Crosby

My wife and I want to visit a friend who lives between Geneva and Zurich. We have a week to travel but will only stay there one night. What would you recommend - fly into and out of Paris, Zurich, or Geneva? Train from Paris to Zurich? Would we need a car from Geneva or Zurich to Villars sur Glane? We have not been in France or Switzerland before. Thanks.

Christina

I think the flight depends on the cost, that's all. Zurich or Geneva would be more convenient than Paris, of course, but will likely cost more. You can get to Geneva by high speed train a lot more easily than Zurich. If cost is no consideration, I'd fly into the airport that was closest to where you want to go, either Zurich or Geneva. Are you definitely planning to visit Paris or not, I'm not clear on that point.

swandav2000

Hi Crosby,

I checked on the Swiss rail site (www.rail.ch), and Villars-sur-Glane is the last stop before Fribourg (coming from Romont, which is north of Vevey on Lake Geneva). Then I checked my map, and yes VsG looks like a suburb of Fribourg.

Geneva would be the closest airport. If you wanted to go to Paris, you can easily take the TGV from Paris to either Geneva or to Bern.

You can check all the train schedules at the site I gave you above. Really no need for a car.

s

Phil

Crosby:

Villars-sur-Glâne (where I suppose your friend lives) is a suburb of Fribourg.

Fribourg is about half-way between Zurich and Geneva and there are direct trains both from Geneva and Zurich airports to Fribourg, where your friend could easily pick you up (or you could take a cab from Fribourg train station).

I suggest you fly into Geneva: smaller airport more easily navigated and there are two direct trains fom Geneva airport to Fribourg per hour:

Geneva airport dp 07:36 08:01 08:36 09:01
Fribourg ar 09:03 09:33 10:03 10:33 and so on (except 11:01)....

Zurich on the other hand has only one direct train to Fribourg per hour:

Zurich airport dp 07:13 08:13 09:13 10:13
Fribourg ar 08:54 09:54 10:54 11:54 and so on.

You might want to check the Swiss railwas' site at
http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/index.htm

I would not recommend flying into Paris (gargantuan airport and at least 3 more hours of rail travel).

There is no real reason to rent a car in either Geneva or Zurich; the trip by train is far more relaxing and public transport in Switzerland is excellent.

Hope this helps, enjoy your trip

Phil.

LoriS

Dear Crosby-
You'll need to check the most convenient flight schedules for where you are departing from. From where I live, I can fly direct into Paris or Zurich, but not into Geneva. The cost of the R/T direct flight into Paris or Zurich are usually comparable.

From where I live, I'd fly into Zurich on the direct flight and take the train or rent a car. There's so much to do in Switzerland that I'd save Paris for another trip.

Personally, we always rent a car in Europe--Switzerland or France--so we can explore the countryside. Although there are trains, we have found that it is much more convenient to have our own car. If you wish to explore, you may find this to be your best option.

It's very easy to drive in both Switzerland and France.
Have a great trip!

jmw44

You know how there are cat people and then there are dog people? Well, there are indeed train people and there are car people. Never the twain shall agree. Hello S! Bon Voyage, Crosby. I hope you love Switzerland and return again and again. J.

Crosby

Thanks to everyone for the helpful information. We will fly in and out of Zurich and confine our stay to Switzerland. Thanks.