How to get here
How do I get to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?
The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley: unique in the world, but not at the end of the world!
Nestled at the foot of Mont-Blanc, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley is easily accessible, whether by car, train or bus.
Today, mobility represents a major issue, as 94% of CO₂ emissions in the valley are linked to the modes of transport used by travellers to get there.
That's why we're taking active action by offering itineraries and alternatives to reach the valley differently. The journey begins as soon as you hop on a train, get on your bike or share a ride in a carpool!
To reduce the environmental impact of your travels, opt for sustainable mobility.
On foot: for slow-travel adventurers
CO₂ emitted: 0 g/km.
Emissions avoided: up to 50 times less CO₂ than a journey in a petrol car.
Good to know: thanks to the Mont-Blanc Express train and the Chamonix Mobilité urban bus network, make the most of your stay on site by simply getting around the valley
Practical info: the Chamonix valley is linked to international long-distance hiking routes (France, Italy, Switzerland)
By bike (or electric bike): sport, freedom and ultra-light carbon footprint.
CO₂ emitted: less than 5 g/km (energy and production included).
Emissions avoided: around 40 times less CO₂ than a journey by petrol car, 60 times less than by plane.
Road biking
From Geneva: the Léman to Mont-Blanc cycle route is gradually being built in the Arve valley to link Geneva to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Several sections are now passable:
- From Geneva, Annemasse to Bonne, 12 km from the border,
- From Bonneville to Cluses, 16 km open since 2010 (greenway on 80% of the route),
- From Cluses to Sallanches; 16 km open in December 2019 with the completion of the footbridge over the Arve.
It then climbs to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (40 km) via Le Fayet, Passy and Les Houches.
The Véloroute du Léman au Mont-Blanc (90 km) is a cycle route through the highly urbanized Arve valley to Sallanches (50 km).
It creates an active travel route linking Geneva, Annemasse, Bonneville, Cluses and Sallanches.
From Annecy: some ideas for routes created by strangers who inspired us!
If you'd like to travel to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc by bike, France Vélo Tourisme has an interactive map with tips and information to help you organize your trip.
On arrival in the Chamonix valley :
Train Mont-Blanc Express
By train: the smart, comfortable and eco-responsible choice
CO₂ emitted: around 2 to 5 g/km per passenger.
Emissions avoided: up to 80 times less than a plane journey and 30 times less than a private car.
SNCF stations in the resort (Le Mont Blanc Express)
- Le Mont Blanc Express: the SNCF line serves all villages from St Gervais-les-bains-le Fayet to Martigny (Switzerland), via Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine.
- Since 2019, the cross-border network "Léman Express"between France and Switzerland. In particular, it serves St Gervais - le Fayet station, which is directly linked to the"Mont Blanc Express".
- Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet station (link with the Mont Blanc Express)
- Geneva Cornavin station (then direct shuttle transfer from Geneva bus station)
- Annecy station (then transfer by direct shuttle with BlaBlaCar Bus)
- Gare de Lyon Part Dieu (then transfer by shuttle with FlixBus or BlaBlaCar Bus)
Train itinerary ideas :
- Paris < Bellegarde sur Valserine < Chamonix-Mont-Blanc : Approximate time 6h30
- Geneva Cornavin < Chamonix-Mont-Blanc : Time: 2h40
- Annecy < Chamonix-Mont-Blanc : Time : 2h40
- Lyon < Chamonix-Mont-Blanc : Time : 5h
By bus
Numerous transport companies provide bus transfer services throughout France. Here is a non-exhaustive list of some of these companies:
Getting around the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley (from Servoz to Vallorcine) will be easier thanks to the Chamonix Mobilité public transport network.
Road access
Since the Mountain Law came into force in autumn 2021, it is now compulsory for all light vehicles, commercial vehicles and motor homes between November 1 and March 31 to:
- carry metal or textile snow chains in their trunks to equip at least two drive wheels
- or be equipped with four winter tires.
From France: direct access via the Autoroute Blanche (A40-E25) linked to the European motorway network.
From Italy: 15km from the border via the Mont-Blanc tunnel.
- Information Autoroute Blanche and Mont-Blanc Tunnel: ATMB website
From Switzerland: freeway to Martigny, Col de la Forclaz then Col des Montets.
If you have an electric vehicle, consult the map of electric recharging stations available in the Valley.
Buses and airport transfers: Daily connections with Geneva and Italy. Book online here
Consult the complete list of coach operators, private transporters and cabs.
Getting here by plane
Aéroport International de Genève (88km)
Tél : + 41 (0) 22 717 71 11
The bus company SAT provides daily links between Geneva airport and Chamonix.
SAT Mont-Blanc
Aéroport Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Annecy (90km)
Tél : +33 (0) 4 50 27 30 06
Léman Express rail link between Geneva airport and St Gervais-le Fayet station
Full information on Léman Express
Public and private transport operators can be contacted for transfers to and from an airport.
See the full list of coach operators, private transport companies and taxis here.
Aéroport International de Lyon-Saint Exupéry (220km) -
Tél : +33 (0) 8 26 800 826
The airport is served by a high-speed train (TGV) station
Site de la SNCF
Parking lots and motorhome parks
Parking spaces in the valley: 4,000 parking spaces including :
- 3 covered parking lots: Entrêves, Saint Michel and parking du Mont-Blanc. Free parking for less than 1 hour. Weekly passes available.
- 7 enclosed parking lots: l'Outa, SNCF station, Grépon, Lionel Terray, Médiathèque, Tennis and Allobroges parking lot.
Chamonix Parc Auto
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 53 65 71
See Chamonix parking brochure
View Les Houches parking brochure
Parking Relais du Grépon at the entrance to Chamonix: Park your car, take the bus! Free access to town center by Le Mulet minibus.
Motorhome parks are also available in the valley:
