Chamonix Resort FAQs
1. Do I need a car to get around?
There is a regular SNCF train service along the Valley (actually from Le Fayet to Martigny in Switzerland), which runs from early morning until evening. The trains are also free (between les Houches and Vallorcine) with the Carte d'Hote, or tickets can be bought on the train or from the stations.
There are various taxi services in the Valley, although they tend to be expensive and not around when you might want them. There are other minibus operators that can be pre-booked, such as our partners Overall, the transport system does give easy access to each of the valley ski areas, although it can get crowded in peak times. A car can be very useful, if not vital, if your accommodation is not close to the main bus or train routes. However, parking in the town centre can be very difficult, particularly in peak summer, when a lot of day-trippers visit Chamonix. In winter, the roads are very well maintained but after heavy snowfall, inexperienced drivers may find the conditions difficult. You will need snow-tyres and/or chains in case of such conditions.
Chamonix has a regular bus service which runs from around 7am until 7.30pm everyday, from les Houches to le Tour. A single journey ticket costs 1.50 EUR but is free with the ski pass or Carte d'Hote (Tourist Card). Various late evening bus services have been operated in the past, but due to lack of demand, this is unlikely to continue.
There is a regular SNCF train service along the Valley (actually from Le Fayet to Martigny in Switzerland), which runs from early morning until evening. The trains are also free (between les Houches and Vallorcine) with the Carte d'Hote, or tickets can be bought on the train or from the stations.
There are various taxi services in the Valley, although they tend to be expensive and not around when you might want them. There are other minibus operators that can be pre-booked, such as our partners Overall, the transport system does give easy access to each of the valley ski areas, although it can get crowded in peak times. A car can be very useful, if not vital, if your accommodation is not close to the main bus or train routes. However, parking in the town centre can be very difficult, particularly in peak summer, when a lot of day-trippers visit Chamonix. In winter, the roads are very well maintained but after heavy snowfall, inexperienced drivers may find the conditions difficult. You will need snow-tyres and/or chains in case of such conditions.
