We are doing the RS My Way Alpine tour which ends in Chamonix, France, on June 11. We have to arrange a shuttle to the airport in Geneva to fly home. It wouldn’t be a problem if not for the fact that our plane leaves at 9:20 am. We’d like to get to the airport by 6:30 am, which means leaving Chamonix around 4:30 am. One shuttle company will do a very expensive shuttle at that time ($235ish) but also charges a 20% cancellation fee. Does anyone have any recommendations on companies to use? We’d be glad to share a shuttle if anyone needs to be at the airport around that time. Our flight is a United direct to Newark. There are two of us.
Posted by
Chicago
8164 posts
If possible cancel the night in Chamonix and stay at a hotel at Geneva airport the night before.
Posted by
Schaumburg, IL
279 posts
I would cancel the nite in Chamonix and book by the airport even if you have to pay for it-a lot less stress…
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2661 posts
I think the night in Chamonix is part of the tour and can't be canceled?
Perhaps the expensive shuttle is less than a hotel room near Geneva Airport or the cost of changing your flight time.
Posted by
OP
26 posts
We thought about spending the night in Geneva but there is a group gathering the night before I hate to miss. Plus the Chamonix room cost is a part of the tour so non refundable. We also though about just hanging out in the airport for hours, though that was with an even earlier flight, but the airport shuts down from midnight to 4:00.
Posted by
Chicago
647 posts
There are non-stop trains from Martigny (just over the border into Switzerland in
the opposite direction from Geneva), on Monday morning:
4:38 -> 6:41
5:13 -> 6:59
I think either one of those would work for your flight schedule. Get a place in
Martigny and take a taxi there after the evening ends in Chamonix.
The issue with the transfer cost is not any specific company, but that you want
(or are forced into) a private shuttle due to your departure time.
A website you can try is findtransfers.com. You put in your requirements and multiple
taxi/shuttle companies reply and bid for your trip. If you can find a shared shuttle
option. it will be less expensive. Basically, the shuttle vans seat up to 8 and the
cost is divided equally amongst the # of passengers. I've used it multiple times and
found it to be reputable.
Posted by
Hollis, NH, USA
107 posts
We took this tour last summer. We used Mountain Drop-offs and paid €150.00 for three people on a shared shuttle. Our flight was at 13:10, though.
Posted by
OP
26 posts
Shoe flyer—yes, our problem is the timing of our flight. And also that the airport shuts down daily from midnight til 4; so we can’t just go there and wait, as uncomfortable as that might be.
There are trains, and taxis, and even a bus. But having to be at the airport at the time we do makes most of those unworkable. A taxi to Martigny? Almost as much as the shuttle to the airport. Looks like we will either have to bite the bullet and pay the exorbitant transfer cost, hoping that someone will share with us, or quit our trip early so we can use a cheaper transfer then spend the night in Geneva. But that’s as expensive as the transport! I will look into ride sharing. It’s really too bad this ending of what looks to be a wonderful trip is so complicated. I wish the tour’s last night had ended up in Geneva.