Chamonix is unusual in one respect: no TGV climbs up to it, yet a small train runs the length of the valley. The Mont-Blanc Express leaves from Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, where the TGVs terminate, and, according to the tourist office, calls at every village as far as Martigny, in Switzerland. By road, you arrive on the Autoroute Blanche, and Geneva airport is only 88km away. Here is how to reach the valley depending on where you are starting from, and how to get around once you are there.
Getting to Chamonix in practice
- Train: TGV or TER regional train to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, then the Mont-Blanc Express, about 45 minutes to Chamonix.
- Airport: Geneva, 88km away, about 1 hour 15 minutes by shuttle bus according to the tourist office.
- By car: the Autoroute Blanche (A40) to Le Fayet, then the RN205.
- Equipment: winter tyres or chains compulsory throughout Haute-Savoie, from 1 November to 31 March.
- Once there: pedestrianised town centre, ski buses to the ski areas, free train in the valley with the guest card.
By train: to Le Fayet, then the Mont-Blanc Express
The TGV stops at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet. This winter, SNCF’s planned timetables show direct TGVs from Paris Gare de Lyon on Saturdays and Sundays from 13 December 2026 to 28 March 2027, plus some Friday evenings, with a journey of roughly 4 hours 35 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes. At the start of October, tickets were only on sale for travel up to 6 January, so check the timetable when you book. No night train serves Haute-Savoie this winter, and the Eurostar ski train calls only in Savoie; from London, Eurostar advises travelling via Paris.
At Le Fayet, the Mont-Blanc Express takes over. Allow about 45 minutes to Chamonix, according to its Swiss operator, which also gives 90 minutes between Martigny and Chamonix. The train calls at Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentière and Vallorcine. According to the tourist office, the guest card your accommodation gives you makes journeys between Servoz and Vallorcine free: ask about it when you book. Your lift pass, on the other hand, is not valid as an SNCF ticket.
From Geneva, the Léman Express (line L3) runs to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet; from the airport, you change trains at Geneva station. The tourist office also notes that, from Paris, the TGV to Geneva or Lyon followed by a direct shuttle bus is “the fastest option for reaching the Chamonix valley”.
By air: Geneva, 88km away
Geneva international airport is 88km away according to the tourist office, which allows about 1 hour 15 minutes by shuttle bus, “subject to traffic conditions”. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry is 220km away, about 2 hours 30 minutes by shuttle. According to the office, coaches run every day from Geneva airport to Chamonix, and it offers online booking for shuttles, taxis and private hire cars from Geneva, Lyon and Chambéry airports. For a private flight, Annecy airport, 90km away, handles business aviation. Our private jet and helicopter guide covers the other business airports and the transfers.
AEC tip. If there are several of you, with skis and luggage, book your shuttle from Geneva before you leave and give the name of the village where you are staying: according to the office, the journey from Geneva or Saint-Gervais stations takes between an hour and an hour and a half.
By car: the Autoroute Blanche
From within France, the Autoroute Blanche (A40) takes you to Le Fayet, then the RN205 climbs to Chamonix; the RD1506 carries on to Argentière, then Vallorcine and Switzerland over the Col des Montets, at 1461m. From Italy, Chamonix is 15km from the border through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, according to the office. From Switzerland, the motorway takes you to Martigny, then the road crosses the Col de la Forclaz and the Col des Montets. When snow closes the Montets, the Mont-Blanc Express, which runs beneath it, keeps the link open.
From November to March, your equipment matters as much as your route. The office points out that from 1 November to 31 March, cars must have either four winter tyres or chains in the boot, enough for at least two driving wheels; the rule applies across the whole of Haute-Savoie, and only tyres marked with the 3PMSF symbol count as winter tyres. Without the right equipment, you risk a fine and having your car immobilised. As for traffic, Bison Futé, the French road traffic forecaster, expects a very difficult day in the region on Saturday 2 January 2027, both outbound and on the way home.
