Survival Guide - Discover Switzerland: Experience the Best of Switzerland - page 645

Getting There & Away
Flights, cars and tours can be booked online at www.lonelyplanet.com .
ENTERING THE COUNTRY
Formalities are minimal when entering Switzerland by air, rail or road. In December 2008
Switzerland implemented the Schengen Agreement, so those arriving from the EU don't
need to show a passport.
Arriving from a non-EU country, you have to show your passport or EU identity card,
and visa if you need one, and clear customs.
AIR
The main airports are Zürich Airport ( www.zurich-airport.com ) , Geneva Airport ( www.gva.ch )
and increasingly France-based EuroAirport ( www.euroairport.com ) , which serves Basel.
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
There are well-maintained, fast freeways to Switzerland through all bordering countries.
The Alps present a natural barrier to entering Switzerland, so main roads generally head
through tunnels. Smaller roads are more scenically interesting, but special care is needed
when negotiating mountain passes.
An EU driving licence is acceptable throughout Europe for up to a year, otherwise obtain
an International Driving Permit (IDP). Third-party motor insurance is a minimum require-
ment; get proof of this in the form of a Green Card issued by your insurers.
Car rental firms will take care of mandatory insurance and required safety gear in the car.
TRAIN
French TGVs from Paris (Gare de Lyon) scoot to Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zürich
and more.
Zürich is Switzerland's busiest international terminus, with trains to Germany and Aus-
tria. Basel is another hub for trains to Germany. Nearly all connections from Italy pass
through Milan before branching off to Zürich, Lucerne, Bern or Lausanne.