robbie,
Lausanne looks like your best bet -- about 2 1\2 hours and two changes. Check out the Swiss Rail site at www.rail.ch (go to "Travel/Timetable") for the details and other connection options.

s

Robbie.

There are some very good trains to Chamonix from a place called Martigny in Switzerland, which is on the main rail line between Lausanne and Brig. There are frequent trains to Martigny from Lausanne, at least hourly, often half hourly. From Bern there are hourly trains to Brig, and then hourly from there to Martigny. From Interlaken you change at Spiez onto the Bern-Brig trains. The journey from all places is really quite simple, and most trains inter-connect very well. To visit Chamonix and return on one day is quite feasible, but would require an early start to allow enough time in the Chamonix area.

We drove from Chamonix to Switzerland last summer. It was a beautiful drive through gorgeous scenery. No traffic hassles at all.

Robbie,
Last year I took the train from Interlaken Ost to Spiez, and then to Brig. At Brig I switched over to the private BVZ Zermatt-Bahn railway that runs a narrow gauge train that takes you from Brig to Visp, and finally into Zermatt. The travel time from Interlaken to Zermatt took around 4 hours. I spent a day in Zermatt, and then headed out to Chamonix. So I took the BVZ Zermatt-Bahn train back out from Zermatt to Visp, and at Visp I switched to the Swiss rail train that took me to Martigny, then Chatelard-Frontiere, and then finally into Chamonix. The trip from Zermatt to Chamonix also took about 4 hours.

Zermatt was good, but Chamonix was great!!! Make sure to take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi, it is a thrilling and exciting ride up to face Mont Blanc. You can read about my trip, and see my pictures by visiting my homepage at: www.gatortravels.com.
Have a great time in the Alps.

I agree with GB, the drive from Martigny to Chamonix is incredibly beautiful throuth the woods and mountains. A bit windy and slow though.

Hi Robbie:

My wife and I just returned from Chamonix and had a great time. Chamonix is easily reached by train via the town of Martigny. Martigny has very frequent service such cities as to Lausanne, Montreaux, Geneva, Brig, etc. The alpine train from Martigny to Chamonix takes about 1.5 hours. However, due to a track overhaul program in one of the tunnels, the train operates only as far the French border. There you are transferred to a bus for the continuation of your journey to Chamonix. (This project may be completed by now.)

As recommended previously, do not miss a trip up Aiguille du Midi for a view of Mont Blanc and the Swiss, French and Italian alps. Incredible view - a must for anyone visiting the area.

Have a great trip. If you would like more info on Chamonix or hear of our trip, please email me.

Larry