How to Get from Paris to Chamonix
Chamonix, a ski resort town known for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, is 290 miles (470 km) away from Paris. Transport options between the two destinations include a 5.5-hour train journey or a combination of a flight to Geneva and a private transfer or shuttle from there.
If you're interested in a summer tour, this 7-day hiking itinerary takes you from the Chamonix Valley through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. If you'd rather explore more of the eastern part of France, this 10-day itinerary takes you wine tasting in Lyon, strolling through the charming town of Annecy, and finally to Chamonix, where a local historian will give you the lay of the land.
By Train
Duration: 5.5 hours, depending on transfers
Your train itinerary will depend on your travel season: in winter, a direct train goes from Paris to Saint Gervais Les Bains - Le Fayet, and then a regional train (TER) goes to Chamonix, which is another 12 miles (20 km) away. But in most cases you will need to take a train from Paris to either Annecy, Lyon, or Bellegarde and then another train to Saint Gervais Les Bains - Le Fayet from there.
By Plane and Shuttle Bus
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes, plus transfers to/from airports and shuttles
Several companies offer direct flights from Paris to Geneva, and Chamonix is only 54 miles (88 km) away from the Geneva-Cointrin International Airport (GVA). Daily shuttle buses cross the border and connect the airport to town.