It’s only an hour’s drive from the airport to Chamonix, and although not necessary, it can be useful to have a car as the ski areas are quite spread out.
(More information about travel within the Chamonix Valley).
It’s best to book it well in advance to get the best price. Also be aware that at very busy times they can sell out! All the main car hire companies have offices at the airport, and they all speak English. Geneva Airport car hire phone numbers
Unless you have an existing loyalty programme or acccount, it’s generally easiest to get it through a site like www.holidayautos.co.uk or Easycar who find the best price from all of them. Lately Easycar have been adding a compulsory winter equipment surcharge on after the rates are calculated, so check that this is included when you compare prices, as it can add up.
Once you have your car, it’s just an hour’s drive on good roads to Chamonix. Follow signs for France and once you are through the border, Chamonix is well signed. Don’t forget some euros for the tolls. (1.70 and 3.70) as the cash dispensers in the airport only give out Swiss Francs. The tolls also take cards.
You can hire a car from the Swiss side or French side of Geneva airport. The debate rages all over the internet, with each side having its supporters. Short version for the busy: Get it from the Swiss side!
Wise words from a friend: “It might be a bit more sometimes, but it’s not as expensive as divorce”
Why? Although it can be slightly cheaper to hire from the French side, it’s very complicated to pick up and return your car.
Also, cars from the Swiss side will have snow chains and winter tyres included — it’s a legal requirement — and you may well need them! They also have a Swiss motorway “vignette” — a tax disc which allows you to drive on the Swiss motorways. Without it, you have to take a roundabout, badly signposted route back to the airport. You have to ignore almost all signs to the airport as these will take you to the Swiss side, and go through the city centre which is often congested. So the minor saving is generally not worth the bother, even if your flight arrives on the French side.
People say: “It’s fine, just follow these directions!” The directions are pretty long and if you miss one turning, you’ll be lost, as you can’t follow any signs to the airport since they’ll take you to the Swiss side! Here’s a thread on Tripadvisor with all the discussion you can handle and then some more.
If you have to get your car from the French side, allow two hours absolute minimum (more at busy times) to return to the airport and keep the map and directions for the return journey as it is not easy to find. It’s not too bad going from the airport, but the return journey is trickier. Make sure you have the phone number for the hire car company in case you need help.
If you just want a car for a day or so, it’s possible to hire one in Chamonix itself. Again, it’s best to book in advance via a site like www.holidayautos.co.uk. There are three companies with Chamonix offices:
Avis, 73 Rue Ravanel Le Rouge 74400, Tel +33 (0)450 539532
Europcar 36 Place de la Gare 74400, Tel +33 (0)450 536340
Hertz 11 Allee du Savoy 74400, Tel +33 (0)450 537368
