Hi to all you expert travelers!

I am needing to get from Paris to Geneva in May and wondering how crazy of an idea is it to drive? I speak limited French, so is it better to take the train instead. I will be escorting my parents.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

The train makes the trip in about 3 hours and 22 to 3 hours, 38 minutes minutes from Gare de Lyon.
There is are convenient connections at 8:40, 10:30 and again at 13:40, 14:38, 17:40 and 19:10 no changes. (There are some others requiring a change.) You will need advance reservations because travel on the TGV requites them.

Your parents, if 60 or over, can get a 25% age discount on the train tickets just by showing proof of age.

Driving it does not seem to be a big deal either, if you leave Paris after some of the morning crush of traffic has subsided.

There is freeway just about all the way, but I believe you pay some large tolls to use it nowadays.

If you are renting a car in France and drop it in Switzerland, there may be a substantial drop fee involved.

I decided to take the train after looking at all the factors. It is the less hassle way.

Hi UR

You can find schedules and buy tickets at www.sncf.com.

You might be able to get SMILEY fares for as little as 25E pp.

The train is the fastest and easiest way, but driving can be a wonderful idea if you have the time. You can drive through the Jura mountain region, one of the very lovliest places in France, especially in springtime when the wildflowers are on the hillsides.

If you rent a car and drive, you can avoid the charge for dropping a car in Switzerland by returning the car to the French side of the Geneva airport.

in my opinion it would be a mistake to drive it in one day and not take the time to stop and see some great places on the way. take a couple days and do it right. otherwise take the train since it's much easier.

Ira,
What is a SMILEY fare?

There are also quite a few flights. I flew from Paris to Geneva, gorgeous going over those mountains! Very quick, 45 mins. I think. Took to the train back from Geneva to Paris. as others have said, just over 2 1/2 hours. Napped the whole way... the rocking of the trains!

Driving is great if you plan the route to take in some of the more picturesque places on the way. If you want to just "get there" go by train TGV to Geneva.
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/
You can also find under "trains" the fares for "Prems" (probably the same as a Smiley?)Buy and travel within a certain time frame non refundable no exchange. You can print your own ticket out.

Thanks for all your help. Great advice on the car vs. train travel!

What is the approximate driving time from Paris to Geneva assuming straight through with minimal stops.

One thing about what was said above. When you rent a car in France you can drop it at the Geneva airport for no drop off fee. All the major car agencies have drops on both the French and the Swiss parts of the airport.
Frankly I'd take the train unless you had a couple of days to take your time driving.

Is flying with easyjet out of consideration?
From Paris Orly to Geneva. Just check on www.easyjet.com,, fill in the dates and see what price they offer you. You could be surprised.