Chamonix town centre is pedestrianised. At the entrance to town, the Grépon park-and-ride has 500 spaces in winter, plus 200 temporary ones, and the centre is a 5-minute walk away; according to the office, the Mulet minibus will take you there free of charge. The three underground car parks in the centre, Saint-Michel, Mont-Blanc and Entrèves, have 686 spaces between them, with a height limit of 2m, down to 1.90m at Entrèves. At Le Tour, 230 spaces wait at the foot of the pistes. Weekly passes are available, but only while spaces last. If you are renting a chalet, check its listing to see whether it has a garage or parking.
Getting around: ski buses, train and apps
In winter, from December to April, the Chamonix Mobilité network steps up its service with direct ski buses to the ski areas, from Les Grands Montets to the Balme ski area, connecting with the Mont-Blanc Express, plus local routes from the hamlets. With a valid lift pass, buses in the valley are free, except in the evening after 8.30pm and on night routes; the guest card is not a bus ticket, but it does get you discounts. At the bus station, the Maison de la Mobilité answers questions, sells tickets and even rents out pushchairs. The Chamonix app gives routes and timetables for both the buses and the train.
To choose your village according to the ski area you will ski most, our guide to where to stay in Chamonix for skiing compares Chamonix centre, Les Praz, Argentière, Le Tour, Vallorcine, Les Houches and Servoz.
Where to stay
You will find our chalets and apartments in the valley among our Chamonix rentals and those in Vallorcine. If you are still undecided about the resort, our comparison Megève or Chamonix sets out the differences, and our guide to renting a luxury chalet answers the practical questions. For a day off skiing, the Montenvers and Mer de Glace train leaves from the centre. Our guides to getting to Courchevel, getting to Megève and getting to Val d’Isère follow the same pattern. Once you are there, our guide to what to do in Chamonix in winter will help you plan the week.
The simplest thing is to write to us: send us your dates and how you are travelling, and our agents will suggest a chalet that suits your arrival.
Then the road enters the valley, and the Mont Blanc massif fills the whole windscreen.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Chamonix by train?
By TGV or TER regional train to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, then on the Mont-Blanc Express, which reaches Chamonix in about 45 minutes. This winter, SNCF’s planned timetables show direct TGVs from Paris to Le Fayet at weekends, from 13 December 2026 to 28 March 2027.
Is there a TGV to Chamonix?
No. The TGV stops at Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet; the Mont-Blanc Express takes over to Chamonix, then Argentière, Vallorcine and Switzerland.
Which airport should I fly into for Chamonix?
Geneva, 88km away according to the tourist office, which allows about 1 hour 15 minutes by shuttle bus. Lyon-Saint-Exupéry is 220km away, about 2 hours 30 minutes by shuttle. For a private flight, Annecy airport handles business aviation.
Is the Mont-Blanc Express free?
According to the tourist office, the guest card your accommodation gives you makes journeys between Servoz and Vallorcine free; ask about it when you book. Your lift pass, however, is not valid as an SNCF ticket.
Do you need snow tyres to drive to Chamonix?
Yes, from 1 November to 31 March, throughout Haute-Savoie: four winter tyres marked 3PMSF, or chains in the car, enough for at least two driving wheels.
Where can I park in Chamonix?
The centre is pedestrianised. At the entrance to town, the Grépon park-and-ride has 500 spaces in winter, plus 200 temporary ones, a 5-minute walk from the centre. The three underground car parks in the centre have 686 spaces, with a height limit of 2m, and 1.90m at Entrèves.
Can you get to Chamonix from Italy or Switzerland?
Yes. From Italy, the Mont Blanc Tunnel brings you into the valley. From Switzerland, the motorway takes you to Martigny, then the road crosses the Col de la Forclaz and the Col des Montets; the Mont-Blanc Express also links Martigny and Chamonix in 90 minutes.
