As a central hub of commerce for multinational companies and located right on the border of France, Geneva has a vibrant and international feel while also retaining a culture that is unmistakably Swiss. Geneva was also the location of the headquarters of the United Nations until 1946, and so this is a city geared toward international tourism. There is also quite a lot of water in Geneva being in a landlocked country like Switzerland; the city sits on the west end of Lake Geneva and the old town section of the city is located right next to the beautiful Rhone River. So, if you like to swim or bask in the sun next to some bodies of water, Geneva is a perfect place for you.
Geneva is the second most populated city in Switzerland behind Zurich and the most populous city in Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Geneva is also known for being one of the most important financial centers in the world and having an extremely compact metropolitan area. The best spot in the city for visitors is Geneva’s old town, which is surrounded on all sides by buildings and streets that follow the same configuration as the ancient fortifications that used to surround the city. If you want to get the most out of your time in Geneva, then your best move is to rent a motorbike and give yourself the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a motorcycle in Geneva. Most things here can also be applied if you are renting a scooter as well. This guide includes:
- Whether or not it’s safe to ride a rental motorcycle in Geneva
- The normal cost of motorcycle hire in Geneva
- The best places in Geneva to find motorbike rental in Geneva
- Whether you need an international driving permit to hire a motorbike in Switzerland
- The best things to do in Geneva by motorcycle
Is It Safe to Ride a Rental Motorcycle Around Geneva?
One of the main concerns with driving in Switzerland is how mountainous the terrain can be in certain parts of the country. Naturally, if you aren’t used to the roads in Switzerland (and around Geneva) it’s definitely safer to take public transportation than to drive yourself on a motorcycle. With that being said, driving a motorbike through the gorgeous mountains of Switzerland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But, if you don’t feel comfortable with it, you probably shouldn’t try it.
As the area around Geneva tends to get a decent amount of snow, you should be especially careful when driving during the winter, particularly in the months between October and Easter. But, if you're driving in the metropolitan areas of Geneva, you’ll find that the road conditions are very well maintained and the other drivers on the road are quite respectful.
What Is the Average Cost of Motorbike Hire in Geneva?
With Geneva being a center of finance and commerce, the prices of pretty much everything in the city are higher than in other parts of Europe. So, you can expect to pay a fairly high price for scooter or motorcycle rental during your stay in Geneva. If you’re looking for an average motorcycle, such as Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, you can expect to pay around €85 per day. However, if you want to stick to a lower budget, you can probably find a scooter (like a Suzuki Address) for around €40 per day.
If you plan on renting any kind of motor vehicle in Geneva, you should make absolutely sure that your rental shop covers you with an insurance policy. You don’t want to drive around in a foreign country (even a country as safe as Switzerland) without insurance coverage. You should also ask your rental shop if you can have reduced rates for weekly or monthly rentals if you plan on staying in Geneva for a while.
Where Are the Best Places in Geneva to Find Motorcycle Hire?
If you plan on flying into Geneva Airport, formerly known as Cointrin Airport, you should be able to easily find motorcycle rental right inside your airport terminal so you can drive directly from the airport to your accommodation within the city. You can also book motorcycle hire online and then pick up your motorcycle at the airport.
However, if you want to wait until you get to your accommodation before renting your motorcycle, you can easily find motorcycle rental shops all over the city. But, to get you started on your search, the best place to find motorcycle rental shops is in the center of the city. The neighborhoods of Saint John, Cornavin, Du Lignon, and Champel are all great places to find motorbike hire.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit to Hire a Motorbike in Switzerland?
If you come from a country in the European Union, you most likely will not need an international driving permit to hire a motorcycle in Switzerland (including Geneva). However, you should still check what the laws are in regards to your specific country of origin. If you’re from the United States or Canada, you will need to obtain an international driving permit before renting a motorbike in Switzerland.
If you need to get an IDP, you can apply for yours online here. There is an application fee of $20 and you should definitely make sure to apply at least to weeks before departing from your home country because that’s how long it usually takes for the permit to come in the mail. Once you get your IDP, though, it is usable for one full year.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Geneva by Motorcycle?
Now that you have all of the necessary information for hiring a motorbike in Geneva, here are some of the best things to do in the city by motorcycle:
Jet d’Eau
The most famous landmark in all of Geneva is the Jet d’Eau, a powerful water jet that sprays water straight up into the air over Geneva Lake. The dazzling 145-foot plume of water can be seen from great distances and can even be seen from an airplane while flying over the city. The fountain is able to shoot out water at a rate of 130 gallons (or 500 liters) of water per second, which accounts for the great heights that it’s able to reach. Indeed, the Jet d’Eau is one of the tallest fountains in the entire world.
Originally built in 1886 to release the excess pressure from a nearby hydraulic plant, the Jet d’Eau has become one of the defining symbols of Geneva. One of the ebay places to view the fountain from is Bains des Paquis, which boasts a sauna, a great swimming area, and a lovely little restaurant.
Lake Geneva
While the Jet d’Eau is one of the coolest features of Geneva, it’s just one of the many things to see and do on Lake Geneva. And while this is an article all about riding motorcycles around the city of Geneva, one of the best things to do during your time in the city is to take a boat tour around the lake. From the lake, you’ll get some absolutely incredible views of the snow-covered Alps in the background.
Lake Geneva can also represent a good way to get around the greater Geneva area. There are motorboats (which have been in service since 1897) that will take you across the river from one part of the city to another. If you want to take an even longer boat ride, you can go out to one of the quaint lakeside towns around Lake Geneva and spend an afternoon.
Place du Bourg-de-Four
If you want to get a sense of the street life and culture of Geneva, there’s no better place to do so than in Place du Bourg-de-Four, the most lively square in the entire city (and probably the oldest as well). This square was built on the site of a Roman forum and has served as a major market since the 9th century.
Today, the Place du Bourg-de-Four is popular among tourists for its vast array of restaurants and cafes, many of which offer streetside dining. So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and watch the people walk by.
Get Around Geneva on a Rental Motorcycle
There are plenty of things to do all around the city of Geneva; however, one of the best things you can do while you’re in the region is to get on a rental motorbike and make your way around the periphery of Lake Geneva. There are so many amazing views and cute towns along the way, there’s no way you won’t have a good time.
Written by