Getting around Geneva
Public Transportation: Bus, Tram, Train, Boat and Ferry
With one of the best public transport systems in the world - and better yet, one that is completely free for the use of tourists - it would be silly to get around Geneva any other way. When you check into your accommodation within Geneva, make sure you ask for the Geneva Transport Card that is administered by the Transports Publics Genevois (TPG) - all hotels are given these cards for their guests to use for the duration of their stay, and they entitle the user to free travel on bus, tram, train, boat and ferry services within Geneva's precincts.
If you do not decide to make use of the TPG Travel card or you are for some reason unable to obtain one, all the public transportation services require you to purchase a ticket from the vending machines located at each station or stop prior to boarding the service.
The trams that run throughout Geneva are especially efficient though their routes are not yet as extensive as the buses that travel into the surrounding French regions. The main tram hubs are at the Gare de Cornavin train station, at Place Bel-Air, and around the Old Town.
The ferry and boat services are also particularly good, linking most of the popular tourist destinations around Lake Geneva. The ferry service, run by Mouettes Genevoises Navigation, stops at Geneva Beach, Molard, Paquis, Perle du Lac and Quai Gustave Ador. The boat service, which has a wider range and stops at both French and Swiss towns around the lake, is run by Compagnie Generale de Navigation sur le lac Leman.
Trains from Gare de Cornavin train station run both regionally, across the French border, and into other European countries. Only local services are free on the TPG Travel Card service.
Walking & Cycling Around Geneva
In an effort to encourage greater public health and to limit the number of cars on Geneva's streets, the local government has been trying to make walking and biking in Geneva more attractive. Free guides and maps and clearly signed routes are one of the ways they have done this, making it incredibly easy to navigate the city. Geneve Roule, a local organization, also offers free bike hire (after a refundable deposit) in the summer months. Cycling is fantastic for exploring the Lake and parks, especially as Geneva is quite flat. Exploring the Old Town is best done on foot, however, as its cobbled areas and hilly inclines make biking a bit more difficult.
Geneva by Car
Private car use in Geneva is relatively straight forward, though it is advisable that you ask your place of accommodation before you arrive whether they have car-parks for guests. If they do not, there are a number of under-ground car-parks in the centre of Geneva which are secure and relatively affordable. Private car use is also recommended for exploring the surrounding Alps region and for getting to nearby ski resorts.
Taxi use in Geneva is reputed as being haphazard - there is a shortage of taxis due to the incredibly efficient public transport service (most locals use the public transportation instead), and it is often the case that you will need to book ahead in order to secure a taxi during busy times.
