Ready to tackle the legendary Tour du Mont Blanc? Before you start dreaming of those majestic alpine vistas, you’ll need to figure out how to get there and back. Fortunately, there are tons of great transit options that allow hikers to easily access the trail from multiple points along the route.
The “official” start and end point of the TMB is located in the town of Les Houches, which is just down the valley from the bustling mountain hub of Chamonix. This is the best access point for most TMB hikers for a number of reasons. First and foremost, Chamonix enjoys quick and easy transit connections. It also has plenty of accommodation options, shops, and other services. And as an added bonus, you can take your picture at the famous arch that marks the start of the trail!
In this post, we’ll explain your options for getting to and from Chamonix/Les Houches, as well as other towns along the trail. While we can’t make trekking over the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme feel any less tough, we can make getting there nice and easy! Let’s get started.
Getting to Chamonix
If you plan to travel by air to the TMB, Geneva is by far the closest and most convenient major airport, although it’s also possible to get to Chamonix from Zurich, Lyon, or Paris.
Buses and private/semi-private shuttles run frequently to Chamonix from both the Geneva airport and the city center. The journey typically takes about 1.5-2 hours. There are several budget-friendly bus services that will drop you at the main bus station in Chamonix, while the pricier shuttles will take you directly to your accommodation. We’ve provided an overview of the best options below.
Geneva-Chamonix Transfers
Key Information
- Purchase your tickets 1-6 months in advance, if possible
- The journey typically takes 1.5-2 hours
- Expect to pay around €25 (bus) to €60 (shared transfer) each way
Buses
- BlaBlaCar Bus: This budget company offers a wide range of trip times to choose from, with service from the airport and the city center. Some buses are operated by BlaBlaCar, but they also contract with other companies like Swiss Tours.
- Flix Bus: FlixBus is another good budget option with plenty of trips from both the airport and the city center. Many buses have wifi and charge points.
Shuttles & Private Transfers
- AlpyBus: Offering both shared and private transfers, AlpyBus is a reasonably priced and reliable shuttle service.
- Mountain Drop-Offs: Mountain-drop offs has service throughout the Chamonix region and they’re known for their smooth operations and good communication.
- Chamonix Valley Transfers: CVT provides reliable rides to Chamonix, Courmayeur, and other TMB locations. They also offer a TMB baggage transfer service.
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Getting to Les Houches
There are excellent public transportation connections throughout the Chamonix area, and it’s possible to take a short bus or train ride from any of the towns in the valley to Les Houches and the “official” start of the TMB trail. Free long-term parking is also available at the Prarion Car Park near the trail in Les Houches.
Other TMB Access Points
There are many reasons why hikers may want to consider beginning and/or ending their trek somewhere other than Chamonix/Les Houches. Utilizing other access points along the trail allows you to complete just one part of the circuit, connect to other travel destinations, or have more flexibility in your itinerary. Additionally, many clockwise hikers prefer to start elsewhere to avoid a punishing climb out of Les Houches on their first day.
Although it’s possible to access the trail from numerous points, Champex and Courmayeur tend to be the most convenient and practical for most hikers. We’ve provided an overview of each below.
Champex
The Swiss town of Champex can be a lovely place to start/end your TMB trek. Getting there from Geneva is fairly straightforward using trains and buses, although the journey take a few hours and requires multiple transfers through the towns of Martigny, Sembrancher, and Orsieres. It’s also possible to get to Champex using public transit from many other Swiss destinations, like Bern and Interlaken.
Accessing the TMB trail from Champex makes sense for clockwise hikers or those who are having trouble finding open accommodations and need to get creative with their itinerary. It’s also a good option for those looking for a quieter town to spend time in before or after their hike.
Courmayeur
The Italian mountaineering town of Courmayeur is another good start/end point for TMB hikers. When the Mont Blanc Tunnel is open, it’s an easy journey from Geneva, passing through Chamonix. It’s important to note that the tunnel typically has closures in June and September, making travel to Courmayeur more difficult. You may be able to get between Chamonix and Courmayeur using cable cars, but this is a more expensive and complicated option. It’s also possible to fly into Turin or Milan and use buses and trains to reach Courmayeur from the Italian side.
Starting and/or ending your trek in Courmayeur is a good option if you plan to complete just part of the circuit, as the section between Chamonix and Courmayeur makes for a great shorter “TMB highlights” hiking experience. It also may make sense to start/end in Courmayeur if you plan to travel more around Italy before or after your trek.
Key Takeaways
- Chamonix & Les Houches are the most practical start/end points for most TMB hikers.
- It’s easy to get to Chamonix from Geneva via car, bus, or private shuttle.
- You can get to the TMB from other cities in the region, such as Lyon, Turin, Zurich, and Milan, but the journey is longer and less straightforward than from Geneva.
- You can access the TMB trail from several other points along the route, such as Champex and Courmayeur.
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Sign-up to get your FREE TMB Essentials guide below. Find intel on when to hike, basics about the trail, and a printable packing list
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