Transfers for Les 2 Alpes

Les 2 Alpes transfer options at a glance

There is no single airport that works best for everyone. These are useful approximate figures when comparing the main options for winter:

For visitors arriving at Grenoble Airport, the principal transfer choices are:

Distances and times are approximate and can vary with the route, traffic and weather. Scheduled coaches may take longer because of airport waiting times and intermediate stops.

For visitors arriving at Grenoble Airport, the principal transfer choices are:

These are only indicative figures. Prices vary with the operator, date, arrival time and type of service, correct as at September 2026.

Journey times can increase significantly on busy winter Saturdays, particularly on the roads through the Grenoble and the road to Bourg d'Oisans.

Staying in Les 2 Alpes 1800, the Diable area, Venosc or Mont-de-Lans?

This is particularly important when booking transfers to Les 2 Alpes.

Although the resort is more compact than some large ski destinations, it stretches for several kilometres along its mountain plateau, with accommodation in different neighbourhoods and at different levels.

The principal areas include:

• Les 2 Alpes 1800, an elevated residential area towards the northern end of the resort
• The main resort centre, around Place des 2 Alpes and Avenue de la Muzelle
• The Jandri and Place des Écrins area, convenient for access to the main ski lifts
• The Diable area, towards the southern end of the resort
• Zone du Soleil, with accommodation higher up the hillside above the Diable sector.

These areas are not necessarily within a convenient walk of one another, particularly with luggage in winter.

For example, Les 2 Alpes 1800 involves an uphill trapse from the main resort road, while Zone du Soleil sits above the Diable area. Both are served by local shuttle buses, but those shuttles do not operate throughout the night.

If your flight arrives late, a private door-to-door transfer can be particularly convenient.

It is equally important to separate Les 2 Alpes resort from the neighbouring villages.

Mont-de-Lans lies on the access road below Les 2 Alpes and has its own accommodation and services.

Venosc is a traditional village much lower down in the Vénéon valley. It is linked to Les 2 Alpes by gondola, but reaching it by road involves a different route. A transfer booked to Les 2 Alpes itself does not automatically take you to Venosc.

Likewise, Bourg d'Oisans and Le Freney-d'Oisans are separate villages below the resort.

When booking, enter your full accommodation address rather than simply selecting “Les 2 Alpes” if your property is in one of these areas.

Geneva airport to Les 2 Alpes

Geneva deserves serious consideration for Les 2 Alpes, despite being further away than Grenoble and Lyon.

This is particularly relevant for British visitors.

Geneva has an extensive international flight network, including services from a wide range of UK departure airports.

There are generally more airlines, routes and flight times to compare, and the resulting fares can be competitive.

Grenoble and Lyon may be geographically closer, but that does not necessarily make them the cheapest or easiest airports for your particular journey.

Geneva Airport to Les 2 Alpes

Geneva Airport is approximately 215–220km from Les 2 Alpes by road.

Allow around 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes for a private transfer in normal conditions, and potentially longer for a scheduled shared service.

That might initially sound like a serious journey, but it is worth putting into perspective.

Geneva Airport to Val d'Isère transfers, for example, is a comparable distance and is also normally quoted at around three to three and a half hours by road.

In other words, choosing Geneva for Les 2 Alpes is no more unusual than choosing it for some of the major Tarentaise ski resorts.

Specialist operators offer both private and shared transfers between Geneva Airport and Les 2 Alpes.

Current operators, for example, advertise scheduled shared transfers from Geneva to Les 2 Alpes on Saturdays during the winter season, with both fixed-stop and door-to-door options.

Private transfers are available more flexibly, with published starting prices of around €460 for a standard car and higher prices for larger groups.

Shared Geneva services are less frequent than those from Grenoble, so check the operating days and departure times before booking flights.

If no suitable direct service is available, another possibility is to travel from Geneva to Grenoble by train or coach and connect with the onward resort transport.

This is less convenient than a direct airport transfer but provides an alternative for independent travellers.

Is Geneva worth the longer transfer?

Quite possibly.

