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How to reach Les 3 Vallées by train? Practical guide
In the heart of Savoie, Les 3 Vallées ski area invites you to experience something truly unique. Every year, thousands of ski and mountain enthusiasts like you come to enjoy more than 600 kilometers of interconnected slopes. As the largest ski area in the world, this destination attracts skiers from all over France—and far beyond. However, the ease of getting there plays a key role in your overall experience… because as everyone knows, a great holiday begins with a smooth and stress-free journey.
Of all means of transport, the train is one of the most widely used. It is a fast, comfortable and environmentally-friendly solution. Rail links to the Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains station provide a main gateway to the resort. You can easily reach Méribel.
This comprehensive guide provides all the practical information you need to ski in the 3 Vallées, including how to organize your journey from major French and European cities. It also offers practical advice on how to manage connections and luggage, as well as an overview of alternatives to the train for reaching any of the resorts, such as : the most efficient train routes to the 3 Vallées from France, London or Brussels; transfer solutions between Moûtiers station and the resort ; alternatives to the train: car, plane, bus or camper van.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Paris and the Paris region?
Access to the 3 Vallées ski area from Paris is mainly via Gare de Lyon.
In high season, visitors offer Direct TGVs to Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains. These connections take around 4 h 30 without change. Outside these periods, you'll need to take a TGV from Paris to Chambéry, then a TER or bus to Moûtiers, extending the journey by around an hour.
During the winter break accessibility is enhanced with special TGVs. These are added on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings to absorb the crowds. Sunday afternoons account for the majority of returns to Paris. You can plan ahead to avoid full trains.
However, demand is very strong during the school vacations and the busy weekends. It is therefore advisable to book as soon as sales open. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance will not only guarantee your seat, but also save you money. You'll be able to take advantage of first-class fares, which generally come in at under 60 euros one way. Conversely last-minute reservations usually exceed 120 euros.
In terms of comfort, TGV trains accept bulky luggage. Ski equipment and a few additional accessories can also be taken on board, provided they meet the following requirements properly covered. However, Moûtiers' quays can be crowded, and transferring to the station often requires you to handle your belongings several times. As a result, light travel remains the best option for the best experience.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Lyon?
Lyon, one of France's major metropolises, also brings many visitors to the 3 Vallées every year by train.
Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache offer direct connections to the Tarentaise valley. The nearest rail destination is Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains station.
Visitors can choose between TER and direct TGV trains, with an average journey time of 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the type of train. Frequencies are increased at weekends to meet high demand. We advise you to book tickets in advance to optimize your trip. Train + bus packages are also very advantageous. They make it easier to transfer to your chosen resort without having to run a separate shuttle.
Visit peak season you'll benefit from an early morning or mid-week departure. This avoids the saturation of trains and shuttles. The journey is much smoother, and the start of your stay more serene.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from London?
For British travelers, the train journey begins on board the Eurostar.
It links London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. It is the connection for to the Tarentaise valley. From the capital, TGV or TER trains run to Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains to access the various 3 Vallées resorts.
The journey generally takes 8 to 9 hours and includes a change in Paris, depending on connections. However, you should plan ahead for ticket reservation during periods of high demand, such as the winter school vacations. International tickets generally open several months in advance. Visitors must hurry to find the best seats.
As for formalities, in addition to the passport required on arrival and departure, holidaymakers are subject to customs control. You can carry ski equipment as long as you respect the dimensions indicated. Most importantly, always calculate the connection time carefully, to avoid stress and make the journey to the mountains easier.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Brussels?
From Brussels-Midi, you can reach Les 3 Vallées by Thalys or Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord.
Journey to Paris Gare du Nord lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes on average. Then there's a transfer to Gare de Lyon, from where direct TGV trains leave for Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains. This takes around 4 h 30 minutes, depending on connections.
Some booking platforms allow you to combine the Brussels - Moûtiers journey into a single ticket. This reduces the risk of delays. This solution is particularly suitable for families and groups. It manages luggage and ski equipment. You can also take advantage of special rates by booking several weeks in advance.
To lighten your budget, take advantage of discounts for groups or children. Note that morning trains are highly recommended for more comfort. They enable Belgian holidaymakers to arrive in Moûtiers in the late afternoon. They also facilitate connections with local shuttles and buses.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Marseille?
From Marseille Saint-Charles, the rail link the most common is to take a TGV Inoui or TER to Lyon Part-Dieu.
From Lyon Part-Dieu, you'll need to continue towards Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains to reach one of the main resorts in the area. Depending on the timetable, you can opt for certain combinations to arrive in less than 6 h 30.
Marseille-Lyon trains run several times a day departures per day this makes it easier to adjust the route to suit connections in Lyon. This is also the case with TGV trains to Tarentaise. They run several times a day, especially on Fridays and Saturdays in winter.
If you don't want to wait too long, we recommend you book early and choose close matches. Ideally, allow at least 30 to 40 minutes between trains. As far as logistics are concerned, the SNCF only allows skis and snowboards on board if they are protected with appropriate covers.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Lille?
From Lille-Europe or Lille-Flandres, the simplest solution for reach the 3 Vallées by train is to take a direct TGV to Paris Gare de Lyon.
From Paris Gare de Lyon, you can take a TGV to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains, heading for Méribel. Depending on timetables and the fluidity of connections, the journey takes between 6 and 7 h 30.
You can also travel via Marne-la-Vallée Chessy if you don't want to change stations in Paris. Otherwise, you'll need to plan a transfer between Paris Gare du Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon. This takes about 30 minutes by RER D or cab. Booking is highly recommended, as school vacation weekends are very busy.
