I am flying into Geneva, Switzerland in a few months and looking for a car rental. I just discovered that there is a Swiss side and a French side to the terminal and car rentals in both sides although there are more in the Swiss side. Anyone have any recommendations on which side is better such as cheaper(less duties, taxes, Swiss road pass, etc), more convenient, better hours, access,etc? Appreciate the feedback. Thanks
Posted by
Green Bay
20980 posts
I rented from Sixt last year on the Swiss side. I got a very good price renting through Orbitz with Orbitz Insurance package (through Allianz). Included Swiss vignette although my destination was France, cutting through Geneva was the best route. No complaints.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
501 posts
I've been lead to believe that the final destination may determine which side you may choose. For instance, on one trip originating and ending in Geneva, it was the better priced rental from Swiss side( downtown origination) and drop off at airport upon return. While this year, I'm originating from Geneva but dropping off in Grenoble, thus I was advised that by renting from French side there was no extra charge for dropping off in another country. I would be interested in knowing if this has been the experience of others.
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
I flew out of Geneva and returned a car I had picked up in Lille. Driving to the French side was tricky but saved 300€ because it was the same country. We had the Swiss vignette and drove first to the Hertz on the Swiss side and then had to drive around to the french side. If you look carefully at a map the French side is Ferney Voltair and the airport boundary is on the border. Another thing about Switzerland is there are border guards unlike the other country borders where the border is more like a road sign similiar to crossing into Kansas.
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
Posted by
OP
Seattle
8 posts
Thankyou Beth for the link. It answers many of my questions. I was actually more interested in knowing people's experiences in renting from Swiss vs. French car rental companies. Prices seem to be a LOT cheaper on the French side but I wanted to know if there was a specific reason for it such as more hassle, less taxes, etc.