The most useful comparison is: airfare + transfer cost + total travelling time + arrival and departure convenience.

For example, a flight to Geneva that costs €100 less per passenger could produce a substantial saving for a family of four.

That saving may more than compensate for the longer road transfer, particularly if suitable shared seats are available.

Geneva may also offer more convenient flight times, allowing you to avoid an overnight airport hotel or losing an additional day's holiday.

The extra journey time matters, but it should not automatically rule Geneva out.

Scheduled coaches and express shuttles

A scheduled airport coach is usually the cheapest straightforward way to reach Les 2 Alpes from a suitable airport.

These services are organised around the seasonal winter flight programme and transport passengers directly towards the resort without requiring them to make their own connections through Grenoble city.

For winter, transfers operate from early December until mid-April, with services arranged around scheduled flight arrivals. These typically operate on Saturdays only.

Choose a scheduled coach if: you are travelling alone or as a couple, your flight connects conveniently with a departure and you are happy to use one of the designated resort stops.

Remember that scheduled coaches do not necessarily deliver every passenger directly to their accommodation.

Shared airport transfers to Les 2 Alpes

Shared transfers sit between a scheduled coach and a completely private vehicle.

You travel with other passengers arriving at approximately the same time and heading towards Les 2 Alpes or neighbouring destinations.

Depending on the operator, the service may use a minibus or larger coach. Some shared services operate to fixed resort stops, while others offer something closer to door-to-door transport.

For one or two people, shared transport can provide a sensible balance between price and convenience.

Shared-transfer availability varies by airport and season. Grenoble is well served during the main winter flight programme, while Lyon and Geneva also have shared options, particularly around weekend ski changeovers.

The compromise is time.

You may need to wait at the airport while other passengers arrive, and the vehicle may make several stops before reaching your accommodation.

Check what “shared” actually means

Not every shared transfer offers the same journey.

A scheduled express coach normally operates to a published timetable and uses fixed stops.

A shared door-to-door transfer usually groups passengers according to flight arrival times and makes individual accommodation drop-offs.

Some services combine both approaches.

Before booking, check:

• whether you will be dropped at your accommodation or a central stop
• the expected waiting time after landing
• whether other resorts are served by the same vehicle
• how flight delays are handled
• whether skis and other sports equipment are included.

This is especially important in Les 2 Alpes because parts of the resort are significantly uphill from the main road and transfer stops.

Private transfers to Les 2 Alpes

With a private transfer, the vehicle is reserved exclusively for your travelling party.

The driver normally meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel, chalet or apartment. There is no waiting for unrelated passengers and no series of other accommodation drop-offs.

Private transfers are available from all the principal airports serving Les 2 Alpes, including Grenoble, Lyon, Geneva and Chambéry.

Indicative private-transfer starting prices are:

• Grenoble Airport: from around €250 for a standard car, or €300 for a larger vehicle
• Lyon Airport: from around €330 for a standard car, or €410 for a larger vehicle
• Geneva Airport: from around €460 for a standard car, or €570 for a larger vehicle.

Actual prices depend on the operator, date, passenger numbers and vehicle size, so these should be treated as budgeting guides.

Private transfers are particularly useful if you are travelling as a family or group, have young children, are arriving late in the evening or are carrying several large suitcases and ski bags.

They are also worth considering if your accommodation is some distance from the main scheduled-transfer stops.

Always provide the operator with your flight number so they can monitor your arrival. Request child seats and declare unusually large luggage or equipment when booking.

Is it worth booking a private transfer for a group?

Quite often.

The important comparison is not between one shared seat and one private vehicle. It is between the combined cost of all your shared tickets and the price of reserving a vehicle.

For example, six passengers paying €45 each for a shared transfer spend €270.

That is already comparable with the starting price of some private transfers from Grenoble Airport.

The calculation changes for Lyon and Geneva, where the longer distances make private transfers more expensive. Nevertheless, for six, seven or eight passengers, the difference can be surprisingly small.

Private transport also reduces potential waiting time and takes the group directly to its accommodation.

For four or more people, it is always worth comparing both options before booking individual shared seats.

