How to get to Meribel by Plane, Train, Car, or Coach

The flexibility of organising your own travel arrangements means that you can choose the option which best suits you and your party. To this end we have supplied you the following information to help you find the perfect combination of great value and stress-free travel.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for any help and advice on travel options.

FLYING TO MERIBEL

TAKING THE TRAIN TO MERIBEL

DRIVING TO MERIBEL

TAKING A COACH TO MERIBEL

ARRIVING IN MERIBEL BY HELICOPTER

GETTING AROUND THE THREE VALLEYS

Flying to Meribel

Flying to Meribel, France

The benefits of flying to Meribel

Meribel's close proximity to a number of airports makes flying an extremely fast and convenient way to travel. The fact that flying can often be the cheapest way to travel makes it the favored option for many of our guests.

Below you will find information about the advantages (and disadvantages) of flying to Meribel, what airports to arrive at that best serve Meribel, what local airports you can fly from, and your transfer options for getting to the resort from your arrival airport.

The pros and cons of flying to Meribel


Pros Cons
Pros Cons
A quick way to travel. The potential of long airport queues and delays.
Frequent deals available with budget airlines. Limited baggage allowance and potential extra costs for sports equipment.
Frequent flights. Not the most eco-friendly mode of transport.

What airport can I fly into to get to Meribel?

There are a number of airports that you can fly into when travelling to Meribel. The table below outlines the distance and approximate transfer time from each of the nearby airports.

Airport Distance from Meribel Approximate transfer time to Meribel
Airport Distance from Meribel Approximate transfer time to Meribel
Geneva 180 km 2 hrs
Lyon 178 km 2 hrs
Grenoble 175 km 2 hrs
Chambery 102 km 1 hr 30 min

Whilst Meribel is within quick and easy reach of all nearby airports, each airport has its own pros and cons.

Chambery is the closest airport to Meribel, and it’s also the smallest of the four airports. Being just over 100 km from Meribel, the short transfer time can often be appealing to travelers. However, Chambery tends to offer less frequent flights, which can often lead to it being a more expensive option.

While all airports and transfer routes will be busier during peak travel periods, routes between Lyon and Grenoble are known to experience traffic delays during busy times, such as December and February. In contrast, Geneva is generally the best prepared to deal with large volumes of travelers.

Geneva is often considered the most convenient airport when getting to Meribel. Despite a slightly longer transfer time, flights are more regular compared to other nearby airports and are therefore often cheaper. There are also two main routes from Geneva to Meribel, which can help reduce traffic during busy periods. Another advantage of Geneva is the short flight time; almost all flights to Geneva from within Europe are under two hours. From London, you will reach Geneva in just 1 hour and 40 minutes, and from Paris in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.

What airport options do I have in the UK and Ireland to fly direct to Meribel?

To help you find the airport closest to home in the UK or Ireland, below is a list of airlines that fly direct to either Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble, or Chambery during a typical winter skiing season. Please note, flights are often seasonal and can be withdrawn or added, so please check with your prefered airport or carrier.

UK or Ireland airport Airlines Airports near to Meribel
UK or Ireland airport Airlines Airports near to Meribel
Belfast easyJet Geneva
Birmingham easyJet, Jet2 Geneva
Bournemouth easyJet Geneva
Bristol easyJet Geneva / Lyon
Dublin Aer Lingus, Ryanair Geneva / Lyon / Grenoble
Edinburgh easyJet, Jet2 Geneva / Grenoble
Glasgow easyJet Geneva
Leeds Bradford Jet2 Geneva / Chambery
Liverpool easyJet Geneva
London City British Airways, Swiss Geneva / Lyon / Grenoble / Chambery
London Gatwick British Airways, easyJet Geneva / Lyon / Grenoble / Chambery
London Heathrow British Airways, Swiss Geneva / Lyon
London Luton easyJet Geneva / Lyon
London Stansted easyJet, Ryanair Geneva / Grenoble / Chambery
Manchester British Airways, Jet2 Geneva / Grenoble
Newcastle easyJet Geneva
Southampton easyJet Geneva

Can I fly to Meribel from outside the UK and Ireland?

