Avis Preferred: We want to offer you the best possible service. Join Avis' customer loyalty programme and enjoy a range of great benefits to save you time and money. Paperwork will be prepared in advance so you won’t have to spend any longer than necessary collecting your car. The more you rent from us, the more you’ll get back – repeat business customers get free weekend rentals, complimentary upgrades and much more.

You can return your hire car out of hours, because we understand flights run through the night. Just tell us in advance.

Optional extras

Winter equipment: If you’re here to ski, you’ll be glad to know we can provide ski racks for your convenience. During the colder months, you may also need snow chains to ensure your safety on icy roads. Just let us know what you need and we’ll make sure your car is all kitted out.

From Geneva Airport (French side) it’s a 20-minute drive into Geneva city centre. It is also well positioned for easy access to France via the A40 motorway, to destinations such as Grenoble, Chambéry and Annecy as well as Lyon and Dijon.

The airport is ideally positioned for most resorts in the French and Swiss Alps. Ski resorts within easy distance include Châtel, Courchevel, Flaine, Val d’Isère, Megève, Morzine, Chamonix, Avoriaz, Les Arcs, Val Thorens, Tignes, Valmorel, Verbier and Villars.

Geneva is Switzerland’s second biggest city and a popular gateway to the Alps. Lying over the waters of Lake Geneva from France, Geneva is part of Romandie, the French-speaking region of Switzerland.

The Jet d’Eau is an iconic water fountain and one of Geneva’s most famous landmarks. Watch as water is jetted 140 metres high with incredible force to create a spectacular view from far around.

The Old Town of Geneva is a lively mix of ancient streets and squares as well as art galleries, museums and old buildings. Bourg-de-Four Square is the oldest square in Geneva, a marketplace in Roman times. Today it is full of cafes with outside seating for you to relax and watch the world go by, and shops to browse for souvenirs. The square is particularly lovely at Christmas. More shops can be found close by on Rue du Marche.

The Cathedral of Saint Pierre sits on a hill in the Old Town. Climb to the top if its two towers and take in the wonderful panoramic view of Geneva. The vaults contain an impressive archaeological site and museum. 

Exploring the area around Geneva in an Avis rental car is an opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the foothills of the Alps, one of the most popular tourist regions in Europe.

Head into France in your hire car, for an amazing alpine road trip full of dramatic views of lakes, pretty mountain villages and action-packed pit stops.

Thonon-Les-Bains and Chamonix

From Geneva airport take the D1005 along the southern shore of Lake Geneva for just over an hour to reach pretty spa town, Thonon-Les-Bains.

Thonon-Les-Bains sits above Lake Leman, (Lake Geneva’s French name), offering views of the lake and the port below. Head to the port for kayaking, sailing and paddle boarding. If you prefer to keep your feet on solid ground, try a tour of the nature reserve or a stroll along the shore.

From Thonon-Les-Bains, its 90 minutes’ drive to Chamonix. Chamonix is dominated by the Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain range, which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4810m). A year-round resort, it has a reputation for extreme sports. During summer, try hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing. In winter, there’s snowboarding, off-piste skiing, guided ski tours, as well as ice climbing, heliski, and tandem paragliding flights.

Finished in Chamonix? Take a drive through the seven mile long Mont Blanc tunnel under the Alps and emerge into Italy's Aosta Valley.

Lyon

From Geneva, Lyon is just under 2 hours away. If you have more time, stop off at Annecy and Aix-le–Bains on the way.

Picturesque Annecy is famous for the cobbled streets and canals of its medieval old town. With pastel-coloured houses and the fairy-tale château, it is well worth a detour.

At the foot of the Alps, the thermal spa town of Aix-les-Bains has a relaxed atmosphere. On the eastern edge of the Lac du Bourget there are Roman ruins, the Belle Epoque architecture of the spa baths and the casino and water sports on the lake.

From Aix-le-Bains it’s just over an hour on the A43 until you arrive in Lyon, France’s third largest city. With its vibrant nightlife, outstanding museums and fantastic shopping, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
 

Which side of the road?
In France, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device. Do not use headphones or earpieces
• In towns and rural areas, on minor roads and where there is no clear indication of right of way, it may be prudent to give way to traffic coming from the right (“priorité a droite”)
• Bus lanes are reserved exclusively for buses, taxis and bicycles
• It is recommended that drivers use dipped headlights at all times

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailer:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Rural areas: 80 km/h (50 mph)
• 4-lane expressways (rural areas): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80 mph)

Unless indicated by road signs. Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions. 

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 10 and weighing less than 36kg must be seated in appropriate child restraint
• Children weighing up to 9 kg must travel in a rear-facing car seat, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is provided for general guidance only. For more information on driving in France, check out our dedicated France road rules page. We endeavour to keep all information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.

Can I rent a car in Geneva and drive to France?

Yes, you may rent a car from Geneva Airport – French Side and drive to France. The airport is well positioned for easy access to France via the A40 motorway, to destinations such as Grenoble, Chambery and Annecy as well as Lyon and Dijon.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or away from the airport

For the best rental experience, we recommend booking your hire car online via our fast booking service in advance of your trip.

Can you hire a car in one country and drop off in another?

Yes if you rent a car in the Geneva, you may return it at any of our other rental locations. It’s important to note that the details of your return must be agreed to before you collect your rental car. If you return a car in a location that is unspecified in your rental contract, a fee will apply.

How do I get from the French to the Swiss side of Geneva airport?

When arriving at the airport you can choose to exit through either side. However, please note that you can only pass between the France and Switzerland sides, upon arrival or departure, if you can show a valid boarding pass.

What is the official currency in Geneva?

The official currency in Geneva is the Swiss franc.

What language is mainly spoken in Geneva?

French is the predominant language in Geneva. German, Italian and English are also widely spoken.