We will arrive at the Cornavin train station in Geneva and from there would like to rent a car on the French side of Geneva. Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to do this? Not knowing the lay of the land, I would like to know the logistics to get from the train station to wherever the rental agencies on the French side. Thx...
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1088 posts
Genève Cornavin is the main train station in the center of Geneva. There is no 'French side' there. I believe you are referring to the French side of the airport, which straddles the Swiss-French border. We rented a car on the French side of the airport this summer and returned it there as well. Pickup is easy; return - well - we missed our early morning flight out because we couldn't find the way back into the French side while driving. Leave lots of time or do a dry run the day before in daylight if possible. From Cornavin take a train to the airport. It's only ten minutes. It's possible the train you are arriving on continues to the airport, so check that before you get off. Once in the airport train station, go upstairs via escalator and enter the airport. You will be on the Swiss side, on the departures level. Go up to the check-in level, one level up. Note there is a third level where security checks and departure gates are. You want the middle level where the airline desks are. Facing the desks, with the doors to outside behind you, go to the right-hand end of the check-in desks. You will see a big sign for entry to the French sector. Go through the glass door, walk past the customs clerks, no need to stop or show a passport. Walk on through and you will see the French sector check-in desks and car rental counters. Much less crowded than the Swiss side.
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1088 posts
Continued: When returning, the road to get back to the French side is not well marked - smallish white signs with black text. Follow signs to Ferney Voltaire. You will go through a border crossing into France, then make a hard left. Not quite but almost a U-turn onto a small side road behind a barbed wire fence. We did a full U-turn and ended up going right back where we came from. In the dark, with not enough time for the three loops we ended up trying before giving up, parking on the Swiss side, and spending the rest of the day sorting out our flights. Study the map well and good luck!
Posted by
OP
41 posts
Thank you Nelly, that is EXACTLY the information I needed. Thank you for sharing your experience to assist a fellow traveler to help them not miss their flight! you