Martigny

How to Get to Martigny

Martigny is a major transport hub in the Valais region. Here is how to reach it efficiently.

From Airport

• Primary Airport: Fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). It is the most practical entry point, offering direct, reliable train connections.
• Train: Take the direct SBB train from Genève-Aéroport station to Martigny.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 46 minutes.
  • Cost: Prices vary by booking time, but expect to pay between €35 and €75 for a one-way ticket.
  • Tickets: Buy tickets at SBB machines (red) or via the SBB app. Both offer an English language option and accept credit cards.
  • Tip: There are no complex ticket zones to worry about for this intercity journey—simply book "Genève-Aéroport to Martigny."

From City Center

• Walking: The Martigny train station is located very close to the city center (roughly a 5–10 minute walk), making it easily accessible from most downtown hotels.
• City Bus: If you are heading further out, the local urban bus network (TMR) operates routes such as 201 and 203.
  • Tickets: Purchase these directly from the bus driver.
  • Cost: Approximately €3.00 per single ticket.
  • Note: Many local hotels provide a guest card that may include free or discounted public transport; check with your accommodation upon arrival.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: A private transfer from Geneva Airport to Martigny takes about 1 hour 35 minutes via the A1 and A9 motorways.
• Cost: This is the most expensive option, with private transfers typically costing €300–€450+. We recommend booking in advance to secure a fixed rate and avoid surge pricing.

Martigny station is a straightforward, compact transit hub serving as a crucial junction in the Valais region. Unlike massive metropolitan terminals, Martigny features a manageable layout with just four main platforms. Think of the station as a primary through-corridor for standard-gauge Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) trains, intersected by specialized regional lines.

The station’s core consists of a side platform and an island platform serving the main Simplon line. These platforms (typically numbered 1 through 3) handle the standard-gauge InterRegio and regional trains running between major hubs like Geneva, Lausanne, and Brig. Because this is a through station, these trains pull straight through the main tracks.

The potential for confusion lies with the specialized regional services, particularly the famous Mont-Blanc Express. You may see references to a "Platform 40" in older guides or informal traveler tips. In reality, these narrow-gauge trains serving the Martigny–Châtelard line (toward Chamonix) and the Martigny–Orsières line depart from dedicated bay platforms located at the ends of the station. These are physically separated from the main through-tracks. If your ticket indicates a departure from one of these regional tracks, do not expect to find it alongside the main numbered platforms; look for the distinct red-and-white trains parked in these bay areas, which are often clearly signposted toward the regional lines.

Navigating the station is simple. Since there is only one level for passenger boarding, you will not need to worry about complex staircases or confusing multi-level transitions. The entire station is accessible via an underpass that connects the platforms, and recent upgrades have ensured that elevators and ramps are available, making transfers with luggage very easy. Even during peak times, you can comfortably walk between the furthest points of the station in under three minutes.

For first-time visitors, the main tip is to verify your platform number on the large digital departure boards in the main hall before heading to the tracks. Since the regional bay platforms are tucked slightly away from the primary thoroughfare, simply follow the clear signage for "RegionAlps" or your specific destination if it is a mountain route. You will find the layout intuitive once you arrive.

Martigny is a charming gateway to the Swiss Alps, but navigating its station for the first time can be daunting. I wish someone had told me these insider tips before my first trip to avoid the stress of figuring it out on the fly. Don't worry, but do keep these in mind:

Before You Arrive

• Download the SBB Mobile App: This is non-negotiable for travel in Switzerland. It provides real-time platform information, live delay updates, and allows you to purchase tickets instantly. It is far more reliable than relying on station signage alone.
• Ticket Buying Strategy: Skip the queues at ticket machines. Buy your tickets directly in the SBB app. There is no price advantage to buying at the station, and having a digital ticket ready saves you time and anxiety.
• Understand the Station: Martigny is a junction station (Simplon line, Mont-Blanc Express, and regional lines). It has five tracks and multiple platforms. Check your platform on the app 20–30 minutes before departure, as platforms can change.

At the Station

• Facilities: Free Wi-Fi is available at the station. If you need cash, ATMs are available on-site.
• Toilets: There are toilets at the station, but they cost 1 CHF to use. Keep a few Swiss franc coins handy, as card payment might not be an option at the turnstile.
• Food: While there is a K Kiosk for snacks, consider visiting a local grocery store or bakery in the town center if you have time, as station kiosks can be pricey.
• Accessibility: The station is generally accessible, but always look for the elevator signs if you are traveling with heavy luggage, especially when moving between the main hall and different platforms.

Common Mistakes

• The "No Ticket" Fine: Never board a train without a valid ticket. Swiss conductors are friendly but strict; traveling without a ticket can result in a fine of over 90 CHF plus the cost of your fare.
• Class Confusion: Swiss trains have first and second-class carriages, clearly marked on the outside and inside. Sitting in first class with a second-class ticket will result in an immediate fine.
• Payment Methods: While most major cards are accepted, smaller stations or older machines may occasionally have issues with certain credit cards. Always have a backup, such as a debit card or some Swiss francs, just in case.

Through station serving Martigny, Switzerland. Originally opened in 1859, the station serves as a vital junction on the standard gauge Simplon line, connecting regional traffic between Geneva Airport and Brig. It also functions as the starting point for narrow-gauge mountain railways that travel toward Chamonix and Orsières.

First-time travelers may wonder if this station is huge or difficult to navigate. You can rest assured that Martigny is a manageable, mid-sized station with a straightforward layout. It features four platforms—comprising a mix of through tracks and bay platforms—that are clearly marked. While the station is not a massive international hub, it remains a busy point for regional commuters and mountain-bound passengers.

To ensure a smooth experience, keep in mind that platform assignments can occasionally change 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Always check the large digital departure boards in the main hall upon arrival to confirm your track number. The station is well-signposted, and staff are accustomed to assisting visitors. Allow yourself a few extra minutes to navigate between the different platform types, but otherwise, expect a standard, efficient Swiss rail experience.