Transport to/from the Tour du Mont Blanc trail: What are my transport options?
The 3 main options to get to/from the Tour du mont Blanc trail are share/private transfer, public transport, or driving (car hire).
Find below information about some of the key options, however, we recommend also researching aggregator websites such as Rome2Rio and Omio for the latest options from your arrival airport/location.
Tour du Mont Blanc trail is accessible from Switzerland, France and Italy.
1. Shared/Private Transfer
From Geneva Airport: There are quite a few different companies servicing this route, each promising a transfer time of 1-1.5 hours to Les Houches / Chamonix with varying levels of service and conditions. Over the last couple of years, I've used most of them and have chosen some that best represent the different prices and service levels.
Low-cost basic transfer at scheduled departure times to Chamonix bus station:
Shared and private transfers at regular intervals or on-demand to your hotel:
Aosta Express (Courmayeur)
Taxi Fenyx (Champex-Lac)
Each service has a slightly different priority seating arrangement, change of time/date guidance, and cancellation policy
From Italian Airport: Arriva and FlixBus run bus transfers to Courmayeur and Chamonix (can then catch the local bus to Les Houches). Taxi Fenyx offers private van transport for Champex-Lac.
2. Public Transport from nearby international airports
If you’re coming from Swiss International airports (Geneva, Zurich), you’ll be able to reach Champex Lac, Chamonix and Les Houches on public transport via Martigny. Check the Swiss public transport website (SBB) to map the journey. Tickets can be purchased in advance but you can also buy them at the airport station. It will take a lot longer and be much more expensive to reach the Chamonix Valley from Geneva airport on public transport compared to the shared/private transfers mentioned above.
If you’re coming from French international airports/cities (Paris, Lyon) taking public transport is the most cost-effective way to reach Les Houches and Chamonix. Check out the French national train network (SNCF) website to map the journey. Tickets can be purchased in advance but you can also buy them at the station.
If you’re coming from Italian destinations, check out Arriva or FlixBus to reach Courmayeur and Chamonix.
3. CAR HIRE
If you are travelling as a couple or with a group, hiring a car can be more affordable than public transport (especially in Switzerland) and is typically faster than public transport. Car hire cost varies depending on when you book, pick up location and type of car. Rentalcars.com provides a good variety of options by budget and car size. Costs from Geneva & Milan airport starts from 40 EUR / day.
There is free parking at the following locations (copy and paste the location code into google maps to see where it is);
Les Houches: Base of Prarion lift ( VQWJ+3J Les Houches, France )
Chamonix: Parking Route du Bouchet - Zone Blanche ( WVHG+9Q Chamonix, France )
Courmayeur: Parcheggio Camper vicino statale solo sosta ( QXMC+35 Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy )
Champex Lac: Base of the Champex Télé ( 24J4+MM Orsières, Switzerland )