Chamonix and Mont-Blanc Independent Day Trip from Geneva

Exciting trip!

The Mountain views are splendid! It was exciting and unforgettable. The weather was fortunately fine sun and warm temperature.

Visiting Chamonix

Lovely small town at the foot of Mont Blanc. Good culinary offer and other touristic attractions. Pleasent visit.

10/10

A journey from another world. Everything is great and easy.. It is better to plan for each person beforehand so as not to waste your time in duplicate places.

Great first trip to Chamonix

Had a great experience. Felt very comfortable going on this excursion solo, and it was the perfect mix between a guided and independent experience. The views were amazing, tour guides were friendly and helpful.

Beautiful Destination & Helpful Staff

This trip was enjoyable and the staff very friendly and helpful! I was booked onto the independent tours so none of the additional activities involved unless purchased separately on the day, a whole day was much too long if going for the independent option but the trip was good regardless. Communication from the company was good and the staff provided a map, itinerary and clear instructions about navigating the area.

The product is not what they offer

The tour is nothing more than a bus transfer to Charmonix. The moment we get there the bus driver even didn't know what to do with us, he had to call the company to understand whether he should drop us off at the bus stop or not. We found other people with us completely lost as well and trying to seek for help from information desk. The agency didn't explain anything about the tour. Ok, we were aware what we opted for the self guided/independent tour, but on the advertisement they were mentioning different places to visit misleading us to believe they would take us to those places and from there we would be on our own, however there wasn't anything included at all apart from the bus transfer. Furthermore, we bought a 6 hour tour because we couldn't arrive late in Geneva, but there were no buses before 5pm so we had to stay all day in the city since early in the morning. The title of the announcement should be "Bus Ticket to Charmonix", nothing more. I am very disappointed with Viator and Key Tour for the service provided. Charmonix is a charming village which I highly recommend to go, but not with these agencies.

Chamonix Trip and our amazing Guide Zak

I went to Geneve for the weekend and took a trip to Chamonix. Our tour guide/ bus driver Zak was fantastic. He really had a great sense of humour and made our experience so much better. He was wonderful. He went above and beyond what he needed to do for us and we greatly appreciated it. Chamonix was so beautiful. The large Cable Cart was closed but Zak took us to a smaller one which was still a wonderful experience. I would highly reccomend this trip!

Misleading and Disappointing

The advertisement for the tour highlights access to Mt Blanc and the Glaciers. They were closed and we were not warned ahead of time. In fact virtually the entire town was closed until December. There was nothing to do. We left early. A total waste of time and money.

Fun day in Chamonix

The mountains are beautiful, the shops are lovely and the onion soup was delicious. I wouldn’t recommend going to Chamonix at the beginning of November as most attractions, plus many pubs & shops, are closed at that time.

Pretty Town

Awfully rude man checked me on the coach, so not good first impression but the on board guide David was lovely and the drive was pleasant. Walked around Chamonix for a couple of hours, worth the visit, such a pretty town, and was back in Geneva mid afternoon.

Disappointed

I am very disappointed in Viator. I had to miss my scheduled time because of a family situation. There were plenty of seats on the next scheduled bus but I was charged an additional 50e unnecessarily.

Great time and wildlife

Was so sick going to the top of Mont Blanc. Had the best time. Recommend 10/10 Going up to the top of Montblanc and seeing the snow and the mountain goats, mountain lions and snow leopards. I was surprised too.

Don’t waste your money with this company!

Chamonix was incredible. You should go! My review is about this AWFUL company. Do not give them your money. They drive you up there knowing that the attractions are closed for the day so they can keep your money anyway. The cable cars were closed. We had nothing to do but explore on our own all day until a bus came to pick us up 8 hours later. Total waste of money. We didn’t get to do anything we paid for.

Worst tour ever!

