Car Rental Geneva Airport

The Swiss enjoy some of the highest standards of living in the world. As such, they also enjoy some of the highest standards of driving. Their road network is extremely well maintained and driving around the country is a pleasure.  A scenic 10 to 15-minute drive east from the airport via the A1, Rue de Lyon or Route de Vernier, will take you into the heart of the city.

The Rhône river splits the city almost in two, so you may need to use any number of the bridges that connect the two halves such as the Pont du Mont-Blanc,‎ Ponts de l'Île,‎ Pont des Bergues‎ or the Pont de la Coulouvrenière‎.

Motorways in the area limit speeds to 120km/h, while restrictions of 100km/h apply on lesser roads such as dual carriageways. The limit for other Swiss roads is set at 80km/h, dropping to 50km/h in built-up areas. In residential areas this can be reduced further to 30km/h, so watch out for the signs.

It’s worth bearing in mind that, as with almost all of Europe, the Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Everyone should wear a seatbelt by law, including all children. Under 12s mustbe seated in the back.

As you might expect in a large city, traffic in the centre of Geneva can get busy during peak travel times so try to plan your journeys accordingly if you can.

A modern city perched on crystal clear lake waters and surrounded by the magnificent Alps mountain range, Geneva is a city that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. There’s so much to see in do in this compact and lively city, it’s difficult to know where to start.

Jet over to Jet d’Eau

At almost 600 square kilometres, it’s fair to say that Lake Geneva is pretty big. Yet, it’s not its size that truly impressive, but just how stunningly beautiful it is. Lac Léman, as the natives call it, is ideal for boating, water sports and just gazing at in awe.

But no trip to the shores of this great lake are complete without checking out Jet d’Eau. Arguably the most famous sight in Geneva, this enormous water fountain is capable of shooting water more than 15 metres into the air - the jets are visible from all across the city.

The old ones are the best

As with many grand European cities, you need to head to the Old Town to really get a sense of its heritage and history.

Step foot into the area and you’ll instantly be transported back to Old Geneva and the quaint little town it used to be. The 4^th-century Cathédrale St-Pierre, with its unusual neoclassical style, is a great place to start your tour of the Old Town.

Place du Bourg-de-Four is Geneva’s oldest square and the perfect spot to stop and enjoy a coffee. There are museums to enjoy like the antiquity-packed Barbier-Mueller Museum, the 17^th-century Old Arsenal, as well as the decorative Town Hall.

Discover the Old Town at your own leisure or join a guided tour to learn more about the city’s past.

March around Montreux

Just over an hour’s drive to the north-east is the stunning lakeside resort of Montreux. Nestled snugly in a bay of the lake, prepare to be wowed by the amazing backdrop of vineyards and mountains.

Montreux has its own microclimate, meaning it’s often a few degrees warmer than Geneva. Take a boat trip here and you’ll fully appreciate why the place is known as ‘The Pearl of the Swiss Riviera’.

The drive to Montreux is something special, with 70 or so minutes of your journey on the A1 and A9, you’ll be treated to knockout views of Lake Geneva.

Music fans should try to plan a visit in summer. June and July sees the staging of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, the planet's second biggest jazz festival.

Car hire from Geneva Airport allows you to explore Geneva as well as the stunning mountains, lakes and scenery that surround it.