This is not an exhaustive list, but here are trains and buses you will want to know about when hiking a Tour du Mont Blanc with Alpinehikers.
Chamonix and Courmayeur are two major towns on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Both destinations offer reliable public transportation systems that make it easy to reach the trailheads. While most of our tours include trailhead taxis when you are in smaller villages, this guide explains how to use their public transport networks while hiking or exploring in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
Getting around Chamonix: Trains and Buses
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures but also for its convenient public transportation network. While you are based in Chamonix, getting to and from the trailhead is easy thanks to the region’s well-connected train and bus services.
Train Services
Chamonix is served by the Mont-Blanc Express, a scenic narrow-gauge railway linking Saint-Gervais-les-Bains in France to Martigny in Switzerland. The train passes through spectacular alpine landscapes, stopping at stops such as Les Houches, Argentière, Montroc-le Planet and Vallorcine. The Mont-Blanc Express runs year-round, generally from 7am to 8pm. Trains depart regularly, once an hour or every half an hour during peak times. See the Mont Blanc train timetable, which changes by the season.
Most hotels in Chamonix offer a guest card, Carte d’Hôte, which provides free access to local trains in the valley between Vallorcine and Servos. Traveling beyond those towns, you’ll need to purchase a ticket online or at the main station if traveling within France.
For international travel on the Mont-Blanc Express between Chamonix and Martigny, Switzerland, you can purchase a ticket for the Swiss portion online at SBB.ch, the Swiss train and bus site. You would check this site for buses around la Fouly, Champex and Trient as well.
Bus Services
The Chamonix Bus lines connect key destinations including Les Houches, Chamonix Centre, Argentière and Le Tour, ensuring easy access to hiking trails. The most common buses you’ll use are lines 1 and 2, and you can check the Chamonix bus timetable for their schedules. Buses cost around €2.20 to €2.70, and tickets can be purchased from the driver.
Getting around Courmayeur: Buses
Courmayeur also offers excellent public bus connections to the two main valleys that attract hikers – Val Veny and Val Ferret. These services make it easy to explore the area and help to create point-to-point hikes from the town.
Val Veny buses run towards La Visaille, a small end-of-the-road stop with a bus stop and restaurant. This service operates only in summer and is ideal for exploring Lac Combal, Col Chécrouit and Rifugio Elisabetta.
Val Ferret buses run in the opposite direction, towards Arnuva, again, the end of the road with a popular restaurant with a large outdoor terrace. This service is ideal for exploring the trails to Rifugio Bonatti and the Grand Col Ferret on the Swiss border.
These buses are free in summer, and the Courmayeur bus timetable is also available at the Courmayeur tourist office, located at the main bus station (Piazzale Monte Bianco).
There are many great options in Chamonix and Courmayeur to get to and from trailheads around town. Don’t hesitate to use them!
