Where To Fly Into For Tour Du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most popular long-distance hiking routes in Europe. It is a scenic trail that takes you through France, Italy, and Switzerland, circling around the majestic Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. The tour is about 170km long and takes about 10-12 days to complete, depending on your pace and the number of detours you take to explore the surrounding areas. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, TMB is a challenging and rewarding adventure that offers stunning vistas, diverse landscapes, and cultural experiences.
Before embarking on this journey, you need to plan your logistics, including where to fly into, where to stay, what to pack, and what to expect. This article will focus on the first aspect, where to fly into for Tour du Mont Blanc, and provide you with insights and tips on how to make the most of your arrival.
Geneva Airport (GVA)
If you are coming from the United States, the most convenient airport to fly into is Geneva Airport (GVA). Geneva is a major international hub with direct flights from many U.S. cities, such as New York, Boston, Washington D.C, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The airport is about 90 km (55 miles) from Chamonix, the starting point of TMB if you follow the traditional clockwise route. Chamonix is a charming mountain town that offers plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and outdoor activities. From Geneva, you can take a bus, a shuttle, or a private transfer to Chamonix. The journey takes about 1 hour and a half and costs around 30-40 euros per person, depending on the mode of transportation.
Turin Airport (TRN)
If you prefer to bypass France and start TMB from Italy, you can fly into Turin Airport (TRN), about 150 km (93 miles) from Courmayeur, the Italian starting point of TMB. Courmayeur is a picturesque alpine resort that offers a taste of Italian hospitality and cuisine. From Turin, you can take a bus or a train to Courmayeur, which takes about 2-3 hours and costs around 20-30 euros per person, depending on the mode of transportation.
Milan Airport (MXP and LIN)
If you want to explore Milan before or after TMB, you can fly into Milan Airport (MXP or LIN), about 230 km (143 miles) from Courmayeur and 300 km (186 miles) from Chamonix. Milan is a vibrant city that offers a blend of art, fashion, and history. From Milan, you can take a train or a bus to Chamonix or Courmayeur, which takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 30-50 euros per person, depending on the mode of transportation.
Zurich Airport (ZRH)
If you prefer to start TMB from the Swiss side, you can fly into Zurich Airport (ZRH), about 240 km (149 miles) from Champex-Lac, a scenic Swiss village that is a popular stopover on the TMB route. Champex-Lac offers a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lake. From Zurich, you can take a train or a bus to Champex-Lac, which takes about 3-4 hours and costs around 30-50 euros per person, depending on the mode of transportation.
Conclusion
In summary, the most convenient airports to fly into for Tour du Mont Blanc are Geneva, Turin, Milan, and Zurich, depending on your preferences and itinerary. All of these airports are well-connected to the TMB trailhead and offer plenty of transportation options to get you there. Make sure to book your flights and transfers in advance to save time and money, and to enjoy a stress-free arrival. Happy hiking!