Geneva Sightseeing Tour – Petit Train

A Train Ride Through Geneva

The little tourist train of Geneva is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to introduce the city to your children. You settle comfortably in an open wagon, and let yourself be carried along Lake Geneva, in the Old Town, or through the parks and residences on the right bank. No long walks, no stroller to push uphill: everyone enjoys the scenery. A nice bonus is that the train is electro-solar (it runs on batteries recharged by photovoltaic panels), a lovely opportunity to explain to children how we can move around without polluting.

What Your Children Will Discover

From their seats, your children will see the major landmarks of Geneva pass by: the water jet shooting up from the lake, the quays and their boats, the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the parks, and the beautiful homes lining the lake. On clear days, Mont Blanc reveals itself in the distance. The older ones will be engaged by the commentary broadcast during the ride (available in several languages), while the younger ones simply love the movement of the train and the parade of landscapes.

What to Do There and the Atmosphere Onsite

You board at one of the starting points, choose your line (Old Town, Parks and Residences, or the tour of the international district), and off you go for a loop of about 30 minutes per line. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly: the open wagons let in the air and sounds of the city, and the slow pace allows you to take everything in at your leisure. It’s the ideal activity to take a breather, recharge the children's batteries while continuing to explore, or to get your bearings in Geneva at the very start of your stay.

Before You Go

• Recommended Age: from about 3 years old, but babies and toddlers are welcome on laps.
• Duration: plan for about 30 minutes per line; the ticket is generally valid for 24 hours to combine several lines.
• Reservation: not necessary, tickets can be purchased on-site at the starting points; check the official website for updated prices.
• Stroller: access is easy on foot to the starting points located on the quays; plan to fold the stroller to board.
• Transport: easily accessible by Geneva public transport (TPG) to the quay area (Quai du Mont-Blanc / English Garden); paid parking nearby, as the city center is not convenient by car.
• What to Bring: a jacket or hat depending on the weather, as the wagons are open; sunscreen in summer.
• Ideal Season: from spring to autumn, when the little train runs and the quays are most pleasant.

Parent Tips

• Seat the youngest ones on the lake side so they can enjoy the view of the water jet and the boats.
• Combine the ride with a snack on the quays or a visit to the English Garden right next door.
• In hot weather, prefer a departure in the late afternoon, which is cooler in the open wagons.
• Keep the ticket: valid for 24 hours, it often allows you to take another ride the next day.

Useful Information

• Address / Starting Point: quay area in Geneva (Quai du Mont-Blanc / Rotonde du Mont-Blanc, English Garden). Operator: Keytours, Rue François-Bonivard 8, 1201 Geneva.
• Official Website: https://www.geneva-sightseeing-tour.ch
• Hours: see the official website (the little train runs seasonally, generally from spring to autumn; regular daytime departures).
• Access: public transport TPG to the quays; paid parking nearby.

Why We Recommend It

Because it’s an effortless outing that appeals to all ages: children love the train, parents enjoy the scenery, and everyone discovers Geneva in a different way. It’s also an excellent way to get oriented in the city at the beginning of your stay or to offer a pleasant break between two visits, whether in nice weather or overcast.

In Two Words

A peaceful ride on an electro-solar train to discover Geneva and its quays with family, without fatigue and with beautiful views of the lake and Mont Blanc.