If you plan to fly to Geneva and hire a car, the route to Chamonix is relatively straight-forward, covering a distance of 88 km. Chamonix is located 80 km southeast of Geneva, Switzerland, and driving time from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Chamonix is about one hour via the Autoroute Blanche (A40) motorway. There is a short stretch of Swiss autoroute before reaching the French autoroute. To use the Swiss autoroute system, a Swiss Vignette is required (CHF 40).
Alternatively, you can drive through the centre of Geneva. If you are fortunate, it may add no more than 20mins to your journey.
Our recommendation is to take the autoroute. During rush hour, the autoroute will also incur a traffic jam at the border crossing between Switzerland and France. In the worst scenario, this may delay your journey by up to 15mins.
The best route to Chamonix avoiding Geneva centre
Distance: 100km Duration: 1hr 15mins
Directions from Geneva Airport to Chamonix
This route avoids Geneva centre and is usually quicker although about 14km longer.
The toll cost is the same as driving through Geneva city centre, but a Swiss Vignette is required (CHF 40).
- on leaving the airport, join the main road, Route De Pré-Bois heading South West;
- follow the green autoroute signs to France along a straight road for about 1km;
- move into in the centre right lane on arriving at a T-junction with traffic lights;
- at the T-junction turn left onto the Route de Vernier;
- immediately move into the right lane (bus lane);
- drive 150m then take the slip road onto the autoroute sign-posted France;
- two tunnels:
- Tunnel de Vernier
- Tunnel de Confignon
- the E62-A1-E25 motorway takes you to the border (Bardonnex) with France. Very rare to be required to stop;
- take the right lane into the: A40 / E21 / E25 with sign to:
- Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
- Turin
- Milan
- close to Annemasse, continue on the Autoroute Blanche A40 E25;
- Nangy: Toll: €1.90;
- pass by Bonneville;
- Cluses: Toll: €3.90;
- continue along: N205 / E25;
- Viaduct des Egratz;
- Tunnel des Chavants;
- arrive in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, distance travelled 100 km and if no 'bouchons', it should have taken ~01h15mins.
About €6 is required for the two péage points in France (toll charges) for a normal family car. All major credit cards are accepted 24/7. The tolls have probably gone up by a few centimes since we wrote this guide.
Routes Geneva to Chamonix avoiding the Swiss Autoroute
To avoid purchasing the vignette, there are two separate routes.
1. Drive through the centre of Geneva. Follow signs for Le Lac via Pont (bridge) du Mont-Blanc and then to the Moillesulaz border crossing at Gaillards.
See the map showing access routes from France to Geneva Airport.
Rent a car from Geneva Airport
Read more about how to rent a car from Geneva Airport and return your hire car at the GVA, both Swiss and French sectors, en-routes, as well as the nearest fuel stations to drop-off points and choose what suits you best!
Important Information
From 1 Jan 2014 driving with headlights on during the day is required by law in Switzerland. Non-compliance could result in a CHF 40 fine.
Don't forget to stick the autoroute vignette at the inside of your windshield or you risk a fine, even if you have the sticker with you.
The French autoroute signs are BLUE whereas the Swiss autoroute signage is in GREEN.
French law requires motorists to have a reflective vest in the car as well as an emergency warning triangle. Non-compliance could result in a €90-135 fine.
From 2012, you must also carry an approved breathalyseryser kit in your car. Read more about driving regulations in France and in Switzerland from the RAC.
In winter, it’s a legal requirement to carry a set of snow chains. Attention! Snowsocks for tyres do not conform to French regulations!
If you are caught speeding by the French police, on-the-spot fines are expensive and will have to be paid there and then.
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 40km/h, is a risk of having your licence confiscated on the spot.
The use of radar detectors is illegal in France and in Switzerland. Failure to comply involves a fine of up to €1500 and the vehicle may be confiscated.
Ensure you have Valid Registration Documents
(Ouvert = Open; Fermé = Closed; Equipements Spéciaux Obligatoires = Special Equipement is necessary).
Travel by car to Chamonix from Martigny
If you're driving to Chamonix over the Col de Montets check here for conditions
For the Col de la Forclaz in Switzerland please phone +41 (0) 27 722 21 05 or email info@trient.ch