Travelling to Meribel from outside the UK and Ireland is easily done via Geneva. Flights to Geneva can be caught from a vast number of cities, both across Europe and beyond—including America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The table below details the European cities that typically offer direct flights to and from Geneva. It’s useful to note that the frequency and cost of flights from these cities will change throughout the course of the year.

Region Direct flights to/from Geneva Airlines
Region Direct flights to/from Geneva Airlines
Northern & Central Europe Austria (Vienna), Belgium (Brussels), Denmark (Copenhagen), Finland (Helsinki), France (Ajaccio, Bastia, Biarritz, Bordeaux, Calvi, Figari, La Rochelle, Lille, Nantes, Nice, Paris, Rennes & Toulouse), Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg & Munich), Latvia (Riga), Luxembourg, Netherlands (Amsterdam), Norway (Oslo), Sweden (Stockholm & Goteborg), Switzerland (Zurich) airBaltic, Air France, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, easyJet, Eurowings, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, Norwegian, SAS, Swiss, Transavia
Southern Europe Greece (Athens, Heraklion & Kalamata), Italy (Brindisi, Cagliari, Catania, Milan, Naples, Olbia, Palermo, Rome & Venice), Portugal (Faro, Lisbon & Porto), Spain (Alicante, Barcelona, Bilbao, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Santiago de Compostela, Tenerife & Valencia) Aegean, ITA Airways, easyJet, Iberia, Swiss, TAP, Vueling
Eastern Europe Albania (Tirana), Belarus (Minsk), Bulgaria (Sofia), Czech Republic (Prague), Hungary (Budapest), Poland (Krakow & Warsaw), Romania (Bucharest), Russia (Moscow & St Petersburg), Serbia (Belgrade & Pristina), Ukraine (Kyiv) Aeroflot, Belavia, easyjet, LOT, Swiss, UIA, WizzAir

Transfer options from the airport to Meribel

Private transfers

Private transfer is the most straightforward way to travel to Meribel from any airport. There are a number of companies who offer Meribel transfers and here at Ski Basics, we are on hand to help organise this for you. All you need to do is let us know your flight details; arrival/departure airport, times, date, number of people including children and infants.

If you would prefer to organise this yourself or simply take some time to consider the best option for you, visit our transfer page page. Here you will find transfers FAQs, price guides and our recommendations for the most reliable service providers.

Shared transfers

Another option is a shared Meribel transfer. Ben’s Bus is a shared transfer service that offers low priced transport to Meribel, from a number of the nearby airports on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s useful to note that Ben’s bus does offer transfers from Geneva to Meribel on some weekdays too. Their airport transfers to Meribel costs £94 for a return ticket and £50.50 for a single trip, and you can visit their website to receive a personalised quote.

For more information on shared Meribel transfer providers, visit our transfer page.

Public transport

Airport buses also provide transfer services to Meribel, often via the bus station in Moutiers. Moutiers is a small town located at the bottom of the mountain, just below Meribel. From here, you can then travel on the local bus service from €12.50.

Approximate bus journey times and their frequency from the four airports nearby to Meribel are listed below.

Airport Journey time Running frequency (Winter only)
Airport Journey time Running frequency (Winter only)
Geneva 2 hrs 45 mins (via Moutiers) Daily, with 8 buses on Saturdays, 4 on Sundays, and 3 on all other days.
Lyon 3 hrs 15 mins (via Moutiers) 1 bus a day on Fridays, 4 on Saturdays, and 1 on Sundays.
Grenoble 2 hrs (via Moutiers) Buses run on Saturdays and Sundays and are scheduled around flight times.
Chambery 2 hrs (via Moutiers) 2 buses a day on Saturdays, and 1 a day on Sundays.

For more information on bus times and prices, visit altibus.com.

Taking the train to Meribel

The Eurostar Ski train

During the ski season, the Eurostar 'Ski train' runs from London St Pancras International (via Lille Europe) to the French Alps.

Trains depart from London every Saturday and return every Sunday, with a total train journey time in each direction of roughly 8 to 9 hours.

