Car Rental Geneva

Driving in Geneva is exactly what you would expect from such an open and modern city – the roads are wide and lined with continental terraces. This European powerhouse has a small one-way system in the central Hollande neighbourhood, but the roads connecting the airport to the city boast dual lanes and lush park views.

The P+R parking garages are among the more convenient options for parking your rental car since they are dotted across town in all the key locations. There is a parking lot by the Paquis-Nations park and museum, a garage by the shores of Lake Geneva and P+R Etoile sits on a bustling central road close to the railway station and city stadium.

If you plan to cross the border from France to Switzerland or vice versa in your rental car, make sure you have the right vignettes and safety equipment for each country.

Speeding fines are calculated differently in France and Switzerland, by using km/h or percentages of speed. This means it is important to stay vigilant – in Switzerland, the maximum speed limit is 120km/h on major motorways, unless otherwise signed. This rises to 130km/h in France, but only on major autoroutes. Other roads have lower limits, with 50km/h common in towns and cities, so always check signs for the route that you are on.

It is simple to reach the glorious French Alps with a rental car from Geneva. Since this region is home to Western Europe’s tallest mountain and the continent’s cleanest lake, you’ll want to experience the snow-capped wonder.

Use the D1005 road to exit Geneva Airport directly into France. Or, if you prefer to travel from Geneva city centre to the Haute Savoie, simply take Route de Malagnou south-east until you reach the French border.

From here, join the A40 autoroute and connect to the D907. When you reach the hotels and Tourist Information Centre at Mieussy, take the D308 north to zig-zag towards the ski slopes.

This is a truly international city – explore its streets and you’ll hear a mix of languages between the sparkling headquarters of international organizations and luxury boutiques.

Best of all, its unique position means it’s easy to reach France in all directions when you rent a car in Geneva.

Fondues and fountains

Geneva is famous for the 140-metre Jet d’Eau water fountain, which shoots into the air over La Rade. The city also has a penchant for delicious Swiss chocolate fountains, so it is worth trying out both types.

The Geneva Water Fountain was built in 1886 to control pressure from a local hydraulic plant. The periodic vertical chutes leap upwards at around 200km/h, so it’s no surprise that the fountain soon became a symbol of the city’s majesty and power.

When it’s time to try out the other type of fountain, numerous restaurants and cafes claim to have the best in town. Traditional Swiss fondues can be made from cheese or chocolate and there are plenty of places to sample both. The city’s own Fondue Cruise runs every Friday from October until May. Plus, adventurous travellers can even enjoy Fondue in the Sky from a luxurious cable car above Verbier.

Cafe Bon-Vin is a household name for silky-smooth and sinful chocolate fondues, located just a short walk from the Jet d’Eau.

Glistening Lakes

Lake Geneva graced this land long before the city was built around it, and its beauty continues to attract visitors from far and wide.

It’s possible to park up your rental car and take a romantic cruise on the waters. If you’re visiting in winter, skating and ice fishing are great alternatives. Back on dry land, you’ll find festivals, biking trails and great photography spots.

Venture into France and you’ll find even more stunning scenes. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy are a sight to behold, set in a breathtaking mountain landscape dotted with castles, chateaux and palaces.

You can take a guided tour of the fairytale turrets at Chateau de Menthon St. Bernard, or step into a world of mystery at the medieval island prison of Palace l’Ile, which today houses cultural treasures including 14th century coins and touring art installations.

Piste pleasures 

Alpine skiing is one of the best things to do in this part of Europe. The Chamonix ski region is just one hour from Geneva in a rental car, so it’s easy to see the star of local attractions – magnificent Mont Blanc.

Here, you’ll find cable cars that travel above stunning glaciers. The Compagnie du Mont Blanc cable car heads towards ski slopes and popular paragliding spots.

Other popular resorts include Courchevel, which has slopes for advanced skiers and beginners alike. This belongs to the largest lift-linked ski area in the world, where snow falls reliably in sugar-like sprinkles.The journey from Geneva to Courchevel takes a little over two hours by road but, with so many scenic roads to explore, the journey is half of the appeal.

With car rental in Geneva you can experience cosmopolitan city life, then take mountain roads out to picturesque French villages, and enjoy the freedom to travel on your own terms.