Cheapest transfers to Les 2 Alpes

Public bus transfers run from Grenoble Airport and Grenoble centre to Les 2 Alpes several times per day in the winter, with additional frequencies at weekend and on public holidays. 

These transfers won't drop you at your door, but they are great value.

They usually stop several times along the way and you will need to make a connection in Grenoble. The Grenoble to Les 2 Alpes bus transfer time is around 1h45. You can find the latest bus timetables on bus services in Les 2 Alpes.

Grenoble to Les 2 Alpes by train

Les 2 Alpes does not have a railway station, but Grenoble provides a useful gateway for visitors travelling from other parts of France and Europe.

Grenoble has regular rail connections with Lyon and Paris, including high-speed TGV services, as well as regional connections to neighbouring destinations.

From Grenoble railway station, you can continue directly to Les 2 Alpes using a scheduled winter coach or regional bus service.

For British visitors, rail can be an alternative to flying. The usual route involves Eurostar to Paris, followed by a TGV to Grenoble and a final road transfer into Les 2 Alpes.

It requires more planning than a direct flight and airport shuttle, but can be comfortable, particularly if you prefer not to fly or are combining several destinations in France.

Getting from Grenoble railway station to Les 2 Alpes

Grenoble's railway and bus stations are immediately beside one another, making onward travel relatively straightforward.

During winter, Transaltitude operates direct Grenoble–Les 2 Alpes coach services, normally taking around 1 hour 45 minutes.

Published standard online fares for winter are €23.50 one way or €42 return, with reduced fares available for eligible passengers, as at September 2026.

Outside the main winter coach programme, regional buses provide another option.

The T73 regional bus connects Grenoble, Bourg d'Oisans and Les 2 Alpes, with services operating throughout the year. Depending on the timetable, you may be able to travel directly or connect at Bourg d'Oisans.

The journey from Bourg d'Oisans to Les 2 Alpes takes around 50 minutes, and the T73 also serves intermediate villages including Le Freney-d'Oisans and Mont-de-Lans.

For visitors arriving at Grenoble Airport rather than the railway station, there are airport shuttles into Grenoble city, where you can connect with the onward resort services.

A direct airport-to-resort transfer will normally be simpler, but the train-and-bus connections offer a useful alternative if you cannot find a convenient scheduled airport shuttle.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Check the transfer company's flight-delay policy before booking, particularly if you are arriving late in the day.

Private operators normally ask for your flight number and monitor the arrival time, allowing them to adjust collection arrangements where possible.

Scheduled and shared services work differently.

If your flight arrives too late for your allocated departure, you may be moved onto a later vehicle, charged an amendment fee or need to arrange alternative transport, depending on the operator's conditions.

This matters particularly at Grenoble Airport, where scheduled ski transfers are closely linked to the seasonal flight timetable.

With Geneva or Lyon, the longer onward journey makes the timing of the final available transfer equally important.

Before booking, check: the flight-delay policy, missed-transfer arrangements, last departure time and what happens if no later vehicle is available.

The cheapest advertised fare is not necessarily the best value if a delayed flight leaves you needing an expensive private taxi.

Should I hire a car instead?

Hiring a car gives you independence, but you do not automatically need one for a holiday in Les 2 Alpes.

The main road approach from Grenoble follows the route towards Vizille and Bourg d'Oisans before continuing along the D1091 towards Briançon.

At the Chambon dam, the road turns onto the D213, which climbs through Mont-de-Lans and on towards Les 2 Alpes.

The final mountain road is generally straightforward in normal conditions, but it can become challenging during heavy snowfall.

Winter traffic also needs to be considered, particularly around Grenoble, Vizille and the main routes through the Oisans.

From 1 November to 31 March, winter-equipment regulations apply in designated mountain areas of Isère, including Les 2 Alpes. Vehicles must have compliant winter tyres or carry suitable chains or snow socks under the applicable regulations.

If hiring a car at Grenoble, Lyon or Geneva Airport, check exactly what winter equipment is included.

In particular, if hiring from Geneva, confirm that the vehicle is authorised for cross-border use and equipped for driving in the French mountains.

