Belinda

I seem to be alone in my opinion that Geneva is worth a couple of days, on its own. I think it's a beautiful little city and the old part is charming. You mentioned staying within the limits of the transport card provided by your hotel. I think that will not include a boat or train to Montreux, Vevey or Laussane. I do see that there are free bikes you can use (with a deposit) behind the train station.

That said, I think if I had a day to blow, I would take a boat one way and a train back from either Montreux or Vevey. I did that once and it was such a relaxing and scenic trip. The boat from Vevey to Geneva was, I think, about 5 hours and stopped at lots of little towns along the way. The train takes one hour. So take the boat, poke around either town, have a meal, then take the train back.

In my opinion Vevey and Montreaux are quite different, but I was there during the very busy jazz festival. Given my choice, I'd pick Vevey.

kappa1

> The boat from Vevey to Geneva was, I think, about 5 hours ...

As far as I know, they stopped that 5-hourt direct boat between Geneva and St. Gingolph ( with stops including Montreux, Vevey, Lasuanne, Evian-France,... ) since quite a long time maybe close to 10 years now. If you want to do it all the way by boat, you need to change at Lausanne. I did the direct one a couple of times a long time ago, when I had nothing to do on sunny Sundays.

PalenQ

Yes for such short time Geneva offers enough in its environs inlcuding cute lakeside towns and chance to bop over to nearby France - Chamonix and the dramatic high Alps just 1.5 hr bus ride away. Anyway need not plan anything as trains you just buy as you go same day - never a problem getting on, etc.

kja

Belinda is NOT alone in thinking Geneva worth the time -- and for me, that would NOT include day trips to Chamonix or anywhere else. I think the OP has -- or has access to -- plenty of information to make a decision, and if not, I'm sure the OP can post additional questions. JMO.

PalenQ

https://www.timeout.com/switzerland/...o-do-in-geneva

Certainly plenty of things to do right in Geneva.

suze

Sure I don't disagree that there are things to do within Geneva proper. But the request in the title of this thread specifically asked for ideas about "see see around Geneva" which I took to mean leaving the city.

PalenQ

But OP also said wanted such excursions to be covered by Geneva Transport Card which applies only to Geneva area not Montreux, etc.

Blackbird1287

Gosh darn - So many choices! I would like to stay within the Geneva Transport Card, but I'd definitely be up for spending a bit more to get out of the area is its worth it. I was wondering what youre guys' thoughts were on supersaver tickets for the train. They seem to be a ridiculously good deal. Is there a catch? (Besides having to be on that exact train)

PalenQ

https://www.sbb.ch/en/travelcards-an...r-tickets.html

Says if I read it right good only on specific trains you select. Regular fare Geneva-Montreux-Chillon is not that high so full fare would be OK for return trains.

suze

I've never tried using any kind of special prices or passes to be able to help you with that part. I just buy a train ticket at the station when I need to go.

And yes others are correct to point out... my suggestions were based only on what I thought was the most spectacular, interesting, and amazing from my (5) trips to the area, I wasn't taking into account what was or wasn't covered on the "Geneva transport card". Sorry about that.

PalenQ

Suze - good to present options and open horizons - more options the better.

joannyc

While I enjoyed my time in Geneva, Montreux, and Vevey very much.... Let me throw more into the mix outside of Geneva. Yvoire is super charming and can be seen in an hour or two, then EvIan Les Bains is another nice town.

i think Chillon is a must see. At least for me.

kappa1

Geneva Card is valid for Geneva City and Canton only. Anything outside of it, you must pay the fare.

Just to add another option, using the card , you can do the Mount Salève.The Salève is the flat mountains (looking like Ayers Rock) that you can see from Geneva city..It is situated behind the border in France but getting there is easy.Take the bus no 8 from the train station (direction Veyrier Douane – Custom/Border). This bus is convered by Geveva Card. Walk across the boarder ( usually no check, today the custom gate is usually not manned but still take your ID or Passport) and in 5 minutes you will reach the aeria cable car station. You need to pay the cablecar. I think about € 10.00 (you can pay with card) for return. In 5 minutes, you will reach the top station ( that has a restaurant and panorama terrace ). Walk uphill for 10 minutes, crossing a car road and walk in some woods, you will reach the observation point from where you can see on Swiss side, Lake Geneva and on French side, Mont Blanc ( the highest point of Europe ) and its range.. And if you have time, I recommend walk farther, mostly flat, in 15 – 20 minutes, you can reach a point where you can even see a bit of Lake Annecy.

Obviously I suggest this on a day with a clear sky for more visibility for Mont Blanc. Lake Geneva is close so you can see it most of the time. Also if you appreciate a walk in the nature away from the city. This is a scenic walk with a bit of hike you can do quick and easily from Geneva. even in a half day. Local people go there often by car with barbecue kit. The Salève is not high, only about 1400 metres. I posted a little more detailed review some time ago on TA site in case interested.

Blackbird1287

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

This is what I came up with:

Leave for Montreux from Geneva on the 9:30 train, get there by around 10:45
Explore the city and the castle till perhaps 15:00
Go to Vevey by train and explore the town till around 17:00
Go to Lausanne and spend the evening there before returning to Geneva

My flight gets in at 7:45 (International, non-schengen), will I have enough time to make the 9:30 train? I'd like to purchase supersaver tickets to cut down on costs, which is why i ask.

suze

Sounds like a plan! Montreux and Vevey are both easy enough to figure out because of their smaller size. You'll want to have more of a plan for Lausanne as it is much larger and more spread out. My suggestion would be the part called "Ouchy" which is south of the city and down on the lake to head for your evening meal.

Blackbird1287

Thanks! Does anyone know how long it takes to get out of the Geneva airport after a non-schengen flight?

suze

hmmm... I don't remember anything special about it certainly not more than an hour.

PalenQ

Who can tell -depends on how many planes land - how quick baggage comes out - lines at Immigration but a fairly small airport so yes an hour or so but could be less or more.

kja

Depending on your specific interests, you might tweak your itinerary a bit: IME, there isn’t much to do in Vevey except roam around or dine, so moving it to a bit later in the day wouldn’t make a substantial difference to what you can do or see. In contrast, the things that I found of most interest in Lausanne do close (the cathedral, some museums), so I’d stop there first. In other words, my recommendation would be to go from Geneva to Lausanne, then to the Chateau de Chillon (making sure you get thre in plenty of time to see the castle), then roam Montreux and / or Vevey, dining in Vevey if you want or returning to Geneva to dine there. JMO.

neckervd

GVA: not more than a hr for sure!

SUPER SAVER TICKET OR REGIONAL PASS?
If you plan to go to some viewpoints or to do a boat cruise, you may check the Regional Pass Lake Geneva-Alps
Regional Pass ?Lake Geneva-Alps? - GoldenPass