With its location in the Northern Alps and only 88km from Geneva Airport, Chamonix is one of the easiest ski resorts in the French Alps to reach by plane or car. The journey is also possible by train, but it isn’t easy and you’ll need to make a few changes.
Being within striking distance from Geneva, Chamonix is an attractive choice for a ski weekend or short break. It is a great resort to drive to as well - having a car with you is the best way to get the most out of the sprawling, but fantastic Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski area.
By Plane
Geneva Airport - 88km / approx 1 hour
Geneva is by far the easiest airport for accessing Chamonix. For private or shared transfer we'd recommend Ski Lifts or AlpyBus who offer our clients a 5% discount using promotional code P0WDERB$DS. Please note this code is only valid if you have booked your accommodation through Powderbeds.There is the hire car option as well.
Chambéry Airport - 145km / approx 1.5 hours
There’s not much in the way of public transport between Chambéry and Chamonix, but the drive isn’t too long so you can hire a car or take a private transfer with Ski Lifts
Lyon Airport - 220 km / approx 2 hours
Other than hiring a car and driving you can take a private transfer with Ski Lifts as above
Turin -175 km / approx 2 hours
Other than forking out a small fortune for a taxi, your only real option here is hire car, but at 2 hours it is an easily doable drive.
Car Rental
If you require a hire car for your ski holiday, there are a number of fantastic car rental companies based in Europe.
By Train
The journey to Chamonix by train isn’t easy, but it is possible. It will involve taking the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord where you’ll need to get yourself across the city to Gare de Lyon for the onward journey on the direct TGV service to Annecy.
Another change is required at Annecy for the train to St Gervais Les Bains. From St Gervais you take yet another train, this time the regional Chamonix Valley train which will take you past Les Houches and on to Chamonix itself. So, not the easiest journey, but if you’re a hardened train enthusiast you can do it. You can get prices and tickets from www.rail-europe.com.
Another straight forward, but slightly more expensive option is to get the direct TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Cluses, from where you will need to take a 40km taxi ride.
Self-Drive
For those who like to take their car with them to the Alps, a drive to Chamonix is a hugely attractive option. It is one of the easiest ski resorts in the Alps to reach by car (a comfortable 9 hour drive with plenty of time set aside for stops), and the resort is a great base for exploring the surrounding area too.
You’ll be able to make day trips to the neighbouring resorts of Megeve and Les Contamines (on the same lift pass if you buy the full area ski pass) and if you fancy going a little further afield the drive to Flaine or even Verbier isn’t too much of a stretch either.
When driving to Chamonix, we recommend that you avoid Paris and take the route via Reims instead. It is motorway almost all the way but for precise directions it’s best you check the route with www.viamichelin.com.
There are plenty spaces to park a car in the town (over 3800), but in high season competition is fierce so if you’re there in peak season finding a space may take longer than you’d hope. If you want to find somewhere to park your car under cover, there are a couple of options: Parking St Michel on Allée de Recteur Payot, Parking Place du Mont Blanc on Ave du Mont Blanc and Parking Entreves in Chamonix Sud. All cost in the region of €40 for the week.