Airport Transfers & Travel

Airport Transfers

Perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to get from the airport is a private or shared minibus transfer. Here are our recommendations for transfer companies:

Haute Transfer

They use Renault Trafic and VW Caravelle 4x4 minibuses which take up to 8 people and they can drop you to the door of your accommodation (unlike some of the other, cheaper transfer companies who drop you only in Chamonix Sud). Transfers from other airports are possible, in any case use the quick quote box on this page to find out prices and make a booking.

All transfers are transferable/refundable should your travel plans change. As well as offering transfers from the airport to Chamonix Valley, they also offer an in-resort taxi service and transfers to other towns and resorts within a few hours of Chamonix such as Courmayeur, Verbier, Megeve, Aosta and Annecy. Use the quick quote panel on this page to get your quote.

Cham Van

Serving many alpine ski resorts in summer and winter, Cham Van offer a range of options from shared or private airport transfers to ski shuttles, taxis, and personal concierge services for all sizes of groups. They provide an efficient and reliable service, always taking road conditions and weather into account to ensure that you get to where you need to be on time. If your flight is delayed or the airport loses your luggage, don’t panic! Let Cham Van know and they’ll reorganise your transfer.

Cham Van have a fleet of 8-seater minibuses which are fully insured, well maintained, comfortable and reliable. If you want to travel in style, you can request the deluxe option of a VW Caravelle with leather seats and tinted windows.

Car Hire

All of the main car rental companies operate out of Geneva airport. Geneva airport has 2 different sectors – the French side and the Swiss side. Although your final destination is France, it is easier to hire your car from the Swiss side but check before doing so whether you will be affected by the laws regarding crossing the border in Swiss registered vehicles. By exiting the airport from the French side you will have to navigate Geneva city centre, whereas if you exit the airport from the Swiss side you can easily hop straight onto the motorway to Chamonix. Geneva Airport Car Hire.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CAR HIRE & EU CITIZENS

Please note that there is a law preventing EU citizens from driving Swiss registered vehicles across the border into France. This may cause issues for people hiring cars from the Swiss side of Geneva airport. The airport has both a French and a Swiss sector, both with car rental desks, so please double-check before booking your hire car.

Handy hints from Mountain Base

There is a 40 Swiss Franc toll for using the Swiss auto-route; if you hire your car from the Swiss side this is already paid and there will be a sticker, or “vignette”, in the corner of the windscreen. However, if you hire your car on the French side you will have to pay this toll yourself at the border.

Don't forget to print your directions, the route from the airport to Chamonix is pretty straightforward but once you're in resort not all of the roads show up on GPS or sat nav systems.

In Winter make sure that your hire car comes with snow tyres, essential in winter resorts! There should also be a set of snow chains in the boot, look on Youtube for videos that show you how to use them – worth knowing in case you find yourself stuck in snow. NB: It illegal between 1st November and 31st March not to have either snow tyres or snow chains in the Haute Savoie region.

If you are thinking of adding a roof box for transporting skis and snowboards or luggage, check with us first in case your accommodation comes with underground parking – the extra height may not fit through the entrance.

Transport FAQ's

1. Which is the nearest airport to Chamonix?

Geneva is the nearest airport to Chamonix, a little under 100 km (60 miles) by road and an easy drive. Many international airlines fly to Geneva,and there are several other airports that are a little further away, including Turin in Italy (106 miles), Chambery (90 miles) and Lyon (140 miles).

2. How do I get from the airport to Chamonix?

Perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to get from the airport is a private or shared minibus transfer. Please see above our recommended Airport Transfer companies.

Car Hire is also a good option if you're coming to Chamonix (see above for more info). There are many car rental companies operating from Geneva airport, and you can book in advance online with most of them. We recommend hiring from the Swiss side of the airport, as it is a long walk to the French hire cars and you are forced to drive through the centre of Geneva, rather than take the motorways all the way to Chamonix.

Coaches to Chamonix are run by Swiss Tours, EasyBus and Flixbus who operate between Geneva Airport and Chamonix Sud bus stop.

Trains do run to Chamonix, but it involves at least 2 changes and takes a lot longer than the more popular options. The nearest French station is St Gervais/Le Fayet, from where you need to catch the local train to Chamonix itself, or from the Swiss side pick up the Mont Blanc Express train in Martigny. Read more about local transport.

3. Should I hire a car from the French side of the airport?

We recommend to guests to hire from the Swiss side of the airport. Although the French side can be cheaper, there's a long walk to get the car at the airport and you cannot use the Swiss motorways without paying for a "vignette" (~€40). This means you have to drive right through the centre of Geneva rather than an easy motorway all the way to Chamonix.

4. Will I need snow chains or Snow Tyres?

It is a legal requirement in the Haute Savoie region that you have either snow tyres or snow chains between 1st November and 31st March. Sometimes the police will close a road to all vehicles without chains or winter tyres, but more importantly, it is easy to get stuck in fresh snow or risk an accident. Although the majority of our properties are central Chamonix, some are further from the centre and up mountain roads.

5. Is it easy to park in Chamonix?

There are around 3800 parking spaces in and around Chamonix, but the ease of parking varies considerably from low to high season. All parking is paid but the first 30 or 60 minutes are free. The car parks are Place du Mont Blanc (east of centre, 240 places), Parking St Michel (north of centre, 330 places) and Parking Entreves (west of centre, 150 places). For south of the centre and for the Aiguille du Midi, there is the Grepon car park (800 spaces). Street parking with blue lines is limited to 1 hour use.

All our properties include parking so you will easily be able to park at your accommodation.

6. Do I need to pay for parking at the different ski areas?

Currently Les Houches, La Flegere and Grands Montets have free parking areas. Parking at Le Brevent and Le Tour is paid.