The new Geneva to Chamonix train service – the Léman Express – is due to open on 15 December 2019.
The service will make it easier for skiers and snowboarders who want to travel by train to Chamonix, as well as the resorts of the Grand Massif (Flaine, Les Carroz, Samoens) and the Portes du Soleil (Morzine, Chatel, Avoriaz).
Cut your emissions by 85% when you travel by train
You can reduce your CO2 emissions generated by your journey by around 85% if you choose to travel by train from the UK to Chamonix, rather than flying.
Previously the only way to get to Chamonix by train if you arrived into Geneva was to go on a long and convoluted route via Martigny.
CHF2 billion project
This is a CHF500 million co-venture that brings together Swiss Railways (SBB), SNCF and the regional bodies from Auvergne-Rhones-Alpes, Vaud and Geneva.
The new CEVA line has cost nearly CHF2 billion to build and will be serviced by 40 new trains. The line connects Geneva to Annemasse and then to existing rail lines into France.
A new Leman Express train
Connections via Annemasse
This network will improve the connections significantly and mean you can travel to Saint Gervais by train easily from Geneva centre or Geneva airport.
Departures from Geneva will be timed to fit in with existing TGV Lyria trains and TER Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes trains.
Annemasse will act as a hub and the cost will be from €39.90 for a single journey. As yet it is not possible to search the site for connecting trains, but it is expected that there will be one train an hour from Annemasse to both Evian and Saint Gervais, with two trains per hour in peak season.
The full timetable can be downloaded from their site.
If you have to fly, you can still take the train…
Should you choose to fly into Geneva, you can easily take the Léman Express train to resort. There are five trains per hour on the 7-minute journey from the airport to Geneva Cornavin.
The full Leman Express network
Click on the image to see a larger version.
Leman Express network
Opening Party
If you are particularly keen you can join the opening party on Sunday 15 December. The first trains leave Coppet at 5.04am and Annemasse at 5.05am…!
Taking the train from the UK to Chamonix
The Leman Express looks great, but a word of warning. Before you book your TGV to Geneva, you might want to consider whether you can catch a train direct to Saint Gervais from Paris. This will almost certainly be quicker overall.
Another alternative is to travel by train to Bellegarde Sur Valserine. Although this requires an additional change, it can make a quicker journey from Paris.
Check your best options on the day and time you want to travel on the Oui.SNCF website
New Leman Express train
