The European Organization for Nuclear Research, home of the Large Hadron Collider. Free visitor center.

About CERN (European Particle Physics Lab)

CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) is where the Higgs boson was discovered in 2012 and where the World Wide Web was invented by Tim Berners-Lee in 1989. The laboratory straddles the Franco-Swiss border, with its main campus in Meyrin, Switzerland—remarkably close to Geneva Airport at just 3 km.

The Science Gateway, CERN's stunning visitor center designed by Renzo Piano, opened in 2023. It offers free interactive exhibitions exploring particle physics, the Big Bang, and the technologies developed at CERN. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC)—a 27-kilometer ring of superconducting magnets buried 100 meters underground—is the largest and most powerful particle accelerator ever built.

CERN welcomes around 500,000 visitors annually. While the underground accelerator tunnels require special guided tours (book months in advance), the Science Gateway exhibitions and the Globe of Science and Innovation are open to all visitors without reservation.

Nearby Landmarks

CERN Science Gateway Globe of Science Large Hadron Collider site Meyrin

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost CHF 20-30 (~\$22-\$34)
Time 10 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost CHF 15-25 (~\$17-\$28)
Time 10 minutes

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Tram 18 from outside the terminal directly to the CERN stop. The Science Gateway visitor center is free to enter.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi CHF 20-30 (~\$22-\$34) 10 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare CHF 15-25 (~\$17-\$28) 10 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Tram 18 runs until about midnight. After that, a taxi to CERN costs CHF 15-20 and takes 5 minutes. Note that CERN visitor facilities (Science Gateway) close at 5 PM, so late-night visits are not possible. The Globe of Science is visible from outside at any hour.

Luggage Tips

Tram 18 has open floor space for luggage. Given the 3 km distance, a taxi is quick and easy with bags. CERN Science Gateway has a cloakroom for visitors. If visiting on a layover, consider leaving luggage at the airport.

Accessibility

Tram 18 has low-floor boarding and wheelchair spaces. CERN Science Gateway is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms. The Globe of Science exterior area is paved and flat. Guided tours of underground facilities may have limited accessibility—check with CERN in advance.