Back to articles

Mont Blanc Tunnel: everything you need to know

Crossing the Alps to connect France to Italy, the Mont-Blanc Tunnel is one of the most famous road tunnels in the world. When it was inaugurated in 1965, its proportions made it the longest tunnel ever built. An engineering marvel, this impressive structure made it possible to shorten the journey between Chamonix and Courmayeur by 60 km. However, it was mainly to facilitate border crossing, which had hitherto been complicated by the winter closure of the Alpine passes, that it was built. The tunnel is also a solution of choice for heavy goods vehicles who want to go to the other side of the massif.

Mont Blanc Tunnel

The Mont-Blanc Tunnel : an attraction all by itself

Beyond its purely practical role, the Mont-Blanc Tunnel is also considered a real tourist attraction. Not far from your Chamonix Hotel, it is one of the places not to be missed for any visitor to the Alpine massif.

If you are wondering how long is the Mont-Blanc Tunnel? La Length of the Mont-Blanc Tunnel is 11.6 km. Located at an altitude of 1,274 meters, the opening on the French side is 5 km from Chamonix. On the Italian side, it reaches 1,381 meters and allows you to reach Courmayeur 5 km away.

After the fire that occurred in the tunnel on 24 March 1999, three years of repairs and safety work were necessary before it was reopened on 9 March 2002. Cameras and radars have thus been installed throughout the Length of the Mont-Blanc Tunnel and security arrangements have been strengthened. The same goes for speed limits (minimum 50 km/h and maximum 70 km/h) as well as for the distance to be maintained between two cars, which is now 150 meters.

 

Practical information on Mont-Blanc Tunnel

Among the information you need to know before embarking on this crossing, the Mont Blanc Tunnel rates represent perhaps the most important point. The prices are not the same depending on the type of vehicle, for a one-way trip or a return trip, and are even different on the French side and the Italian side! For a one-way departure from the French side in a car, it will cost you €46.30, while you will have to pay €57.80 for a return trip. If you want to spend less than seven days on the Italian slopes before returning to Chamonix, this type of rate for the Mont-Blanc tunnel will therefore prove to be much more advantageous. Note that there are also subscriptions for 10 or 20 trips, as well as monthly packages.

 

What to do near Mont-Blanc Tunnel ?

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the Mont-Blanc Tunnel allows visitors to enjoy the most unforgettable attractions on both sides of the massif. Get ready to take in the view from the glass cage atAiguille du Midi : the Not in the Void. On the Italian side, its counterpart is at the top of the “Skyway Monte Bianco” cable car. You will admire unique panoramas at an altitude of nearly 3,500 meters! Here you can enjoy hot chocolate in the heart of an icy environment of unimaginable beauty. If these landscapes delight you, back in Haute-Savoie, do not leave without having discovered the splendid Mer de Glace.

Finally, after so many adventures, a well-deserved rest is in order. On both sides of Mont-Blanc Tunnel, you can enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation in one of the many spas in the region. The Spa at our hotel in Chamonix even offers you open-air pools to recharge your batteries while admiring the surrounding mountains.

Do not hesitate to contact our team for personalized advice! The Chamonix Valley awaits you for an unforgettable stay.

Discover also

Montenvers train: panoramic view of the Mer de Glace

If you're visiting Chamonix, one of the region's must-sees is the Montenvers Train. This little cogwheel train takes you to one of Europe's largest glaciers: the famous Mer de Glace, situated at an altitude of 1,913 meters. It's an adventure not to be missed, offering exceptional panoramas and a fascinating insight into the region's glacial history!

Merlin Surget

Merlin Surget: The rising star of French snowboarding!

Merlin Surget is a French snowboarder born on December 3, 1999.

Specializing in boardercross, he's considered the rising star of French snowboarding, and rightly so! Find out more about his career!

How to get to Chamonix

How do I get to Chamonix from Lyon, Paris or Italy?

A trip to Chamonix is an opportunity to visit and discover some of the most beautiful places in the Alps. Between mythical places and breathtaking panoramas, come and soak up the beauty of nature.

Réserver