Please note that when booking, the destination station for the French Alps ski resorts is Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Taking the train to Meribel, France

The pros and cons of taking the train to Meribel


Pros Cons
Pros Cons
The most eco-friendly mode of transport. A longer actual journey time compared to flying.
Relax and enjoy breath-taking views of The Alps and places such as Lake Annecy. Less frequent journeys mean demand can be high and the trains can book up very quickly.
Generous baggage allowance means you can take ski equipment as well as baggage at no extra cost. Can be expensive when compared to budget airlines.
Eurostar is a member of Railteam, which means travellers can benefit from the ‘Hop on the next available train’ feature should they experience any delays or cancellations on their journey, providing peace of mind when connecting between trains. Requires a connecting service meaning an increased chance of delays.
Quicker security and boarding versus the airport. You need to travel from London.

Top tips for train ticket booking

Train ticket prices vary throughout the year and depend on a number of different factors. Things such as date of travel, your age, your destination, the size of your group and how far in advance you have booked.

Based on this, we recommend that you always purchase your tickets as far in advance as possible. Eurostar tickets usually go on sale from mid-july and this is when the prices will be at their lowest.

Advance booking will not only ensure you get the best price possible but also that you’re able to travel on your desired day. Demand for the trains can be particularly high during the peak periods such as, Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter.

Travelling by train to Meribel from within France

Naturally, you can reach Meribel by train from other parts of France and Europe. Your overall journey time is likely to vary depending on the time of day you travel and the number of changes you are required to make.

The table below provides average journey durations to Meribel (via Moutiers train station) from other train stations in France (and all the nearest airports with a train station nearby) and includes the 25 minute transfer from Moutier to Meribel.

Station Average duration
Station Average duration
Paris 5 hrs 45 min
Bordeaux 9 hrs
Calais 8 hrs 30 min
Marseille 6 hrs 30 min
Nantes 9 hrs
Toulouse 9 hrs
Geneva 4 hrs 45 min
Lyon 4 hrs 30 min

Driving to Meribel

Road trip!

Driving has always been a popular way to travel to The Alps and Meribel. You can make a road trip of it, choosing your own scenic route and scheduling your own stops.

Below you will find information about the pros and cons of driving to Meribel, crossing the English Channel, driving in France, the potential costs, and advice on parking and using your car in Meribel.

Driving to Meribel

The pros and cons of driving to Meribel


Pros Cons
Pros Cons
Driving to Meribel grants you the freedom to take the journey at your own pace. You are solely responsible for getting to your destination.
It's cost-effective for groups splitting the overall cost, such as a group of friends. It may seem initially expensive when factoring in the cost of crossings, tolls, and fuel.
You will not be limited by baggage allowance. Longer journey time.
You’ll have the added convenience of having your car with you, should you wish to use it at the resort. You may need to drive during heavy snowfall.

Top tips on driving to Meribel from the UK

Time and distance

Your route and journey duration depend on whether you decide to cross the Channel via ferry or LeShuttle (also known as the Eurotunnel) train. It will also depend on where in the UK you’re traveling from.

The quickest way to cross the Channel is with LeShuttle. The crossing takes just 35 minutes to travel from Folkestone to Calais. In comparison, the ferry takes approximately 90 minutes and leaves from Dover, also heading to Calais.

Once you arrive in Calais, the journey to Meribel is just over 900 km and usually takes approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes, taking the most direct route with favourable traffic.

Getting an early evening crossing and staying overnight in a hotel once in France is a great choice. This breaks up the journey and enables you to get a good night’s sleep. If this sounds like a good option for you, we recommend stopping off in either Reims or Dijon. Reims is around a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Calais.

If you would prefer to keep driving once in France, continuing on to Moutiers throughout the day on Saturday is another excellent choice. Once you arrive in Moutiers, you’re just a short drive up the mountain from Meribel. This way, you can get a good night's rest on Saturday night and head straight up to Meribel on Sunday morning, well-rested and ready to enjoy the quiet changeover day slopes.

If you’re staying with Ski Basics and would like to hit the slopes first thing, your chalet manager will be able to meet you with your ski passes and store your bags for you. Later in the afternoon, once you’re finished on the slopes, your bags will be ready and waiting in your chalet, along with your chalet hosts and freshly baked afternoon tea.

