Getting To Geneva

25-03-2025

Since Geneva is the city, from where majority of all our tours start, we’re very familiar with transportation system in the area.

We decided to collect all necessary information for you, dear cyclists, to make sure your experience of getting here would be pleasant and easy. 

 

Getting to Geneva:

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Arriving by boat:

Geneva is located on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman),

which dives you opportunity to travel by boat to Geneva in several ways:

 

  • Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) Ferries: If you're already in a nearby city around Lake Geneva, you can take a ferry or boat. Cities like Lausanne, Montreux, and Nyon are accessible by boat on the lake. These boats are mostly passenger ferries and cruise boats.

 

  • Private Boat: If you're traveling on your own boat, you can navigate to Geneva via the Rhône River, which flows into Lake Geneva, and then dock at one of the boat harbors in Geneva.

 

  • From France (or other neighboring countries): You can also take a boat from France across Lake Geneva to Switzerland. For example, there are ferries from places like Thonon-les-Bains (France) to Nyon or Montreux in Switzerland, and you can then continue by boat or transport to Geneva.

If you have a Swiss Half-Fare Card or Swiss Family Card, you can get a 50% discount on tickets for these ferry routes.

Geneva Pass can sometimes offer benefits on boat trips around the lake, but you'd need to check for specific discounts on the French side.

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased: Onboard the boat (cash or credit card), at ticket counters, or online in advance through the CGN website.

Ferry schedules can change based on the season, and it’s always good to check for real-time schedules before traveling.

The boats are very scenic, with views of the Alps and surrounding landscapes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on schedules and prices, it's best to visit the CGN website directly: CGN Official Website.

Arriving by car:

Arriving by car in Geneva is a convenient option, but there are a few things you should be aware of to make your trip smoother. Here's everything you need to know:

 

Driving to Geneva:

Access by Road:

Geneva is well connected by major highways. The city is located near the border with France, and several roads lead directly into the city from both Switzerland and France.

 

  • From France: If you are driving from France, you will enter Geneva via the A40 highway, which connects to the city via the Bertigny or Moillesulaz border crossings.

 

  • From Switzerland: If you're coming from the Swiss side, you can use the A1 highway, which connects Geneva to cities like Lausanne, Zurich, and Basel.

 

Entering Geneva by Car:

 

  • Border Crossings: Since Geneva is located near the Swiss-French border, if you're driving from France, you will go through customs controls when crossing into Switzerland. Make sure to carry your passport and any necessary documents for border control.

 

 

  • Driving Rules: Switzerland has strict driving rules, including speed limits, seat belts, and a ban on using mobile phones while driving unless you have a hands-free device. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Swiss road regulations before arriving.

 

Parking in Geneva:

 

  • City Parking: Parking in Geneva can be challenging and expensive, especially in the city center. However, there are many parking garages and street parking spaces available. 

    We recommend using Multipark mobile app that helps drivers find, reserve, and pay for parking in Geneva. It is a convenient and user-friendly solution for navigating the city’s parking system, which can be challenging, especially in busy areas.

 

  • Street Parking: You can find street parking in various areas around the city, but make sure to check for parking signs and meters to avoid fines. The cost is usually CHF 3-5 per hour, and parking is limited to certain hours.

 

  • Public Parking Garages: There are several underground parking garages near key areas like Gare Cornavin (train station), the Palais des Nations (United Nations headquarters), and Lake Geneva.

 

  • Hotel Parking: Many hotels offer private parking, but it's often limited and may come with a fee. It’s best to check with your hotel ahead of time to reserve a spot.

 

Arriving by train:

The train system in Geneva is part of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and is an excellent way to travel not only within the city but also to other regions of Switzerland, ncluding Bern, Bienne, Fribourg, Lausanne, Lucerne, Montreux, Neuchâtel, Sion, Vevey, Zurich and neighboring countries.

 

Main Train Station: Gare Cornavin

  • Gare Cornavin is the central train station in Geneva, located in the city center. It’s the main hub for both local and international trains.

  • From here, you can easily access trams, buses, and taxis to reach other parts of the city or the airport (via train or bus).

 

  • Tickets can be purchased at the train station from ticket machines, ticket counters, or online via the SBB website or app.

  • A single ticket from Geneva to other Swiss cities typically costs between CHF 20-50, depending on the distance.

 

  • Swiss Travel Pass or Saver Day Passes are available for tourists, allowing unlimited travel on trains and other public transport within Switzerland.

  • SBB Mobile App allows you to purchase and store tickets digitally, making it easy to travel without paper tickets.

 

  • Trains in Geneva run frequently and are generally very punctual. You can check schedules on the SBB website or use the SBB Mobile app to get real-time information on departures and arrivals.

  • Local trains operate every 15-30 minutes, while long-distance trains may run every hour or more, depending on the route.

 

  • Trains in Geneva are known for being comfortable, with clean carriages, spacious seating, and large windows for scenic views.

 

 

 

Arriving by bus: 

Another way to get to Geniva is using a popular intercity bus service in Europe, like BlaBlaBus, Eurolines or FlixBus. Its a good alternative to travel beetween other counties, as it connects various cities in Switzerland and other European countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Once you’ve selected your destination and departure time, you can easily book your ticket online through their website or app. Payment can typically be made via credit/debit card. Depending on your destination, the journey could take several hours. For example, a bus from Geneva to Paris might take about 7-8 hours, while Geneva to Milan could take around 5-6 hours.

 

Bus will drop you off at major bus stations in your destination city, usually located near central transport hubs like train stations or city centers. From there you can easily get your connection with local bus system or take a tram to reach your final destination. 

 

The tram system in Geneva is a convenient and efficient way to get around the city. It’s well-connected, easy to use, and covers many of the key areas, including the airport, the city center, and other important neighborhoods.

 

Alternatives to Driving in the City

Walking: The city center of Geneva is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. It’s a good idea to use a GPS or a map app for accurate navigation. 

Make sure to add to your favorites some must-try dishes and food items to enjoy during your visit. 

 

Bicycles: Geneva is a bike-friendly city, with many bike lanes and bike rental stations.

Renting a bike can be a fun and environmentally friendly way to explore the city.

 

We hope that you will find those tips useful for your next cycling tour and if you still thinking which option to choose, contact us for more details. 

 

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