The TMB is remarkably well served: trains, buses and lifts let you reach the start, shorten a stage or leave the route on almost any day.
Getting to Les Houches and Chamonix
- From Geneva Airport by train: train to Genève-Cornavin, Léman Express to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, then the Mont-Blanc Express to Les Houches or Chamonix. Allow about 2 hr 30 min.
- By shuttle or coach from Geneva: a journey of 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 30 min; several companies offer shared transfers or coach services.
- The Mont-Blanc Express links Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet, Les Houches, Chamonix, Vallorcine and Martigny (Switzerland). It is free between Servoz and Vallorcine with the Carte d’hôte (guest card) issued by your accommodation in the valley.
Useful buses along the way
| Line | Use on the TMB |
|---|---|
| Chamonix valley buses (summer) | Les Houches – Chamonix – Les Praz (Flégère) – Argentière – Le Tour – Col des Montets. €1.70 ticket online. The Carte d’hôte no longer gives free travel, only reduced fares. |
| Les Chapieux – Ville des Glaciers shuttle bus | Shortens stage 3 by about 5 km (the road is closed to cars). |
| Chamonix – Courmayeur bus (Arriva, formerly SAVDA) | Through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, about 45 min; a few departures a day in summer. |
| Courmayeur shuttle buses (Arriva) | Val Ferret as far as Arnouvaz, and Val Veny in summer as far as La Visaille. Free in summer according to the operator, to be confirmed for 2027. |
| TMR buses Ferret – La Fouly – Orsières and Orsières – Champex | “Tour du Mont-Blanc” ticket Ferret → Champex-Lac for CHF 12 in 2026. |
| Martigny – Orsières train | Access to Champex and the Swiss Val Ferret from elsewhere in Switzerland. |
| Martigny – Col de la Forclaz – Trient bus | Escape route on stage 8, all year round. |
Lifts (summer 2026 dates)
| Lift | Stage | Summer 2026 opening |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue cable car (Les Houches) | 1 | June 6 – September 13 |
| Prarion cable car (Les Houches) | 1 | Weekends in June, then June 27 – September 6 |
| Tramway du Mont-Blanc (Le Fayet – Col de Voza – Nid d’Aigle) | 1 | June 13 – September 27 (to Nid d’Aigle from July to late August) |
| Dolonne gondola (Courmayeur) | 4 | June 27 – August 30 |
| Val Veny cable car | 4 | June 27 – August 30 |
| Le Tour – Charamillon – Col de Balme | 9 | June 20 – September 20 |
| Vallorcine gondola | 9 | July 4 – September 13 |
| Flégère cable car | 10–11 | From June 20 until September 20 |
| Planpraz – Brévent | 11 | June 13 – September 13 |
The 2027 dates have not been published yet; they are usually similar from one year to the next. The Maison Vieille chairlift (Courmayeur) was closed for works in 2026.
Leaving your car
There are long-stay parking lots in Les Houches and Chamonix, which often charge a fee. The easiest option is still to arrive by train: the valley is very well served and you will finish your loop where you started.
Other guides
- How to book TMB huts for 2027: a step-by-step guide
- TMB 2027 rules: compulsory booking and no more wild camping?
- Tour du Mont Blanc budget: how much does the TMB cost?
- Wild camping on the TMB: bivouac and campground rules by country
- Best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc: seasons and weather
- Safety on the TMB: emergency numbers, rescue and insurance
- Tour du Mont Blanc packing list: the complete checklist
- Training for the Tour du Mont Blanc: fitness and 8-week plan