Trains from Chamonix

There is no direct train from Paris to Chamonix. Take a high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains-Le Fayet, then transfer to the Mont Blanc Express narrow-gauge train for the final stretch into the Chamonix valley. The full journey typically takes around five to six hours depending on connections. Book through SNCF for both legs.

The Mont Blanc Express is a narrow-gauge mountain railway connecting Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet to Chamonix and onward to Vallorcine and Martigny in Switzerland. You can often book a through ticket from SNCF covering both the mainline and the Mont Blanc Express leg. The ride climbs through the valley with views of the Aiguilles and glaciers, sit on the right side heading toward Chamonix for the best scenery.

There is no direct rail service from Geneva to Chamonix. The most common route is a bus or transfer to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, then the Mont Blanc Express into Chamonix. Some travelers take the Swiss rail route via Martigny and connect to the Mont Blanc Express from the Swiss side through Vallorcine. Check current connection options in the booking widget for the best route on your travel date.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the main station and the most convenient for the town center, located within walking distance of shops, hotels, and the Aiguille du Midi cable car. The valley line also stops at Les Houches, Les Praz, Argentière, and Vallorcine. If your accommodation is in one of these smaller villages, check whether a local stop is closer before defaulting to the main station.

On TGV services to Saint-Gervais, large luggage and ski bags are generally permitted in designated storage areas at the ends of carriages, though space is limited during peak ski season, boarding early helps. On the Mont Blanc Express, there is typically room for skis and large bags. But the carriages are smaller. There are no strict weight limits. But you carry your own bags on and off.

Yes. The Mont Blanc Express continues from Chamonix through Vallorcine and across the Swiss border to Martigny, where you can connect to the Swiss Federal Railways network. This cross-border route passes through dramatic mountain scenery. Swiss and French tickets are sold separately in some cases, so confirm whether your ticket covers the full journey or if you need to buy a Swiss segment at Vallorcine or onboard.

For the TGV leg from Paris to Saint-Gervais, advance booking is strongly recommended, fares are lower and popular services sell out, during ski season and summer holidays. The Mont Blanc Express leg is typically unreserved and tickets can be bought at the station or onboard. Booking the full journey early through SNCF usually gives you the best fare for both segments combined.