So you are paying almost $700 dollars for a bus ride. They over charge you for the train ride and the cable car. The Swiss tour who actually is doing this tour didn’t bother to send us any info about the meeting points. We arrived and we were going from bus to bus to figure out which one is ours. Then finally they answered the phone to hear them saying where are you we are looking for you!! BS as no one was looking. Then they gave us the tickets and we rode the bus to the alps. Yeah they failed to let us know that it’s going to be hot day even on top of the Mount blanc so don’t wear heavy clothes or bring a jacket. I ended up with heat stroke and got air lifted by a helicopter to a hospital while my daughters were alone and didn’t know how to get in touch with me. You would think they would call us after to see how come we aren’t at the bus but nope they don’t care. They took our $700 dollars and they were happy. Worst tour ever!!!

Coolest thing ever

Maybe the coolest thing I have ever done. Booked an hour in advance and was able to go. Instructors are very skilled and safe. 100% recommend doing this, however a friend found tickets for cheaper at the base of the mountain. I don't know how reliable this is every day, so to be safe book this company!

A little disappointing - need more time

The trip was good, but did not provide participants very good direction. Unfortunately there was not enough time to see Mer de Glacé and ice caves - even though we paid for it. I would find another option that leaves at 8:30am (instead of 10:30am). Also, DON’T FOGET YOUR PASSPORT!

Deceptive wording of this tour

Read the small print. All you are buying is an expensive return bus ticket. There is nothing else included. The wording of this ‘tour’ is deceptive. It does say it’s independent which means they transport you up and back and that is it!!! It is not a four!

Mount Blank did NOT disappoint

Just magnificent, especially mountains, but also the village of Chamonix, great to walk around with plenty of food choices.

Great driver / guide

Our bus driver Mariosh (spelling?) was so helpful making sure we all knew landmarks to get back to the bus at the end of the day. He also helped those who hadn’t bought tickets ahead of time to get them for the cable car up to Mt. Blanc. He kindly took photos of us with our cameras when we asked and went out of his way to be helpful.

A can’t miss adventure.

The most majestic setting I’ve ever encountered abroad. Simply breathtaking. The views from atop the peak are incredible.

Great trip. Not enough time for ice cave

This was an independent tour which mean no tour guides, so just follow the instructions. We chose both cable car and train to the glacier. The suggested time for train and return times were not enough to take the gondola and 550 steps down to the ice cave. Need at least 2 hours of lead time to take the glacier train in order to catch the last train 5pm back to Chamonix. So to catch the bus ride back to Geneva. Starting at 10:30 am, getting to Chamonix near 12 noon, finishing cable car ride near 2:30pm, walk to train station to take 3pm glacier train, arrive 3:30pm, take gondola down and walk 550+ steps down to ice cave, and walk 550+ steps back. It’s really cold to walk down and up. We saw people get hypothermia and got air lifted to the hospital. It was closer to 4pm, they closed the walkway down to the ice cave, we have to return to catch the last train back. There was not enough time for the ice cave. Other than that, it was well worth the tour. Highly recommend.

Helpful for first time solo traveler

First time solo traveling and this trip helps me on my anxiety in planning. No tour guides but I think it is a good side especially if you really want some time to roam around alone— you can still see the beauty of traveling even if you do it by yourself. It was a memorable experience for me. I would love to do it again but next time I will bring my loved ones, coz this experience is worth sharing 😊

Spectacular experience

The most memorable part of the experience was the train ride up to Mer de Glace and the visit to the ice caves. It was truly an unforgettable experience, which I would recommend to anyone.

Awesome day in the Alps....

Awesome day in the Alps. Worth every penny. Easy walk to the pick up/drop off point from our Geneva hotel.

Nice Day Trip.

My family and I took this tour to spend the day at Chamonix. What I liked about this tour is that it provided the option to purchase not only the trip to Chamonix but also the things you can do while you are there. Unfortunately, we didn't have good weather so we couldn't do 2 of the 3 things, however, KeyTours did give us a refund. Because we didn't have activities to do, we felt that we spent a lot of time wandering around and had no option to head back sooner. My only feedback is that the speed in which the drivers drove up through the mountains was an the excessive side.

