Car hire Geneva airport

Search, compare and book your rental car

Pickup location
 Different return office?
   Driver age: 25-70
   I live in: United States
Search Now
Customers love us

Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them

Customers love us
Amend for free

Up to 48 hours before pickup

Amend for free
No extra fees

We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees

No extra fees

Cheap Car Hire Geneva airport

Cheap Car Hire Geneva airport

About Car Hire at Geneva Airport

On the banks of Lake Geneva, just over the border from France, lies Geneva, Switzerland's most international and multicultural city. It is one of the world's five wealthiest cities, making it a household name throughout the globe. It's also a great destination for travellers! Atop a slope overlooking the Rhône River, which flows from Lake Geneva, stands the old town, with its charming ancient alleys and flights of stairs overshadowed by the cathedral. Buildings and wide streets follow the outline of Geneva's walls around the old town on three of its four corners. The greatest way to see Geneva and the surrounding Swiss countryside is by driving about in your own vehicle.

Switzerland's second-largest city, Geneva, is home to Geneva International Airport (GVA), once known as Cointrin Airport and still informally referred to as such. It's 4 kilometres northwest of downtown. Over 15 million passengers passed through its halls in 2014. Swiss International Air Lines and easyJet Switzerland use the airport as a hub, and both short-haul and long-haul flights connect this tiny nation to several European cities as well as destinations across North America, China, and the Middle East. The busiest routes out of Geneva Airport are to London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

[It is important to note that the airport straddles the border between Switzerland and France. It is known as Geneva International Airport (GVA) on the Swiss side and Geneva Ferney Voltaire Airport (GVF) on the French side. The information presented here is for the Swiss side.]

The airport is home to several well-known hire car companies, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. To get the best rates, shop around and reserve your hire car well in advance of your trip. One of the benefits of picking up a car at the airport, on the Swiss side, is that hire cars come with a windshield sticker known as a vignette, which is necessary for travel on highways. Shuttle buses are available if you don't want to walk a few hundred metres to the airport's car drop-off area.

Downtown Car Hire in Geneva

While Geneva itself may be explored on foot or by public transportation, hiring a car is the best method to see nearby spa towns, ski resorts, and magnificent lakeside landscapes. There's no need to freak out if you arrived in the city by plane and didn't pick up a hire vehicle at the airport. In downtown Geneva, you will still be able to pick up the vehicle of your choice. There are a variety of vehicles to select from, so you can set off on a road trip with a group of friends or family members in the car that best suits your requirements.

Driving in Geneva

Car Hire Agencies in Geneva

If you need a car in Geneva for a business trip or a romantic getaway, one of the many agencies in the city will be able to assist you. Some of the city's reputable car hire companies include Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Thrifty and Avis. You won't have any trouble finding a hire car that falls within your price range. Renault, Fiat, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, and Mini Cooper are among the most popular brands of hire cars in Geneva.

Top Road Trips from Geneva

The mountains and lakes of Switzerland are best witnessed from the comfort of your own vehicle. Read on to get inspired for your next road trip-

Traverse the greatest alpine road in Switzerland on your one-hour and thirty-minute ride from Kandersteg to Tasch. You'll be able to see a lot of rolling mountains and quaint hamlets on your route. Once you reach Zermatt, you might be in for a surprise: it’s completely car-free! However, you’ll need one to get there.

As the winter sports hub of Switzerland and the canton of Valais, the splendour of the Tasch is matched by its lengthy ski routes. The Matterhorn, the crown gem of the Swiss Alps, may be seen from the road to Zermatt. When you arrive, visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and the Matterhorn Museum, just to mention a few.

A drive around Lake Geneva is likely to be unforgettable. Whenever you’re tired, just park your vehicle, and take a cool dip into the refreshing blue water. The Chablais Alps and vineyards will be among the many sights to see on your rejuvenating road trip.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Geneva airport

What’s the best area to stay in Geneva?
The best area to stay in Geneva completely depends on why you’re going to visit. If you’re going to see any of the popular attractions, make sure to book somewhere central that has good access to these places.
What is the cheapest time to go to Geneva?
With fewer tourists and temperatures in the mid- to high-60s, September to November is a perfect time for budget-conscious visitors to visit Geneva.
What is the best time to go to Geneva?
Geneva is at its most pleasant in the summer, when the temperature is warm and the wind blows. There is normally a lot of sunshine in Switzerland throughout the summer, but rain is just as frequent. The best time to take a cruise on Lake Geneva is during the summer, which is also the busiest time of year.
Can you get around Geneva without a car?
If you plan on staying in the urban area, it is possible to rely on public transport. But if you want to explore further afield and see more of Geneva and the surrounding areas, then you will most definitely need a car to do so.
Tips and experiences for Geneva airport

Our customers rated Geneva airport with an average of 8.6 based on 50 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

