approximate height)
In addition, on google maps, I see a closed portal blocking access to the place. Does this portal still exist? Can the place be inaccessible at times?
Thank you
Thibaud.S
Bonjour Thibaud,
Selon tes demandes :
1. échelle 3 échelons je dirais approx pour éviter les barbelé sur la piste, taxiway tu peux pas éviter
2. portail est toujours ouvert, je suis passé hier 18.02.2020 c’était toujours en ordre
3. à l’heure actuelle je n’ai pas vu que l’endroit soit inaccessible mais ça peut changé vite
Cordialement,
Jeremy Denton
Merci pour ces infos Jeremy. Je serai de passage à gva cette semaine, je ferai peut être un saut au spot 5. 🙂