A Guide to Visiting CERN from the UK
This guide provides useful information for groups planning to visit CERN from the United Kingdom. It should be read in conjunction with the Information Pages which gives up to date guidance on the process.
If you wish to discuss your visit or wish for further information and advice on visiting CERN, please contact the STFC Schools Officer.
Download the 'Guide to Visiting CERN from the UK' as a Word File.
Introduction to CERN
CERN is the world's largest particle physics research laboratory and it is funded by 20 European countries, including the UK, which was one of CERN's twelve founder member states. It straddles the border between France and Switzerland north-west of Geneva and sits at the foot of the Jura mountains. The broad research programme at CERN attracts scientists from all over the world to the Laboratory, which is an outstanding example of successful international cooperation.
Since its foundation in 1954, CERN has made a major contribution to our understanding of the basic structure of our Universe. Highlights include many important developments in accelerator and detector technology, experimental evidence used in developing and testing the Standard Model of Particle Physics and several Nobel Prizes.
As well as fundamental research, there have been many technological spin-offs – the best known of which is the World Wide Web, which was developed at CERN. There have been contributions in many other fields, including medicine where technologies developed for Particle Physics have been used for hospital accelerators and for better imaging of the human body.
Currently CERN is building the world’s highest energy accelerator – the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – which is due to be completed in 2008. This will take physicists into new territory and may be able to throw light on the origin of mass (by finding the Higgs Particle) and on the nature of the matter in the universe (by finding new particles).
Why Visit CERN?
Particle Physics is about answering some of the ‘big questions’ in science. What are the basic building blocks of matter? How did the Universe begin? CERN is one of the places where we may find some of the answers.
You will hear, first hand, about exciting physics and you will see the enormous scale of the enterprise. Unless you see it you will not fully appreciate the magnitude of the task and the achievement.
As well as the 2500 people employed by CERN (physicists, engineers, technicians, administrators etc.), some 6500 physicists from 500 universities and 85 countries do their research at CERN. If you sit in the CERN cafeteria, you will be mixing with physicists from all over the world – quite a buzz!
There is nothing like seeing physics in action to stimulate and motivate students. Groups from well over 100 UK schools have visited CERN – and the overwhelming response has been enthusiastic. To quote one teacher: “My students talked about it for weeks!”
What you can Visit
Available visits at CERN will depend on what is available at the time of your visit. CERN mainatins a current list of options and the outline of a typical ‘itinerary’.
They may include the worksite or assembly hall of one of the experiments (probably ATLAS or CMS). Alternatively, you may be able to visit the antimatter factory – where antiatoms are produced and studied – or the Proton Synchrotron at the heart of the CERN accelerator complex. Other areas may become available for visits as the construction of the LHC proceeds.
If you do not have your own transport, then CERN will generally be able to provide access for up to 24 people. If your group is larger than this, you will either need your own transport or will offered a limited range of options. Groups of larger than 24 without their own transport should consult the Visits Service to confirm what will be available.
Please contact the STFC Schools Officer with any queries.
CERN straddles the border between Switzerland and France and some itineraries will take you across the border – remember to take your passport with you!
Fundamentals
Arranging a Visit
Before making any other arrangements, you must book your visit. You can do this via the CERN Visits Website. There is high demand for visits, so you will need to book well in advance.
If you can make a personal visit to CERN before taking a group it will make it easier to organise. This can be arranged directly with CERN or you might wish to attend one of the free CERN teacher programmes which provide a golden opportunity to visit CERN and find out for yourself!
You will need to choose a date (or dates) for your visit. In deciding, you might wish to consider the following points:
- Generally, your visit will be restricted to one “itinerary” – i.e. a half-day guided tour to one of the CERN experiments of facilities. This is because of the very high demand for visits over most of the year. There are less busy times (January and July/August) at which you may be able to arrange for two itineraries.