For help planning your route and comparing toll vs. non-toll road options, it's worth using the AA Route Planner or Google Maps.

The cost of crossing the Channel

Due to the convenience of a shorter crossing time compared to taking the ferry, Le Shuttle is charged at a premium. The crossing costs from around £112 each way, compared to around £80 each way on the ferry.

Bookings can be made quickly and easily online for both crossings.

Motorway tolls

The amount you pay to drive on motorways (autoroutes) will depend on the type of vehicle you’re driving and how far you’ve travelled within that toll zone. To keep things simple, the cost of driving within each zone is clearly marked as you approach the toll (marked 'Péage'). You will receive a ticket when entering a toll zone and pay upon exit, either in cash or by card. An approximate guideline for the total cost of tolls each way is around €80.

SANEF (Société des Autoroutes du Nord et de l'Est de la France), who operate the route, provide the facility to calculate the cost of your journey including tolls and fuel.

Télépéage motorway toll lanes

To avoid delays and actually stopping at the motorway tolls, you can use an automatic system that allows you to pass quickly through in the ‘télépéage’ lane. Télépéage lanes are clearly marked with a 'T'. This works via a small electronic transponder (tag) that you carry in your car, usually in the form of a badge inside your windscreen.

There are now several companies that offer this service across France and the rest of Europe, such as Bip&Go, Ulys, and Emovis. This usually requires a sign-up/subscription but can easily be managed via an app.

French road laws

It’s important to note that there are a small number of additional requirements when driving in France, compared to the UK. French road law requires you to have items such as a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a high-visibility jacket all within easy reach of the driver. You’re also required to apply headlight converters to your headlights when driving through France. While you may not always be asked to show proof of these items, you risk being fined should you travel without them.

Driving to Meribel is a popular and enjoyable experience, but we recommend familiarising yourself with what’s required and ensuring you have everything before heading off. More information on what you’ll need, as well as other useful details, can be found on the LeShuttle website (link below).

Snow chains

Road access to Meribel is extremely well established and maintained throughout the season. However, it’s important not to underestimate the challenges that come with driving on snow. While snow clearance is frequent in and around Meribel, conditions can change quickly, and driving up and down the mountain can be challenging even for those experienced in snowy conditions. Therefore, it’s important to always have your snow chains easily accessible.

We also recommend practicing how to put on and take off your snow chains before traveling.

Europe map with Meribel

Driving to Meribel from other areas in Europe

Due to its central location in Europe and excellent links to nearby motorways, driving to Meribel from other parts of France and Europe is very convenient.

See below for the average journey times by car to Meribel from major cities in the UK & Europe.

We’ve also included driving times from the nearest airports for those considering a hire car after their flight.

Typical journey times to Meribel by car from across Europe


Driving from Journey time Distance and route
Driving from Journey time Distance and route
London 10 hrs 40 min to 14 hrs 20 min 1,132 km via A26
Manchester 14 to 18 hrs 1,461 km via A26
Amsterdam 10 hrs 30 min to 14 hrs 20 min 1,124 km via A31
Berlin 12 hrs 20 min to 16 hrs 40 min 1,292 km via A5
Brussels 8 hrs 20 min to 11 hrs 10 min 919 km via A6
Lisbon 16 hrs 10 min to 21 hrs 30 min 1,915 km via via A-62
Madrid 12 hrs to 16 hrs 20 min 1,367 km via via A-2
Paris 6 to 8 hrs 663 km via A6
Rome 8 hrs 30 min to 11 hrs 30 min 906 km via A1/E35
Vienna 11 hrs 40 min to 15 hrs 30 min 1,229 km via S Autobahn and A4
Zürich 4 hrs 40 min to 6 hrs 10 min 455 km via A1
Geneva (Airport) 2 hrs to 2 hrs 40 min 182 km via A41
Lyon (Airport) 1 hr 50 min to 2 hrs 30 min 180 km via A43
Grenoble (Airport) 1 hr 50 min to 2 hrs 30 min 175 km via A41
Chambrey (Airport) 1 hr 15 min to 1 hr 40 min 103 km via A43 and N90

Parking your car at your chalet

All of Ski Basics' chalets in Meribel have adequate parking for at least one car, with a number of them boasting room for more.