Simple and Easy

I booked an 'INDEPENDANT day at Chamonix and MontBlanc from Geneva' package. I understand there was NO tour guide, NO lunch and NEITHER cable car NOR train tickets provided for this package. JUST a simple transportation from Geneva Bus Station to Chamonix. EVERYTHING ELSE was all on me. Member of staff from Key Tours was friendly and helpful. Easy to find the bus station and easy check in onto the correct coach. The coach was clean. Thank you Key Tours.

Independent Tour for Adventurous (not afraid of heights) Folks

The tour was fabulous! In Geneva, I was able to find the bus stop with no issue. Then the bus took us to Mont Blanc and the guide was very funny. Spent a good portion of the day at Mont Blanc and then the remaining few hours in Chamonix, France. It was a great tour!

Excellent experience!

The cable car ride was spectacular! Chamonix is so beautiful - very charming with gorgeous views, great food, and shops.

** A must do**

What a fantastic experience well worth a visit we loved it, well worth traveling from Scotland for. Amazing views red train very busy though.

Fabulous

Easy to find the bus station & easy check in onto the correct coach. Chris was excellent at explaining what was going to happen etc. We booked the cable car trip with the afternoon in Chamonix. We just loved it. Highly recommended them.

Don’t take this tour

When you buy a tour/transportation the unique thing you expect is to be sharp. If you are late for sure they don’t wait for you but they do make you wait. Not only 10min but 30min. Traffic is just an excuse as they know the traffic in the city and should plan consider that, specially in a time that you have Waze, etc. But it is not only that, the bus is there and keep wait for more people arrive certainly to make more money. And you wasting your time waiting and they don’t give you the time back, you have to be 18.30 back and you loose 30min of a very Weill paid waiting time. And don’t expect somebody excusing about being late 30min. Don’t take this tour

Coach trip!

Everything thing ran to time, comfortable coach! Information given to us by a representative once on board! All good! I have used Viator several times now including New York!! All good!

I paid less for the flight to Geneva!

Do not book this tour without having in writing from KeyTours what is and what is NOT included and also what is open when you wish to go. We paid £338.30 for a return coach journey to Chamonix, for 5 of us. I can't use the phrase 'tour' as it is wrongly descripted in the title by KeyTours. We arrived in Chamonix just before 12, the coach journey itself was fine and the coach was very clean. However, we were met by a member of staff from Key Tours who instructed us, after looking at our booking on the paperwork that we had access to the train included in the price we had paid, so proceeded to hand all 5 of us a train ticket and told us to be back at the station for 1pm ready for the train departure. The train was to take us up the mountain in Chamonix. So, we thought 'great' and continued into the town of Chamonix and made sure we were back at the station for 1pm. Whilst at the station, I received a call from a member of the KeyTours team in the office, instructing us we had been given the train tickets in error and we haven't paid for this? I advised that the member of staff had checked our booking and handed us the tickets as these were 'included'. I was then told a member of the staff will be in the office/shop when we arrive back in Geneva, I was unsure why we were being told this. When we arrived back in Geneva, there was a lady from the office/shop waiting for me to get off the coach, she then asked to see all 5 of us in the office/shop. It was then explained to us that the member of staff in Chamonix had given us the train tickets in error and we were to now pay for this!!!! Of course every member of the party refused to pay for a staff error as we could not believe for a second that this company have charged £338.30 for a return coach journey (1 hr 10 mins each way). We were then told by the lady in the office "Fine, I will pay for this myself" and then proceeded to ignore us as we apologized for THEIR mistake . The advertising on this trip is far from correct and the attitude of the staff is worse. How on earth we were expected to pay for a staff error is beyond me. Overall, Chamonix is a beautiful place to visit.

Smooth experience

Bus was on time. Comfortable seats. The front desk lady was super kind and helpful as well while she explained the tour and schedule of the buses.

