Need opinions please on whether we should take the BlaBa Bus from Annecy to Chamonix (mid-October), or do the train? We are a couple in our late 70’s, used to traveling to Europe and used to the trains, but trying to make our journey this year as easy as possible for us, and we are tired of hauling our luggage up/down train platforms/steps. I got quotes from some private car services, but they were astronomical. In looking at some comments about the BlaBla Bus, it looks like that might be the better way? Am I correct in that the bus operator will load our luggage for us in the bottom load part of the bus (like on the RS tour bus), and then this journey would be non-stop, no change of bus, into Chamonix? The trains are all at least 2-3 transfers with very short times to transfer, some involving lots of steps, and if we miss one of the transfer times, we have to wait an hour for the next one. I want to try and eliminate that possible stress and hassle. If we do the BlaBla Bus, should we get our tickets in advance and can we get seat reservations too, as we want to sit together? Last question would be the actual location of the bus stations in Annecy and Chamonix – are they right next to the train stations? Thanks so much for your help!
Posted by
Chicago
8435 posts
We were in Annecy for 4 nights at the end of COVID travel bans and so transport was still lousy. Flixbus wasn't running to Chamonix. BlaBla had a daily bus at 9 that got us there around 11 near the Aiquille du Midi cable car; there was a bus back to Annecy at 3. The 4 hours we had was plenty for the trip up the mountain and that is what we had time for.
When we were there trains were slow/long and involved a couple of transfers so we didn't consider that for a day trip -- it was our backup to make it back for the return to Paris if we missed the bus or the bus didn't show.
I don't know what current schedules are like but here is what it was like for us. The BlaBla leaves from the big bus station/park right next to the Annecy train station. It was well signed. We easily walked there from our apartment on the canal. I think there was one stop in a village along the way but it was brief. We didn't have luggage, but luggage was stored under the bus for those who did. While seats were assigned, the bus when we went was about half full and people just ignored that. I suppose anyone could have insisted on their seat but there was no point. The coach was a big comfortable bus with seats you expect on long distance bus travel. We were entirely satisfied with it. It was certainly easy, involved to no transfers and the bus stop in Chamonix was essentially a parking lot near the Aiquille du Midi. There were shops and such in this area and I assume one could get a cab there to one's hotel if it were not nearby.
The only slight hiccup for us on day trip was that the bus to Chamonix was bright orange with a big BlaBla on the side and easy to spot. The return was a white bus with no markings and not even a sign in the window. I had to ask the driver if it was the Annecy bus. At the Annecy end the bus destinations were posted on little electronic signs at the ends of the bus bays.
My only blabla experience but we would book them again and were entirely satisfied with the experience.
https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2023/03/27/quick-trip-up-the-aiquille-du-midi-chamonix/
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10510 posts
I have not ridden this route in a Blablacar bus.
However, yes the bus looks very convenient. Yes, suitcases are stored below. Yes, you can reserve your seat. Yes, you should buy your tickets in advance. Price goes up as more seats are sold. This will be a popular route due to its convenience.
I don't know where the bus stations are.
Posted by
OP
21 posts
Janet and Elizabeth, thank you so much for this information, you answered all my questions! BlaBla bus it is! Appreciate the help. and Janet, love your website!!
Posted by
Chicago
584 posts
Flixbus also usually serves this route. They may have different times than BlaBlaBus,
never hurts to check.
I'm pretty sure either service allows you to reserve seats (for a small fee) and yes, you
should buy ahead of time, as buses can sell out and the tickets go up in price as you
approach the day of travel.
Apart from anything small you want to carry on the bus, all bags go underneath the
bus, yes. Most likely the driver will help with/load bags, but there is no contractual
obligation for them to do that.
In addition to the steps/train connections, the train takes longer, so if your goal is to
have time in both places, the bus is a bit better in that regard as well.