Val d’Isère sits in south-eastern France in the Rhône-Alpes region and is one of the easier resorts to get to by train. Eurostar Direct Ski trains stop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice which is just a short transfer away. Air travel incurs slightly longer transfers than other resorts (about 3 hours) and the journey time from Calais by car is approximately 12 hours.
Flying to Val d’Isère
Val is not as close as some resorts to the major airports. However, the resort, and quality of pistes more than make up for this. The majority of airlines fly into Geneva (Switzerland), which is 177km away and has the most transfer options. The next biggest airport is Lyon St Exupéry, which has public buses to many ski resorts. The smaller airport of Chambéry is closer but public transport links are minimal or non-existent. Driving times shown here are approximate but remember traffic increases significantly during school holidays and any snow will also cause delays. Also note the distance will vary depending on which route you take.
- Chambery to Val d’Isere 144km, transfer time around 2 hrs
- Geneva to Val d’Isere 187km, transfer time around 3hrs
- Grenoble to Val d’Isere 211km, transfer time around 2.5hrs
- Lyon St Exupery to Val d’Isere 236km, transfer time around 3hrs
Transfers to Val d’Isere
Bus transfers are the most economical way to travel to resort from the airport or train station. If possible, try to book your tickets well in advance as the buses can get very busy.
Taking the train to Val d’Isère
A couple of trains a week arrive into Bourg-Saint-Marice, which is 30km from Val d’Isère. Traditionally the trains operate on Fridays and Saturdays. Eurostar runs a direct train from London that only take 7.5 hours and can be purchased for about £150.
Driving to Val d’Isère
Having a car gives the option to explore neighbouring resorts such as Les Arcs and La Plagne but parking in Val d’Isere is pricey and can be difficult to find unless you pre-book. If you prefer to drive all the way you should allow 12 hours from Calais and expect to pay about €66 for tolls. There are a number of ferries run by P&O, DFDS Seaways and Brittany Ferries, or you can board the train at Ashford in Kent with your car. Be warned that many route planners show the quickest way from UK to Val as going over the St. Bernard pass. The pass is nearly always closed between November and June so head through Lyon and Chambéry towards Albertville instead.
