Car hire in Geneva
Car Rental in Geneva
There are lots of great car companies in Geneva including Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty
Geneva, known as the ‘city of peace’, offers visitors a rich culture against a stunning backdrop. It’s Switzerland’s third-largest city and is filled to the rafters with world-class entertainment, restaurants and endlesss sights to see.
More than 200 governmental and non-governmental international organisations are based in the city, making it feel like the whole world has a presence in Geneva. This feeling is strengthened as you stroll the streets and hear chatter in many different languages spoken by residents and tourists alike.
While the city itself is worth exploring, driving out into the surrounding countryside offers visitors the chance to connect with nature again. You can hike up mountains or strap on a pair of skis and slide down slopes covered in crisp white snow.
What you need to know
Geneva is a slick and sophisticated city that has everything the modern tourists needs to enjoy their trip, meaning it is very easy to hire a car. Many different companies are on hand in the Swiss city to provide a host of cars, depending on what you need. Using our website can help you narrow the search to the specific dates you’re travelling, to the type of car you need and to the amount you want to pay.
What you see is what you get with Holiday Autos. There are no hidden costs, no credit card fees and 24/7 customer service support, should you need it. It’s even free to cancel, so you know you won’t be penalised if your plans changed unexpectedly.
Where to pick up your car
If you’re flying into Geneva Airport (GVA), then you will be able to choose from a range of first-class hire car companies, such as Europcar, Alamo, Budget and Sixt. The rental desks are located at the west-end of the terminal building, so head there and fill out your paperwork. You pick up the car on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park, which is around 400 metres away from the terminal. There is a shuttle bus that comes every ten-minutes to take you to your wheels.
You can also collect your car from the Genève-Cornavin railway station, if you’ve chosen to travel by train rather than plane. Some companies will also pick you up from other locations dotted around the city, which is something to consider when arranging your hire car. Holiday Autos can show you which companies offer this particular service - another reason to book your rental through us.
Best Car Hire Companies Geneva
Car Hire Reviews Geneva
Where to go
On the surface, Geneva appears to be a world-class business centre for organisations all over the world, but dig a little deeper and the city’s true identity is revealed. You can head to the scenic Old Town where you can explore boutiques or see archaeological remains beneath the cathedral. Why not head to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum and learn how the city became famous for its neutrality? You can even tour the Palais des Nations - European seat of the United Nations - and get an insight into how governments across the globe face the biggest issues of modern times.
Nearby Geneva
Geneva is the ideal location for those looking for all the creature comforts of a city and those who want to be close to luscious, green countryside. There are countless small towns and villages dotted around Lake Geneva - both in France and Switzerland - offering stunning views of the mountains. Many of these are less than an hour away from the city and can be easily reached in the car.
If you drive just 35 kilometres south of the Geneva, you will find the charming French town of Annecy. Here you can dip your toes in crystal clear water on the one of the beaches lining Lake Annecy, or follow the labyrinth of ancient canals until you find a cafe or taverna to rest your legs. The town is home to some amazing historical sights, including the Palais de l'Isle (Saint Peter’s Cathedral) and Annecy Castle, which shouldn't be missed.
Montreux is another town that is also in easy reach of Geneva by car. Located at the foot of the Swiss Alps, this resort offers stunning mountainside and lakefront views all year round. If you find yourself in the town during the summer, you’ll see it transform into a heaven for music lovers. The world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival has been going since 1967 and has developed a unique programme of events over the last five decades to spread the joy of music.
Longer drives
If you’re travelling to Geneva to start a European road trip, then look no further than the Grand Tour, which will see you drive through Switzerland, France and Italy and rack up more than 500 miles. Your journey would begin at the city’s stunning Lake Léman waterfront before heading along the south shore and crossing from Switzerland into neighbouring France. Just be sure to check the Terms and Conditions of your hire car before crossing borders
From here, get onto the D902 south where you will make the steep climb to Chamonix via Thonon-Les-Bains, before traversing the thrilling seven-mile Mont-Blanc tunnel under the highest Alp and emerging into Italy. The Grand Tour lets you enjoy the Levantine Riviera as far as La Spezia until you ascend the road up to Apennines, before coming down into Florence. This is the halfway point of your road trip, as you head back to Geneva from here via the minor roads to Bologna and then back up to the Alps.
Every mile offers you breathtaking scenery of majestic mountains and stunning waterfronts. You can also stop off however often you want to sample the delights of the quaint towns and villages you pass.
Top attractions in Geneva
Geneva has so much to offer, not matter what you’re looking for on your trip. There’s plenty of history and culture to explore, natural wonders to see and plenty of gastronomic delights to taste.
Salève mountain
One of the best things about the city is how easy it is to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Salève mountain is just a short drive away from the centre of Geneva, offering a peaceful retreat to everyone who visits. Once you reach the summit, you can decide how you come down, whether that’s hiking or paragliding. You can even take a picnic, take in the views and contemplate life for the afternoon.
Bains des Pâquis
If you’re looking for a bit of pampering during your stay in Geneva, then look no further than the kitsch Bains des Pâquis. At this 1930s public swimming bath on the edge of the lake you can indulge in a massage, have a gentle swim or enjoy a delicious fondue.
Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
St Peter’s Cathedral is over 850 years old and is located in Geneva’s quaint Old Town. It’s unique in its architecture, as it combines several different styles, such as gothic and ancient, due to how often it has been rebuilt over the centuries. If you make your way up to the top of one of the towers you will get a panoramic view of Geneva, making it well worth the journey up the spiral staircase.