Car rental in Geneva at the Best Prices

Geneva is a wonderful city to visit with its surrounding landscape failing to disappoint. From the charming old town, to the mountainous backdrop, and famous lake, a car rental from Geneva is the perfect way to explore the area. Geneva is a vibrant city and popular with all ages, in part due to its fabulous location. You can ski during the winter and swim or hike during the summer, whilst savouring some exquisite Swiss cuisine. Nestled between three countries, Geneva makes for the ideal starting location to visit countries such as Italy, France and Germany.

With over 60 year’s car hire industry experience, Auto Europe is well poised to offer you the very best car hire deal, from a list of world renowned car rental suppliers. With pick up sites in more than 24,000 global locations, finding you the right car, at the right location, shouldn’t be too difficult. So whether you are looking for a mini, economy or large vehicle category - be it at the airport, main train station or downtown Geneva, contact one of our reservation agents for help.

How is the traffic in Geneva?

Swiss roads are modern and well maintained, whilst the Swiss driver is generally law abiding and extremely punctual – all of which helps to make traffic in Geneva flow easier. That being said, we would still recommend avoiding rush hour times, as traffic congestion can build up at major intersections and roads. Central Geneva in particular is a place to avoid when the locals are transiting to and from work. In general, speed limits in towns are 50 km/h, in the countryside its 80 km/h and on motorways 120 km/h.

Utilising the motorways can be a good method for getting around Switzerland. Do note however, that a vignette permit (motorway sticker) is required when using motorways. These stickers can be purchased from petrol stations and post offices, and are valid for one year. When hiring a car in Geneva, car rental vehicles often come with this sticker preinstalled. Please confirm it is present before setting off with your vehicle.

Where can I park my car rental in Geneva?

Parking in central Geneva is paid for from Monday to Friday, 9am until 2pm, and again from 5pm until 8pm. Parking spaces in the city is very limited though and you will often find it difficult to find a parking space. Parking garages and secure underground parking is available, many with a park and ride option. This may be the best option if planning to visit downtown Geneva.

There are a total of three parking zones in Geneva. The White zone is a metered parking area. The Blue zone allows for free parking up to 1 hour during working days, 8am until 11.30am, and again from 1.20pm until 7pm. A blue ticket disc must be displayed on the windshield. Lastly, you have the Yellow zone, which dictates that parking is prohibited.

Geneva Airport

Located 4.8 km north from Geneva city, Geneva International Airport is the second largest airport in Switzerland. Public transport connections are extremely good, and will take you to central Geneva quickly and efficiently. Handling over 15 million annual passengers, the airport is the main hub for EasyJet Switzerland and Swiss International Airlines. When arriving, you are able to leave the airport either on the Swiss or French side.

Geneva International Airport/Genève Aéroport (GVA)
Address: 1218 Le Grand-Saconnex, Switzerland
Website: Geneva Airport
Telephone: +41 22 717 71 11

What to do in Geneva

Geneva is a city of contrast – from an affluent business district to a historical and cultural centre – Swiss traditions and charm are provided in abundance. A city marked by its many museums, monuments and vibrant restaurants, bars and coffee houses - all of which, not only portray Swiss quality but have a touch of French influence to match.

• International Red Cross Museum: In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Red Cross, a museum was inaugurated to bring to light modern issues in regards to natural disasters, reuniting lost families and human dignity. These exhibitions reaffirm the amazing work undertaken by the Red Cross throughout its 100 plus years of existence. Temporary exhibitions are often scheduled bringing to light up-to-date global topics and concerns.


• Broken Chair: Overlooking the Place des Nations and rising up some 11.8 meters, the Broken Chair monument consists of over 5 tons of wood. With its torn leg, it symbolises the damaged caused by cluster bombs and land mines. In honour of all those who have lost limbs to these devices, Handicap International had the Broken Chair erected in 1997 to urge all countries to sign up to the Ottawa Treaty – to ultimately bad land mines.


• Plainpalais Flea market: Geneva has a thriving shopping district full of deli shops and wonderful boutiques. The Plainpalais flea market is also a must visit when looking for some retail therapy. Taking place every Wednesday and Saturday, here you can browse vintage furniture, clothes and toys. In addition, a superb farmers market offers mainly French produce every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.


• Reformation Wall: Dedicated to the victims of the Protestant Reformation, the Reformation wall, formally formed part of the old city walls and became a canvas for artists to illustrate historical scenes and religious movements. Famous Protestant figures such as John Knox, John Calvin and Martin Luther all form as a permanent feature of the wall. This monument serves as a reminder of religious struggles and movements within Europe.


• Geneva Jet d'Eau: Spraying a mist of water as high up as 140 metres, the Jet d’Eau is one of Geneva’s iconic landmarks, and one of the first things you’ll see whilst coming into land at Geneva Airport. Originally constructed to ease the water pressure from a hydraulic plant, the fountain is the perfect place for some memorable photos. Along with regular ferry rides to multiple locations around its lake, a wooden walkway allows for easier access to the fountain itself.

