Need assistance for where best to train from in southwest Germany (our rental is in Sinsheim) in order to reach our destination in France at a point just west of Annecy. Was considering a train to Geneva airport (French side) to pick up a rental car to drive to our next rental home but am finding way too many train changes when traveling with two small children. Any and all advice welcome. Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Hi Irtayloe,

I see one journey to Geneva airport with 2 connections, Mannheim & Bern. It departs Sinsheim at 08.43 and arrives at the airport at 17.27. I am using the German rail site

bahn.com

Have fun as you plan!

s

Thank you, I am traveling to Germany to explore my German ancestry. Looking forward!

Sinsheim (Elsenz) dp 8.43 and 14.43 - Geneva airport ar 14.56 and 20.56. Change at Mannheim and Olten.
There are tons of trains and buses between Geneva and Annecy.
The timetable would be completely different for destinations like Aix-les-Bains or Chambery.

Does it have to be train? If you already have a rental car at your Germany location consider to return it to Frankfurt airport and fly to Geneva or Lyon, pick up next rental car there and get to your France rental. With small children would think the train changes may be too much. In Europe often have only a few minutes, which is fine for adult alone with light luggage but not necessarily with kids too.

I disagree. First, you can add as much time as you like to make the changes, from the regular time, to 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, etc. I always program my connections with at least 20 minutes per connection just for a stress-free trip.

And I think it's really easier to simply hop on the train and start the journey -- get the kids interested in the scenery, or go to the bistro car, or reserve in a "Kinder Wagon," Child Car, where the kids can play or read. To me, that's easier than dealing with a car rental agent; then standing in line and dealing with an airline check-in agent; then standing in the security line and pulling out your electronics; then waiting in a boring airport; then standing in line to get seated... etc. And airports around the world, and airplanes around the world, are all the same. The train is far more interesting, and to me, easier.

s

Swandav is right. Laurie Ann suggests the worth possible solution.
The only car ride within Germany that could make sense should go to Offenburg, Freiburg or Karlsruhe, if a car drop off there is possible.