Geneva by boat, then by minibus: lake days for small groups
Lake Geneva boats leave from four piers in the middle of Geneva. With a minibus and a driver you can sail out in the morning and be collected at a pier further along the shore, without anyone hunting for a train back.
Four piers on two banks
Mont-Blanc, on the right bank, is the CGN's principal pier, where you can buy boat and SBB tickets and find tourist information. Pâquis is a little further along the same quay. Jardin Anglais, on the left bank, also has a ticket counter, and Eaux-Vives lies further out on that side. Your boat ticket names the pier, and that is where your driver needs to be.
Getting the group to the boat on time
The CGN asks groups of 10 or more to contact its group service, and an announced group still has no seats held, so be at the pier at least 20 minutes before sailing. Meals on board are requested at least 15 days ahead.
No coach or minibus stop is published at the Geneva piers, and the car parks nearby are for cars. The operator confirms where your vehicle sets you down. The canton can switch on smog-peak traffic rules, so make sure the vehicle displays a Stick'AIR or Crit'Air sticker.
Where the boats tie up
- The boats on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) are run by the CGN (Compagnie Générale de Navigation sur le lac Léman), which also serves Lausanne-Ouchy and Montreux
- Genève Eaux-Vives, Quai Gustave-Ador 63, 1207 Genève: on the left bank
- Genève Jardin Anglais, Promenade du Lac 1, 1207 Genève: on the left bank, with a ticket counter and tourist information
- Genève Pâquis, Quai du Mont-Blanc 8, 1201 Genève: on the right bank
- Genève Mont-Blanc, Quai du Mont-Blanc 2, 1201 Genève: the main CGN pier on the right bank, with a ticket counter, SBB train tickets and tourist information
Sail one way, ride back
CGN boats continue to Lausanne-Ouchy and Montreux, with calls at Lavaux villages such as Cully and at Chillon, whose pier is about 100 m from the castle. Your driver can meet you there and bring you back to Geneva, roughly 1.5 hours by road from Chillon. The castle gives group rates from 15 people, booked in writing a few days in advance.
Geneva Airport is about 5 km from the Mont-Blanc pier, around 10 minutes in light traffic, and Cornavin station about 1 km.
Questions travellers ask
Which pier does the short city cruise use?
The Geneva Tour on the Petit-Lac leaves from Mont-Blanc, with up to six departures a day in season.
Can we go straight from a flight to a boat?
Yes, it is a short drive. Leave room for baggage reclaim and the 20 minutes the CGN asks groups to allow at the pier.
How many can a minibus take?
Usually 9 to 16 passengers. For eight or fewer, a car with driver is enough, and above 16 ask about a midi-coach.
More places for your group
Other vehicles with a driver
- Full-size coach (Reisecar) — Seats: 45-57
- Midi-coach (Midibus / Midicar) — Seats: 25-35
- Minibus (Kleinbus) — Seats: 9-16 passengers plus the driver
- Executive Sprinter-style minibus — Seats: 8-16 passengers plus the driver
- Executive car with driver (limousine service) — Seats: 1-3 (up to 8 passengers in a van-type car)
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — Seats: Varies by layout; wheelchair positions replace seats
Plan your Geneva lake day
Send the pier, the sailing time, where you want to be met and how many of you there are. Your driver and minibus are provided by a licensed partner operator.
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