Lindau
Lindau is 415 km from Geneva Airport, about 4 hours 20 minutes by road, at the eastern end of Lake Constance where Germany, Austria and Switzerland meet. Its historic centre sits on an island linked to the mainland by a bridge and a railway causeway, and AirportsTransfers.ch can drive you right to your hotel there, straight from the arrivals hall.
- Distance from GVA: 415 km by road
- Drive time: about 4 h 20
- Border crossing: the route crosses into Germany, and some routes pass briefly through Austria
- Best for: lake holidays, romantic breaks, conferences, Alpine views
- Getting there: motorway via Bern, Zurich and St. Gallen
The route from Geneva Airport
The fastest road heads east across Switzerland via Lausanne, Bern, Zurich and St. Gallen, descends to the Rhine valley near Lake Constance and reaches Lindau, either by a short stretch through Austria around Bregenz or by crossing directly into Germany, depending on the route your chauffeur selects. It is a long but easy drive on good motorways, with views of the lake and the Appenzell hills towards the end.
By rail, the journey usually involves two or more changes. Trains do reach the island station, but coordinating several connections after a flight is tiring, especially with luggage or children. A direct car is the more relaxed option for most visitors.
The island old town
Lindau's old town is compact, car-light and full of character. Its main street, lined with painted facades and arcades, runs through the island, and the Old Town Hall, with its colourful frescoed walls and stepped gables, is one of the town's most photographed buildings. Churches, fountains and narrow lanes lead down to the waterfront, where cafes look out over the lake.
The harbour entrance is Lindau's signature view: on one side stands a large stone lion, the emblem of Bavaria, and on the other the New Lighthouse, which can be climbed for views over the lake. On clear days, the Alps of Austria and Switzerland rise across the water, making Lindau one of the most scenic harbours on the lake. The Mangturm, an old lighthouse tower on the promenade, is another landmark.
The island also has a quieter side. Lanes away from the main street lead to small gardens, former merchant houses and the western tip of the island, where the lakeside park is a place to watch the sunset over the water. In the evening, the harbour promenade is lively in summer and calm in the low season.
Conferences and cultural life
Lindau is internationally known as the venue of the annual meetings that bring together Nobel laureates and young scientists, a tradition dating back to the 1950s. The town has a lakeside conference centre used for congresses and corporate events, and its compact size makes it easy for participants to move on foot between venues and hotels.
For business guests, AirportsTransfers.ch can provide transfers with invoices for companies and a chauffeur by the hour (minimum two hours) for evening events or excursions. The town also has a small theatre and art exhibitions, and the lakeside gardens on the mainland side, with their historic villas, are pleasant for a walk.
Around Lake Constance
Lindau is an ideal base for exploring the eastern part of the lake. Bregenz, in Austria, is just a few minutes away, known for its floating stage on the lake used for a summer opera festival, and the Pfänder mountain above it can be reached by cable car for a panoramic view. Ferries connect Lindau with Bregenz, Friedrichshafen, Meersburg, Konstanz and the Swiss shore, making a car unnecessary for many excursions.
Inland, the Allgäu region offers green hills, mountain villages and cheese, and the Bregenzerwald in Austria is known for its traditional architecture. Cycle paths around the lake are popular from spring to autumn.
Practical tips
- Vehicle access to the island is restricted in parts; drop-off is arranged close to your hotel.
- Summer is the main season; spring and early autumn are quieter and still mild.
- Lake boats run more frequently in the warmer months.
- Bring a light jacket: evenings by the water can be cool.
Booking your transfer to Lindau
Book online, see the fixed price for your vehicle before paying and settle it by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur tracks your flight and greets you in arrivals with a name sign; waiting time is included if the flight is late. Choose a Mercedes E-Class or S-Class for small parties, a V-Class van for up to seven passengers and ten bags, or a Sprinter minibus for groups and delegations. Child seats are available on request, and bikes or other bulky items should be declared at booking. We are reachable around the clock by phone or WhatsApp on +41 78 346 56 77.
