Travelling to Méribel by train : How to get there ?

Méribel, at the heart of the 3 Vallées and the world’s largest interconnected ski area, attracts thousands of skiers every winter. Why not leave the car in the garage? The train is becoming an increasingly popular way to reach the mountains, offering a combination of comfort, convenience and an eco-friendly approach.
Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station, just 18 km from the resort, is your gateway by rail.

• Direct TGV services from Paris in high season, TER services from Chambéry all year round
• Altibus shuttle buses coordinated with train arrivals at Moûtiers station
• No winter equipment (snow chains, snow tyres) is required for the final leg of the journey

Here’s everything you need to know to organise your trip with peace of mind.

Why choose the train to get to Méribel?

Travelling by train to Méribel combines three major advantages: a lower carbon footprint compared to travelling by car or plane, a stress-free journey without the hassle of driving in the mountains, and a direct arrival at Moûtiers station with organised connections to the resort.

Passenger rail travel reached a record high in 2024, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition’s website. This is no coincidence. More and more holidaymakers are choosing to travel by train to reach the resort.

As for comfort, you can work, read or sleep during the journey. No one will ask you to fit snow chains at midnight on a snow-covered road. This is because, between 1 November and 31 March, the Mountain Law requires winter equipment to be fitted to cars. By train, this requirement no longer applies. And if, despite everything, you’d rather drive to Méribel, we’ve also put together a guide for that.

Which is the nearest station to Méribel?

Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains station is located about 18 km from Méribel, a 25- to 30-minute drive. It is the rail terminus for all the resorts in the 3 Vallées.

Direct TGV services from Paris run to this station during the peak winter season. The rest of the year, TER services connect Chambéry to Moûtiers in around 1 hour 15 minutes. Chambéry also serves as a frequent interchange station for travellers coming from the south, west or east of France. Find all the ways to get to Méribel on our dedicated page.

What are the train routes to Méribel from major cities?

From Paris and the Île-de-France region

The most direct route departs from Gare de Lyon: a TGV takes you to Moûtiers in around 4 hours 30 minutes. During peak season, direct services are increased, particularly on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Outside peak season, you’ll need to change at Chambéry and then take a TER, which adds about 1 hour to the journey. As for fares, book 3 to 6 months in advance: the cheapest fares are under €60 one way in second class.

From Lyon

It’s a short journey from France’s second-largest city. From Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache, TER and TGV services reach Moûtiers in 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the type of train. Services run more frequently at weekends during the winter season.

Good to know: if you’re flying into Lyon Saint-Exupéry, there’s a TGV station right inside the airport. Handy for a seamless connection.

From London and Brussels

From London St Pancras, the Eurostar takes you to Paris Gare du Nord in 2 hours 15 minutes. You’ll then need to make your way to Gare de Lyon (30 to 45 minutes by RER or taxi) to catch the TGV to Moûtiers. Total journey time: around 8 to 9 hours.

From Brussels-Midi, the Thalys or Eurostar takes you to Paris in 1 hour 30 minutes, followed by the same connection. Allow 7 to 8 hours in total. Make sure you allow plenty of time for the transfer between the two Parisian stations, and don’t forget that a passport is compulsory for British travellers.

From other French cities (Marseille, Lille, Nantes, Strasbourg)

A tip: always allow 45 minutes to 1 hour between your connections in Paris. Changing stations in the Île-de-France region can sometimes throw up surprises, especially when travelling with luggage.

How do I get to Méribel from Moûtiers station?

Altibus shuttles and regular coaches

Altibus shuttles are the most economical option for the station-to-resort transfer. Their departures are coordinated with train arrivals at Moûtiers station. The journey to Méribel takes 25 to 30 minutes.

Book in advance on the Altibus website, especially on Saturdays during school holidays when it gets very busy.

Taxis, private hire vehicles and car hire

For a more flexible transfer, several taxi and private hire companies based in Méribel offer saloon cars or minibuses. This is the ideal option for families or groups with lots of luggage.

Another option is to hire a car in Moûtiers. This gives you greater freedom of movement during your stay to explore the resorts in the heart of the 3 Vallées.

How do you get around Méribel once you’re there?

Good news: once you’ve arrived, you won’t need a car. The free Méribus shuttle buses connect all areas of the resort, from Les Allues to Méribel-Mottaret. Timetables are available online and at the tourist information offices.

The free cable car runs from 7.30 am to 11.30 pm between Mottaret centre and Le Hameau. As for the resort’s layout, it’s designed for ski-in/ski-out access: most accommodation offers direct access to the slopes, particularly in Méribel-Mottaret (altitude 1,700 to 1,800 m).

Some practical tips for organising your train journey to Méribel

Booking and peak periods to bear in mind

Saturdays during the winter school holidays are the busiest days. Book your tickets several weeks in advance. Méribel is also expecting record visitor numbers for the 2025–2026 winter season, with an 87.5 per cent occupancy rate during the Christmas holidays.

Travelling midweek means you’ll find less crowded trains and lower fares. Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive checklist to help you prepare for your skiing holiday.

Can you take your ski equipment on the train?

Skis and snowboards are allowed on board TGVs, provided they are stored in a suitable carry bag. Some trains have dedicated spaces for bulky luggage, but these spaces are limited. Make sure you arrive at the platform early.

The smart alternative: hire your kit directly in Méribel!

You’ll travel light, without having to lug your gear around the station, and you’ll pick up equipment that’s been maintained on site.

Find your holiday accommodation in Méribel to complete your trip

Your journey is all sorted. All that’s left is to find the right accommodation. 

Agence Saulire, based in Méribel since 1984, offers a selection of holiday apartments in Méribel, in the heart of the 3 Vallées.

As a family-run, independent agency, it has over 40 years’ experience in the local market. Since 2022, the team has also been based in Courchevel La Tania for those wishing to explore other resorts in the ski area.

The multilingual team (French, English, Spanish, Russian) is available all year round.

Contact them on +33 (0) 4 79 00 41 89, 100 Chem. des Bleuets, 73550 Les Allues.

FAQ: everything you need to know about travelling to Méribel by train

Is there a direct TGV service to Moûtiers all year round?

No. Direct Paris–Moûtiers TGVs mainly run during the peak winter season (December to April). The rest of the year, you’ll need to travel via Chambéry and take a connecting TER train to Moûtiers. Allow for an extra hour’s journey time.

Are there shuttle buses between Moûtiers station and Méribel in the evening?

Yes, Altibus shuttles offer evening departures timed to coincide with the arrival of the last trains. During the peak season, the timetable is extended. Check the available times on the Altibus website and book your seat in advance to guarantee your transfer.