How to get there

How to Get to Annecy, France from the US and Canada: Complete Transportation Guide

Updated Tue, Aug 12, 2025

Fly to Geneva or Lyon airports from major US/Canadian cities, then take buses, trains, or rental cars to reach Annecy in 45-90 minutes.

How to Get to Annecy, France from the US and Canada: Complete Transportation Guide

Overview

Ease of getting there

Reaching Annecy requires connecting through major European cities since no direct flights exist from North America. Most travelers fly into Geneva Airport (45 minutes away) or Lyon Airport (90 minutes away). Geneva offers the easiest access with frequent bus connections and car rentals. Major US cities like New York, Boston, and Los Angeles provide daily flights to Geneva via European carriers. Canadian travelers from Toronto and Vancouver connect through London or Paris. The journey typically takes 8-12 hours total flight time plus connections. Ground transportation includes buses, trains, rental cars, and private transfers.

Customs and immigration

EU passport control uses automated gates for US and Canadian citizens with biometric passports. Processing typically takes 15-30 minutes at Geneva, slightly longer at Lyon during peak times. No visa required for stays under 90 days. Customs clearance is usually quick with green and red channel system. Digital arrival forms are not required. Geneva Airport offers efficient processing with shorter lines than major hubs.

Flights from the US / Canada

No direct flights exist to Annecy. Geneva Airport serves as the primary gateway with daily flights from New York JFK, Boston, and seasonal service from Los Angeles via Swiss International, Lufthansa, and Air France. Toronto and Vancouver connect through London or Paris. Lyon Airport offers fewer North American connections but provides alternative routing through Paris CDG or Amsterdam with Air France and KLM.

From airport to city center

From Geneva Airport, take the direct Ouibus service to Annecy (45 minutes, runs hourly). Alternatively, rent a car for the scenic 45-minute drive via A40 highway. Train connections require changing in Geneva city center, taking 90 minutes total. From Lyon Airport, buses connect to Lyon Part-Dieu station, then high-speed trains reach Annecy in 2 hours. Car rentals from Lyon take 90 minutes via A40 and A6 highways.
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