Participants are invited to make their own hotel reservation.
The CERN hostel lists some hotels in both France and Switzerland which benefit from special rates for people coming to CERN.
The hotels with this offer in Switzerland can be found here.
The hotels in France which also benefit from this rate can be found here.
Please note: Unless you're coming to conference by car, it is in general better to look for accommodation in Geneva rather than France.Those hotels which offer a shuttle service from France to CERN are indicated on the CERN hostel website form, but the times may not always be convenient with the programme of the conference.
Take the tram number 14 or 16 in the direction of Meyrin-Graviere, get off the tram at Vaudagne. From Vaudagne, take the number 56 bus marked with its terminus as CERN. The ticket costs 3.00CHF or 2.00EUR (Ticket "Tout Genève" on the ticket machine). See Transport Publics Genevois web site for full details.
Coming from Geneva airport
The easiest (i.e. direct) way is to take the bus letter Y from outside the airport in the direction Val Thoiry. The stop to get off at is CERN.
Unfortunately, the bus Y is not the most regular of services. If there seems to be a long wait, then the best option is to take the number 10 bus from the airport to Bouchet and change for either tram number 14 or 16. Then continue as above, changing at Vaudagne for the bus 56 to CERN.
NOTE: The International Airport of Geneva is offering all arriving passengers a free "Tout Geneve" ticket, which is valid for 80 minutes. This ticket is available from the automatic ticket machine situated in the baggage reclaim area and permits you to use public transport in the city of Geneva on the day of your arrival only, and must be accompanied by your boarding pass.
More information on this can be found at the airport website, including a pdf containing all you need to know about the free ticket.
In addition, if you are staying in a Geneva Hotel (not the CERN hostel) you are entitled to a Geneva Transport card which will guarantee you free public transport in Geneva for the duration of your stay.
Some further indications about coming to CERN can be found at:
ABOUT GENEVA
The conference will be held at CERN (the European Centre for Particle Physics), which is located on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland. By September next year, the downtown will be reachable by tram within about 30 minutes.
Geneva has a spectacular location: situated between lake and mountains, it offers all the advantages of a small city combined with the facilities and services usually found in much larger cities. Besides hosting the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, Geneva is an international meeting place for world leaders. The city, probably best-known throughout the world as the headquarters of the European seat of the United Nations and the International Red Cross, attracts thousands of people each year for meetings, conferences and exhibitions.
Geneva’s international airport is conveniently located 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre, the hub for flights from 70 destinations worldwide. Efficient ground transfers are available from the airport to the city centre and hotels.
Altitude
374 m (1,227 ft) above sea level
Climate
Although the winters can be quite cold in Geneva, in September conditions are still very pleasant. Daytime maxima are around 20C reaching a low of 9C at night; rain can never be ruled out, so it’s always best to pack an umbrella.
Currency & Euro
Switzerland uses as its main currency the Swiss Franc (CHF) .
In recent months the Swiss Franc has strengthened against the Euro, the average rate is now approximately: € 1 ~ CHF 1.35. The up-to-date currency fluctuations can be followed here.
Driving
In town 50 km/hr. (30 km/hr. in some areas), outside built-up areas (national roads) 80 km/hr., highways 120 km/hr. A tax sticker, “vignette”, is compulsory to drive on highways and semi-highways. Valid for 1 year at CHF 40.– (on sale at post offices, garages and customs posts). The wearing of seat belts, both in front and back seats of vehicles, is compulsory.
Electricity
The voltage used in Switzerland is the standard 220 volts used throughout Europe. Be aware though that the three-pin plug/socket used here is unique to Switzerland. Adaptors are widely available, and will be required if coming from beyond Switzerland. More information is available here.
Languages
The official language in Geneva is French. Other languages widely spoken are English, Portuguese, Spanish and German.
Population
City and Canton: 427,705 inhabitants. City of Geneva: 182,560 inhabitants
Tipping
Prices in hotels, restaurants, taxi fares etc. include taxes and service. A tip, therefore, is not indispensable, but justified for good service.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter Switzerland.
Visas
Travellers requiring a Visa to enter Switzerland should ensure that it entitles them to re-enter after having visited nearby countries. A valid passport is essential for excursions to France.
Geneva Tourism
Web site: www.geneve-tourisme.ch
