How to get from Manchester to Geneva

How to Travel from Manchester to Geneva?

You can travel from Manchester to Geneva via trains, buses and flights. All available modes of travel run every day of the week. Flights from Manchester to Geneva have around thirty times each day. Buses depart around four times a day and will require two different tickets. Trains depart hourly, usually between around 8:00 a.m. and around 5:00 p.m.

Geneva is a very popular destination to visit, three days should give you enough time to feel you've fully experienced the city's trademark sites but a longer stay will always allow you to immerse yourself in the city and experience its more obscure treasures. Generally, flights will take as little as around 2h and as long as roughly 24h, buses will take around 22h 45min and trains will take around 9h 50min.

What is the Cheapest Way To Get from Manchester to Geneva?

On average the cheapest way to travel to Geneva from Manchester is by bus, however, some flights can be cheaper. Taking the bus to Geneva will require you to get two tickets, one direct ticket from Manchester Coach Station to London Victoria Station, and then another from London Victoria Station to Geneva Bus Station with a change at the Paris City Centre station. These buses all depart multiple times a day.

The cheapest flights are usually direct from Manchester Airport to Geneva International Airport, there is usually only around one or two flights each day cheaper than travelling by bus. In addition, travellers can always try to find cheaper tickets by booking well in advance of their travel and being flexible in regards to their exact departure and arrival date and time.

What is the Fastest Way to Travel from Manchester to Geneva?

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Geneva is by flying. The shortest flights usually take around 2h and on average the flights take between roughly 4h and 6h. Flights are offered by British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa. Flights usually depart from Manchester Airport and land at Geneva International Airport.

Remember to factor in that when flying you generally need to arrive at the airport at least 1h 30min earlier than your flight in order to go through customs and be ready at your gate. It takes roughly 30min to get to Manchester Airport from the city centre by car or public transport and roughly 6min by train and 20min by bus or car to get to the Geneva city centre from Geneva International Airport. Even with this extra time, flying is usually the fastest option.

Geneva Tourist Cathedral Sanpedro Cityscape. Source: Shutterstock

Find the best tickets from Manchester to Geneva and book with Omio

Omio allows you to compare different available tickets across all modes of travel between Manchester and Geneva. With all the different providers compiled into one place you can easily assess which option is best for your travel needs. Check out or magazine The Window Seat to find helpful tips for your trip.

Trains from Manchester to Geneva

Travellers who prefer to travel on land may prefer to book a train ticket from Manchester to Geneva. It is generally shorter than the bus, taking roughly 9h 50min all up to get to Geneva. The trip does involve multiple changes, in London, Euston Station and Kings Cross St Pancras Station, and at Paris Nord and Gare de Lyon in France before arriving at Geneve Station.

All the trains you need to take run multiple times each day, most run hourly, some run multiple times an hour. Most of the trip is operated by Eil and Train à Grande Vitesse. The arrival station is conveniently located close to the heart of the city, it takes roughly 6min to get to the Geneva city centre from Geneve Station by walking and roughly 10min by driving.

Train travel from Manchester to Geneva with Train à Grande Vitesse

Train à Grande Vitesse operates most of the trip from Manchester to Geneva. They offer both first and second class seats. They have adjustable ergonomic seats for extra comfort in both classes as well as folding tray tables so you can eat or work comfortably. In First class most trains provide an individual charging point for each seat.

Buses from Manchester to Geneva

Bus trips from Manchester to Geneva tend to be cheaper than travelling by train, though also slower. They involve two bus tickets, one from Manchester Coach Station to London Victoria Station and another from London Victoria Station to Geneva Bus Station with one stop at Paris City Centre, Bercy Sein station. The whole trip takes roughly 23h including stopovers.

Travellers who wish to stop off in London or Paris before travelling on to Geneva may find the bus route to be the best. The first leg of the trip is operated by National Express and the second leg is operated by BlaBlaCar. Once you've arrived at Geneva Bus Station it takes roughly 10min to reach the city centre by walking. Note that the bus from London Victoria Station departs once daily usually at around 10:00 p.m., the others depart multiple times each day.

Traveling by bus from Manchester to Geneva with National Express

National Express begins the trip from Manchester to Geneva. They have free Wi-fi and charging ports so you can use your devices freely. They allow plenty of luggage, up to two large suitcases and one piece of hand luggage so you can pack with confidence.

Geneva Tourist Old Town Street. Source: Shutterstock

Flights from Manchester to Geneva

There are usually over thirty flights a day that can take you from Manchester to Geneva. They are operated by a variety of companies including British Airways, Air France and Lufthansa. Most flights include one change and Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport. Flights operate between roughly 6:05 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. every day of the week and some days have later flights in the evening up to around 10:00 p.m.

Most flights require a change, although some British Airways Flights do not. The trip takes between 3h 45min and 23h. Air France's flights tend to be the shortest. The departure airport is usually Manchester Airport and the arrival airport is usually Geneva International Airport. The Geneva city centre is roughly 20min by bus from the airport and roughly 6min by train.

Flying from Manchester to Geneva with Air France

Air France operates many of the flights from Manchester to Geneva They offer Economy, Business and First Class tickets. You can personalise your in-flight entertainment with choices from over 200 films as well as many TV shows, music albums and radio stations. Air France prides itself as an ambassador of French fine dining and offering travellers a gourmet experience while travelling in all of its cabins.

To Geneva by train/ bus/ flight—travel tips

With picturesque landscapes and plenty to see and do, Geneva holds plenty of potential for both first time, and returning visitors. The cities main attraction is considered y many to be Lake Geneva, a mountain lake at the edge of the city with many walks along and around it dotted with cafes and bars to rest at along the way.

For those who want to indulge in history, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and the Museum of Natural history provide at least a days worth of entertainment. When you're ready for a bite to eat check out Michelin starred restaurants such as L'Aparte or Le Chat-Botte.