Getting Around the Chamonix Valley Without a Car

One of the questions we get asked most often is whether guests need to rent a car for their stay. In most cases, the honest answer is no. The valley is long and narrow, the villages are strung along a single train line, and the local bus network covers the rest. Here's what you need to know about getting around the Chamonix Valley without a car.

The Mont Blanc Express

The valley's train line runs the full length of it, from Servoz on the French side through Chamonix, Argentière and up to Vallorcine, continuing over the border to Martigny in Switzerland. It's a scenic ride in its own right, climbing steadily along the valley with views of the peaks the whole way. Every accommodation in the valley provides a Guest Card (Carte d'Hôte) on arrival, which gives free travel on the train between Servoz and Vallorcine, covering the whole of the main valley. If you're staying with us in Argentière, this means Chamonix, Les Praz and the other villages are a short, free train ride away, no car required.

The Local Bus Network

Alongside the train, the Chamonix Mobilité bus network runs the length of the valley and out to some of the lift stations. Unlike the train, the buses aren't automatically free with the Guest Card, the discount has varied by season in recent years, sometimes half price, sometimes free depending on the route and time of year, so it's worth checking the current terms on the Chamonix Mobilité app or website before you travel. Buses run from early morning into the evening, with an additional paid night service, Chamo'Nuit, for later journeys. Even at the discounted rate, getting between villages by bus is cheap, frequent, and considerably less hassle than parking in Chamonix in peak season.

How Walkable the Valley Actually Is

Beyond the train and bus, a lot of the valley is genuinely walkable, particularly around Argentière itself, where most of what you need is within easy reach on foot. Many of the trailheads covered in our guide to the best hikes in and around Argentière start directly from the village, so you can be on a trail within minutes of leaving your door, no lift or drive required.

When a Car Does Help

There are a few places the train and bus won't get you, most notably Lac d'Emosson and Cascade du Dard, both covered in our guide to the best lakes and cool spots in the Chamonix Valley, which are easier to reach by car or taxi. During busy weeks in town, a car can also become more of a liability than a help, since parking and road closures are common. For most stays, we'd suggest relying on the train and bus for the week and only arranging a car or taxi for the specific day trips that need one.

Plan the Rest of Your Stay

Once you've worked out how you'll get around, the next step is deciding where to go. Our guide to the best things to do in Chamonix all year round is a good place to start planning the rest of your stay.

Staying in Argentière puts you on the train line and within walking distance of the trailheads. Get in touch to find out more about staying with us.