The Walker’s Haute Route officially starts in Chamonix, France and ends in Zermatt, Switzerland, however there are options to start/end at other points along the trail for those that are interested in a shorter hike.
There are many transport options to arrive in Chamonix, France, which is well connected by bus, train and road.
However, Zermatt, Switzerland has fewer options as it is a car-free village. All visitors are required to hike in/out, or use the train to travel down valley and onward to other destinations.
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 and departure airport/location.
Walker's Haute Route trail is accessible from Switzerland, France and Italy.
Getting to chamonix
The official start location of the Walker’s Haute Route
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.
leaving Zermatt
The official end location of the Walker’s Haute Route
Zermatt to Geneva Airport (or other Swiss International airports)
Easily accessible by train from international airports in Switzerland including Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Travel time from all 3 airports are between 3.5 and 4 hours. Trains depart once or twice per hour and will cost between 100-130 CHF. It is also possible to travel from Milan-Malpensa airport in 4-5 hours. See SBB.CH for schedules, prices and online ticket purchases. Pre-purchasing your ticket is not required, although some small discounts may be available if you do (depending your travel route and time of day). You can purchase at the train station upon arrival.
