Mont Blanc Express

I have taken this train several times. The tracks hug the mountain and it is very scenic. If I remember correctly, the portion of the train in Switzerland to border France allowed us use of our 1/2 price card. I would look on the sbb.ch to see if other passes are eligible. If you are staying in France, you can check with the hotel directly to inquire if they have any discounts or passes for the French portion of the trip. On our last trip, a patrol came on board before we departed France to check our passports and our bags, which slightly delayed our departure.

Thanks. That is good information. I am thinking of beginning the trip in Chamonix and then continuing on to Martigny and Zermatt. I will check out the situation and the cost.

The trip from Chamonix through Le Chatelard and Martigny to Zermatt is all covered by a Swiss Travel Pass. The term Mont Blanc Express clouds the issue, since the portion on the west side of Chamonix would only be covered by a pass for France.

Jerry,

We stayed in Chamonix for a few nights this past May, and we rode on the Mont Blanc Express train to Martigny one day.

The train ride was great due to the amazingly beautiful scenery of the Trient Valley.

Our experience with Martigny was underwhelming, because all establishments were closed, due to some legal holiday, so we didn't get to see the Great St. Bernard Museum or the church.

If you will be staying in Chamonix, you can obtain a, "Carte d'Hote", (Guest Card) from your hotel or host, which will entitle you with free public transportation (including the train), between Servoz and Vallorcine.

The day we traveled to Martigny, we took the train from Chamonix to Vallorcine (last stop in France), then we transferred to another train that took us to Martigny. We paid the train conductor when he came around checking tickets. I think we paid €23pp, but we didn't have a Swiss Pass.
At the French-Swiss border, a couple of Swiss guards boarded the train and asked to see our passports.
Oddly enough, we didn't have to show our passports upon our return to France.

You can check the Mont Blanc Express timetables here.

We also flew into Geneva and took the Chamexpress airport shuttle to Chamonix.

Have a wonderful trip!

I think it will be easiest to take a bus directly from Geneva airport to Chamonix. You can take the train to Martigny from Chamonix.

Thanks for all the good advice. I looked up the website for the Chamexpress that takes you from Geneva to Chamonix and think we will definitely use it. It looks affordable and efficient. I appreciate the advice about taking the train from Chamonix to the Swiss border and then changing trains to go on to Martigny. I think we will get a Swiss Train Pass as we are going to a number of other places in Switzerland before we are finished.

Jerry,

Keep in mind that, 'Chamexpress', does not have a storefront or office at Geneva's airport.
You'll find a small movable information "desk" that looks like this on the arrivals hall, across from the UBS Bank

You may want to read the FAQ on their website for more information.

Our Chamexpress driver was friendly and helpful. We asked him for restaurant recommendations that proved to be very good, so if you're interested, send me a PM.

Have a wonderful trip!

Here is the map of validity for the various Swiss Passes:

http://www.sbb.ch/content/dam/sbb/de/pdf/freizeit-ferien/ferien-kurztrips-schweiz/internationale-gaeste/sts-geltungsbereich_en.pdf

As you can see, a Swiss Pass or Flex Pass or Transfer Ticket will cover your journey from Chamonix to Martigny as well as all trains in Switzerland, together with lifts that access villages ( think Mürren or Bettmeralp). There is no reduction for Chamonix to Martigny with a Half Fare Card.

We rode the "Mont Blanc Express" route four times when we were there in 2007--twice in each direction. It is quite a trip, especially the part where you are going past peoples' yards, and looking waaaaay down into the valley.

After reading the responses here I am now confused as to whether or not I can travel from lauterbrunnen to Chamonix on a swiss pass or half fare card. Can someone please clarify. From Chamonix we would then travel to Vevey and eventually back to Zurich. thanks so much for your help

Jay----look at the map link I posted just above. A Swiss Pass will cover the journey all the way to Chamonix. A Half Fare Card only offers the 50% discount as far as the border, not on the French portion of the journey.

If you have a half price card, it is applicable on most trains within Switzerland. When you are in France, it is not.

Hi,
Does anyone know if the train from St Gervais Les Bain to Chamonix is the Mont Blanc Express? We are coming from Annecy on a TER train and switch in St Gervais Les Bain. We are wondering if the train we connect to is the Mont Blanc Express or just a standard TER train. We are booking through SNCF.

Thanks for your help.

PS: When traveling from St Gervais Les Bain to Chamonix, what is the best side to sit on for enjoying the view? Also, when traveling from Chamonix to St Gervais Les Bain , what is the best side to sit on for enjoying the view.

Thanks again.