Car Rental Geneva Airport French Side

Need a car rental from Geneva Airport (French side)? Renowned ski resorts of France are within your reach when entering this beautiful country. Natural parks and places that satisfy the search for art, history, and cultural abundance are likewise easily accessed here. From car rental company options to requirements for booking, get to know the essentials for navigating car hire at this unique border hub that is GVA Airport.

How Airport Rentals brings you the best deals on car hire at Geneva Airport

There are ten car hire companies on the French side of Geneva Airport - so how can you begin to compare their range of vehicles and deals? That's where Airport Rentals comes in. Through our search widget you can run one quick search across leading hire car companies so you can compare vehicles and deals from many brands at once.

Be it the French side or the Swiss side of GVA, Airport Rentals will make your search simpler, faster, and always hassle free. Book securely online as soon as you’ve found the perfect car rental in Geneva. Making your reservation with Airport Rentals lets you manage your booking online and gives you access to 24/7 phone assistance.

Navigating Geneva Airport's French side

The GVA Airport is not only for Swiss car rentals. Uniquely located on the borders of France and Switzerland, Geneva Airport offers a distinctive feature: the Geneva Airport French sector within its airport terminal. This means that upon landing, you can choose to exit on the French side, effectively stepping into France without crossing any customs.

Despite its limited range of facilities, the French side of Geneva Airport offers a variety of amenities, including:

• Shopping and dining options

• A snack bar

• Duty-free shop

• Free internet services

• An exclusive lounge

• Tourist information at the Accueil France counter

• Restrooms

• Medical facilities

It is worth noting, however, that public transportation services are unavailable here. This makes French side car rentals all the more convenient and the most efficient way to get around.

Signs labeled ‘French Sector’ or ‘Gate F’ within the airport will guide you to the car rental services. The convenience of car rental services for cross-border travel is one of the primary benefits of choosing the French side of Geneva Airport.

Car rental companies on GVA French side

Upon reaching the French side of Geneva Airport, a variety of car rental companies are available to cater to your travel needs. Companies such as:

• Avis

• Europcar

• Hertz

• Budget

• Thrifty

• Enterprise

• Alamo

• National

Locating these companies is a simple task. For instance, the Enterprise/National/Alamo desks can be found on the right-hand side after passing the airline desks. To access the Avis car rental station, proceed to the check-in level after retrieving your luggage, follow the ‘destination France’ signage, pass through customs adjacent to the Air France ticket counters, and subsequently follow the directional indicators for ‘car rental’.

French car rentals policies and requirements

Before setting off, familiarize yourself with a few rental policies and requirements for France car rentals. Firstly, every driver is required to provide a fully valid and unexpired driving license. Knowledge about the local speed limits and traffic regulations is also important to ensure a safe and legal drive.

Travel protection is now expected not only to guard against theft but more for peace of mind for any untoward incident. Most protection packages include Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), alongside coverage for the registered driver, named driver, and passengers. A valid boarding pass is also essential when renting a car at the French side of Geneva airport.

Additional equipment and services

In addition to the rental cars services, Auto Europe and other companies on the French side of Geneva Airport provide supplementary equipment and services for a more enjoyable travel on wheels. For example, an additional driver option is commonly provided.

Family travel is also catered to, with child seats available for rental from companies like Avis and Hertz. For those hitting the ski slopes, Avis and Alamo Rent A Car provide ski racks as part of their rental services. Although the fee for GPS equipment is not explicitly stated, you can reach out to the reservation center for more details.

Tips for a smooth car rental in France

A few simple guidelines can make renting a car in France smooth and free from hassles. Firstly, it’s advisable to make a reservation for a rental car well in advance prior to your arrival. This will not only secure more favorable rates but also provide a broader range of vehicle options. While it is possible to make a reservation at the airport, it typically entails a higher cost.

It is also highly beneficial to compare car rental prices, and Airport Rentals is unbeatable with this free premium service. Compare deals from various providers offering a range of prices and free cancellation options, sort according to your travel needs and plans, and continue straight with booking and confirmation. This service is available for all airport locations with car hire around the globe.

Keep an eye out for common additional charges. These may include:

• Facility fees not included in the initial daily rate

• Extra costs for cross-country rentals or one-way drop-offs

• The necessity for an International Driving Permit for cross-border rentals.

Traversing the French Alps and beyond

A rental car from Geneva Airport’s French side paves the way for limitless possibilities. The French Alps, renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and world-class ski resorts, are at your fingertips. You can drive to renowned ski resorts like:

• Megève

• Nendaz

• Les Portes du Soleil

• Villars

• Verbier

Beyond the mountains, the rental car also allows you to check out charming destinations such as Annecy and Vercors Regional Natural Park. In Annecy, you can visit regional museums, explore a 12th-century island prison, and enjoy bike trails.

Ski resorts near Geneva

For winter sports enthusiasts, the French side of Geneva Airport serves as a gateway to top ski resorts. La Clusaz and Chamonix, for instance, are particularly accessible and offer a variety of skiing activities. Chamonix is renowned for its steep, challenging runs and stunning mountain scenery, while La Clusaz provides a more relaxed experience suitable for families.

Val d’Isere, another noteworthy ski resort, is famed for its luxurious atmosphere, chic boutiques, and upscale chalets. It provides a fusion of exceptional skiing opportunities and sophisticated entertainment, catering to individuals who seek both relaxation and refinement during their skiing endeavors. The driving distance from the French side of Geneva Airport to Val d’Isere is approximately 174 km, making it a convenient trip.

Cultural attractions in Lyon

For those with a penchant for cultural exploration, Lyon is an unmissable destination. Just a 90-minute drive from Geneva Airport, this city is home to a diverse array of art, history, and cultural places to see. Highlights include the ancient district of Vieux Lyon, the grand Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, and the historical astronomical clock at the city’s cathedral.

Vieux Lyon, a designated heritage site, is open 24/7 and can be visited at no cost. The astronomical clock at Lyon’s cathedral is another significant historical timepiece that can be observed. Information regarding ticket prices can be obtained on the Viator website to facilitate planning for your visit. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere also hosts special exhibitions like the ‘Singular Romanian Icons’.

Crossing the border: Swiss side vs. French side

Geneva Airport offers a unique feature - the choice between the Swiss side and the French side for car rental. The border crossing is situated within the airport, serving to facilitate the transition from the Swiss side to the French side. A private sedan transfer service is available for transportation between hotels near Geneva Airport’s French side and the airport.

Opting for the France side for your rental car comes with a distinct benefit: easy access to car rental services for cross-border journeys. This is particularly beneficial for those planning to visit the French Alps or other hot spots in France.

However, be mindful of potential cross-border regulations when renting a car. Most rental companies in France and Switzerland allow their vehicles to cross the border, but it’s advisable to review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement prior to making a reservation to confirm the absence of any limitations or supplementary requirements.