Taking a Cruise on Lake Geneva with the Swiss Rail Pass
About My Lake Geneva Cruise
One of the best ways to see Geneva, Switzerland, is to take a cruise on Lake Geneva. For those interested in taking a cruise of Lake Geneva, it is important to know that the cruises are covered by the Swiss Rail Pass.
For visitors who want to take a quick cruise of Lake Geneva, there is a one-hour option that basically cruises the Geneva Harbour area. Longer cruises are available, including dinner cruises. One of the trips even stops in France and allows passengers to disembark on the French side of Lake Geneva.
I chose to go on a three-hour cruise. Three hours appeared to be the perfect amount of time to relax and take in the beautiful views of Lake Geneva.
Remember, for those who have the Swiss Rail Pass, the majority of these Lake Geneva cruises are free as long as your pass is not expired.
Taking a Cruise on Lake Geneva with the Swiss Rail Pass - Table of Contents
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How to Take a Lake Geneva Cruise with Using the Swiss Rail Pass
For Lake Geneva cruises, there are no tickets needed for holders of the Swiss Rail Pass. If you have the Swiss Rail Pass, simply board your desired Lake Geneva cruise and show the boat’s staff your Swiss Rail Pass upon request. It is important to know that the Lake Geneva cruise ships have two classes. First class has access to the entire ship, including the top deck. Those with a second-class Swiss Rail Pass only have access to the lower level of the boat. For anyone with a second-class Swiss Rail Pass, there is an option to pay an upgrade fee to get access to the ship’s upper level.
Lake Geneva cruises depart from various docks and have multiple stops along the way. The two most common docks in the Geneva Harbour area are Jardin Anglais, Pâquis, and Mt. Blanc. My cruise departed from Jardin Anglais.
Lake Geneva Cruise - The Boat
The boats that cruise Lake Geneva are extremely unique, dating back to the early 1900s. My cruise was onboard the Rhone, which had its maiden voyage in 1927. The Rhone is more than just a cruise ship, having the ability to have table service for over 150 passengers.
After boarding, I walked up the steps to the first-class deck. Access to the first-class deck was another perk of spending a little bit of extra money to have the first-class Swiss Rail Pass.
Since many of the passengers had second-class Swiss Rail Passes or purchased second-class tickets, I had much of the top deck to myself. The lack of people allowed me to switch from side to side based on the scenery I wanted to photograph.
In addition to the first-class deck, my first-class Swiss Rail Pass also gave me access to the first-class dining area. Since this cruise was only three hours, there wasn’t a full meal being served. Instead, passengers had the option to purchase drinks and snacks.
The Lake Geneva cruise ship, Rhone, had it all. The first-class deck even had access to a small room with a circular table. No one went in this room as it was 80 degrees and there was no air conditioning.
There was also a second-class dining area on the lower level of the Rhone. Like the upper level, the lower level dining area only served drinks.
Views from the Lake Geneva Cruise
The best views of Lake Geneva are seen from the upper deck. If you don’t have a first-class Swiss Rail Pass, I highly recommend upgrading so you can access the first-class sections of the boat.
On the way out of Jardin Anglais, we passed the Geneva Water Fountain. The boat got so close to the water fountain that I had to put my camera away to avoid it from getting wet.
One of the other sights on the way out of Geneva Harbour that I enjoyed photographing was the Pâquis Lighthouse. This lighthouse dates back to 1857.
As our boat left the harbor and we began the cruise, we hugged the east shoreline of Lake Geneva.
On the opposite shoreline was Geneva International Airport, and I was able to photograph this Emirates Airlines Boeing 777-300 taking off for Dubai.
As the Rhone headed out into Lake Geneva, we passed many people enjoying the warm weather. Sailing seemed to be one of the favorite activities of the people out on Lake Geneva.
The cruise stopped at numerous harbors where passengers were able to embark and disembark. The photo below shows Corsier Harbour.
Throughout the Lake Geneva cruise, the Rhone passed numerous buildings. I was unable to catch the name of the church and the castle-like structure next to it.
We followed the eastern shoreline for about 90 minutes before crossing Lake Geneva and returning via the western shoreline.
With my zoom lens, the Geneva Water Fountain was visible the entire time. As we returned to Jardin Anglais, the fountain became easier and easier to see. A cruise of Lake Geneva is a relaxing way to see some beautiful sights around the greater Geneva area.
For anyone holding the Swiss Rail Pass, I highly recommend spending a few hours taking a cruise of Lake Geneva.
Lake Geneva Tours and Packages
I do not recommend any of the tours or packages below for those who hold the Swiss Rail Pass, as almost all of the Lake Geneva cruises are covered by the Swiss Rail Pass. For those who do not hold the rail pass, the packages below all include a cruise on Lake Geneva. Please note that as an affiliate of Viator, I will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of November 2023.
 Geneva City Tour and Boat Cruise - $94.75 Home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva is Switzerland's second-most popular city and one of the greenest cities in Europe. Visit Geneva on a bus, go for a ride on a mini-train, and walk around the cobbled streets of the Old Town. |
 Geneva sightseeing cruise - $27.92 Enjoy a quiet boat cruise! |
 Geneva and Annecy Tour With Optional Lake Geneva Cruise - $130.71 Discover the charm of Geneva and Annecy on this combination sightseeing tour. Start with a 2-hour tour of Geneva to see top attractions like the UN headquarters, the Flower Clock and Geneva Old Town. Travel by coach, tram and foot with an expert guide, followed by an optional 1-hour Lake Geneva cruise. In the afternoon, cross the border into France to explore the enchanting Alpine town of Annecy, whose medieval Old Town is a sight to be seen. Throughout the day, enjoy informative commentary from a knowledgeable guide. |
 Panoramic sunset over Geneva and Lake Geneva - $89.74 Within 6 hours you will experience 2 countries, riding from Switzerland into France along the Arve river, 3 different modes of transport (cycling, cable car and short hike) and memorable views over Geneva and the Alps’ largest lake. Enjoy a delicious meal at the top of the Salève as you watch the sunset over Geneva and its lake before we transfer you back to Geneva at the end of your evening. |
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