Local buses and routes
Public Transportation – Bus Routes, Tickets, and Travel Times
The Chamonix Valley, nestled in the French Alps, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. To navigate this picturesque region, visitors and residents rely heavily on an efficient and extensive public transportation network. Buses play a crucial role in connecting key destinations within the valley and beyond, including Les
Houches, Chamonix, Argentière, Le Tour, Vallorcine, Megève, Geneva Airport, and Courmayeur in Italy.
This guide provides detailed information on bus routes, schedules, tickets, and prices to help you plan your travel in and around the Chamonix Valley.
Key Bus Routes in the Chamonix Valley
Les Houches to Vallorcine
Route Overview –This primary bus route connects the main villages in the Chamonix Valley, offering frequent services and convenient travel options.
Stops and Distances
– Les Houches to Chamonix: 8 km, approximately 15 minutes
– Chamonix to Argentière: 10 km, approximately 20 minutes
– Argentière to Le Tour: 4 km, approximately 10 minutes
– Le Tour to Vallorcine: 7 km, approximately 15 minutes
Timings and Frequency
– First Bus: 6:00 AM
– Last Bus: 11:00 PM
– Frequency: Every 20 minutes during peak hours, every 30
minutes during off-peak hours
Ticket Prices
– Single Journey: €3
– Day Pass: €10
– Weekly Pass: €40
Chamonix to Megève
Route Overview – This route extends from Chamonix to the charming town of Megève, passing through scenic landscapes.
Stops and Distances
– Chamonix to Les Houches: 8 km, approximately 15 minutes
– Les Houches to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains: 20 km,
approximately 30 minutes
– Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to Megève: 14 km, approximately 25
minutes
Timings and Frequency
– First Bus: 7:00 AM
– Last Bus: 9:00 PM
– Frequency: Every 2 hours
Ticket Prices
– Single Journey: €5
– Day Pass: €15
– Weekly Pass: €60
Chamonix to Geneva Airport
Route Overview – A crucial route for travellers, providing a direct connection between Chamonix and Geneva Airport.
Stops and Distances
– Chamonix to Les Houches: 8 km, approximately 15 minutes
– Les Houches to Cluses: 45 km, approximately 45 minutes
– Cluses to Geneva Airport: 55 km, approximately 1 hour
Timings and Frequency
– First Bus: 5:00 AM
– Last Bus: 10:00 PM
– Frequency: Every 2 hours
Ticket Prices
– Single Journey: €10
– Day Pass: Not applicable
– Weekly Pass: Not applicable
Route 4: Chamonix to
Courmayeur (Italy)
Route Overview
This international route links Chamonix with Courmayeur in Italy, offering breathtaking views through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Stops and Distances
– Chamonix to Mont Blanc Tunnel: 12 km, approximately 20
minutes
– Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur: 13 km, approximately 20
minutes
Timings and Frequency
– First Bus: 6:30 AM
– Last Bus: 8:30 PM
– Frequency: Every 1 hour
Ticket Prices
– Single Journey: €15
– Day Pass: €25
– Weekly Pass: €100
Bus Ticket Information and Puchase Options
– Online: Tickets can be purchased through the official Chamonix Valley transportation website.
– Mobile App: A user-friendly app is available for ticket purchases and real-time bus tracking.
– Onboard: Tickets can be bought directly from the bus driver (cash only).
– Ticket Machines: Located at major bus stops and stations.
Ticket Types
– Single Journey: Valid for a one-way trip between twopoints.
– Day Pass: Unlimited travel on all routes for one day.
– Weekly Pass: Unlimited travel on all routes for seven days.
Discounts and Offers
– Children (under 12): 50% discount on all tickets.
– Seniors (over 65): 30% discount on all tickets.
– Group Discounts: Available for groups of 10 or more, contact customer service for details.
Bus Schedules and Timing – Peak and Off-Peak Hours
– Peak Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
– Off-Peak Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Seasonal Variations
– Winter (December to April): Increased frequency to accommodate ski tourists.
– Summer (June to September): Additional routes to popular hiking and tourist destinations.
– Off-Season (October to November, May): Reduced frequency, check schedules in advance.
Additional Services and Information
Real-Time Bus Tracking
The Chamonix Valley transportation network offers a real-time bus tracking service via its mobile app and website. This allows passengers to check bus locations and estimated arrival times, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accessibility
All buses are equipped with facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including wheelchair ramps and priority seating.
Baggage Policy
– Hand Luggage: Allowed free of charge.
– Large Baggage: May incur an additional fee, especially on airport and long-distance routes.
Customer Service
For further information, assistance, or to report issues, contact the Chamonix Valley transportation customer service:
– Phone: +33 (0) 4 50 53 11 13
– Email: info@chamonix-transport.fr
– Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday)
Please not that you can face significant wait times for buses in the Chamonix valley during high season holiday periods and if you are taking children to ski school you should allow at least double the time ordinarily taken to reach your destination.
Navigating the Chamonix Valley by bus is an efficient and cost-effective way to explore this beautiful region. With frequent services, reasonable prices, and comprehensive routes, public transportation in the Chamonix Valley ensures that you can easily reach your desired destinations, whether it’s within the valley or to nearby towns and international locations. Plan your journey, purchase your tickets, and enjoy the convenience and scenic beauty of traveling by bus in the Chamonix Valley.
Chamonix Valley’s local bus system, Chamonix Bus (also known as Chamonix Mont-Blanc Bus), offers extensive coverage throughout the region. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, some key routes include:
Chamonix Local Shuttle (Le Mulet)
Le Mulet is a free shuttle service that operates in central Chamonix, making a loop around the town center.
Main Bus Lines:
Line 1 (Les Houches – Les Praz):
– Key stops include Les Houches, Chamonix Sud, Chamonix Centre, and Les Praz.
Line 2 (Les Bossons – Les Tines):
– Key stops include Les Bossons, Chamonix Sud, Chamonix Centre, and Les Tines.
Line 3 (Servoz – Le Tour):
– This route covers a larger part of the valley. Key stops include Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix Sud, Chamonix Centre, Argentière, and Le Tour.
Line 6 (Le Tour – Les Houches Saint-Antoine):
– This route is an alternative to Line 3, also covering the wider valley but with different stops.
Ski Buses:
There are additional bus lines during the winter season that serve the main ski areas:
Chamonix Sud – Les Grands Montets
Chamonix Sud – Le Tour
Chamonix Centre – Brevent
Chamonix Centre – La Flégère
Please note that timetables, routes, and service frequency can change depending on the season, with more frequent service during the peak ski season. I recommend checking the latest information online or at the local tourist office upon arrival. If you are a guest in the valley (in either a hotel, guest house, or rented accommodation), you can avail of free travel on this network by obtaining a ‘Carte d’Hôte’ or ‘Guest Card’ from your host.
