MaryCAnderson

Is there a large surcharge to pick Up a rental car in one country and return in another? We arrive Geneva, but want to retun the car in Paris. Alternatively, is there a reasonable way to travel from Geneva airport to Burgundy area? Perhaps it's better to begin rental in France?
Thank you

michelhuebeli

It is not just the drop-off in another country that makes a difference, it's just as much a matter of dropping off in another city. The cross-border thing may or may not make that much of a difference.

Hard to quote you prices, they vary so hugely. Input your data on several websites and get the numbers: Kemwel, Autoeurope, Europcar, Sixt, and the usual suspects like Budget, Dollar (now owned by Hertz but largely still operating under Dollar), Hertz, National (has a large presence in conjunction with local agencies).

The Geneva airport is only two or three miles from the French border, there may well be a rental agency on the other side that is still considered as an airport agency (with a shuttle maybe?), explore that on the websites that come up when you search for "Genève aéroport location voitures" (where the word "location" in French means "rental", not a place).

If you want to go to Lyon (the nearest substantial city in France), the train will get you there in about two hours. You may not save much.

RonZ

Walk overt to the French side and have your rental lined up there. We use Autoeurope, the toll free number.

janisj

>>The Geneva airport is only two or three miles from the French border, there may well be a rental agency on the other side that is still considered as an airport <<

Apparently michelhuebeli hasn't rented from Geneva for France before.

At Geneva you can collect a car from the Swiss side or the French side -- so just use the French side and you WILL be starting your rental in France and won't have much if any drop off fees.

And if you don't plan on driving in Switzerland you won't need to pay for a vignette.

Now - whether you take trains or drive is up to you -- but renting in a different country isn't and issue.

janisj

was posting the same time as RonZ.

RonZ

If you are defenite about dropping the car in Paris, I suggest you use Europcar [which we would arrange through Autoeurope] . They have an office on the Avenue d’Italie which is a close and straight shot from the highway.

Jean

How far were you thinking of driving after you arrive at Geneva?

MaryCAnderson

Thank you all
for this information-- much relieved to know I can rent on French side...reading other forum threads, I am now uncertain if we will return auto on Paris, or keep it for duration, since will be touring Loire, Normandy, and parts of Aveyron. Checking train and flight schedules between Haut Normandy and Toulouse, it may be faster and less complicated to drive.

I am traveling with a child, it's often easier with car simply to have luxury of stopping/scheduling to suit needs.

@Jean -- Do you mean first day after arrival in Geneva? Coming from Florida, I assume NOT far, fatigue factor, etc.

Again, thank you everyone for the rental car advice.

joannyc

Where is your first stop after arrival in Geneva? It might be best to take public transportation for that one leg.

I believe Jean's question is because of the fatigue of an overnight flight. I never drive on my first day after an overnight flight. This year, I will take a bus from Geneva airport to Annecy upon arrival. Then I will pick up my rental car upon departing Annecy for the rest of my trip.

How long will you be in Paris? It may make sense to drop your first car upon arrival in Paris and pick up a second car when leaving Paris.

Michael

If you plan to visit other parts of France, it might be best to organize your trip with Paris as the end point. And then leave Europe from Paris.

rouelan

I Just rented a car from Basel airport, same configuration as Geneva with a French and Swiss side.
Make sure, when You book the car to specify That You take the car on the French side.
You Can drive to downtown without vignette (if a previous renter did not buy it)