Hi,
Am looking for the best way to get from Geneva to Montpellier for an older lady traveling on her own.
Trains and planes have a change, nothing direct that I've found.
Have dismissed Bla bla cars as not ideal.
Does anyone know of any car transfer companies? I've not been able to find any.
Any other suggestions?
Many thanks,
Eden
Train would be the simplest even though there is no direct route. The transfer is in Lyon and the station is not that large and is traveler friendly. Depending on the departure from Geneva, connection time is anywhere from 17 minutes to over an hour. Seems that a change of trains would be simpler and safer than any other form of transport.
I was in Lyon recently and went through Part-Dieu twice. Both times it was very crowded, making it a bit difficult to navigate through the open areas to get to the escalators going up to the platforms. It bugged me a bit, and I'm an experienced teaveler with no mobility issues. Having an excessive layover won't necessarily help, since the platform number for the outbound train will not be posted very much before the departure time. It's unfortunate that the train routing involves a change at that particular station. Then again, I might have been particularly unlucky with my timing and the crowds.
Since the train via Lyon only takes 4-5 hours total, this would be my first choice. Good fares are still available for September test dates, for instance, around €60 in 2nd class.
FYI, EasyJet has a direct Geneva-Marseille flight 3 days/week for as cheap as $40, but you probably would not choose that unless you wanted to stay a night in Marseille before proceeding to Montpellier by train.
I agree, train would be easy, assuming you pack light and can handle your own luggage.
One change, unless you are coming from the Geneva airport, then there would be 2.
Thanks everyone.
Train is just not an option so I'm going to have to keep researching.
Eden
Have you considered the Flixibus? You have a transfer in Lyon (just like most every other mode of transport) of about 3 hours. Depending on the time of day you leave it can range anywhere from 25 - 50 euros.
There is no public transport directly from Geneva to Montpellier - Montpellier is a small place and not a "hub" for any transport company. The only way you are going to get there directly is blabla. Marseilles is the only place close to Montpellier you will be able to get to directly from Geneva.
If it were me I'd take the TGV to Marseilles, transfer, and then take another to Montpellier. You could do the same through Lyon but be careful - not all the trains through Lyon are TGV and will take a lot longer.
My final suggestion would be to go to the French side of the airport in Geneva and rent a car. You can drive directly to Montpellier and then return the car there. It's all major roadways and highway driving except for your exit from Geneva and your entrance to wherever you drop the car off in Montpellier. With a GPS that talks it isn't difficult to find your way. A little over a four hour drive. That's not a bad option in my opinion!
Good luck!
Thank you,
This is not for me, it's for an elderly lady traveling alone, with luggage.
I've found a car and driver but the cost is HUGE 😀
Thank you for all the help,
Eden
