The Ultimate Guide to Tour du Mont Blanc Luggage Transfer
Considering luggage transfer on your Tour du Mont Blanc trek?
If you are hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, you must pack light—and I mean light. Your bag should weigh under 22 pounds (or 10kg).
Can you keep all of your necessities for 10 days under 22 pounds? Clothes, shoes, toiletries, snacks, luxury items, gear, electronics, safety items, etc.?
If not, IT IS OKAY! On multi-day treks, there is this glorious thing called luggage transfer. It will save your life (well it will at least save your back!).
In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about how the Tour du Mont Blanc luggage transfer works, what companies to use, how much they cost, and more!
Tour du Mont Blanc Luggage Transfer
If you are a chronic over-packer or simply cannot trim your TMB packing list down to under 25 lbs., then several luggage transfer companies will transport your bag to each overnight accommodation.
Note: I did see people with large, heavy packs (45 liters+), but they were few and far between, and most were camping.
Luggage transfers are common for major hut-to-hut multi-day treks, but if you aren’t familiar with this, don’t worry it’s simple. If you are still figuring out your route, check out my 10-day TMB itinerary!

How Does Tour du Mont Blanc Luggage Transfer Work?
Typically, you’ll book the service in advance (highly recommended). Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive detailed instructions on where and when to drop off your luggage.
The company we used picked our bags up at our Chamonix hotel on day 1, which is standard depending on where you are staying.
The luggage transfer companies usually operate on a timetable, picking up and dropping off your bags at specific times.
This means you need to bring your bags to the lobby (or other designated bag drop location) at your accommodations by a certain time each morning. You will likely head out on the trail early so this should never be an issue.
The luggage transfer service will pick up your bags and take them to your next location.
Upon reaching your next location, your bags will either be at the reception of your hotel or another designated area. There was only one day that we arrived at our next stay before our bags did; it was a short hiking day for us.
IMPORTANT: For the TMB specifically, there are some refuges that luggage transfer companies can’t reach (due to remoteness/lack of roads). On these days, you should pull out anything from your transfer bag that you will need for the night (toiletries, pajamas, sleeping liner, etc.) and make sure they fit in your daypack.
If you are staying at a refuge that the luggage transfer cannot reach, they will bring your bag/s to your next night’s destination 🙂
Locations Not Served by TMB Luggage Transfer Services
As I mentioned, there are some refuges (or refugios, or mountain huts) that luggage transfer services cannot reach due to remoteness and lack of access.
On these days you will need to put all of your essential gear and sleeping items (and whatever else you may want or need for the next 24 hours) in your daypack.
These are the locations that are not serviced:
- Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
- Rifugio Elisabetta
- Cabane du Combal
- Rifugio Bertone
- Rifugio Bonatti
- Alpage de la Peule
- Refuge Lac Blanc
- Refuge de la Flégère
- Les Ecuries de Charamillon
- Refuge de Bellachat
- Any private accommodations, BnBs, or places without a reception desk

Why Choose Luggage Transfer Services?
Choosing luggage transfer services for the Tour du Mont Blanc can greatly enhance your hiking experience. It’s convenient and means you can travel with a day pack, equipped with only the essentials for each leg of your journey.
*While the idea of carrying a heavy pack may have initially appealed to your adventurous spirit, the reality of long HARD hikes 10 days in a row can change your perspective.*
With a lighter day pack you can increase your hiking pace and focus on admiring the stunning landscapes around you, and save your back.
Moreover, these services operate seamlessly and provide peace of mind.
I was initially against using a luggage transfer service but I was going with my 64-year-old mom who felt it would help her. I was SO HAPPY we ended up doing it. The TMB is hard and it would have been too hard with a heavier pack. Plus – most people use a luggage transfer service so don’t think it will just be you!
Top Tour du Mont Blanc Luggage Transfer Companies
There are a handful of companies that provide TMB luggage transfer services. We went with BESSON Transports (also referred to as Taxi Mont Blanc). Besson is one of the primary luggage transfer providers on the TMB and came highly recommended.
Prices (discussed below) vary based on the number of bags and stops along the route, with group rates being more economical. They have a strict 33 lb (15 kg) weight limit per bag.
Another well-known transfer company is Chamonix Valley Transfers (CVT). They offer more affordable rates, particularly for groups, and don’t impose strict weight limits—though bags need to be manageable for their drivers.
You can also have your luggage transported by horse. However, I try to make choices that align with ethical tourism practices and avoiding animal-based services is one of them.
Plus, I believe the horse transfers are more expensive unless you are in a larger group because you have to also pay for room and board for the person who leads the horse from location to location.
If you are interested, you can ask providers about their animal care practices (welfare, vet care, rest days, etc.). Supporting companies that prioritize welfare encourages sustainable and humane tourism on trails like the TMB.
Regardless of the company you choose, make sure to check online reviews and contact them with any questions or requests you may have.