30-09-2021

says:
Skiing in Evasion Mont Blanc and the grand Massive by staying in Sallanches which connects these 2 ski resorts. Telecabine "the Princess" at Megeve is 14 min. drive from Sallanches and les Carroz only 30 min. Les Thermes de Saint Gervais is very nice to relax after winter sport or summer hiking. Both Saint Gervais and Megeve have good hiking path's in the summer. From Sallanches you have also signed trails to beautifull mountain views Sallanches has a number of good restaurants. Les Contamines is withing the Evasion Mont Blanc ski pass and is a nice open ski resort with challenges in all categories. la Giettaz is also part of the Evasion Mont blanc ski pass: here you have beautifull views over the mountains
27-08-2021

says:
Easyjet check in is abismal, not enough staff and excessive queuing times ! Very efficient & polite security staff. Terminal very clean and lots of seating. Good catering facilities but trhey are expensive (as is the rest of Switzerland).
05-05-2021

says:
Keep your liquids bag separate from your other toiletries and together with the other stuff you need to take out in security: laptop, ipad, etc. It saves a lot of time. Always have on you your passport, a credit card, a bit of local currency, a toothbrush, a change of underwear and a charger. If something unexpected happens, that is your survival kit! Check the local weather. There is nothing worse than turning up somewhere with the wrong clothes. Look up for things to do and places to go that are not in official guides, but in media meant for the locals. If possible, make friends with locals. Try as many new things as you can. Only those who dare push themselves find out how far they can go.
05-05-2021

says:
I would like that you would set car return point in Waze or Google Maps, so it is easier to find the car return point
25-03-2021

says:
Very well organized, easy to move through, very kind personnel, clean, very good connections with means of transportation, one ticket for free to the downtown
09-03-2021

says:
1. One should prepare beforehand which are the best Parkings Areas or P+Rs the rates vary significantly. 2. Road traffic updates are only in French. If one doesn't know the language follow a good GPS or similar. 3. I had a mid range model but it's not ideal for Alpine roads especially if one does not normally drive a Left hand model. 4. Fill up your fuel tank before handing in a car the Car hire company rates are way too high. 5. There aren't many fuel stations on the A1 close to Geneva Airport and those on the Airport grounds charge about 0.10 CHFs per litre more than those on the motorways. 6. Today's mid range and higher cars are filled with gadgets if not used to them suggest you take some time before starting to drive because one can end up with loads of bleeping warning you about everything but you couldn't make heads and tails on what's the issue.
01-02-2021

says:
1. Pack as light as possible 2. Don't buy refreshments in the café areas, but from the shops. e.g we bought small bottles of wine for 4 euros rather than 7euros at the café 3. Prepare for security by getting laptops out, belts off 4. Make sandwiches before you go / buy sandwich deals from supermarket rather than on board 5. Pre order airline meal deals … get served first and guaranteed to meet your order 6. Check out petrol stations nearest to car hire drop off as you leave the airport
17-12-2020

says:
Transit bus takes you to separate car hire pick-up area. It is worth watching out where this is so you can find it easily when you return the vehicle. The SOCAR and MIGROL fuel stations nearby on Avenue Louis-Casai have counter-service for payment (as opposed to unattended card payment by pump which didn't work with my card).
13-11-2020

says:
Geneva is a great launching point for adventures in the alps. Summer cycling, on or off road. Alpine climbing, via ferrata and bouldering are also accessible within an hour. In winter - skiing and ski touring are exceptional in the neighbouring peaks and resorts. On a clear day you get a great view of Mont Blanc as you come in to land at the airport. The food at the airport can be expensive so sometimes it is wise to make other arrangements. If you are renting a car there is a petrol station very close to the return carpark (it works on a prepay system).
07-11-2020

says:
Genève lake and city center are a “must”. A visit to the Alpes is amazing. The landscape is excelent, the food is always good and a visit to the Lukerbad therms is amazing
09-10-2020

says:
If you are hiring cars look at getting an annual hire car excess policy. It can sometimes be cheaper than using the hire companies policy for just one hire.
29-09-2020

says:
Very overcrowded, it took almost 2 hours to pass to boarding gate.
25-09-2020

says:
Very easy to find car rental. Just make sure you allow time as you need to take a shuttle bus to pick up the car and drop it back. Geneva airport is very clean and efficient. There is a good lounge and some good shops to take a look around. Security is efficient just allow plenty of time if you are travelling at peak holiday times.
02-09-2020

says:
Rent in Advance, Rent with Protection, Rent with Peace of Mind, Rent for Comfort, Rent for Ease of Pickup and Drop off, Rent Budget.
04-06-2020

says:
Use the excellent railway and go for long walks in the beautiful old parts of the city. Take a stroll along the water and see the water canon Jet d’Eau make rainbows in the sunlight. Be in awe of the cleanliness of the city. Walk up to Saint Pauls cathedral and look at the view. I recommend the city Zoo if you have children and the weather is inviting. Book a concert at Victoria Hall and witness the stunningly beautiful decor and a mind blowing orchestra experience.
27-05-2020

says:
nice airport
20-10-2019

says:
Know what car you want in advance. Make sure your confirmatory voucher is for that type of car. Check the car carefully before leaving the area. Make sure you understand the controls of the car. Remember the driving rules for the country you are driving in. Enjoy your car, it might be better than the one you are used to.
15-10-2019

