Travelling to Meribel
Effortless Journey to the Alps:Reaching Meribel is straightforward whether traveling by plane, train, coach, or car. Four regional airports lie within a two-and-a-half-hour drive of the resort, ski trains connect London St Pancras via Lille or Paris to Moûtiers (just 25 minutes from Meribel), and direct coach services run throughout the season. Driving from Calais or Le Havre takes approximately 9 hours.Seamless Door-to-Door Transfers:Meribel Ski Chalets is delighted to assist with your journey. We can recommend a private minibus to collect your group directly from your arriving airport or train station, bringing you straight to your chalet door. Alternatively, explore our travel recommendations below and please do contact us if you have any travel questions.
Airport & Station Transfers
Private Minibus Service:We can recommend private minibus transfers from all nearby airports as well as Moûtiers train station. Minibuses are priced per vehicle rather than per seat, offering exceptional value for families and groups. We recommend traveling via Chambéry, Geneva, or Lyon, and suggest avoiding Grenoble or Lyon during peak holiday Saturdays when possible.Approximate Transfer Durations:
- Low Season (January, March & April):
- Moûtiers Station: 25 minutes
- Chambéry Airport: 1½ hours
- Geneva Airport: 2¼ hours
- Lyon Airport: 2½ hours
- High Season (Peak Saturdays in December, January & February):
- Moûtiers Station: 40 minutes
- Chambéry Airport: ~2¼ hours
- Geneva Airport: 3–3½ hours
- Lyon Airport: Up to 4 hours
*Transfer times are estimates and vary according to weather and traffic conditions. All our operators schedule generous buffer time on departure journeys so please let them know your flight/train departure time to ensure a relaxed arrival for your homeward flight or train.
Arriving by Plane
Travelling by Coach
Direct Overnight Service from the UK:
Travel in complete comfort direct to Moûtiers on an overnight coach services operating from London and Folkestone, and then a 30 minute shuttle up to Meribel. Departing Friday night and returning the following Saturday night, this seamless option allows for an extra full day on the slopes, offering 8 complete days of skiing. Service is operated by Snow Express; full details and timetables are available via their website.
Connecting Airport Coach Transfers:
Coach services also run from all main regional airports and Moûtiers train station directly up to Meribel. Transfers operate frequently from Geneva, while routes from other airports may involve a brief coach change in Moûtiers. For groups of four or more, a private minibus transfer often proves more cost-effective and direct.
- Altibus: Schedules and tickets for coach services operating from Geneva, and Lyon airports, as well as Moûtiers station, can be booked at www.altibus.com.
- Ben’s Bus: A budget-friendly transfer alternative running directly from Geneva (to Meribel), and from Lyon and Grenoble airports to Moutiers.
Fly & Drive
Car Hire Flexibility:
Renting a vehicle from your arrival airport is often a convenient, cost-effective choice depending on your party size. Pre-booking your car online in advance generally yields the best rates across all airport agencies. If flying into Geneva, renting on the Swiss side—while slightly higher in price—includes the required Swiss motorway vignette and avoids navigating through the French terminal exit. Swiss hire cars will come with winter tyres. Check with the French car hire companies that their cars come with winter tyres. We would recommend hiring snow chains.
Driving to Resort & Parking:
The main mountain access road to Méribel is cleared regularly, though carrying snow chains in your vehicle is always recommended just in case. Once you arrive at Chalet Snowbel or Chalet La Petite Silene, you can park right outside your front door to unload luggage easily. Following drop-off, a nearby covered underground car park is available for approximately €100 per week (we will gladly send driving and parking directions ahead of your trip).
Driving from the UK or Europe
Route Overview & Driving Times:
Driving to Meribel from Calais, Dieppe, Caen or Le Havre is straightforward, consisting almost entirely of direct motorway driving down to Moûtiers, followed by a gentle 25-minute climb up to the resort. Total driving time from the French ports is approximately 9 hours (excluding rest stops), with motorway tolls costing around €80 each way.
French Driving Requirements & Tips:
- Legal Equipment: Drivers in France must carry a warning triangle, a high-visibility safety vest ( recommended one for each driver and passenger), headlight converters, and a UK sticker.
- Winter Road Prep: Carrying snow chains is essential for the final stretch up the valley during active snowfall, even though main roads are maintained and cleared promptly.
- Overnight Stoppovers: Many guests break up the journey with an overnight stay near Moûtiers, allowing them to arrive refreshed and enjoy a full first day on the mountain.
Ferry & Eurotunnel Crossings:
- Dover to Calais: Crossings operated by P&O Ferries and DFDS.
- Portsmouth to Le Havre/Caen: Direct sailings operated by Brittany Ferries.
- Folkestone to Calais: The fast, convenient Le Shuttle service.