Families with children will benefit from taking direct trains to Paris early in the morning to reduce waiting times. As for groups of friends, they can take advantage of special ticket prices to lighten their budget.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Grand Est?
From Strasbourg, Nancy or Metz, combine TGV and shuttle services to easily reach the Alpine resorts.
From Strasbourg, travellers have access to Direct TGVs to Paris Gare de l'Est in 2 hours, then on to Gare de Lyon to embark for Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains. Total journey time is estimated at around 7 hours.
From Nancy and Metz, you can also go through Paris or take the TGV to Lyon Part-Dieu. This second option reduces total travel time by around 30 minutes. All that's needed for a successful journey is good connection management. Reservations are the best way to guarantee a good seat during busy periods.
You should also allow at least one hour between station changes in Paris. Combined tickets are an excellent way of avoiding delays. If you're from Germany or Luxembourg, you can transit via Metz or Strasbourg, before continuing on to Paris or Lyon. Once in Moûtiers, you'll find buses and shuttles to the resort of Méribel.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from South-Ouest?
Accessibility to the estate by train from Toulouse or Bordeaux generally involves a connecting flight to Lyon or Paris.
From Toulouse, you'll find a direct TGV that regularly connects Lyon Part-Dieu in around 4 hours. You can then continue on to Chambéry and Moûtiers, all in a total of 7h30 minutes.
From Bordeaux, passengers take the TGV Atlantique to Paris Montparnasse, then to Gare de Lyon to continue to Moûtiers, all in 8 hours. They can also go via Lyon, but the journey takes a little longer depending on the timetable. To limit unforeseen events, opt for the combined train+bus tickets. They ensure the continuity of the journey to the stations.
Remember that you can take your ski equipment with you on TGV trains. However, if you want to be sure of making the right connections with a minimum of 45 minutes in Paris or Lyon, you'll need to be able to manage your travel arrangements with peace of mind station changes.
How do I get to Les 3 Vallées from Nantes/Rennes?
If you're travelling by train from the west of France to the 3 Valleys, you'll mainly have to pass through Paris.
If you're coming to the 3 Vallées by train from the west of France, you'll mainly have to go via Paris. Take the TGV Atlantique to Paris Montparnasse then transfer to Paris Gare de Lyon and continue by TGV to Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains. The journey takes 7 to 8 hours, depending on connections.
Please note that TGV services from Nantes and Rennes to Paris are very frequent. So it's best to book your tickets several weeks in advance, especially during school vacations. Not only do you benefit from best places but also low fares. This reduces the cost of travel for children and teenagers.
Du point de vue logistique, le transport du matériel de ski est autorisé dans les TGV seulement s’il est protégé par une housse adaptée. Enfin, prévoyez au moins 45 minutes to 1 hour between connections in Paris to ensure a smooth link to local shuttles.
How do I get to Méribel from Moûtiers station?
Holidaymakers have several transfer options to reach the resort from the Moûtiers train station, around 35 km away. The shuttles are the most popular, thanks to their ease of use economic. They offer coordinated departures on arriving trains.
However, travelers benefit from the added comfort of taking a cab or VTC. They ensure a direct, personalized journey. Visit car rental is also an option if you're looking for more flexibility during your stay.
Booking in advance will help you secure your place and avoid long waits. Planning your arrival according to shuttle schedules while avoiding rush hours, offers considerable time savings.
Shuttles and cabs also accept ski equipment. In terms of accessibility for people with reduced mobility this is guaranteed with these two transfer options. Moûtiers station also has dedicated boarding facilities.
To see all the shuttles available in Méribel in real time, download the 3 Vallées app.
What are the alternatives to the train?
By car, visitors can take the A43 from Lyon or the A41 from Geneva, then the N90 to Moûtiers. If you're traveling in winter, you'll need to bring your own snow tires or channels. Most importantly, always check traffic conditions before setting off. And don't forget the park-and-ride facilities if you choose to carpool!
The nearest airports are Chambéry (1 h), Grenoble (1 h 30), Lyon Saint-Exupéry and Geneva (2 h). They all offer shuttles or private transfers to the stations.
Yes, you can come by camper van. There are plenty of service areas in Les 3 Vallées. However, you need to be careful about winter conditions. Parking is regulated.
Many airlines offer connections from Paris, Lyon or Grenoble to Moûtiers. You can also take local shuttles for the trip up to the resort. Prices range from 30 to 60 euros, including ski luggage.
FAQ - Your questions about how to reach Les 3 Vallées
The Moûtiers - Salins - Brides-les-Bains train station is the closest to the 3 Vallées ski area. Located around 20 kilometers from the main resorts, it is the ideal arrival point for rail travelers. From here, shuttles, buses and cabs provide easy access to Méribel.
The price of a train ticket varies according to your departure station, the booking period and the type of train you choose. On average, you should expect to pay between 35 and 130 euros. Booking in advance often allows you to benefit from advantageous rates, especially outside school vacations.
There are no direct trains to the ski resorts themselves. The closest station is Moutiers. From there, travelers must take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to reach the resorts, which usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
It's a good idea to store your skis and poles in a suitable bag, so you can travel comfortably without risking damage to your equipment. Rigid or padded covers offer better protection. Some trains also have dedicated spaces for bulky luggage, making it easier to transport ski equipment.
Saturdays during the winter school vacations are particularly busy, as many holidaymakers arrive or depart on that day. It's advisable to book your tickets several weeks in advance. Travelling during the week or outside the vacation period means you can avoid the crowds and enjoy more comfortable journeys.
