Geneva Travel Guide

Getting Around Geneva

Public transport consists of very dependable trams, buses and trolley buses that service the city quickly and efficiently, but if there is no hurry, it is cheaper and more practical to walk or cycle; from May to October city bicycles can be borrowed from Genev'' Roule outside the main train station free of charge. The excellent bus and tram network operates from about 5am to midnight with a night bus service running on weekends. A basic fare costs Sfr2.20 and allows use of the network within Geneva''s central zone and unlimited transfers between buses and trams for an hour, or there are cheaper tickets limited to three stops and including a return journey within 30 minutes. Tickets must be pre-purchased and validated on boarding. One-day passes are also available. Visitors staying in hotels or youth hostels in the city are entitled to free Geneva Transport Cards, offering unlimited use of public transport with no fees. The cards can be collected upon check-in. Taxis are plentiful but generally an expensive means of transport. Driving in the city is not recommended as parking is very difficult, but to tour around Lake Geneva, hiring a car is the most practical way to get around. A national or international driver''s license is required, as well as a credit card, and drivers must be at least 21 years of age.