Can anyone tell me the best way- rail or bus- to get from Chamonix to the Zurich airport? I will be planning this route for September 2016. Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I would use rail, even though it requires a few connections. How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it. These are easy to print at home. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, then that also covers the train between Chamonix and the Swiss border.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
belinda,
Another route you could consider would be a Shuttle from Chamonix to Geneva, and then train direct to Zürich airport. The Shuttle will take about an hour, and the train from Geneva will be about three hours. Some of the trains will be direct to the airport and some will have one change at Zürich Hbf.
The travel time between the Shuttle method and taking the train will likely be similar, but travel by train on that route will take 5 - 5.5 hours and will involve 4-5 changes which is a bit more onerous.
At least some of the Shuttles should be operating in September (they were when I was in Chamonix last September).
Good luck!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17418 posts
According to sbb.ch (5)3 Swiss rail site) the trip,from Chamonix to Zurich airport takes 4:48. There are four changes on the way,mbut they are well-timed and easy. At Vallorcine on the border, for example, you just cross the platform and board the waiting train. The ride from there to Martigny is very scenic!
The shuttle to Geneva is designed for skiers, but apparently it does run in summer, at least into June. But how many times a day? You may end up with wait time between bus and train departure. The bus times I saw were between 1:15 and 2 hours. Train Geneva to Zurich airport is around 3.