Switzerland has a long motoring culture: Geneva was for decades synonymous with one of the world's major motor shows, and the country hosts concours, classic car rallies and winter events in the Alps. For enthusiasts and industry professionals arriving at Geneva Airport, many of these events are a few hours' drive away, such as St. Moritz about 400 km away. AirportsTransfers.ch drives visitors to them while they leave the driving to someone else for once.
- Heritage: Geneva's long history as a motor show city
- Event types: concours d'elegance, classic rallies, hill climbs, winter events
- Scenery: Alpine passes famous among driving enthusiasts
- Museums: car collections in Martigny and elsewhere in Switzerland
- Transport: sedans and vans from GVA, chauffeur by the hour
Geneva's motor show heritage
For many years, Geneva hosted one of the most important international motor shows in the world, held at Palexpo next to the airport. Manufacturers used it to unveil new models and concept cars, and the show attracted industry executives, designers, journalists and many thousands of visitors. The format of the event has changed in recent years, so check the current plans of the organisers before planning a trip around it.
The heritage remains: Geneva and the Lake Geneva region are home to collectors, specialist dealers, coachbuilders and restoration workshops, and the area still welcomes product presentations, private exhibitions and enthusiast gatherings. Palexpo continues to host a variety of trade fairs and exhibitions throughout the year.
Concours, rallies and hill climbs
Across Switzerland, enthusiasts can find concours d'elegance, where historic cars are judged on their condition and history, classic car rallies on scenic roads, and hill climb events in the mountains. Many take place in elegant settings such as lakeside parks, resort towns or historic estates, often over a weekend. Some are open to the public, while others are private events for owners and guests.
In winter, St. Moritz is known for exclusive motoring events on its frozen lake, where historic and modern cars are displayed in a spectacular setting. Just across the Italian border, the shores of Lake Como host one of the most famous concours in the world, which many Swiss-based collectors attend. Since dates and formats vary, check event details directly with the organisers.
Alpine passes and driving routes
Switzerland's mountain passes are famous among driving enthusiasts. Roads such as the Furka, the Grimsel and the Great St Bernard combine spectacular scenery with challenging bends, and many classic car rallies include them in their routes. Most high passes are closed in winter and open from late spring to autumn, depending on snow conditions.
Visitors who come to drive their own car on the passes, or to join a rally, may still need a transfer from the airport to the start point, or a way to return home at the end of the event while their car is transported separately. A chauffeured car is also useful for spectators and support teams moving between stages.
Car museums and collections
Motoring culture can also be enjoyed indoors. In Martigny, in the Valais on the way to Verbier, a well-known cultural foundation houses a collection of historic cars alongside its art exhibitions. The Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne covers road, rail, air and sea travel, and various private collections open to the public on occasion. These visits combine well with a trip to the mountains or a tour of Switzerland.
For groups of enthusiasts, a V-Class van for up to seven passengers or a Sprinter minibus for larger groups makes it easy to travel together between events, museums and hotels, with room for luggage and purchases.
Planning a trip around a motoring event
Events in resorts such as St. Moritz, Gstaad, about 160 km from Geneva Airport, or the lake shore attract many visitors over a short period, so book accommodation and transport early. Plan for traffic around the event venue and parking restrictions. For longer distances, such as St. Moritz, around five hours from Geneva, a chauffeured car allows you to relax and arrive fresh, and a chauffeur by the hour, with a minimum of two hours, gives flexibility on site.
Industry professionals attending product presentations or private events can also use the service to move between the airport, hotels and venues.
Booking with AirportsTransfers.ch
AirportsTransfers.ch shows a fixed price per vehicle before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, with invoices for companies. Your chauffeur meets you at Geneva Airport with a name sign, tracks your flight and waits if it is delayed. Child seats are available on request, and return trips can be booked together. For event trips and hourly hire, call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, 24/7.
