To come to Haute-Savoie, several means of transport are possible: car, train, plane, coach and even bike for the more sporty ones! We indicate the different possibilities to come to Haute Savoie in the best conditions.
Coming to Haute-Savoie by car
With a fairly dense motorway network, it is very easy to get around Haute Savoie. The less snowy winters at low altitude in recent years and snow clearance services on high alert all winter mean that traffic remains easy in most conditions. However, special permanent equipment (winter tires, studded tires…) is mandatory in winter. In addition, a pair of chains is always necessary for safety, a heavy snowfall being always possible even at very low altitude. The cold also requires some precautions for your vehicle.
The routes
From Paris, the fastest way is to take the A6 to Mâcon then the A40 towards Geneva and Chamonix. For Annecy, leave the A40 just after Bellegarde.
From eastern France, follow the A36 to Besançon then Dole and the A39 to Bourg en Bresse and finally the A40. Another option, without French toll but with a Swiss motorway sticker, is to cross Switzerland and, south of Geneva, join the motorways of Haute Savoie. The cost of the annual sticker (approx. 40CHF) is much lower than the French toll. Beware, the Swiss road and motorway network is full of fixed speed cameras and the police are very strict. Even if they do not stop you on the spot, you can receive the fine a few months later directly at home via the French public treasury (experienced example).
From the South, take the A7 and go up via Grenoble or Bourgoin.
The Mont Blanc tunnel
11 kilometers long, refurbished and reopened since summer 2002, it allows you to reach Italy (Courmayeur) for a cost, nevertheless, quite low (67.50 €/round trip for cars). Many improvements have been made to improve user safety following the well-known disaster. One of the new prevention measures is the presence of many speed cameras and cameras inside it. The speed limit of 70 km/h and the spacing of 150 meters between vehicles must be strictly respected. Otherwise, a welcome committee will be waiting for you at the tunnel exit. Guaranteed effect!
Prepare your route, click here
Some distances and driving times to Annecy from:
- Lyon : 140 kms and 1 h 30
- Marseille : 423 kms and 4 hours
- Paris : 550 kms and 5 hours
- Bordeaux : 700 kms and 6 h 20
- Toulouse : 650 kms and 5 h 40
- Geneva : 42 kms and 45 min
- Chambéry : 50 kms and 40 min
- Grenoble : 100 kms and 1 h 15
- Chamonix Mont-Blanc : 100 kms and 1 h 10
Winter tires mandatory in Haute-Savoie
Since November 1, 2021, in mountain regions the law requires that from November 1 to March 31 vehicles be equipped with four winter tires or removable anti-slip devices (metal snow chains, hybrid chains, textile chains, snow socks). Tires must bear specific markings, such as the 3PMSF. Note that tires marked M+S are banned from winter 2024 onwards.
Coming to Haute-Savoie by train
Haute Savoie is very well served by the Sncf, tourism obliges. TGV accesses take you to the gates of ski resorts, very dense regional trains, here everything is done to facilitate your arrival.
Main lines
All of Haute Savoie is served by numerous direct TGVs from Paris with an increased frequency during holiday periods:
- Paris – Saint Gervais – Chamonix : six to seven TGVs per day, journey time about 6h15. Additional night trains during holiday periods.
- Paris – Thonon : five to seven TGVs in about 4h30
- Paris – Annecy : five to nine TGVs in about 4h
Regional trains
The regional network is very developed in Haute Savoie and allows very easy travel, even in winter, as the tracks are cleared very quickly, sometimes faster than roads.
Connections by coach from the stations are of course offered to the main resorts. Information / bookings: www.altibus.com, 0820 320 368 (from France), 04 79 68 32 96 (from abroad)
Coming to Haute-Savoie by plane
There is no large airport in Haute Savoie, but the proximity of those in Geneva and Lyon allows very easy access to this department. There are indeed some flights from Annecy but mainly leisure flights to the Mont Blanc Massif, or business flights.
Geneva International Airport
Geneva Cointrain International Airport welcomes on average nearly 8 million travelers per year and about forty airlines serve around a hundred national and international destinations. It is directly connected to the rail and motorway network. There is also a French zone with its own access, which will save you an additional control (Swiss customs officers are known for their zeal). If you pass on the Swiss side, beware, when leaving the airport if you use the motorways, it is mandatory to have an annual sticker. On sale at the airport and at all border posts.
Transfers by coach to Haute Savoie resorts: information/bookings: www.altibus.com, 0820 320 368 (from France), 04 79 68 32 96 (from abroad)
More information on the official Geneva airport website, click here – Tel: 022 717 71 11
Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport
It is located 25 kilometers east of Lyon (A42 or A43 then A432). About thirty airlines operate connections to many national and international destinations. The airport is directly connected to the TGV station (5 minutes on foot or shuttle P6). Haute Savoie is only 1h / 1h30 by motorway (about 15 € toll to Annecy).
More info on the official Lyon airport website, click here – Tel: 0 826 800 826 (0.15 €/min)
Chambéry Airports
It is located about 40 kms from Annecy. You can then reach Haute-Savoie by car, coach, or train.
Duration: 35 min by car, 45 min by bus and 53 min by train.
http://www.chambery-airport.com/fr
Coming to Haute-Savoie by bus
Several bus companies offer Haute-Savoie as a destination, often Annecy, Annemasse, Chamonix, departing from major cities in France such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Lille, Grenoble, Rennes, etc.
There are mainly two bus companies offering destinations in Haute Savoie:
- BlaBlaCar bus
- FlixBus
And for the more courageous…
And for the more courageous, there is cycling, walking, paragliding (but that is still very particular and reserved for an elite)…