Quick information on the parking facilities at the chalets can be found under the ‘At a glance’ section for each of the chalets on our website.

For more information on parking at your chosen chalet, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Parking in Meribel

Public car parks in Meribel

Free car parks

There are a number of free parking spots in the Meribel Valley and these can be found on the resort maps, marked by a white P. The centre of Meribel has 7 free outdoor car parks: Meribel Mottaret has 5; Meribel Village has 2 and Meribel les Allues has 3.

Pay to park

There are also 4 indoor car parks that require payment in Meribel and 1 in Mottaret. These car parks tend to be sheltered and have CCTV, protecting your car from snowfall and ensuring maximum security.

Details for each of these car parks is outlined below:

La Chaudanne Les Ravines Les Rhodos
La Chaudanne Les Ravines Les Rhodos
Spaces 110 156 214
Height limit 2.30m 1.90m 2.15m
1 hour Free Free Free
2 hours €4.00 (up to 4 hours) €4.00 (up to 4 hours) €4.00
3 hours €4.00 (up to 4 hours) €4.00 (up to 4 hours) €4.00 + €1.20 per hour
1 day €18.00 €18.00 €18.00
7 days €75.00 €75.00 €92.00
Season €250 €370 (30 spaces) N/A
Le Rond Point des Pistes Le Hameau (Mottaret)
Le Rond Point des Pistes Le Hameau (Mottaret)
Spaces 200 77
Height limit 2.15m 2.15m
1 hour Free Free
2 hours €4.00 €4.00
3 hours €4.00 + €1.20 per hour €4.00 + €1.20 per hour
1 day €18.00 €18.00
7 days €89.00 (reservation required) €89.00 (reservation required)
Season €250 (45 spaces) €350

It’s important to note that in some car parks you are limited to a maximum of 8 consecutive days. While a 7-day pass allows you to leave and re-enter the car park as often as you like while keeping your space.

Spaces cannot be reserved in advance and you can get tickets from machines situated in the car parks. We recommend always checking the information provided in your chosen car park as these details are subject to change.

Street parking

There is also on-street parking in Meribel and we highly recommend always checking the cost and terms of this before leaving your car. Parking wardens regularly patrol the streets and issue parking fines to those parking outside of the outlined terms.

Top tips on parking your vehicle at the resort in winter weather

Leave your car in gear with the handbrake off as it can freeze, and you can break the cabling.

Lift the windscreen wipers away from the window in case of heavy snowfall. If there has been heavy snowfall, clear the snow from your windscreen by hand rather than with your wipers. The snow can be very heavy and damage the motor that drives the wipers.

Remember where you parked. This may seem obvious, but it can be surprisingly hard to identify your own car once it's been covered in snow.

Taking a coach to Meribel

Travelling to Meribel by coach

The London to Meribel coach

Snow Express offers a regular coach service from London to Meribel via Moutiers. From there, you can use the Snow Express onward transfer to Meribel or hop onto one of the regular local buses.

Prices are competative, starting from just £129. Booking and additional information can be found on their website.

The pros and cons of taking a coach to Meribel


Pros Cons
Pros Cons
An eco-friendly mode of transport. Increased journey time.
Easy, direct and stress-free. An overnight service, so you sleep on the bus.
Probably the cheapest way to travel to Meribel. Travelling with a large group of passengers.

Arriving in Meribel by helicopter

Charter a helicopter

Travelling by Helicopter is undoubtedly the fastest way to travel from the airport to Meribel. There are a number of service providers, such as Blade, that offer this safe, luxurious and high-speed service from nearby airports to and from Meribel.

For private helicopters, landings into Meribel can be scheduled via Helipaddy.

Arriving in Meribel by helicopter

Getting around the Three Valleys

Once you have arrived in Meribel, skiing and snowboarding are of course the most obvious modes of transport. However, Meribel is extremely well connected to the surrounding areas for non-skiers and when the lifts are closed too.

See below for advice on getting around the resort and for information on local and regional transport services.