Very unorganized, but a beautiful place to visit

This tour was very unorganized. It wasn’t clear where to meet yo begin our trip. Once we figured out where to redeem our tickets and which bus to take, we loved every minute of exploring, eating and shopping. Then comes the let down again. The time we were to depart, it was again not clear what bus to get on to go back to Geneva. On the way to mount Blanc our bus was half full, on the way back 2 buses were there and there was no room for all of us. At the price we paid , I would expect it to be more organized .

Don’t book with Viator

We booked Independent Chamonix and Mont Blanc Tour from Geneva (through Viator). I give one star out of five based on my experience with the company Viator and not Mont Blanc. We booked through Viator and paid 225 CHF for three adults based on information that the cable car was included in the tickets price, but it wasn’t. I am not the only one who experienced this issue. Additionally, there was no guide person present in tour. Finally, the website states that the lowest prices are guaranteed, but that’s not true either as tickets can be purchased from Geneva bus station at a lower price. You should avoid using Viator as their prices are higher, information on their website were misleading and uncaring customer service. Go to Geneva bus station and book return ticket, and when you arrive at Chamonix, buy your cable car ticket there (€69/person). Apart from Viator, the cable car itself is great with amazing views at the top. Make sure you wear appropriate clothing as the temperature was 4°C at the top.

Not provided what was promised

Chamonix is beautiful . However , i was given only the bus ride ticket & cable car tickect for the aguille du midi. The operator is not kind enough to guide properly . The itinerary shows alot of activity included but was not provided .

Disappointing trip

Disappointment…times were not accurate, information was not accurate, cable cars were so full you couldn’t breathe. Views were gorgeous, though.

Horrible-don’t use this company

I have requested my money back. Will never book with this company again. Horrible experience. When we reached out to customer service for Help, they did not offer help.

Great day out in Chamonix

A wonderful day spent in Chamonix, the guide and driver were lovely and very helpful and informative. The independent trip to Mount Blanc was breath taking, the information desks are very helpful If you need help. We also enjoyed the train ride up to the mountains, to then descend by cable car and then hundreds of steps to the ice caves. The caves were stunning I wish it was bigger but glad I did the trip.

best tour guide!

niels was the best guide!! he had so much information to share and is so passionate about the mountain! this man deserves a raise!!

Our tour guide was very...

Our tour guide was very unprofessional and misguided us and wasted our time. We didn’t get to see everything we wanted to see cause of his lack of communication. When we told him what he did, he didn’t seem to care.

Breathtaking tour of Mont Blanc & Chamonix!

This tour exceeded our expectations. My husband and I traveled with our 12 year old son from NY and was pleased with the service and comfort offered during the tour. Not only did we experience the excitement of the cable cars to Mont Blanc, the train to the glacier was amazing!Highly recommend!!

Mont Blanc tour

Great experience with the bus ride there and then walking around the town and our guide Nels was awesome. Riding the cable car to the top of the mountain was amazing and the view. And then the train ride through the mountains afterwards and to the ice caves was wonderful. Great tour to take.

Exciting

Loved the ice box and the ice glacier What I did not like is the fact that I tried numerous times to get my 10 Percent discount on one of my tours! No one could help me. I booked many many tours, and felt upset that not ONE Got a discount!

Magnificent scenery

The trip was facilitated. We came in April but the it was snowing and it was a winter for us. The scenery was awesome and it is worth it. The only slight problem is that we thought the package we chose was to include lunch( whereas excluded). But that’s okay In overall, the trip was thrilled and I am happy to see the beautiful champnix

