Car hire Geneva

If you’re flying into the city, Geneva International Airport is just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre. The heart of Geneva can get very busy during peak commuter times, so it’s best to plan your city journeys outside of these hours if you can.

You can park for free for a limited time in central Geneva in the marked blue zones – although these are high in demand. You’ll need a blue parking disc to qualify for this, which can be purchased in post offices. There are also plenty of multi-storey car parks where you can securely leave your vehicle while you go out sightseeing.

Plenty of wonderful day trips are within reach of the city. Drive north to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. It can take less than two hours to reach this medieval destination, known for its towering cathedral and mechanical clock. The motorways are modern and pleasant to use, making road trips even more enjoyable. A number of stunning national parks are also within easy reach.

In Switzerland, you drive on the right side of the road and must use your lights at all times – including during the day. Standard speed limits are 50km/h in towns and cities, 80km/h on rural roads and 120km/h on motorways, unless otherwise signed. Always check signs for the route that you are on, in case variable limits are in use.

Elegance and finery are the watchwords of Geneva, a populous Swiss city nestled close to the French border. Discover grand buildings, sweeping promenades and prestigious tales of history when you explore this lakeside metropolis.

Explore Lake Geneva

Staking a strong claim as the city’s most popular attraction, the Jet d'Eau is a perfect place to start your sightseeing. Shooting 140 metres into the sky – higher than the Great Pyramid of Giza – this astonishing water fountain looks equally beautiful when viewed during the day as when it lights up at night.

Follow the curve of the crescent-shaped lake to find scenic beaches scattered on the northern banks. Less than an hour’s drive away, close to the city of Lausanne, you’ll find the sandy shores of Plage de Preverenges. In the summer months when the weather is warm, you can paddle in the shallow waters with the mountains looming in the background.

At the opposite end of the lake to Geneva is Chillon Castle, approximately one hour and 15 minutes’ drive from the city following the A1 and A9. Dating back to the 12^th century, this breathtaking fortress sits on an island out in the water, crowned with fairy tale turrets and connected to the shore by a small bridge.  

Chocolate and watches 

The Swiss are renowned for their watchmaking and chocolate – and Geneva is one of the best places to discover the mastery of these crafts.

Go on the ultimate sweet-toothed tour, sampling the delights of luxury chocolatiers on the most desirable shopping street in the city, Rue du Rhône. Take your pick of handmade truffles and pralines at Du Rhône, one of the most famous brands in the city. In just a few paces, you’ll come to yet more tempting window displays, from Chocolats Rohr to Zeller Chocolatier and Teuscher, each one piled high with tempting chocolate boxes.

You’ll also discover an abundance of elite watch shops, filled with opulent timepieces by some of the world’s most sought-after brands. See the cogs in motion at the Patek Phillippe Museum, opened in honour of the city’s most esteemed watchmakers. Then head to Jardin Anglais to see the famous flower clock, a blooming flowerbed fitted with mechanical hands.

Relax in the City of Parks

Geneva boasts a well-manicured landscape of public gardens, providing numerous places to relax amid the glamour of its streets. In fact, more than a quarter of the city is covered by green spaces, earning it the nickname ‘City of Parks’.

Parc de l’Ariana is close to the lake, with winding footpaths taking you past the various gardens and sights including the United Nations HQ, fronted by lines of member flags blowing proudly in the breeze, and the domed Musée Ariana.

Across the water is Parc de la Grange, known for its fragrant rose gardens and elegant Roman villa. In the summer, music concerts transform this lakeside space into an open-air theatre.

From chocolatiers to lakeside picnics, relish the refined European luxury of Geneva. Whether you’re staying in the city or exploring the surrounding landscape, car hire in Geneva is the most convenient way to get from place to place, enabling you to make the most of your time in Switzerland.