The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s most iconic long-distance alpine walks - a stunning 170 km loop around the Mont Blanc massif, taking you through France, Italy, and Switzerland. 

Getting to the start of the TMB is straightforward with a bit of planning. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: where does the Tour du Mont Blanc start - and how do I get there? 

This guide covers the best travel options to help you reach the trailhead smoothly and start your adventure feeling relaxed and ready. 

Where Does the Tour du Mont Blanc Start? 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a circular route, so technically it hasn’t got a single, fixed beginning and end - walkers can begin and finish at multiple points along the circuit. However, Les Houches is the main starting point for our Macs Adventure itineraries, with Chamonix as the starting point for our Classic Walks of Mont Blanc itinerary, because they’re easy to reach and well-connected. 

Popular Starting Locations 

• Les Houches, France – Widely considered the traditional start of the TMB; marked by an official trailhead arch in the village centre.  
• Chamonix, France – The vibrant base town in the Chamonix Valley is a common gateway with excellent transport links and services.  

Tip: Starting from Les Houches is particularly convenient for North American visitors because it’s directly accessible from major airports via public transport.  

How to Get to the Start of the Tour du Mont Blanc 

Travelling from the UK to the Alps is relatively simple, with several good options depending on your budget, time and preference for flying or rail travel. 

By Air  

The easiest way to reach the Tour du Mont Blanc is to fly to Geneva Airport (GVA). 

• Direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol and other UK airports  
• Flight time: around 1 hr 30 mins  
• Frequent departures, especially during the summer walking season  

Why choose Geneva? It’s the closest airport to Chamonix and offers the quickest, most straightforward transfer to the start of the TMB. 

Alternative Airports 

If you’re planning to combine your walk with a city break or want more flight flexibility, consider these options: 

Paris (Charles de Gaulle – CDG) 

• Excellent rail connections to the Alps  
• Ideal for adding a pre-trip city stay  

Zurich (ZRH) 

• Efficient Swiss rail network  
• Great option if starting in Switzerland  

Milan (MXP/LIN) 

• Good choice if starting in Courmayeur (Italy)  
• Perfect for combining with an Italian city break  

By Train  

If you’d prefer to travel without flying, it’s entirely possible to reach the TMB by rail: 

• Eurostar from London to Paris  
• High-speed train (TGV/Lyria) to Geneva or nearby stations  
• Onward transfer to Chamonix  

Journey time: around 8–10 hours, depending on connections 

Why go by train? It’s a lower-carbon option and a more relaxed way to travel, with some fantastic scenery along the way. 

You can also plan a seamless rail journey with specialists such as Byway Travel.

Step 2: Transfer from the Airport to the Trail Region 

Once in Mainland Europe, you’ll complete your journey to the mountains by train or bus. 

From Geneva Airport 

Shuttle Services: 

• Several shared or private shuttles run between Geneva Airport and Chamonix/Les Houches during hiking season. 
• Macs Adventure is partnered with Mountain Drop Offs and offers a discount code for your transfer from the airport to your first accommodation. 

Train & Bus: 

• Take a Swiss train or regional shuttle from Geneva Airport to Geneva city centre. 
• From Geneva, you can catch shuttle buses to Chamonix and then a local bus/train onward to Les Houches - the primary TMB start point. 

From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) 

Train: 

• Take the high-speed TGV train from Paris (Gare de Lyon) to Geneva, Annecy, or Bellegarde.  
• From there, continue by bus or train to Chamonix and Les Houches.  
• Total journey time: around 5–7 hours, depending on connections.  

Good to know: The train journey is smooth, scenic, and far less effort than navigating Paris traffic. 

From Zurich Airport (ZRH) 

Train: 

• Take a direct Swiss train from Zurich Airport to Geneva (around 3 hours).  
• From Geneva, continue by bus or transfer to Chamonix/Les Houches.  

Good to know: Swiss trains run like clockwork - reliable, comfortable, and with views that make the journey part of the adventure. 

From Milan (MXP / LIN) 

Train: 

• Take a train from Milan to Courmayeur (via Aosta) - a popular Italian starting point on the TMB.  
• Journey time: around 3–4 hours.  

Good to know: Starting in Courmayeur offers a slightly different perspective on the TMB - and a strong introduction to Italian mountain culture. 

Tip: Whichever airport you fly into, aim to arrive at least a day before your walk begins. It gives you time to adjust to the time zone, enjoy the journey in, and start your TMB feeling rested - not rushed. 

Top Travel Tips

When to Go 

The hiking season for the Tour du Mont Blanc typically runs from early July through early September, when trails and mountain huts are open. While most of the snow will have melted from the passes, some will remain throughout the season, especially in early July and early September.  

Planning Your Arrival 

• Allow 1 day before your TMB start to rest up and explore the area. 
• Consider booking accommodation in Chamonix or Les Houches the night before your trek – one of our adventure specialists can help with this! 

Packing and Preparation 

With Macs Adventure, luggage transfers are included, which means you only need the daily essentials with you on the trail. We suggest packing the following in your day bag: 

• Layers 
• Extra socks 
• Suncream 
• Sunglasses 
• Hat 
• Rain gear 
• Phone – to use our navigational app 
• Portable charger – to keep your phone charged 
• Plenty of snacks and water 
• Passport - for when checking into your accommodation along the route 

See our complete TMB packing list > 

Why Choose Macs Adventure for Your TMB Walk? 

At Macs Adventure, we specialise in expertly planned self-guided adventures. With detailed route notes, GPS navigation, luggage transfers, and 24/7 on-the-ground support, you can focus on the joy of hiking - not the logistics. 

Explore our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided trips and start planning your alpine adventure today. 

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