Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Geneva
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Geneva
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Geneva
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Geneva
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Geneva is a global hub with stunning lakeside views, international organisations, and charming surrounding landscapes. While Geneva has a reliable public transportation system, a rental car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore Beyond Geneva. Renting a car allows you to easily visit nearby attractions such as Lake Geneva, the vineyards of Lavaux, and the Swiss Alps, which are difficult to access by public transport.
Convenience and Flexibility. With your own car, you can travel on your schedule, without being tied to train or bus timetables. This is especially useful if you want to visit multiple locations in a single day.
Comfortable Travel. A rental car ensures a comfortable and private travel experience, especially when traveling with family, luggage, or sports equipment.
Before booking a rental car in Geneva, be sure to check the rental terms and conditions. Familiarise yourself with the minimum age requirements, required licenses and permits, insurance options, and deposit policies to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
15.94 square kilometres (6.15 square miles)
Population
Approximately 200,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring the Swiss countryside
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Geneva is typically 21 years old. However, some rental companies may impose additional surcharges for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, etc.), you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
3. Insurance & DepositsComprehensive insurance coverage is highly recommended. A security deposit is usually required, which is held on your credit card and refunded upon the safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Check if the rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions. Fuel policies also differ, so clarify whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extras such as GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, or for returning the car to a different location.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €25 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €13 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand from tourists visiting the region.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available, making it a more budget-friendly time to rent a car in Geneva.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your license, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various car rental companies in Geneva.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage space.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability by booking well in advance, particularly during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver’s license, credit card, and passport at the rental counter to collect your car.
Geneva is a city that combines international flair with beautiful scenery. Renting a car allows you to explore not just the city but also the surrounding Swiss and French countryside. Understanding local driving conditions and regulations is essential for a smooth experience.
As a major global centre, Geneva boasts excellent infrastructure, but driving in the city centre can be challenging due to traffic and limited parking. However, having a car is invaluable for day trips to nearby attractions. Familiarise yourself with Swiss traffic laws, speed limits, and parking rules before you start your journey to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Geneva
Enjoy the stunning views and activities around the largest lake in Switzerland.
Jet d'Eau
Visit the iconic water fountain, one of Geneva's most famous landmarks.
United Nations Office at Geneva
Explore the European headquarters of the UN and learn about its global work.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages like Parking Saint-Antoine or Parking du Mont-Blanc for secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available, but can be limited and expensive in central areas.
Park & Ride
Utilise park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and take public transport into Geneva.
Gas Stations in Geneva
Major Brands Available
Find well-known brands such as Shell, BP, and AVIA throughout the region.
Plan Ahead
Gas stations are readily available, but it’s good to know their locations, especially when driving in rural areas.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to locate nearby fuel stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Geneva
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for public transport and parking using contactless bank cards for convenience.
Be Aware of Speed Limits
Strict speed limits are enforced, so adhere to posted signs to avoid fines.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak hours (7:00–9:00 AM / 5:00–7:00 PM) to minimise traffic congestion.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas and shared zones.
Railway Stations
Geneva Cornavin Station
The city's main railway station, providing access to national and international destinations.
Airport
Geneva Airport (GVA)
Located just outside the city, Geneva Airport serves numerous international destinations.
Renting a car in Switzerland is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
You need a valid driver's license. If your license is not in a Roman alphabet, you'll also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Geneva as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Such a lovely stop on our road trip! Geneva was easy to navigate with a car, and we saw so much.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 21.12.2024
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Perfect spontaneous weekend! Getting around Geneva was a breeze, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Exploring Geneva by car was effortless and delightful! The views were incredible, and I felt so free to discover hidden gems.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 23.09.2024
Exploring Geneva in July was amazing; the lake views were incredible. The Jet d'Eau was a bit underwhelming, though. Otherwise, everything was fantastic.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 20.06.2025
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Geneva was stunning! First time, explored so much by car. Highly recommend.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 14.03.2025