Many of the small details of planning the Tour du Mont Blanc can end up being the biggest challenges. You probably know that crossing the Col du Bonhomme will be difficult, but you might not be thinking as much about how you’ll get from the airport in Geneva to your hotel in Chamonix.
We’ve put together the following post to help you tackle all of those tricky logistical items that are sure to arise when you’re planning your own TMB adventure.
What’s in this post?
- Getting to Chamonix from the Geneva Airport
- Getting from Chamonix to Les Houches
- Where to stay before and after the TMB
- Luggage storage
- Rest day options
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Getting to Chamonix from the Geneva Airport
The vast majority of walkers will get to the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc by first flying into the Geneva Airport (GVA). There are frequent flights to Geneva from the rest of Europe as well as a good number of flights from the U.S. Most U.S. flights arrive early in the morning, leaving you with ample time to get to Chamonix that same day.
Once you’ve landed in Geneva, you’ll have several options for getting to Chamonix, outlined below:
- Flixbus: We found this to be the cheapest option and would highly recommend Flixbus. The service departs directly from the Geneva Airport and will take you to the Chamonix Sud bus station, in the heart of Chamonix.
- AlpyBus: AlpyBus runs a door-to-door transfer service from the Geneva Airport to hotels in the Chamonix Valley. It is more costly than OuiBus, but also more convenient since they’ll drop you directly at your hotel.
- Mountain Drop-offs: Similar to AlpyBus, Mountain Drop-offs runs a door-to-door transfer service for walkers arriving in Geneva. Very highly rated.
All of the options above will also be able to transport you back to the Geneva Airport at the end of the TMB. Many also offer discounts for booking a return ticket.
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Getting from Chamonix to Les Houches
Many walkers will opt to stay at least one night in Chamonix before and after hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc.
While Les Houches is a lovely town, there is no denying that Chamonix has more services and certainly more accommodation options. Luckily, the Chamonix Valley has excellent public transportation linking the various villages, and it is a breeze to get to Les Houches and the start of the TMB from just about anywhere in the valley.
Getting to Les Houches by Bus
If you’re staying in Chamonix, you’ll want to make your way to the Chamonix Sud bus station. Busses depart for Les Houches from the Chamonix Sud bus station every 30 minutes. You can find updated service schedules on the Chamonix Bus website. Once in Les Houches, get off at the Les Houches Mairie stop located in the center of the village.
The stop, located on the Rue de l’Essert, is directly on the TMB. To start you’ll just begin walking along the road through Les Houches!
After you’ve finished the TMB you’ll utilize the same bus to return to Chamonix (after a well-deserved beer, of course). Make sure to save enough cash to pay the bus fare on the way back, as there isn’t a ticket office near the bus stop.
Getting to Les Houches by Train
Most hikers will find that the bus is a more convenient choice for getting from their accommodation to the trail. However, the Mont Blanc Express train route also connects Chamonix and Les Houches via a scenic 15-20 minute ride. Bear in mind that it is a 10-minute uphill walk from the Les Houches train station to the start of the TMB.
Carte d’Hote – FREE public transit access!
Make sure to ask your accommodation provider in Chamonix for this Guest Card. As a benefit of paying the mandatory tourist tax added onto the cost of your lodging, you’ll receive a complimentary Carte d’Hote.
This card allows you to ride the bus and train within the Chamonix Valley (including getting to the start of the TMB in Les Houches) free of charge. Campgrounds in Chamonix and Les Houches also provide the Carte d’Hote. The card is only valid for the length of your stay, from check-in through check-out.
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Where to Stay Before and After the TMB
If you’re using our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc, you’ve surely got your tent packed up and ready to go. While you’ll be doing plenty of camping during your hike, you may enjoy sleeping in a hotel both before and after the TMB.
There is nothing quite like a soft mattress and hot shower after 10 days of trekking! Below are some of the best accommodation options in the Chamonix Valley for before and after the TMB:
Chamonix
Although you’ll stay in plenty of spectacular mountain refuges along the TMB, you may enjoy sleeping in a hotel before and after the TMB. There is nothing quite like a soft mattress and hot shower after 10+ days of trekking! Below are some of the best accommodation options in the Chamonix Valley for either end of your hike.