Best day trips with my car hire in Geneva

If you’re looking for some great day trips, then Geneva is the perfect place to start from. With your car rental in Geneva consider exploring the fairy tale Swiss Alps. With ample peace and tranquillity, the fresh mountain air and breath-taking scenery alone will draw you further into a world of concentration, with only the occasional cow bell to snap you out. The following places are our top recommendations for an unforgettable day trip.

Lake Constance, Germany: Head to the south of Germany and visit the beautiful Lake Constance (Bodensee). This wonderful lake is fed by the river Rhine and is the ideal summer destination for water sports, swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Along the lakes shores, you’ll come across numerous quaint towns, each as attractive as the next. For cyclist enthusiasts, a 260 km bicycle lane encircles the whole lake.

Jura Mountain: Being only an hour’s drive from Geneva, the Jura mountain range, and its corresponding national park, is an unspoilt oasis filled with mesmerising beauty. Multiple slopes entice you to some downhill skiing during the winter months. Whilst during the summer, the same slopes lend themselves to some amazing hiking trails.

Annecy, France: Known as one of the most romantic locations near Geneva, Annecy is located over the border in France. A postcard perfect town, historical colourful buildings line the streets and wrap around the canals – as colourful baskets of flowers hang and greet passers-by. Annecy’s landscape is perfect for outdoor activities and sports, whilst the Château d'Annecy encourages you to further explore this region’s history.

Gruyeres: Especially delightful for cheese lovers, a visit to Gruyeres is an absolute must during your visit to Switzerland. Take a guided tour through famous cheese factories and learn all about the process of how to make the finest Swiss cheese. Once complete, head to a local restaurants terrace and savour some local cheese whilst drinking some fine wine.

Geographic Information & History

Home to multiple international organisations, such as the WHO, UN and WTO, Geneva is the second largest Swiss city attracting thousands of visitors yearly. Nestled between the Alpine mountains and Jura mountain range, Geneva lies on the banks of Lake Geneva in Romandy, the French speaking side of Switzerland. The city experiences warm summer days due to its oceanic climate, with cold days during the winter and plenty of snowfall.

Geneva was originally a fortified town first settled by a Gallic tribe. It was conquered by the Romans in the second century BC with Christianity establishing itself during the fifth century. Geneva became a city state from the Middle Ages up until the 18th century, with many rulers governing over it, most notably the House of Savoy.

During the 16th century, the Savoy rule was overthrown due to the Protestant Reformation. The city quickly saw itself fall under the governance of Catholic France up until the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars put an end to French rule. During this period the city was annexed and incorporated into the Swiss Confederation.

The 19th century saw the church and state separate, and Geneva speedily started to grow in stature and wealth. Nowadays, the city is a flourishing European international hub for diplomatic institutions and financial services. It does not fall under the EU, EEA or the Eurozone; it does nevertheless participate in the Schengen Area and European Single Market.

How to get around Geneva

Geneva has a modern and well integrated public transport service operated by Transports Publics Genevois (TPG). The transport network consists of buses, trams, trains, river boats and the Geneva trolleybus service. If you plan to stay in Geneva, you can obtain a free travel card that will allow you to travel on Geneva’s public transport for free during your stay. These can be picked up at major transport hubs ticket counters.

Bus

Covering the city and into its suburbs, Geneva buses are a great and very cost-effective way to get around town. A few routes even go as far as bordering French towns. Buses are modern and well maintained. The central bus station is called Gare Routiere and is located in central Geneva. It serves local and international destinations on a daily basis.

Train

Geneva trains operate out of Gare Cornavin, Geneva’s central train station that is located in the northwest part of the city. Trains are modern and very efficient, taking a mere 6 minutes train ride to the airport. Routes run throughout Switzerland to Zurich, Bern, etc, and into neighbouring European countries. The TGV can be caught to Paris, Nice, St.Roch and Lyon.

Taxis

If you are planning to get around the city with a taxi then you might find it hard. Taxis are very difficult to find, and often you will need to pre-book. Taxi ranks exist outside main transport hubs, including the airport. If travelling with children, then be advised that taxis can refuse to take them – this is due to strict seating laws and restrictions. City taxis are metered and licenced.

Tram

Opened in 1862 the Geneva tram network is very efficient and modern. The tram network was Europe’s largest in the 1920s, but fell into decline by the 1960s. Since 1995 the tram network has seen a surge in popularity and investment. There are a total of four routes covering 36 km across central Geneva and into its suburbs.

Trolleybus

The Geneva trolleybus is similar to a tram as it uses overhead electrical lines for power, it does however not rely on tram tracks. It was established in 1942 and currently has 6 routes running from the city centre into its suburbs.

Boat

A river boat links both shores of the lake within Geneva. It is operated by Mouettes Genevoises and accepts public transport travel cards. Additionally, river boats operated by Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman, provide routes further afield to Yvoire, Nyon, Thonon and Montreux.

Useful links

Tourism Information