Local free buses in Meribel

There is an excellent free bus service. 'Meribus', that operates throughout Meribel and provides transport to many of the nearby towns that make up the Meribel Valley. There are 4 lines which run throughout the winter season and these are detailed below:

Line A

The line A bus links Les Allues, Meribel Village to Meribel Centre and La Chaundanne. La Chaundanne is the main ski lift base for the Meribel Valleys.

The Line A bus also stops at: Le Cruet, Chandon, Nantgerel, La Raffort, La Gittaz, Meribel Village and Mussillon.

Line B

The Line B bus links the Rond Point and Belvedere.

Line C

The Line C bus runs all the way from La Chaudanne right up to the top of Meribel, the Altiport. The bus goes via Meribel Centre and will detour to the hamet of Belevedere upon request.

Line D

The Line D bus is used to link Meribel and Mottaret centre. It also travels to le Hameau which is located at the top of Mottaret.

You can easily switch between lines, as all buses call at La Chaudanne and in Meribel Centre (close to the Tourist Office). The timetables for each line are displayed at all bus stops and paper versions are provided in all Ski Basics chalets. During the winter season, buses run frequently, around every 15-20 minutes. However, it’s useful to note that the timetable is slightly reduced in the first and last few weeks of the season.

Up-to-date information on the Meribel bus service operating hours, can be found on the Meribel website.

Altibus coach travel, Meribel

Meribel Regional Buses

If you would like to travel further afield during your stay, you can use the regional bus service provided by Altibus. The service runs to Moutiers and beyond, connecting you to the surrounding areas within the Three Valleys.

Young children travel free on the regional bus services, while children aged 4 to 12 travel at half-price.

Walking distances within Meribel

The table below details walking distances from each of our Ski Basics chalets to key locations and bus stops around Meribel. For further details on the exact routes to these, or any other locations with Meribel, simply ask your chalet host who will be able to direct you.

Chalet Meribel Centre Meribel Village Meribel Mussillon La Chaudanne
Chalet Meribel Centre Meribel Village Meribel Mussillon La Chaudanne
Chamois, Brenettes, Lapin A 10 to 15 minute walk, or catch the Line A bus which is a 50 metre walk from the chalets. Catch the Line A bus from just across the road. A 5 minute walk. A 20 minute walk, or catch the Line A bus which is a 50 metre walk from the chalets.
Bouquetin A 10 minute walk, or walk less than 5 minutes to the Line A bus stop. Walk 2 minutes to the Line A bus stop by Spar. Less than a 5 minute walk. A 15 minute walk, or walk less than 5 minutes to the Line A bus stop.
L’Arbalète, Blanchot, Blanche An 8 to 12 minute walk, or take the Line A bus from outside the chalet. Take the Line A bus from the bus stop 50 metres away (across from Chalet Chamois). Less than a 5 minute walk. A 15 to 20 minute walk, or take the Line A bus from outside the chalet.
Etoile, Boulangerie, Victoire, Hermine Travel 10 minutes on the Line A bus from Meribel Village bus stop. A zero minutes walk, you're there already. Travel 5 minutes on the Line A bus from Meribel Village bus stop. Travel 10 minutes on the Line A bus from Meribel Village bus stop.

Meribel taxis & car hire

Our Ski Basics drivers are on hand for drop-offs and pick-ups from the slopes each morning and afternoon, so it's unlikely you'll need to use a local taxi service for that. The free Meribel bus service also runs late into the evening throughout the season, making it easy to get to and from town.

Booking a taxi in Meribel

If you do need a private taxi, several local services offer quick and reliable pick-ups with English-speaking drivers. We recommend using luxury taxi provider G-Taxi, who you can contact on +33 6 09 52 78 52.

If you require assistance booking a taxi, simply ask your chalet manager or host who will be able to do this for you. It’s also useful to note that we recommend pre-booking taxis on your chalet staff's night off.

Car hire in Meribel

Whist you’re unlikely to need a car once in Meribel, the nearest car hire is available in Moutiers. Just a short 25-minute drive down the mountain. You can compare the best prices for car hire in Moutiers on websites such as Booking.com.

If you decide to hire a car and self-drive from the airport, car hire pick-up and drop-off is available at all nearby airports.

Ready to go skiing in Meribel?

If you’re ready to book your next holiday to Meribel, be sure to check out our Prices & Availability. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.