The facts people look for first, pulled from this guide.
From Airport
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.
Yes, Martigny is listed among the stations with SBB lockers. SBB offers three different types of locker with various payment options.
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.
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.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the station. If you need cash, ATMs are available on-site.
Martigny is a major transport hub in the Valais region. Here is how to reach it efficiently.
From Airport
From City Center
By Taxi
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:
Yes, Martigny is listed among the stations with SBB lockers. SBB offers three different types of locker with various payment options. The lockers allow you to securely store travel bags, backpacks, and suitcases on a flexible basis without long waits, thanks to different sizes and long opening hours.
SBB lockers accept a wide range of payment methods. These include CHF coins, Maestro, PostFinance Card, V Pay, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, myOne, Diners, Twint, JCB, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal, and public transport vouchers.
The standard rental period is 6 hours, with a maximum rental period of 96 hours (4 days). An additional payment is required for storage beyond the initial 6 hours. If storage exceeds 96 hours, SBB might empty the locker and charge a fee for every additional 24 hours.
In Geneva, there are two main luggage storage locations: at Geneva Airport (in automatic lockers or at a personal counter) and at Gare Cornavin, the main train station. A direct train connects the airport and train station in about 8 minutes, with departures every 3 to 18 minutes.
Prices at Geneva Airport vary by locker size and duration. For example, a Small (S) locker costs CHF 5 for 0-6h, rising to CHF 35 for 72-96h. An Extra Large (XL) locker costs CHF 10 for 0-6h, rising to CHF 85 for 72-96h. The fee for the first 6 hours is paid upon deposit.
Payment is by coins or credit card. A lost ticket incurs a CHF 20 fine, handled at the counter during its opening hours. Access to the lockers is only during airport opening hours, from 3:30 to 0:30. For very large baggage, a staffed counter charges CHF 10 or EUR 10 per suitcase per day.
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.
