Train to the French Alps
Eurostar's ski train to the French Alps
From skiing and boarding to bobsleigh and skijoring, the Alps have it all. Take your pick of the many top-class resorts including Les Arcs, Val d'Isère, La Plagne, Tignes and Courchevel.
From 20th of December 2019 up to the 4th April 2020 from London, and 11th April from Bourg-St-Maurice, you can hop on the Eurostar ski train at St Pancras International or Ashford International and be whisked direct to the French Alps at 186mph.
You can find the ski train timetable here.
We'll take you direct to Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-St-Maurice. From these stations you'll have easy access to resorts like Val Thorens, Val d'Isère, Courchevel, Tignes, Méribel and Les Menuires – all just a short coach ride from the train station.
Watch our video below to get started on your ski holiday.
How to reach the ski resorts
Bourg-St-Maurice station
By bus: around 60 minutes; Adults 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com)
By taxi: around 40 minutes; about 80€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 65 minutes; Adults 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 35-50 minutes; about 50€, depending on the size of the taxi.
By bus: around 30 - 50 minutes; Adults 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 - 40 minutes; about 50 - 90€ for an 8-seater taxi from Bourg St-Maurice. By funicular (to Arc 1600): seven minutes; Adults 8.50€, children (6-13 years) 6.50€. Free shuttle buses connect the other villages from Arc 1600.
By taxi: around 15 - 25 minutes; about 55 - 65€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 25 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 minutes; about 65€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 45 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 40 minutes; about 90€ for an 8-seater taxi.
Moûtiers station
By bus: around 65 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 50 minutes; about 80€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 45-55 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 45 minutes; about 110€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 25 - 45 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 - 35 minutes; about 80€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 25 - 45 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 - 35 minutes; about 80€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 25 - 45 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 - 35 minutes; about 80€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 30 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 25 minutes; about 90€ for an 8-seater taxi.
By bus: around 45 minutes; Adult 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 40 minutes; about 100€ for an 8-seater taxi.
Aime La Plagne station
By bus: around 30 - 50 minutes; Adults 12€, Youth (U26) 9.50€ (www.altibus.com).
By taxi: around 20 - 40 minutes; about 50 - 90€ for an 8-seater taxi.
The ski map below shows the closest stations to each of the ski resorts. For more information about the ski resorts, see our ski holidays page.
What to expect
Take the train to the French Alps
Eurostar runs direct day trains to the French Alps on Saturdays between December-April and direct night trains on Fridays from January-April.
Our generous luggage allowance means you can take your skis or snowboard, as well as two suitcases at no extra charge.
Trains leave from St Pancras International in London and Ashford in Kent, direct to the French Alps. For services from London St Pancras and Ashford International, the ticket gates will close 30 minutes before departure. We advise you to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure.
Taking the night train?
Just so you know, we don't allow travellers to bring alcohol onto the train, even if it isn't consumed during the journey. Only soft drinks in sealed bottles are allowed through security at the station. This is to make sure everyone enjoys a peaceful, relaxing night.
On the night train you'll be given a blanket, pillow, eye mask and ear plugs so you arrive refreshed and ready to go.
What’s on board?
Seats are spacious with fold-down tables as well as tables of four for families and groups. There are luggage racks above the seats for small to medium bags and space at the entry of each coach for larger cases.
There are two bar buffet coaches for snacks, meals and drinks and toilets are found at the end of every coach, including some with disabled access.
Arriving in the French Alps
Eurostar trains stop at Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice where you can get a coach to many of the top ski resorts. Courchevel, La Plagne, Tignes, Meribel and Les Arcs are all within easy distance.
Return trains leave from Moûtiers and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The train does not stop at Aime-la-Plagne.
For services from Bourg St Maurice and Moutiers, you're advised to arrive 90 minutes before departure. Ticket checks close 30 minutes before departure.
If you have a ticket to Moutiers, but wish to go to and travel back from Bourg St Maurice, we do allow this. The same applies if you have a ticket to Bourg St Maurice. You can choose to alight and board at Moutiers.
Top tips for a smooth trip
- Arrive at least an hour before your train leaves.
- Look out for the extra luggage space on board.
- Travelling on the night train? Enjoy a peaceful, relaxing alcohol-free trip.
Skis go free
On direct trains to Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, you can take a pair of skis or a snowboard as well as your standard two-bag luggage allowance.
Two direct trains a week
Escape the city on Friday night, relax on board and wake up in the Alps, or spend Saturday speeding through France, admiring the scenery and arrive in time for your first fondue.
Image credits: © Meribel Tourism