Very bad

My wife and I had the worst experience on the tour. First you inform that the activities in Chamonix such as Cable car and Mountain train are closed due to the maintenance. So I accept the option of tour "Glacier 3000". When we arrive the day of the tour they not have that in the system so we go to the Keytours office for change the itinerary. They give the Glacier 3000 option in the office but that option was stand by, because they where waiting for confirm the Glacier 3000 will open. After about 30 minutes, they say to us (24 group people) that the Glacier will open so we begin the tour exit to the Glacier. They never gave me nor did my wife give the printed tour guide in Spanish. There was no disinfectant hand gel available for travelers and staff. They never took people's temperatures or asked for evidence of vaccination. We arrive and the driver go to take the tickets for all the 24 peoples of the group, when we where climb to the Glacier, an employee of the Glacier 3000 say to us that the Restaurant, the view point, the Ice Express Chairlift, the fun park, glacier walk where closed (all where closed) so we only take the for go to the souvenirs store (so for nothing). The wheater was so bad that take the Peak Walk by Tissot was impossible only 4 of the 24 peoples of the group go up to that and no one can go to the final. After that parade for basically nothing (only for take a coffee on the Glacier with zero visibility). We exit on the bus to Montreux, and going down from Glacier 3000 the bus had an accident with the whole group inside (we were about to fall down the mountain and die). Unfortunately, there was a road accident as our bus skidded.  I would like to thank our driver who managed the situation well and thanks to his driving skills we all stayed alive. We were waiting for a new bus for around 4hrs and by the end of the day peoples were stressed and exhausted. We would like to ask the company for a full refund of the tour due to points below: - Health&Safety procedures were not followed well (example we haven't been asked to fasten seat belts, etc) - in my case I have the seat belts but nothing say to me to put that. Two person where hit during a road accident, and by the end of the day company hasn't asked to provide a medical check for him (my wife was one of these). - people heard that our driver was asked by company to carry on to drive , even he said that the bus needed to be checked first; - one the road accident's reasons could have been that the bus tires hadn't been changed to winter tires types that's why bus skidded. Forecast said it supposted to snow that day. - bad communication with our group, as the company Keytours didn't inform us about the next actions to be taken and how long it will take. Everything was unclear and people were unaware what was happening. - after around 4 hrs of waiting, we drove back to Montreux and supposed to stay there for one hour as the programme said. None from the company asked if we wanted to stay in Montreux. People were tired, some of them didn't have a proper meal at all before or after the accident, just a drink for me and my wife (2 Fanta china). Everyone wanted to go back to their hotels and just have a rest after a stressful situation. I would like to add that I have travelled with many tour companies and during such incidents everyone had a contingency plan. Yesterday was pure chaos. We were not well informed and the whole day was wasted because of delayed assistance.  It felt like the company didn’t care about our well being by making us wait in the cold in such a risk prone area and no body ask for medical support for the peoples that get hurt. We expected that we could be inquired about our injuries upon arrival. However, there was no one at the office. This has been the worst experience on any excursion and although a full refund does not make up for all the bad day that my wife and I had, mainly she who was injured and has marks on her body that we have photos of evidence. We ask for that full refund you should at least provide us with an additional option. This is unnaceptable.

Chamonix is really pretty...

Chamonix is really pretty and I would definitely recommend a visit,but the excursion was poorly organised and, as we expressed our dissatisfaction, the guide reacted with arrogance and contempt. Pity!

Well worth it!

We had a lovely day even though the cable car was closed for repairs. Started with a short bus ride up to Chamonix where our driver really took care of that we got to the right place at the right time. Then a train ride up to Mer de glace (which also was closed) but at least we managed to get to the entrance and have a peek inside. Fantastic views everywhere, just stunning. Somewhat disturbing though is to see the markers for the glacier level over the years. Very soon it'll be gone all together. Then the train back down and a bit of sightseeing in the village. Very pretty everywhere and that grand mountain in the background makes it a very special place. Had a really nice meal at 1904 before it was time to get back. Awesome tour, highly recommended.

Tour office was very...

Tour office was very disorganized. I was misdirected to the bus pickup so missed the tour so I switched to a later tour but neither the ticket nor the agent provided any direction as to how to pick up the written guide so I ended up in Chamonix with no trolley tickets or anything else. It just turned out to be a very expensive "bus ride". Note to Key Tours: don't accept same day reservations less than 3 hours before a tour if you can't efficiently manage it.