- If you want to extend your visit to a second day and a second itinerary is not on offer, then you may either use the second day to visit Microcosm (the CERN visitor centre – no need to book) or you may be able to arrange a talk from a CERN physicist rather than a second itinerary (contact the STFC Schools Officer). There are some worksheets available to be used in conjunction with Microcosm.
- Air travel to Geneva is generally more expensive during the ski season!
Travel to CERN
The options are to fly to Geneva, to travel by hired coach or by rail. Generally, air is likely to be the cheapest option (although the price depends on when you travel) and coach will give you the greatest freedom when you are there (and means that a wider choice of itineraries is open to you as well as allowing you to take in other attractions on the way).
- Air. Easy Jet fly to Geneva from Bristol, Nottingham East Midlands, Luton, Gatwick, Liverpool and Newcastle. Other budget airlines also serve Geneva from a range of UK airports – sometimes during the ski season only. Mainstream airlines (e.g. BA) also serve Geneva from several UK airports and, at certain times, they can be as cheap as the budget carriers. There are a number of websites which allow you to search for suitable flights.
- Coach. Most coach companies will give you a quote for travel to and from Geneva. The distance from Calais is about 460 miles by the most direct route.
- Rail. From London (using Eurostar to Paris and TGV to Geneva) will take around 7 hours. To plan your journey, visit http://www.sncf.com/en_EN/html/
Travel in Geneva - Buses
The bus network is comprehensive and reliable. Each bus stop is named and announced as you approach it – making buses very easy to use. You can find full details of routes, times and fares on the web at http://www.tpg.ch/ (though the main site is in French, the section labelled 'Itineraires' offer and English option)
Tickets are available from machines at each bus stop. From the airport it is possible to obtain a ticket for free bus travel lasting 80 minutes. Otherwise, you are most likely to require a ticket valid for 1 hour usable in the main Geneva area (this includes the following journeys: CERN –Airport; CERN-Central Geneva; Airport-Central Geneva). These cost 3.00 CHF and you will need exact change. Alternatively, for more than 10 people, you can purchase a multiple ticket – probably worthwhile if you have a large group. These can be obtained from the main station (Gare Cornavin). See http://www.tpg.ch/ to confirm bus numbers.
- From CERN to Central Geneva. The bus leaves the gates of CERN at roughly 15 minute intervals during the day and will take you to the main train station (Gare Cornavin) or to the lake. Returning to CERN from Geneva, the bus will either be labelled “CERN” (which you want) or “Gare Zimeysa”– do not take the Gare Zimeysa bus! Journey time to central Geneva ~25 minutes
- From the Airport to CERN. The bus from the airport leaves for central Geneva (Gare Cornavin) every 10 Minutes. To get to CERN you need to change at Bouchet and transfer to a bus going to CERN (and not Gare Zimeysa – see above!). Journey time ~40 minutes.
Travel in Geneva – Taxis.
These are expensive. From Geneva Airport to CERN is about a 10 minute journey and will cost around 30CHF.
Accommodation
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CERN Hostel. There is hostel accommodation on site for visiting scientists and engineers. If they are not being used for this purpose, then they may be used by visiting school or college groups. A double-room with en suite shower and toilet costs around 36 CHF per person per night. The rooms provide a good standard of accommodation and are situated close to the main visitor centre and cafeteria. Generally, this is the most convenient place to stay.
You will not be able to book until the Visit Service have confirmed your visit and you may not be able to book the hostel until closer to your visit. The age limit for school parties staying in the hostels is 16 – and good behaviour is required! - Geneva Youth Hostel.The youth hostel in central Geneva is a good alternative to a CERN hostel. Dormitory beds are 29 CHF per night and a room for 4 costs 123 CHF per night.
- Other Accommodation. There are other hostels in the city centre – City Hostel, Centre Masaryk – and a range of hotels, both in Geneva and just across the border in France. In general, accommodation is cheaper in France, but travel to CERN will be less convenient, and probably suitable only if you have your own transport. CERN maintains a list of hotels.
