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Swiss Railway System | Tagged Posts

2018
25
June
How Can I Find an Affordable Car Rental in Geneva?

Question:

Profile picture of Karinya

Karinya

Does anyone have any suggestions for hiring a car in Geneva (Switzerland) that’s not crazy expensive? It’s expensive to start, and then there are additional costs to pick up from the airport (both French and Swiss sides it seems). The car requires to go to just over the border to the French alps, so understand there are rules regarding requiring to be an EU car or have the EU decal to drive on EU roads (but still working out how to confirm the car has this if I find a cheap car deal). It’s only required for 2 days (driving for approx an hour and back), but taxi rates according to online calculators would be even more costly. There appears to be no public transport for this route unfortunately. Suggestions would be much appreciated!

Humans say...

Profile picture of Dana

Dana

What about using uber? Might be worth checking out? https://www.uber.com/en-CA/cities/geneva/
UBER.COM
Drive or Ride with Uber in Geneva | Uber

Profile picture of Karinya

Karinya

Oh we don’t have Uber so didn’t even think of it! Thank you!

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Dana

I've used Uber and Lyft while traveling in other cities/countries. It's much cheaper (and dare I say more reliable!) than a local taxi. I really wish Metro Vancouver would get on board with these types of transportation options!!

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Sue

Not sure about car rentals in Switzerland but I am just back from France and was able to book my one week car rental at the Marseille airport, drove to Italy and then back to airport. Was thru COSTCO travel and was extremely reasonable. Def. book as far in advance as possible.

Profile picture of Karinya

Karinya

I’ll look up Costco travel to see if I can chat with somewhere there! Thanks!

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Sue

You can do it online yourself to see if it might work. Just go to Costco travel Canada and input your dates and pick up/drop off locations. Should give you a quote right away.

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Karinya

Oh awesome
Thanks!!

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Karinya

Doh! My locations weren’t accepted online so it asked me to call, but I’m not a member so couldn’t proceed. Thanks for the advice! I’ve saved it in case I get a membership!

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David

My information is probably long out of date but there were no bureaucratic difficulties the last 2 times I rented a car in Germany and drove into Switzerland (and Liechtenstein for that matter). In general it is always cheaper to book your rental car from here than to wait till you get there. I'd also consider the Swiss railway system if you can get away without a vehicle...there are post buses to small communities and Swiss public transport is very efficient. In my experience, unfortunately, there is no such word as "cheap" in Switzerland. I do have friends in Lausanne, so if you have specific questions about destinations I could try asking them for you.

Profile picture of Karinya

Karinya

Thanks for confirming some of my assumptions like needing to book ahead! Unfortunately there is no transit available to gite du passant as I emailed them to ask!
Thank you so much for offering to contact your friends, that is very kind! I think I might call a worldwide car hire company here and ask them the best way forward as I am struggling! If I cannot proceed further I may return to ask thank you!

Profile picture of Keddy

Keddy

I don’t know your route, but if you’re going just city to city, try Blablacar! We used it going from Lyon to Geneva and it was like €12 pp. there are lots of tolls on those highways to so think about that when you factor in cost too...

Profile picture of Karinya

Karinya

I had never heard of them! It sounds awesome!! I thought my problems were solved but apparently it is a quite uncommon route and there’s no trips, and unlikely, but I’ve saved it for other journeys I need thanks!
And thanks for the heads up on highway tolls, I hadn’t factored that in yet!

Profile picture of Norma

Norma

Is this where you are going: https://www.yverdonlesbainsregion.ch/en/P14875
YVERDONLESBAINSREGION.CH
Cruise ships on the lake of Neuchâtel (LNM) - Yverdon-les-Bains Region Jura Lac (Switzerland)


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Tips for Hiring a Car in Geneva

If you are looking to hire a car in Geneva that is not crazy expensive, here are some suggestions:

  1. Compare prices from different car rental companies: Make sure to shop around and compare prices from various car rental companies in Geneva. Sometimes, booking in advance or looking for deals online can help you find a more affordable option.
  2. Avoid picking up the car from the airport: As you mentioned, there are additional costs associated with picking up a car from the airport. Consider taking public transportation or a taxi to a rental car location in the city to save money.
  3. Check for EU car requirements: Since you will be driving to the French Alps, make sure the car you hire meets the EU car requirements. Look for the EU decal on the car or ask the rental company to confirm that the car is allowed on EU roads.
  4. Consider renting for only the days you need: Since you only need the car for 2 days, look for rental companies that offer short-term or weekend rental options. This can help you save money compared to renting for a longer period.
  5. Look for discounts or deals: Keep an eye out for discounts, promotions, or deals that rental car companies may be offering. You can also consider joining loyalty programs or using travel rewards to save on your rental.

By following these tips, you can hopefully find a more affordable option for hiring a car in Geneva for your trip to the French Alps. Safe travels!



   










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