Discover & book Chamonix train services
Unlike most resorts, Chamonix has its own train station, which means it's possible to get all the way here by train.
You may have to make several connections. And the last bit of the journey can be slow.
But train travel is the most environmentally friendly way to get to Chamonix. You'll get more leg room and it's a great way to enjoy the passing scenery.
Tip!
You may be able to get money off your accommodation or transfer to the resort if you mention you're coming by train.
Chamonix's own station, 'Chamonix-Mont-Blanc', is on the Mont Blanc Express line. This runs between Saint Gervais Le Fayet and Martigny (in Switzerland) and stops at all the main villages of the Chamonix valley.
The closest SNCF train station to Chamonix is Saint Gervais, linking you to Geneva and many other locations in France.
Get times for the Mont Blanc Express
| Station | Journey time to Chamonix | Frequency | Changes |
| Saint Gervais Le Fayet | 40 minutes | One train per hour | 0 |
| Martigny | 1h27 | One train per hour | One at Vallorcine |
These are rough journey times for a number of destinations.
| Journey | Duration | Changes | Equivalent driving time |
| London to Chamonix (via Paris and Lyon) | 10 to 12 hours | 5 | 12 hours |
| Paris to Chamonix (via Lyon) | 6 hours | 3 | 6 to 7 hours |
| Geneva to Chamonix | 3.5 hours | 2 | 1h15 |
| Lyon (Bellegarde-sur-Valserine) to Chamonix | 5 hours | 1 | 2.5 hours |
| Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Chamonix | 5 hours | 5 | 2 hours |
There's no direct link between London and Chamonix by train. Whichever route you take, you'll need to change at Paris or Lille.
The Eurostar ski train goes from London St Pancras to various stations in the Alps including Chambery, Moutiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice is only 120km from Chamonix, but in reality it's a lot easier to get a high speed train to Geneva and pick up a transfer from there.
Geneva is only 1h15 away by road, and there are plenty of transfers from Geneva airport.
How much it costs depends a lot on when you travel. Peak weeks like Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter are obviously more expensive.
Tip!
Book as early as possible.
Eurostar ski train tickets usually go out for sale in mid-July and that's when they're at their cheapest.
TGV train tickets from Paris to other French cities are normally available to buy 120 to 90 days before your travel time.
By train, Geneva to Chamonix takes 3.5 hours and includes two changes.
If this seems too hard with armfuls of luggage, you might find it easier to book a coach or minibus transfer for this leg of the journey.
Coaches from Geneva airport or Geneva city to Chamonix take little more than an hour.
For more information on journey times or to book tickets online, visit these websites:
You can also book through the Trainline.
Tip!
Book early!
Journeys at Christmas, Easter and the French half term weeks get packed out quickly.
If you're coming to Chamonix, you'll probably be carrying additional luggage like ski boots, helmets or backpacks.
Train lines tend to have more generous allowances than airlines, but there are some limits.
| Line | Large bags | Ski gear | Bikes |
| Eurostar to Paris | Up to 85cm long at its widest | 1 pair of skis or snowboard - counts as one of your 2 large bags | Only if boxed. Email travelservices@eurostar.com for more information |
| Eurostar to Lyon | Up to 85cm long at its widest | 1 pair of skis or snowboard - counts as one of your 2 large bags | Only if it fits into one of your 85cm pieces of luggage |
| French TER and TGV trains | No limit - must be able to carry all luggage yourself | Yes | Yes, if packaged in a bag measuring 120cm x 90cm or less |
| Swiss SBB trains | No limit - must be able to carry all luggage yourself | Yes | Free, if packaged and front wheel removed (you'll need to pay for a fully assembled bike to travel in the bike carriage) |
If you can make travelling by train work for you, you'll be helping to reduce your impact of your trip on the environment.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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