Getting to Chamonix
By Air
The closest major international airport to Chamonix is Geneva in Switzerland, approximately 88 kilometres away. The journey by road takes around 1 hour 15 minutes in normal traffic, although this can increase considerably at busy times. Regular bus services and shared and private airport transfers connect Geneva Airport with Chamonix throughout the year.
Geneva Airport also provides a range of car rental facilities. Private taxis and transfer companies are available, although prices vary considerably between shared and private services. There are also rail connections from Geneva towards St Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet, where you can connect with the Mont-Blanc Express to Chamonix.
By Train
Chamonix can be reached by train from Geneva, Paris, Lyon, Annecy, Bellegarde and Martigny, although most longer journeys involve a change. The main railway connection runs through St Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet, where the Mont-Blanc Express continues into the Chamonix valley.
By Car
Chamonix is easy to reach by car from any direction. The A40 autoroute leads directly to Chamonix from within France and the drive over the Égratz viaduct and through the tunnels slowly reveals the mountains in all their glory. From Switzerland, the drive over the Col de Forclaz and the Col des Montets is equally as impressive. From Italy, access is via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
If you are driving into Chamonix, consider leaving the car outside the centre and using public transport for the rest of your journey. The Grépon park-and-ride is at the entrance to Chamonix and connects with the centre by bus. There are also several covered and open-air car parks in and around the town, although central parking can become difficult during busy periods.
Getting Around the Chamonix Valley
Bus
Chamonix Mobilité operates the main bus network through the valley, with routes connecting Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Le Tour. The network includes regular services, seasonal ski buses and the Chamo’Nuit night service. Timetables and routes vary with the season, so check current services before travelling.
The Carte d’Hôte is provided by participating accommodation providers and gives visitors free travel on the Mont-Blanc Express between Servoz and Vallorcine, together with discounts on Chamonix Mobilité bus passes. It is no longer simply a free bus pass, so you need to obtain the appropriate bus ticket or pass before travelling. Bus tickets must also be validated each time you board.
Le Mulet is a small, free shuttle bus that operates around the centre of Chamonix. It is useful for short journeys between the town centre, railway station, Aiguille du Midi and other central stops.
Train
The SNCF railway station in the centre of Chamonix is part of the Mont-Blanc Express line, which runs from St Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet through the Chamonix valley and on towards Switzerland.
The train serves the villages and resorts along the valley, including Les Houches, Servoz, Les Praz, Argentière and Vallorcine. With a valid Carte d’Hôte, travel is free between Servoz and Vallorcine for the duration of the card.
Lifts
The valley’s cable cars, gondolas and chairlifts provide access to the surrounding mountains in both summer and winter. Lift passes vary according to the season and the areas you intend to visit, with individual tickets also available for some lifts. Check current opening dates, operating conditions and ticket options before travelling, as mountain lifts can close because of weather or maintenance.