Food and Drink
The CERN self-service cafeteria is good value for money (around 10-15 CHF for a main meal). As well as being a convenient place to eat, it is also a meeting place for all who work at CERN – the world’s leading physicists all pass this way! You will certainly appreciate the international nature of the enterprise if you spend time here. You may need to book in advance for a large group.
There is a wide range of restaurants in Geneva – from McDonald’s and Burger King upwards. Good areas to eat include the old town, near the cathedral, where there are some – relatively – cheap and cheerful restaurants and the streets around Gare Cornavin. Fondue is a local speciality. Prices are comparable with the UK – although generally a little higher.
Before Your Visit
To prepare your students for the visit you may wish to arrange for a talk from a particle physicist. You will find a list of speakers here or contact the STFC Schools Officer.
Geneva and Around
Geneva is an attractive city and well worth spending some time in. If you want to find out about what's on during the time of your visit, the Web pages of the Office du Tourisme de Geneve are full of ideas. You can call them directly too - they are extremely helpful, both when you telephone them from the UK or if you visit them when you are in Geneva. Also, here is the Official Site of the City of Geneva and here is a useful web guide.
Leaflets and Maps.
You can download pdf maps and a series of useful brochures from the Office du Tourisme de Geneve.
Red Cross Museum and United Nations Building.
The Red Cross Museum is highly recommended. It is open from 10:00-17:00, every day except Tuesday. A single entry costs 10 CHF (adult) or 5 CHF (students – with student card) and there are reductions for groups (7 CHF per person for 15 or more people). Guides are available if requested.
Opposite the Red Cross museum is the public entrance to the League of Nations building, which now houses the European part of the United Nations. Guided tours last about 1 hour. You will learn about the organisation of the United Nations, see the large assembly hall in the League of Nations building and you can walk around the gardens. A single entry costs 8.50 CHF (adult) and 6.50 CHF (students). Group tours need to be booked in advance.
Places and Events.
A visit to the old town is highly recommended, as is a walk through the Parc des Bastions, near Place Neuve. Geneva is famous for the fountain (Jet d'Eau) which is turned on from about March to October. The `Auto Salon de Geneve' is an annual car show held in March, held at the Palexpo exhibition centre. If you are in Geneva in the summer, there are attractions such as the open air cinema called `Cinelac' (end of June to mid-August) and the Fetes de Geneve in August (culminating in a spectacular firework display over the lake). Science-hungry people might investigate the Science History Museum or arrange a visit to the Geneva Observatory
The Geneva Area
You could travel along the lake to Lausanne, where a few hours can easily be filled with a visit to the Olympic Museum. The museum is the world's largest centre of information on the Olympic Movement.
Don't forget that Geneva is very close to some spectacular mountains, which are excellent for skiing in the winter. French ski resorts such as Avoriaz, Chamonix and Flaine are within easy access (70-80 km) from Geneva. Ski boots and skis are available for hire at resorts, along with tickets and insurance, but otherwise you should be suitably equipped to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What currency should I take? CERN and Geneva use Swiss Francs although Euros are often acceptable. If you are staying or visiting France, you will need Euros. Exchange rates are here and a useful currency converter here.
- Where do we check in at CERN? Groups should arrive and leave from the official reception desk at Building 33. You will be able to see the reception from the car park (or Number 9 Bus Stop) at the front of CERN where the flagpoles are.
- What if we arrive out of office hours? You will be able to gain access to the hostel (Building 38 or 39) from the guards on duty at the main entrance to the Swiss site of CERN (building 120)
- Where can I change money? There is an ATM in the main building at CERN.
- Is there a shop at CERN? There is a small shop in the Main Building (near the self-service cafeteria) and a kiosk at Reception where you can buy booklets, T-shirts, watches, videos, posters and computer software.