Travelling To Chamonix

Travelling To CHamonix

What should you consider when travelling to Chamonix? Should you fly, train or drive? What about bringing ski equipment with you, which way would be easiest when doing so? What’s the quickest way to get here? Or the cheapest? All very important questions… well we are here to help and provide you with everything you need to know about travelling to your favourite resort!!

Flying

Flying is the fastest way to travel to any ski resort, and there are many airport choices for travelling to Chamonix, the resort is then a transfer or a bus ride away from the airport, or hiring a car is nice and easy if you would like that option too

Geneva is the nearest airport, 1hr 20 mins away and has a fantastic choice of airlines operating throughout the winter season. 

Chambery Airport is around 1 hr 30 mins away and is also only used in winter. 

Or another great airport option is Turin Airport just across the border in Italy which has great flight options and fantastic prices, it is away so a slightly bigger transfer time in comparison to the nearest airport, Geneva, but the flight options and prices certainly make Turin a great alternative and are definitely worth considering.

If you are thinking of having ski carriage then do not forget to check how much extra the airline might charge you and allow yourself extra time to get all your equipment checked in.

 Geneva

Geneva (GVA)

Switzerland
  • Approx. 103km
  • Approx. 1h 20min Travel Time
Nearest

Chambery (CMF)

France
  • Approx. 145km
  • Approx. 1h 30min Travel Time

Turin (TRN)

Italy
  • Approx. 175km
  • Approx. 2hr Travel Time

driving

Travelling to Chamonix in the comfort of your own car is a great idea if you need or want more flexibility getting around Chamonix and arriving in your own time at your own pace. 

Being able to drive yourself where you want to around the resort, or even outside of your resort is much more convenient and comfortable. Also avoid those pesky baggage weight limits and shelling out for your ski/snowboard carriage.

 

When travelling to Courchevel from the UK by car there are two different options to consider on how to cross the channel, you can either hop on a Ferry from Dover for a more relaxed approach and a chance to stretch your legs, or use the Eurotunnel for convenience (and avoid that horrible sea sickness for those sufferers out there). 

Dover to Calais by Ferry is 1hr 30 mins and the Eurotunnel leaving from Folkestone to Calais is 35 minutes.

Once across the channel it then takes around 8hrs 40mins to drive to Courchevel by shortest route VIA the A26, this route has tolls, €63.80, so please bare that in mind when working out the budgets for self drive. 

Driving across also gives you the option of stopping overnight on the way and travelling at your own pace, especially when travelling with young children who can get bored and tiresome. France has many service stations and picnic stops along the way too which is great for a little break and unwind on your journey.

 

Train

Travelling to Courchevel by train can sound like a daunting task, but here we have compiled a guide on what you need to know in order to have as stress free a journey as possible.

Gare de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Train Station

Gare de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the town’s very own train station but only one train stops there, the Mont Blanc Express.

This connects you to Saint Gervais le Fayet, which is around 45 minutes down the track.   

 

If you’re travelling to Courchevel from the UK, during winter season you can use the Eurostar to Paris Nord from St Pancras International.  From there you have a couple of options, you can use the RER D (commuter train) which takes around ten minutes to Paris Gare de Lyon.  Alternatively you can jump in a taxi but these times can vary greatly depending on traffic, from around 20-50 minutes. 

From here you board the high speed TGV train to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, which takes around 3 hours.  Then you change to a TER train (regional express) which takes just under 2 hours.  Then you get the afore-mentioned Mont Blance Express into the centre of town.

 

Crossing The Channel

Eurotunnel

Faster than a ferry, crossing between Dover & Calais take only 35min cutting around an hour of journey time when driving to the slopes. 

Ferry

Dover to Calais is 1h 30 mins offering a wide choice of ferry providers, with prices as low as £ 39 each way! Or return journeys from £79!!