Last updated: 2026-02

CERN Shuttle Service

What Are the CERN Shuttles?

CERN operates several shuttle bus routes (called "circuits") that connect different parts of its two main sites: Meyrin (in Switzerland, near Geneva) and Prévessin (in France). Think of them as a free internal bus system that helps you get around the massive CERN campus without walking or driving.

The shuttles run Monday to Friday (excluding CERN official holidays) from approximately 07:00 to 19:00. Frequencies vary by circuit and time of day — during peak morning and evening hours, you can expect a shuttle every 10-15 minutes.

Good News for the Environment

Starting February 1, 2025, CERN began transitioning its entire shuttle fleet to 100% electric vehicles! This is part of CERN's commitment to sustainable and low-carbon campus operations.

The Shuttle Circuits

Circuit 1 — Meyrin Site Loop

This is the "local" shuttle that runs entirely within the Meyrin site. It stops at the main buildings, restaurants, parking areas, and key locations across the Swiss campus. If your office is in one building but you need to grab lunch at R1 or attend a meeting in another building, Circuit 1 is your friend.

• Frequency: Every ~15 minutes during working hours
• Best for: Moving within Meyrin

Circuit 2 — Prévessin via FH Schumann

This is one of the most popular routes, connecting the Meyrin and Prévessin sites via the FH Schumann area (near the French town of Saint-Genis-Pouilly). Many employees live on the French side and commute between sites daily.

• Frequency: Every ~15-20 minutes during peak hours
• Best for: Cross-border commuting, reaching Prévessin experiments

Circuit 3 — LHC Shifts

This is a specialized route for people working on LHC (Large Hadron Collider) operations. It runs during shift periods and connects to the LHC experimental areas and control rooms. The schedule is different from regular circuits — it operates when shifts start and end.

• Frequency: Varies by shift schedule
• Best for: LHC shift workers

Circuit 5 — Meyrin-Prévessin Express ⭐ (Updated)

This express shuttle provides a direct, faster connection between Meyrin and Prévessin, with extra shuttles during morning rush (08:00-09:00), lunchtime, and evening rush (17:00-18:00).

• Frequency: Every ~10 minutes during peak times (doubled from the old schedule!)
• Best for: Faster cross-site travel, avoiding the FH Schumann detour

Key Stops You'll Need to Know

Stop	Why You'll Use It
Building 33	Main CERN Reception — your first stop for visitor badging
Building 55	Registration Office — if you need to sort out access issues
Building 500	Main Building (Meyrin) — the heart of the Swiss campus
Restaurant R1	Main cafeteria — biggest food option on site
Restaurant R2	Secondary cafeteria near the Theory area
Restaurant R3	Near the Theory building
Baird Auditorium	Where big presentations and seminars happen
FH Schumann	The hostel area in Saint-Genis-Pouilly (France)
Prévessin Entrance	Gate to the French site

How to Actually Use the Shuttles

1. Make sure your badge works — Seriously, don't get on without checking. The driver will ask to see your access card, and if it's not valid, they won't let you board (or you'll get dropped at Building 55).

2. Check the schedule — Timetables change periodically. The official source is the CERN Shuttle Service page, or use the CERN Campus app on your phone.

3. Wave to flag it down — Unlike city buses, CERN shuttles won't stop at every single stop if nobody's waiting. When you see one coming, wave to signal the driver.

4. Find real-time locations — Use the CERN interactive map to see where shuttles are currently running. Super handy when you're running late for a meeting.

5. Forgot your badge? No problem — tell the driver, and they'll drop you at Building 55 so you can sort out a temporary 24-hour pass through the Adams-mobile app.

Pro Tips

• Peak hours are busy: If you can, avoid the 08:00-09:00 and 17:00-18:00 rush. The shuttles fill up quickly.
• LHC shutdowns = fewer shuttles: When the LHC is down for maintenance (usually in winter), some circuits run reduced schedules.
• Bad weather means delays: Rain, snow, or roadworks on the Route de Meyrin can mess up timing. Leave buffer time.
• CERN closes for holidays: The shuttle service stops during the end-of-year annual closure (usually late December to early January). Plan ahead.
• It's free: You don't need a ticket. Just hop on with your badge.

What If You Don't Have a Badge Yet?

If you're new and waiting for your access card, you can't use the shuttles. For now, you'll need to rely on public transport (bus 68 or tram 18) or get a taxi. Once you have your badge, the shuttles open up as a free and convenient option.

Related Pages

• Transportation Near CERN — How to get to CERN from Geneva, public transport options, cycling
• First Weeks Guide — Everything you need to do in your first month

Sources

• CERN Shuttle Service Official Page
• Meyrin-Prévessin Express Announcement (January 2025)
• CERN Interactive Map (Real-time shuttle tracking)
• Adams-mobile (Temporary access passes)

Review and maintenance

Maintained by Efrén Rodríguez Rodríguez. Content and official sources are reviewed quarterly.

• Verify legal deadlines and authority links
• Recheck transport timetables and stop names
• Revalidate tax thresholds and rates
• Confirm CERN service URLs and portal names