A Simple Guide About Car Rentals From Geneva Airport
In this short guide we take a look at car rentals from Geneva Airport (GVA). Car hire is certainly a popular choice with many passengers arriving at Geneva International Airport. If you are considering car rental from Geneva Airport, hopefully this guide will be useful. We hope, it will also answer any questions you may have before travelling to Geneva.
Import Things To Know Before You Hire Your Car From Geneva Airport:
Geneva Airport is located on the border between France and Switzerland. When booking your car rental from Geneva Airport, you will generally be asked which side you wish to collect your car from. If you are not asked, then it will normally state when booking, which side the car rental is from, either Swiss or French.
Although this may seem very confusing, it is actually pretty straight forward, once you are aware of this fact!
Which Side Of Geneva Airport For Car Hire:
Swiss Side Or French Side
You may now be wondering which side you should choose to collect your car. One thing you should consider is where you will be going! If you are staying in Switzerland, then it makes sense to rent your car from the Swiss side.
However, there are several other factors that will determine which side is the best side for you!
Picking up your car rental from either side has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are just a few things to consider, that may help you decide.
Vignette:
If you are hoping to drive in Switzerland and use the motorways, then you will need what is called the ‘Vignette’.
What Is The Vignette In Switzerland:
The Highway Vignette, is a sticker that must be displayed on the vehicle’s windscreen. Displaying the Vignette allows the driver to use the motorways throughout Switzerland. It can be bought from petrol stations and many other different outlets throughout Switzerland.
If you book your car rental from the Swiss side, you will be covered. All the rental vehicles from the Swiss side, have a Vignette in them. This will save you money as you will not have to buy one.
Cars rented from the French side, normally do not have a Vignette in them.
Winter Tyres:
Geneva Airport can become very busy during the Winter months, simply due to the influx of passengers visiting for the ski/snowboarding season. If you are wanting to rent a car from Geneva Airport and drive to one of the many ski resorts close to Geneva, then you will need Winter tyres on your car.
Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Switzerland during the Winter months and all rental cars from the Swiss side have Winter tyres during these months. Unfortunately, cars rented from the French side of the airport may not have them. This means, if you are planning to drive in Switzerland, you will need to ensure you have them on your vehicle. If you collect your car from the French side and the car is not equipped with Winter tyres, there will be an additional cost to have some put on.
Breathalyser:
In France, it is a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser in your car. All the cars rented from the French side should have one, whereas the cars from the Swiss will not.
French Side:
If you are collecting your car rental from the ‘French Side’ at Geneva Airport, ensure you have your rental documents with you. This is simply because you will be required to present them, in order to cross over to the French side of the airport.
Getting To The French Side From Swiss Side:
By Resort Rides Private Transfer As Found On Youtube
Car Rental Companies At Geneva Airport:
There are now several major car rental companies located onsite at Geneva Airport. Below you will see a list of all the major car hire companies that are located in both the Swiss and French sides of the airport.
Car Rental Desks Swiss Side:
The following car rental companies are located on the Swiss side of Geneva Airport. We have also listed the location of each car rental desk. The locations of the desks are either at the Arrivals level or Check-in level.
| Car Rental Company | Location |
| Avis | Arrivals Level |
| Budget | Arrivals Level |
| Enterprise | Arrivals Level |
| Europcar | Arrivals Level |
| Hertz | Check-In Level |
| National – Alamo | Check-In Level |
| Sixt | Check-In Level |
| Thrifty | Check-In Level |
On The French Side At Geneva Airport:
| Car Rental Company | Location |
| Avis | Check-In Level |
| Budget | Check-In Level |
| Enterprise | Check-In Level |
| Europcar | Check-In Level |
| Hertz | Check-In Level |
| Sixt | Check-In Level |