I've got a few transport questions that I couldn't find any current info on.
We finally will arrive in Geneva from Japan on 1 October - it doesn't seem real but it is. Very excited.
We will be arriving in the morning and likely shattered, with about six to eight large suitcases, several smaller ones, two adults and a (likely exhausted) nine year old. We've always previously taken public transport into the city from the airport, but we've never had so much luggage, and I can't see us lugging it through the Parquais to our temporary apartment on the other side.
So the questions:
1. Are there van style taxis available at the airport for this sort of transport? Or is there a company that someone can recommend that might be able to accommodate this transport? I would assume that there are companies that move skiers and the like from the airport to resorts, so this request isn't too strange.
2. Any idea of what the rough cost would be? Airport, three people, many large bags. Airport into central Geneva.
3. Will my nine year old (135 cm tall) need a booster/child seat to ride in a taxi/van? Like I said, previously, we've only used public transport.
The Swiss Federal Railways (called "SBB" in German and "CFF" in French) offers luggage delivery. There are several different options outlined here; perhaps one would suit you:
You in Paquis area This is where a lot of ladies of the night hang out, it's fairly clean and fun but be warned, a lot of crusing goes on in the evenings.
Thanks!!! I got a quote for a 16 pax van at CHF 250... which is overkill.
Thanks for the other info!
Regarding Paquais... we are past there... I knew to avoid the neighborhood, as we'd stayed nearby previously. No judgments, I just don't feel like answering every question my nine year old might have about it just yet!
Given the number of bags you have a taxi van is going to be cheaper than paying a baggage relocation service (e.g. the SBB service is 12.- CHF per bag), and a taxi will also certainly be less hassle. In Geneva the taxi stand is literally metres from arrivals, the only challenge I see is that you are probably going to need three or four luggage trolleys but you will only be two adults. Maybe grow some extra arms?
We moved to CH in a similar fashion when we realized that extra baggage fees were significantly less expensive than shipping our stuff. If you max out the weight limit on each bag it's actually a pretty reasonable price to pay per kilo. Good luck with the move, hope all your bags arrive at the same time you do!
yes, a quick check of the CFF site showed me this! Thanks! I'm actually in better shape this time... I did an infant, and six suitcases from NYC to Jakarta and vice versa years ago! Thanks for the info and the support.
You're probably looking at airport limo transfer service. They offer more range than just a taxi. I can order mine online in advance by indicating # people and amount of luggage, but am in VD. I'm sure there is something similar for GE/Paquis.
You will need a booster seat until child is 150 cm. Companies you will choose should have available, then you can pick up one at do it yourself stores in case you rent cars etc as it tends to be quite expensive.