Transportation in Geneva
Bisected by the Rhône River and bordering a monster-sized lake, Geneva is a world-class city within spitting distance of the French Alps. Step south to the Left Bank rising up to the labyrinthine Old Town, where many attractions cluster, and vibrant Plainpalais home to effervescent bars and galleries with industrial edge. Further south, the sunny squares and narrow streets of village-like Carouge have Italian flavour. Cross Pont du Mont-Blanc to the Right Bank to explore multicultural Pâquis, the UN headquarters and the serene Botanical Gardens.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Tram
Geneva's speedy, efficient trams running from 6am to midnight are the best way to reach suburbs like Carouge. You'll need exact change for the ticket machines at each stop. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
Bus
Unireso runs Geneva's reliable bus network. Buses operate from 6am to midnight and there's a night service at weekends. Find timetables and route maps at each stop.
Taxi
Taxis pull up in front of the airport, the main railway station (Gare Cornavin) and 60 official ranks across Geneva. You can also hail one from the street. Drivers usually speak English.
Foot
Walking is the best option for short distances. Stroll the promenade fringing Lake Geneva to Bain des Pâquis and the Botanical Gardens, affording views of the Jet d'Eau fountain and snowy Mont Blanc. Many sights cluster in the twisting lanes of the pedestrianised Old Town on the Left Bank.
Boat
Feel the spray of the Jet d'Eau fountain as you drift past the sights aboard one of the mouettes (water taxis) that ferry passengers across Lake Geneva; stops include Pâquis, Perle du Lac and Place du Molard.
Rent your car
With a good network of roads from other parts of Switzerland, France and Italy, Geneva is easily accessible by road. Once there, parking is divided into colour-coded zones – look out for time restrictions, pay and display and permit requirements. There are also park-and-ride sites on the outskirts.
Transportation Tips
Upon arrival at your hotel, you'll receive a free Geneva Transport Card offering unlimited access to the public transport network, including buses, trams, trains and mouettes. Visitors based outside of Geneva should consider purchasing the Carte 24 Heures, a one-day travelcard covering all forms of transport.
Special Transportation
Bike
Getting on your bike is a fun, carbon-neutral way to discover Geneva. Hire your own set of wheels from Rentabike at Gare Cornavin. From May to October, Genève Roule offers free bike hire from numerous locations including Plaine de Plainpalais and Bains des Pâquis.
