Car Rental - Geneva
Rent a car in Geneva and unlock one of Western Europe’s most pristine cities. This is a place where swans glide on a colossal lake, which has an elegance you’ll find nowhere else. It is also just 50 miles from the French Alps, making it a popular starting point for a memorable road trip.
We have convenient locations for car rental in Geneva, including on the airport’s French side. This makes it easy to drive into the fairy-tale French mountains – because you don’t need to cross a border.
Whether you’re here for a week-long vacation or to begin a wider European tour, we’ll get you on the road in no time with a Geneva rental car. Exiting right into France is the easiest way to ensure your hire car meets all the regulations for French highways.
If you plan to drive along the Swiss autobahns, you’ll need to buy a vignette. These stickers are easy to apply to the rental car windscreen and can be purchased at the Swiss Customs Office. It is important to note that cars rented from us on the French side of Geneva must be returned to our French pick-up point.
Geneva Locations
A Quick Guide to Geneva
Whether you want to explore the scenic sights of France or hit the ski slopes, there’s plenty to pack into your itinerary.
Car rental in Geneva is a great way to see it all, as you’ll unlock all the freedom of the open road and beyond.
A City Steeped in History
Geneva is at once charming and awe-inspiring, with quaintly colored buildings overlooking its colossal lake. It’s also the city many international organizations call home. Take a stroll and you’ll see Palais des Nations, where guided tours come in a rainbow of languages.
Geneva’s roots of power run far deeper. A quick historical tour will take you to St Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Wall commemorating its most famous former resident – the theologian John Calvin.
Wander down the long staircase behind the cathedral and you’ll emerge in Place du Bourg-de-Four – the city’s oldest square, home to high-end stores, charming boutiques and restaurants overlooking majestic fountains.
Life by the Lake
Some of the best things to do in Geneva revolve around its glorious lake. The Jet d’Eau is the surging 459-foot fountain that has defined Geneva’s cityscape since 1886.
Originally a hydraulic valve, the jet was redesigned when tourists began flocking to witness the cascades. Follow in their footsteps and make sure you don’t miss the chance to snap a photo.
There is plenty of life around these waters, including quality cafes and restaurants where you can take a pit stop and chow down on some local delights. A little further away, at Restaurant de la Barillette, traditional cheese fondue can be enjoyed with distant views of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc.
Tropical Corner is home to great night spots and benefits from incredible views of the sunset. Or, slow down the pace at Bains des Paquis – a luxurious outdoor bath set on Lake Geneva’s pier. In winter, it transforms into a sauna.
Lush Landscapes
North of Geneva, the French landscape is unspoiled and graced by miles of rolling greenery. Driving these roads is every motorist’s dream, so don’t miss the opportunity to take your Geneva rental car for a spin. There are several natural parks and Haut-Jura is one of the best – entwined with mountains and brimming with wildlife.
You’ll find the most incredible waterfalls tucked between tiny villages. At elegant Baume-les-Messieurs, the Cascade des Tufs waterfall and its surrounding caves offer some sights you’ll definitely never forget.
Scoping the Slopes
The French Alps are located south of Geneva, so they are easy to reach in a rental car. The stunning mountain roads are half of the appeal – La Route des Grandes Alpes is one of the most impressive in France.
Some of the best ski slopes in Europe are located in the French Alps. Reaching the Megeve Ski Resort is easy – just take a six-mile detour from the main road from Geneva to Chamonix.
This year-round resort has something for the whole family, even if you’re not a seasoned skier. There’s an outdoor pool and designer fashion stores you can reach by horse-drawn taxi. It’s a place where old-world charm is very much alive.
Renting a car from Geneva’s French side is your first step to enjoying the most of what this stunning region has to offer.
Driving In and Around Geneva
Lush forests, gushing waterfalls green hills disappearing into the horizon – it’s all yours to explore with a Geneva car rental. Winding around Alpine roads presents you with the most inspiring pastoral views you’ve ever seen. From glistening Lake Geneva to St Pierre Cathedral and the headquarters of the United Nations, there are also plenty of urban landmarks you won’t want to miss.
Plus, Swiss and French motorists both drive on the right – so you’ll feel right at home here. There are some rules you’ll need to know, however. All occupants must wear seat belts in both countries, and speed limits are signed in kilometers per hour.
In central Geneva, the speed limit tends to vary between 30-50 km/h (18-31 mph) so take notice when driving your Geneva rental car between built-up and open areas. It’s easy to reach Geneva via Avenue Louis-Casai from the airport. Continue on Route de Meyrin to emerge right into heart of the city, passing by the basilica, the Tourist Information Centre and several leafy parks.
The English Garden is one of the best you’ll find the world over. It perfectly embodies the sense of sophistication Geneva is famous for. It’s also a great place to park your Geneva car rental and wander up the Quai Gustave-Ador to see the Jet d’Eau. Cross Pont du Mont-Blanc to find it nestled against the banks of Lake Geneva – Parking du Mont-Blanc is the nearest parking lot.
When it’s time to exit into France, take the D1005 north of the city or exit on Route Blanche in the south. It’s easy to drive from Geneva to Chamonix and the Haute Savoie. Simply continue on the A40 until the scenic roads near Mont Blanc draw you away.