How Much Does Luggage Transfer Cost on the TMB?
Luggage Transfer companies charge by the number of bags, number of stops, and the location of the stops (some are more difficult to reach than others).
The more bags, the lower the cost. The fewer stops, the lower the cost. *You do not need to have your bag at every refuge, you can choose to have it delivered every other or every couple – whatever you want.
My mom and I had one bag transported (we shared the bag) to 8 locations. It cost 270 euros (~ 295 dollars) in total.
The price will vary depending on the company and the number of people/bags in your group. But generally, you can expect to pay between $140 and $300 per person for this service, or around $30 – $45 per bag per stop.
Tips for a Smooth Luggage Transfer Experience
- Book your transfer service well in advance, as spots can fill up quickly during peak hiking seasons. This guarantees your spot and can also help you secure better rates.
- Label your luggage clearly. The luggage transfer company should tell you what information they need to be on your bag. Make sure the information is easily visible. This will minimize any potential mix-ups and make it easier for transfer staff to locate your bags in case of any delays.
- Take pictures of your luggage before handing it over to the service. That way, you have a visual reference in case anything goes amiss.
- Always keep important documents, medications, valuables in your daypack.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your service provider with any concerns or questions as your date approaches.

Who SHOULDN’T Use Luggage Transfer?
If you are winging the TMB, you should not use luggage transfer services.
If you have not booked your accommodations ahead of time, and have not pre-planned out your route (i.e. you want to hike as long as you feel like hiking that day and end up at whatever refuge you end up at) then this isn’t for you.
We encountered a few people each day who just hoped that there was room at the refuge they arrived at instead of booking ahead. While I do not recommend doing this, people do it.
If there is any availability when you just show up it’s likely in the dorm beds. But be warned, sometimes there will not be availability and you will have to continue hiking to another location and hope they have room. Yes, I did see this happen to people.
Luggage transfer companies need to know your route and where to take your ahead of time. So, if you are someone who wants more flexibility on the TMB, do not plan on using a luggage transfer service.

Luggage Storage in Chamonix
You likely plan on spending some time in Chamonix on either end of your trip, or you have another destination to go to. In this case, you likely have additional luggage and are wondering “What do I do with my other luggage while I’m hiking?”
Since this is highly common, you have options. My first recommendation is to check with the hotel you are staying at in Chamonix. Some hotels will hold your luggage while you are hiking the TMB.
We stayed at the Grand Hotel des Alpes and they were happy to store our luggage. Not only that, we had a fantastic stay and I highly recommend staying here before or after (or both) your trek.
If your hotel will not hold onto your luggage, the next best option is Bounce – a luggage storage service. There are (at this moment) 5 central locations in Chamonix.
Local stores offer their space for luggage storage (for a fee). You book in advance through the bounce app and drop it off. The price includes $10,000 in coverage if anything happens to your stuff.
FAQ
If you want a lighter hike and are planning your accommodations ahead of time, book a luggage transfer service. If you prefer more flexibility with accommodations/number of days on the trail then carry your pack.
Luggage transfer is a service that transports your bags between accommodations along a route, allowing you to hike with just a light daypack. It’s commonly used on long-distance trails, like the TMB.
The TMB is challenging. The total elevation gain is 32,800 ft (10,000 meters). Difficulty varies by fitness level; most hikers consider it moderately to highly strenuous due to steep ascents, rough terrain, and long daily distances.
The hardest day on the TMB is often considered to be the stage from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (or the reverse, depending on your direction).
Yes, the TMB is known for its steep terrain, with numerous ascents and descents. Several high passes require significant elevation gains of 2,600 to 4,300 feet (800 to 1,300 meters) within a single day.
You need to be moderately fit to fit. You should be comfortable hiking for 6–8 hours a day on rugged, mountainous terrain, carrying a pack, and enduring physical challenges like high altitude and changing weather.
BESSON Transports worked well for us and has a great reputation.
Final Thoughts on Tour du Mont Blanc Luggage Transfer
Tour du Mont Black luggage transfer services can be a huge blessing. While the idea of carrying everything on your back might sound adventurous, the reality of long, intense hikes over rugged terrain can make a heavy pack feel well….twice as heavy.
The process is straightforward and the services are generally reliable. While it is not a cheap service, in the grand scheme of the trip price I believe it is worth it.
So, plan ahead, choose a trusted provider (we recommend Besson), and embrace the joy of a lighter, freer journey on the Tour du Mont Blanc!