Looking for transportation between Geneva and France, but the options seem difficult to understand? Discover clear and affordable solutions for your cross-border journeys, including the Léman Pass, a transport ticket integrating the TPG, Léman Express, and SNCF networks. Explore the covered zones, prices in CHF, and the benefits of a practical network designed to simplify your business or personal trips.
Summary
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Transport solutions between Geneva and neighboring France
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The Léman Pass: how it works and network coverage
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Benefits of Geneva–France transport with the Léman Express
Transport solutions between Geneva and neighboring France
Travel between Geneva and neighboring France is organized around public transport networks accessible with the Léman Pass. This integrated ticket allows the use of trains, buses, trams, and coaches in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, as well as in the French departments of Ain and Haute-Savoie. ETK Logistique also offers professional logistics solutions across these areas.
The Léman Pass is an all-in-one solution for Franco-Swiss journeys, combining 17 transport networks over 230 km of lines. This single ticket applies to travel within the Unireso zone (Canton of Geneva) and its neighboring French areas (Ain, Haute-Savoie). It includes trains, trams, buses, coaches, and Mouettes Genevoises boats, simplifying professional or personal trips.
The Léman Pass: how it works and network coverage
The Léman Pass divides its network into 9 fare zones. The Unireso zone (zone 10) covers the entire canton of Geneva. The 8 neighboring French zones (200 to 250) include the departments of Ain and Haute-Savoie, facilitating cross-border mobility.
Main zones, cities, and services of the Léman Pass
| Zone | Key cities/municipalities | Available services |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Unireso) | Geneva, Lancy | TPG, CFF, Mouettes Genevoises |
| 200 (Veigy) | Veigy, Saint-Genis-Pouilly | Buses and SNCF trains |
| 210 (Annemasse) | Annemasse, Gaillard | Léman Express, Trans’Haute-Savoie buses |
| 230 (St-Julien) | St-Julien, Collonges | Léman Express, coaches |
| 250 (Pays de Gex) | Gex, Ferney-Voltaire | Regional trains and buses |
The Léman Pass connects 17 public transport operators across Swiss cantons and French departments. Tickets remain valid for 90 to 180 minutes depending on the formula. Transfers between TPG, Léman Express, and SNCF networks are made without a new ticket, thanks to cross-network validation.
Fares and subscriptions for your journeys
Different ticket types adapt to mobility needs. Single tickets suit occasional trips. Day passes and monthly or annual subscriptions optimize regular travel between the canton of Geneva and France.
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Monthly pass with a 50% discount for AVS/AI beneficiaries residing in Geneva
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Annual pass with extended validity over 9 cross-border fare zones
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SwissPass card as the mandatory medium for Unireso and Léman Pass subscriptions
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“Cross-border short hop” offer for trips limited to 2 stops per country
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Free travel for young people up to 24 years old via the State of Geneva
Léman Pass subscription prices are expressed in CHF. Monthly and annual plans offer discounts for Geneva residents. For competitive parcel shipping rates, check our dedicated page. SwissPass cards can be obtained online or at authorized sales points, with a refundable CHF 40 deposit.
Benefits of Geneva–France transport with the Léman Express
The Léman Express reduces travel times between Geneva and France. Connecting Geneva Airport to Annemasse in 38 minutes, it serves 45 stations across 230 km of lines. High frequencies (one train every 10 minutes between Geneva and Annemasse) and coverage of French areas (Ain, Haute-Savoie) strengthen cross-border mobility.
Key routes and frequencies of the Léman Express
| Line | Route & duration | Average frequency |
|---|---|---|
| L1 | Coppet ↔ Annemasse/Évian-les-Bains: 83 min | Regular service |
| L2 | Coppet ↔ Annecy: 100 min | Regular service |
| L3 | Coppet ↔ Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: 112 min | Regular service |
| L4 | Geneva-Cornavin ↔ Annemasse: 46 min | Up to 6 trips/hour Geneva–Annemasse (pre-pandemic) |
| L5 | Geneva-Cornavin ↔ La Plaine: 17 min | Urban express service |
| L6 | Geneva-Cornavin ↔ Bellegarde: 35 min | Interregional connection |
Onboard comfort includes air conditioning, power outlets in first and second class, and bike spaces. FLIRT and Régiolis trains provide 200 seated and 200 standing spaces. First class offers larger tables.
FAQ
Which is the closest French city to Geneva?
Several French towns are near Geneva, each with distinct advantages. Saint-Julien-en-Genevois is one of the closest, offering quick access to Geneva city center by car or public transport, though it is often considered mainly residential. Other options include Annemasse, well connected by the Léman Express, and Prévessin-Moëns, offering a potentially more pleasant living environment.
Where can I travel by train from Geneva with the Léman Pass?
The Léman Pass allows you to travel by train from Geneva to the French departments of Ain and Haute-Savoie, as well as within the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. This ticket simplifies cross-border mobility by integrating various public transport networks.
With the Léman Pass, you can use the Léman Express, TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and partner public transport in the selected zones. Destinations include Bellegarde, Annecy, and Thonon-les-Bains, offering great flexibility for your journeys.