We are traveling as a family of four in March for several nights in Milan before we leave for Chamonix. We arrive into GVA and will head to Milan, then leave Milan to Chamonix. We will have ski boots and helmets so about 2 bags per person. We prefer not to drive but are open to it if it is the best option. Are there any recommendations on our ground travel to and from Milan?
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2388 posts
Geneva to Milan and then backtracking to Chamonix is 350 miles.
I think you may be better off dropping the ski gear off in Chamonix ( 1-hour by bus from Geneva’s Airport) before traveling to Milan— either by flying from Geneva or taking trains. The luggage and ski gear for four people is likely to require two vehicles if you choose to drive.
Posted by
Wengen
2680 posts
You can do this by train:
Outward: Geneva - Milan
Back: Milan - Martigny - Chamonix.
Book at www.sbb.ch
Maybe send your ski luggage from Geneva Airport to Martigny, where you can pick it up, and then continue to Chamonix.
Posted by
Wengen
2680 posts
Or change your flights and fly to Milan directly.
Then From Milan take a coach to Chamonix. Then on got Geneva for the flight back.
Posted by
OP
Toronto, ON, Canada
14 posts
Thank you for the comments. We want to see Milan for an urban, cosmopolitan experience before Chamonix. The most affordable option seems to be to hire a vehicle from GVA and drive to Milan and back with our luggage.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34526 posts
do you know about the ZTL matrix in Milan, and the penalties for a mistake?
Posted by
OP
Toronto, ON, Canada
14 posts
Nigel thank you, I was not aware. I am looking into parking garages to leave the car until we depart back towards the Alps. Thank you!
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2461 posts
hey hey Dan
wow that's a lot of backtracking: geneva to milan back to chamonix (i'm sure couple hundred miles) plus ski equipment, to be honest is crazy. is everyone old enough to carry their own bags (2 each)? why not fly into geneva, go to chamonix then long train ride back to milan, see and do what interests you then fly home from milan. we stayed in annecy across geneva and loved it, no skiing involved. is this a round trip or multi-city flight?
how many days will you be in chamonix?
if you do rent a car make sure you get an IDP from CAA.ca/IDP to drive and rent a car in italy. also look at renting car in one country and returning to another country, cost big bucks $$$. good luck
aloha
Posted by
Boston
1820 posts
Two dimensional maps can be inspiring - as well as problematic when mountains pop up. Given your underwhelming motive for seeing Milan, I suggest you rethink the itinerary entirely. Perhaps a separate trip next year?
Posted by
112 posts
This is a very convoluted way of traveling. First of all, why don’t you fly from Geneva to Milan? It’s 65 minutes flight time which is a heck of alot better and easier than driving or taking the bus. $174 per person. Then take a train to Chamonix because there’s no flights to Chamonix. The train is one where you need to change multiple times. It’s a total trip of about 5 hours. Chamonix