Geneva is a famous city that plays a major role in the diplomatic and human rights arena. It's often considered the "world peace" capital, Zurich housing the headquarters of the Red Cross and many UN agencies. Although it's a relatively small city (only 200,000 residents), Geneva is considered as a center for business and finance and as one of the leading cities in quality of life and luxury.
Renting a car in Geneva is an ideal solution for those seeking a skiing holiday in the Alps or a trip through the western part of Switzerland, where French is predominantly spoken. Geneva is renowned for its iconic Jet d'Eau fountain located in its namesake lake, the formidable CERN particle accelerator, and the stunning Alpine scenery. From any hotel or residence in Geneva, you can gaze upon Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe.
Ofran collaborates with several leading international car rental companies in Geneva, including Europcar, Enterprise, and Budget. On this site, you can enjoy a particularly wide range of vehicle groups and an extensive distribution of stations in Geneva, both at the airport and in the city center.
Working with multiple rental companies in Geneva allows us to offer you higher availability of vehicles. Still, especially during the summer months, it is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, particularly if you wish to rent a larger car, station wagon, minivan, or an automatic transmission vehicle.
Advantages of booking a car rental in the Geneva with Ofran:
◾ A wide selection of vehicles for rent in a variety of sizes. From mini-category cars suitable for a short trip with little equipment, to family vehicles, SUVs, station wagons, minivans, and luxury cars.
◾A wide distribution of stations in Switzerland, at the main airports, city centers, tourist sites, and major parks.
◾Peace of mind and security that come with the insurance coverage and the award-winning service of a leading company in the industry - offering rental plans that include waiver of deductible and extended third-party insurance.
By booking a car rental in Geneva with Ofran, you can enjoy all the advantages of a rental car during your trip abroad with an international rental company - excellent service and the ability to manage your time independently and freely as required on a trip in this vast and diverse country.
Geneva is well-connected to both the Swiss and French high-speed road networks. This makes it easy and quick for those looking to travel to the French ski towns. For instance, Annecy is just 40 km from Geneva, and Chamonix is 80 km away.
◾ Toll Roads
If you're planning to drive to Geneva from France, remember to pay the road tax at the border and get the VIGNETTE sticker, which must be affixed to the windshield of your rental car. This sticker is essential for driving on highways, and without it, you're at risk of being fined. Recently, an app was launched allowing for digital payment instead of a physical sticker – for more details Click here.
◾ Picking Up/Dropping Off a Car at Geneva or Basel Airports
The airports in Geneva and Basel are located right on the border between Switzerland and France. As a result, you can exit the airport into either country after a standard check-in process following baggage collection. It's important to follow the signage throughout the airport to make sure you're exiting into the correct country. So, if your rental voucher indicates car collection in Switzerland, head towards the Swiss side.
*Due to a change in policy at Geneva Airport, crossing from the Swiss side to the French side (or vice versa) within the airport is only possible if you have a flight ticket for the same day.
When entering the airport from the Swiss side without arriving by flight, you can only pick up the car from the Swiss side. Likewise, at the end of the rental period, if you collected the car from the Swiss side, it must be returned to the Swiss rental company's parking area. Be aware that if the car is returned on the French side, the rental provider may charge significant return fees.
Lake Geneva
The largest lake in Central Europe, Lake Geneva magnificent views are perfected by the snow-capped Alpine peaks in the backdrop, creating a breathtaking panorama. Taking a ride on the Mouettes Genevoises boats is undoubtedly the most enjoyable way to traverse from one side of the city to the other. Of course, there are other vessels that offer direct routes to cities like Lausanne and Montreux, as well as to other towns nestled along the lake's shores.
Jet d'Eau: The Iconic Water Fountain
At the mouth of the Rhone River which continues its flow towards France, lies one of Geneva’s and indeed the world's most renowned tourist attractions. The fountain propels about 500 liters of water to a height of 140 meters. It operates throughout the year, except on particularly freezing days or when the wind is excessively strong.
Chamonix and Mont Blanc
The quaint village of Chamonix is located just across the French border, about an hour and a half drive from Geneva through the stunning Arve Valley.
Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, which soars to a height of 4,800 meters, making it the tallest peak in Western Europe, Chamonix offers a unique experience. For a true appreciation of the Alpine summits, it's recommended to take a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi peak for a panoramic view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
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