Geneva station has the highest footfall in the canton and the third highest footfall in Switzerland. As such, it plays a key role in travel within Switzerland and to other countries. Its unique feature is that it forms a crucial meeting point for two rail systems (Swiss and French) and offers connections to the whole of Switzerland and beyond (Léman Express, InterCity, InterRegio, TGV, TER, etc.).

Like the rest of French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva has experienced a demographic boom in recent years due to its strong appeal. This trend, which is set to continue, justifies public decision-makers investing to meet the growing demand seen in recent years and preempts the sharp rise in passenger numbers expected over the coming decades. The station is currently showing signs that it is reaching full capacity. The underground station project therefore aims to meet the mobility needs of an entire region (Greater Geneva) and beyond (Lake Geneva area and the entire east–west/St. Gallen–Geneva axis).

The underground station project aims to increase capacity for both trains and station users (whether they are travelling, using the station’s shops and services or simply passing through).

An in-depth future!

This project includes:

• The creation of an underground station with two sublevels. On level –2, a new central platform with two new tracks (11 and 12). On level –1, a “mezzanine” area (a large concourse accessible from ground level), the new underground platform and the new central passage.
• The existing platform 4 will be completely demolished to enable the underground station works. It will then be rebuilt, extended to a length of 420m and raised to provide step-free access to trains.
• The station will have new underpasses, including one built as a continuation of the historic concourse. A new passage will be created on Rue des Alpes, to the east of the station, while an existing passage on Rue de la Servette will be widened (see map below, with the new areas in the station highlighted in red).

Two double-track rail tunnels will also be built in the direction of Lausanne and the airport to link the underground station to the existing above-ground network. These tunnels will connect to the network in the UN district (Pregny-Chambésy) and the Etang district (Vernier) respectively. 

More trains and more freedom at the station.

The new facilities will help to achieve three major goals:

• To transport more passengers, with four additional trains per hour in each direction.
• To make it easier to move around the station by offering new ways of crossing the space, accessing the platforms (mezzanine, central passage, etc.) and reaching other modes of transport (trams, trolleybuses, buses, taxis, etc.). 
• To improve the quality of the station experience by modernising customer services (reception areas, waiting rooms, toilets) and offering shops and services that meet customer expectations.

As well as helping to meet mobility challenges in the entire Lake Geneva region, the underground station will be the cornerstone of an urban renewal scheme. At surface level, the area surrounding the station will be developed with various urban development projects being carried out in close collaboration by various contracting authorities (Canton and City of Geneva, SBB Real Estate and SBB Infrastructure). The goal is to create a genuine social hub around the station that is better connected to the building, safe and pleasant to use.

2019–2027: work prior to the construction of the underground station.

From 2027: planning permission procedure. The underground station project could be put out to public enquiry at the end of 2027. The length of the procedures for obtaining planning permission may then vary depending on any objections or appeals. A precise launch date can be communicated once planning permission has been obtained. 

Duration of work: approximately nine years.

CHF 2 billion of investment, guaranteed by the Confederation, via the Federal Office of Transport (77%), the Canton of Geneva (16%) and the City of Geneva (7%).