says:
Well organised and efficient, but car rental car park was a nightmare, with overly aggressive driving and very little space.
13-10-2019

says:
The airport is very crowded on a saturday with long waiting lines for baggage drop and security. Seems the capacity is too low for the volume of passengers.
28-09-2019

says:
Snow chains and winter tires are standard on the Swiss side of the airport only. The French side of the airport bizarrely rents cars with summer radials, all year round. This would be a problem if you are going to the mountains to ski. Be certain to check the car carefully for damage. The lighting in the pickup area is poor and I discovered several large scratches on the car given to me when the document showed NO damage. The staff were nonchalant and marked up the document with a time stamp and signature. But I expect if I had not checked I would have had a problem. Also check the fuel gauge carefully; mine was " just" full and registered 9/10 about 1 km along the road. This has happened to me before so really my fault for not remembering to check and lodge a complaint before setting off.
25-09-2019

says:
Allow plenty of time to pass through passport control it took us 40 minutes to get through and a number of passengers were caught out by this
22-09-2019

says:
1. At Geneva in winter, rent from the Swiss side, the motorway sticker is included, and although you have add winter tyres, you would want them anyway and 9 chf per day was much better than the 20 Euro per day I paid on the French side 2 years ago. 2. Check the costs of the extras before you book!
18-09-2019

says:
Make sure you hire snow chains if you’re heading to the alps, a lot of resorts won’t let you in or out in a car without on in bad weather.
09-09-2019

says:
Leave extra time to travel to Geneva Airport if travelling on the A9/A1 as there are frequent accidents on these roads.
04-09-2019

says:
Travel as light as possible. Carry a credit card that allows you to pay in the currency of the country you are visiting without incurring any charges. Take out your own car hire excess insurance. Plan ahead and check out your route from the airport to your destination if you are traveling by hired car. Allow extra time for any unforeseen delays and have contingency plan if you are held up. This will help you not to get to stressed and allow you to actually enjoy the road trip!
30-08-2019

says:
Write a check list which includes Passport, Travel tickets etc, Cash, Credit Cards etc. Shop around for best car rental prices, and check what is included. Check/select a bank that gives you low or zero fees for withdrawing cash or using a credit card whole out of home country.
29-11-2018

says:
Try to ascertain in advance which terminal your flights go from. Book your hire car well in advance and use "Geneva airport" for your GPS destination on return.
19-11-2018

says:
We went through Geneva to go skiing. Easy ring roads past the city out to other destinations. Geneva city is itself beautiful and great for a long weekend or stop off.
08-11-2018

says:
Stayed in St Gervais
22-10-2018

says:
Only passing through the airport and didn't actually visit the city
17-10-2018

says:
Old entrance into Geneva airport is closed off but not the filter lane so you can end up stuck facing a barrier and struggle to get back on to the busy road. Follow new signs.
07-10-2018

says:
fill up before the airport.
04-10-2018

says:
We stayed in gruyere! It was beautiful and we wanted to go there to see the alien bar and HR Geiger museum and it did not disappoint! It was worth the trip!
04-10-2018

says:
Skiing in Chatel and the Portes du Soleil
01-10-2018

says:
We travelled to the French Alps from Geneva. A great place to fly into with easy access to some great skiing.
29-09-2018

says:
Don't buy anything at Geneva Airport, everything is just too expensive (CHF 6.- for a bottle of water!!!), visit downtown instead ot go to the cheaper French side.
24-09-2018

says:
Buy your duty free at Geneva airport after landing. Be aware you may have to pay extra if travelling by car to other countries.
22-09-2018

says:
Geneva provides easy access to Chamonix and Val Thorens for ski holidays.
21-09-2018

says:
We don't spend any time in Geneva as traveled to France
18-09-2018

says:
Book Swiss side. Small cars are very economical and the Corsa we had was large enough for 4 adults with hand luggage.
17-09-2018

says:
No comments regarding Geneva. The airport was great apart from the confusing location of oversized baggage.
12-09-2018

says:
I actually went to La Plagne straightaway, so do not have much to say about Geneva itself. In terms of using rental cars it is much cheaper to refuel the car before you cross the French border and fill the small amount of petrol on the station in the Airport rather then fill the empty petrol tank in the Airport (that's confirmed by own experience;-)).
11-09-2018

says:
Lake Annecy and any of the ski resorts.
09-09-2018

says:
See old town and check with office de tourism to see what is going on in town as there are often festivals and concerts
04-09-2018

says:
Travelled to Nendaz fantastic idyllic town near Verbier
02-09-2018

says:
Visit the Old Town. Make use of excellent public transport.
25-08-2018

says:
Walking in the towns around lake lèman. And also skiing. Magnificent place
13-08-2018

says:
Actually I was is France, just my flight arrived and departed to/from Geneva.
19-10-2017

says:
Visit Palais des Nations
24-09-2017

says:
Switzerland is beautiful but terribly expensive - bring a full wallet