Practical Geneva
Practical information for internationals living in Geneva.
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Transport & Mobility:
Ecomobility
Have you just arrived in Geneva and are wondering how best to get around?
Swiss public transport is renowned for its schedule reliability rate of 90%. In Geneva, public transport is also very efficient and offers an extensive network.
The City of Geneva encourages to get around by bike. It also provides useful information and advice.
Transports publics genevois (tpg) operate buses and trams, providing 64 different lines across the city and extending into neighboring France.
An “All Geneva” ticket covering zone 10, costing CHF 3 for 1 hour, will take you through the city. Payment can be made at ticket machines, by SMS, cash, credit cards or with a “tpgPay” contactless card.
The Noctambus and the Léman Express (see below) have extended services on Friday and Saturday evenings, so you can enjoy a late night!
The unireso network covers all modes of public transport for Geneva, including the famous ” Mouettes Genevoises” – the yellow shuttle boats, allowing you to cross the lake with your bus ticket.
An assistance service for people with reduced mobility is available.
Good to know :
People visiting Geneva and staying in hotels, youth hostels or campsites can travel for free on public transport in zone 10 for the duration of their stay with the Geneva Transport Card.
Discounted day pass
Most municipalities offer a limited number of day passes or discounted day tickets valid for a whole day on most public transport in Switzerland. The cost is around CHF 40 – 45 per day pass. Check with your local municipality.
In the canton of Vaud, the Mobilis network covers all major public transport operators.
The Swiss Federal Railways (SBB / CFF / FFS) is the largest railway company in Switzerland.
The main stations:
- Genève-Cornavin , main station in the city center and connected to the Swiss and French rail networks,
- Geneva Eaux-Vives connects Geneva Cornavin to Annemasse in Haute-Savoie (France),
- Geneva-Airport .
The new Léman Express train, a joint Franco-Swiss initiative, covers a cross-border network of 230 km. Express rail links link Coppet and Geneva in Switzerland to Bellegarde, Annecy, Evian and St Gervais in France. A Léman Pass ticket is required to travel in French areas.
An assistance service for people with reduced mobility is available.
For France – Trainline is the official SNCF ticket distributor: find the best tickets at the best price for TGV, Intercités or TER trains, for work or vacations in France and abroad.
Geneva is a pleasant city for getting around on foot, by scooter or by bike. As rush-hour traffic is heavy, using footpaths and cycle paths is often quicker.
Discover Geneva, on foot or by bike, thanks to a selection of thematic walks.
Cycling traffic rules
- Basic rules for cyclist by the “Touring Club Suisse (in French).
- Prudence and adapted equipment by the “Bureau de Prévention des Accidents”.
- Rules and fines on the website of the Canton of Geneva.
Wearing a helmet is recommended for bicycles and compulsory for electric bicycles, above 25 km / h.
Daytime use of lights on electric bikes is mandatory since April 1st 2022.
The Touring Club Suisse (TCS) provides practical information on electric bikes.
Bike loan, rental and parking
- Genèveroule: bike rental and loan.
- Donkey Republic’s VéloPartage is the official bike sharing system of the canton of Geneva – book a bike in one click and enjoy your ride.
- Walks in Geneva on foot or by bike.
- Bicycle parking.
- PRO VELO: association for the defense of cyclists.
- geovelo: geolocation application.
Geneva is a pleasant city for getting around on foot, by scooter or by bike. As rush-hour traffic is heavy, using footpaths and cycle paths is often quicker.
Cycling traffic rules
- Basic rules for cyclist by the “Touring Club Suisse (in French).
- Bicycles and ebikes are in principle subject to the general traffic rules.
- Rules and fines applied in the Canton of Geneva.
- Summary table of regulations for one- and two-wheeled vehicles.
Wearing a helmet is recommended for bicycles and compulsory for electric bicycles, above 25 km / h.
Daytime use of lights on electric bikes is mandatory since April 1st 2022.
The Touring Club Suisse (TCS) provides practical information on electric bikes.
Practical information
- Itinerary for easy cycling and recommended route for families.
- Geovelo: geolocation application.
- Genèveroule: bike rental, loan and mechanics.
- Vélopartage: the self-service bicycle hire system with over 500 stations in Geneva.
- Bicycle parking.
- PRO VELO: association for the defence of cyclists organising events, bike exchanges, riding courses.
Get around Geneva with "VéloPartage"
Want to save time (and money) on your commute to work or in your free time? Take out a VéloPartage subscription, the self-service bicycle system in the canton of Geneva.
Thanks to CAGI, you can get discount on monthly subscription. Simply download the Donkey Republic application, rent a bike throughout the canton and enjoy maximum flexibility.
Members of CAGI
Other useful information
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Contact the CAGI
Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.