How long is Tunnel du Mont-Blanc?
Italy, europe
11.611 km
9 m
hard
Year-round
The Tunnel du Mont-Blanc is a wild ride straight through the heart of the Alps, connecting France and Italy beneath the majestic Mont Blanc. This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) stretch of engineering marvel, linking Chamonix, France, with Courmayeur, Italy.
Driving through the tunnel is a unique experience. It's fully paved, but be warned – it's a long, enclosed space, so maybe not ideal if you're claustrophobic. You'll need to pay a toll to use it, and keep an eye on your speedometer, as the limits are 50 km/h minimum and 70 km/h maximum. The tunnel is a single bore with two-way traffic, so stay alert. The elevation shifts, starting at 1,274 meters (4,180 feet) on the French side, peaking at 1,395.5 meters (4,578 feet) in the middle, and descending to 1,381 meters (4,531 feet) on the Italian side.
The tunnel has a checkered past, with a tragic fire in 1999 that led to major safety upgrades. Now, it boasts state-of-the-art ventilation, fire suppression, and emergency shelters, making it one of the safest tunnels around.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.611 km
- Max Elevation
- 9 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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