20–25 minutes from GVA to the UN district on Bus 28
From T1 arrivals at Geneva Airport, Bus 28 runs straight to the Nations/UN area in about 20–25 minutes in normal traffic, using the standard TPG zone 10 ticket that costs around CHF 3–4. It’s a surface alternative to going airport → Cornavin by train and then tram 15, and regulars on Reddit literally call it “the UN bus” for conferences and meetings.
Bus 28 stops outside T1 on the city-bus forecourt, and daytime frequency sits around every 10–15 minutes according to TPG timetables, dropping to longer gaps later in the evening. If your hotel is on the right bank near Nations, WHO, or WIPO, this route often drops you closer than Cornavin plus tram, and locals say they just “hop on the 28 from the airport” when heading to UN sessions.
How to ride Bus 28 from Geneva Airport
- 1. From T1 arrivals, walk to the ground transport level and follow signs for “TPG” buses; look for the Bus 28 stop marked toward “Jardin Botanique/Nations.” This stop is directly in front of the terminal, a 2–3 minute walk from baggage claim exits.
- 2. Buy a TPG zone 10 ticket (around CHF 3–4) from the orange or purple ticket machines near the platforms; select a single ticket valid 60 minutes, which covers the ≈20–25 minute ride. Some hotels still hand out free Geneva transport cards, but don’t rely on that at the airport.
- 3. Validate your ticket in the small yellow or orange validator on board immediately after boarding, as TPG inspectors do random checks on route 28. The airport stop is close to the route start, so you usually board through the front or middle doors without fighting crowds yet.
- 4. For the main UN complex, watch for stops “Nations” and “Pregny,” which sit by different gates roughly 400–800 meters apart; newcomers often pick the wrong one and have to walk back along Route de Ferney. Check your meeting confirmation for the exact gate name before you choose your stop.
- 5. If the bus looks overloaded during big UN events, consider the backup: train from GVA to Cornavin in about 7 minutes, then tram 15 or 18 to “Nations,” which many UN staff use on peak conference days.
What regulars do and watch-outs
Locals say Bus 28 gets packed during major UN sessions, with people squeezed in and luggage space basically gone between the airport and Nations for several departures. Traffic plus security around the UN campus can also slow the last 5–10 minutes of the route, making the ride feel longer than the timetable suggests.
Regulars sometimes board Bus 28 a couple of stops before the airport on the right bank to lock in a seat before the crowd at T1, especially during morning conference peaks. They also study the stop map in advance and will get off one stop early, for example at “Appia” or “Varembé,” to cut down on backtracking by 5–10 minutes on foot.
Evening service on Bus 28 thins out, with gaps longer than the daytime 10–15 minute pattern, so late-arriving delegates often switch to taxis or the quick airport–Cornavin train plus tram 15. If your landing time is after 22:00, check the exact TPG timetable before you fly and screenshot the times while you still have Wi‑Fi at GVA.
Tip: Screenshot the TPG map showing “Nations,” “Pregny,” and your hotel stop before leaving T1; it saves you from guessing at the doors when the bus is crowded and announcements are hard to hear.