There’s a variety of ways to travel to the French Alps from the UK this winter season 2021-22. The majority of Alpine resorts are very accessible from motorways, airports and train stations - all your options are listed below.
By air
Flying is undoubtedly one of the most popular ways to get to the French Alps, with many airlines offering affordable flights from various UK airports to the international gateway airports for the French Alps.
The airports of Chambery, Geneva (Switzerland), Grenoble and Lyon all offer excellent access to the French Alps, with onward transfers to the resorts varying between 1-4 hours depending on where you’re heading.
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Fly to Chambery for resorts in the 3 Valleys (1h45), Paradiski (2h20), Tignes-Val d’Isère (2h30), Espace San Bernardo (2h30), Maurienne Valley (2-3h), Grand Domaine (1h30), Savoie Grand Revard (40 mins). To note: Jet2 will operate new flights to Chambéry from London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol 2-3 times a week from December 2021 to mid-April 2022.
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Fly to Geneva for resorts in the Aravis (1h), Grand Massif (1h), Portes du Soleil (1h) Chamonix Mont Blanc Valley/Pays du Mont Blanc and Val d’Arly Mont Blanc (1h30).
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Fly to Grenoble for resorts in Vaujany/Alpe d’Huez (1h30), Les Deux Alpes (1h50), Serre Chevalier (2h) and Montgenèvre (2h30). To note: Ryanair will operate a new flight to Grenoble from Manchester once a week during the winter 2021/22 season.
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Lyon is situated slightly further west, but remains an option for all resorts if you don’t mind a longer transfer.
Please note that flights do not usually run on Christmas Day.
By car
Driving to the French Alps has become a much more popular choice in recent years as people look for increased flexibility and more sustainable travel options – and of course, driving has the added appeal of allowing you and fellow travellers your own personal space.
Ferry ports with crossings to France currently are Portsmouth, Newhaven, Poole, Plymouth and Dover.
Dover to Calais has the shortest crossing time, just 90 minutes, but other routes offer overnight crossings which are ideal for families.
Another way to get to France is via the Eurotunnel from Folkestone. This takes just 35 minutes and connects you directly with the motorways to the mountains.
By train
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to get to the Alps, train travel has many benefits. It’s not only one of the least damaging for your carbon footprint, but it also doesn’t require you to navigate any unfamiliar road systems or confusing airports! There’s also no luggage limitations, which can save you a pretty penny if you’re travelling with a lot of gear.
We’re delighted to announce that the ski train is returning this season. The Travelski Express is replacing the former Eurostar service to connect London with Moutiers and Bourg-St-Maurice. Chartered by Compagnie des Alpes and operating on weekends from 18 December 2021 – overnight on Fridays from St-Pancras and returning from France during the daytime on Saturdays – this direct service is bookable as part of a package including accommodation, ski passes and shuttle services to six resorts: La Plagne, Les Arcs, Les Menuires, Méribel, Tignes and Val d’Isere.
Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar to Paris and then change onto a local TGV or SNCF train. Stations served are Lyon, Chambéry, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, St-Jean-de-Maurienne, St-Michel-de-Maurienne, Modane, Annecy, Cluses, Sallanches, St-Gervais Le Fayet, Genève, Annemasse, Thonon-les-Bains, Evian-les-Bains and Grenoble.