Chamonix
Hotel Le Morgane – Spacious rooms, friendly staff, and an excellent location. Room rates are quite reasonable.
Auberge du Manoir – Known for their friendly staff, beautiful rooms, and great location, the Auberge du Manoir is a great option in Chamonix. If you have a booking before and after the TMB, they’ll store your luggage for free!
Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons – This hotel is located adjacent to the Chamonix Sud bus station, making it an ideal location for the night you arrive in or before you depart Chamonix. The hotel also offers free luggage storage during your hike if you have a booking with them.
You can check out all the options in the Chamonix Valley here:
Les Houches
Hotel Les Campanules – Located just across the river from the town center of Les Houches, Hotel Les Campanules gets great reviews for its tremendous views and excellent food. It’s also a great budget option.
Rocky Pop Hotel – Located just outside of Les Houches, the Rocky Pop Hotel gets stellar reviews for its funky style and friendly staff.
Camping Bellevue – Of course we’d be remiss to not include the well-located campground in Les Houches, Camping Bellevue.
Luggage Storage on the TMB
Many walkers will be traveling with more luggage than they might want to carry for the entire TMB. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities at the train station in Chamonix. However, when you arrive in Geneva there are good options for luggage storage there.
The best option for walkers on the TMB is to store your extra baggage at the Gite le Chamoniard, which charges between 4-6 euros per day depending on the size of your bag. Other hotels and accommodation may store your baggage if you have a reservation before and after you walk, but you’ll want to inquire ahead of time.
The best option of course is to only pack what you need and avoid having to store anything extra!
Rest Day Options
Many walkers will split up the TMB by taking a rest day along the way. If you have the time, we highly recommend this option as it will give your body a break and also let you explore one of the wonderful villages or towns along the route. Here are your best options:
Courmayeur
Courmayeur is understandably the most popular place for a rest day on the TMB. While it isn’t exactly the halfway point, you’ll have already crossed several major passes and your feet may be begging for a break. Courmayeur is also the largest town you’ll encounter on the TMB, making for an easy place to stock up on supplies and enjoy a shower and bed. Our lodging recommendations for Courmayeur are below:
Hotel Maison La Saxe – Located just up the valley from Courmayeur, this small hotel offers an incredible breakfast spread and beautiful rooms. Book early as they only have six rooms!
Cresta Et Duc Hotel – Centrally located with free breakfast. What’s not to love?!
You can check out all the options in Courmayeur here:
La Fouly
La Fouly is just past the halfway point of the TMB, so naturally it makes a good rest day spot. The town is small so there won’t be as much to do as in Courmayeur, but it is a beautiful location nevertheless. Check out our favorite spot in La Fouly:
Hotel Edelweiss– A beautiful hotel offering private rooms and dorm beds. The onsite sauna and generous breakfast spread will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Champex
Champex is a lovely Swiss town located on a pristine mountain lake. Most walkers who are traveling counterclockwise will arrive in Champex at the end of their seventh day and might be ready for a break! Champex offers many services, accommodation options, and more to do than in La Fouly. Our lodging recommendation for Champex:
Hôtel du Glacier – Get a room with a balcony to enjoy the stunning views!
Let us help plan your TMB
We’re here to help! We offer comprehensive TMB planning support so you can plan your perfect trip!
TMB Guides
Custom Itineraires
GPS Maps
One-on-one support
Keep Reading
Be sure to check out our entire series on the Tour du Mont Blanc to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for this incredible adventure!
- Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
- How to Navigate on the TMB – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
- How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB – Know where you are and where you’re going!
- How to train for the TMB – Avoid being the last person to the campground!
- 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc- The quick and dirty basics
- TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
- Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
- How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
- How Much It Cost Us to Hike the TMB
- Tour du Mont Blanc Map
- Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide
Get The FREE TMB Essentials Handbook
Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!