A hire car becomes more useful if you plan to explore the wider Oisans, regularly travel outside Les 2 Alpes or are combining the resort with other Alpine destinations.

Otherwise, the cost of car hire, fuel and parking may be difficult to justify.

Do I need a car once I'm in Les 2 Alpes?

For most ski holidays, no.

Les 2 Alpes is a relatively long, narrow resort built along a high mountain plateau. Much of the accommodation, shopping, restaurants and ski-lift access is spread along the main village, making it reasonably easy to get around on foot or using local transport.

The resort also operates a free shuttle bus network connecting its main neighbourhoods and surrounding villages.

The network has been expanded in recent seasons, with multiple routes serving residential areas, lift stations, parking areas and the villages of Mont-de-Lans and Bons.

During winter, the free Mont-de-Lans shuttle is scheduled to operate from late November until end of April / start of May.

There is also the Venosc gondola, connecting the traditional village of Venosc in the valley below with the southern end of Les 2 Alpes in approximately seven minutes. This is useful for visitors staying in Venosc or wishing to visit the village without driving the longer road route.

The gondola operates seasonally, so check opening hours if you intend to use it as part of your transport arrangements.

For visitors staying in the main resort and spending most of the holiday skiing, walking and using the local shuttles will normally cover everyday journeys.

A hire car can therefore spend much of the holiday parked.

Travelling with skis, snowboards, bikes, or sports equipment

Specialist Alpine transfer companies are accustomed to carrying ski and snowboard equipment, but you should still tell them what you are bringing.

A vehicle carrying eight passengers may not have room for eight large suitcases, eight ski bags and additional hand luggage without suitable provision.

Scheduled coach companies also have their own baggage allowances, so check whether ski bags are included or count as additional hold luggage.

Bikes deserve particular attention.

Les 2 Alpes is a major summer mountain-biking destination, while nearby Bourg d'Oisans is popular with road cyclists exploring some of the most famous Alpine climbs.

Some regional buses, including the T73, have facilities for carrying bicycles, although availability and conditions should be checked before travelling.

If you are flying with several bike boxes, a private transfer or specialist service may be easier than relying on normal airport coaches.

Always declare the number and approximate dimensions of your bike bags when booking.

Transfers to Les 2 Alpes with children

For families, the convenience of the transfer can be just as important as its price.

A private vehicle keeps everyone together, removes the need to wait for unrelated passengers and takes you directly to your accommodation.

However, scheduled airport coaches can be considerably cheaper, particularly from Grenoble Airport.

Some operators also offer reduced child fares, although age limits vary between companies.

When booking a private or shared minibus, provide the children's ages and request suitable child or booster seats in advance.

For families with several children and lots of luggage, compare the combined price of individual shared seats with a private minivan.

It is also worth checking how far your accommodation is from the scheduled coach stop. An uphill walk with tired children and several suitcases is not an ideal way to finish a long journey.

Transfers to Les 2 Alpes from Lyon Airport

Lyon Saint-Exupéry is one of the most practical alternatives to Grenoble Airport.

It is approximately 160km from Les 2 Alpes, with a normal transfer taking around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.

Lyon has a substantially larger year-round flight network than Grenoble, with more domestic and international services.

However, for some departure airports and travel dates, Geneva may still offer a wider choice of flights or more competitive fares.

Shared winter transfers operate between Lyon Airport and Les 2 Alpes, although departures are particularly concentrated around the main Saturday ski changeovers.

Some operators offer Saturday Lyon–Les 2 Alpes transfers at around €45 one way, before applicable discounts, as at September 2026.

Private transfers are also available, with published starting prices around €330 for a standard vehicle.

If a direct airport transfer is not available, Lyon has good onward transport connections to Grenoble.

From Grenoble railway or bus station, you can continue to Les 2 Alpes using Transaltitude or the year-round regional bus services.

When comparing Lyon with Grenoble, consider the entire journey rather than just the flight price.

A convenient Lyon flight connecting with a scheduled resort coach can work extremely well. Conversely, a late arrival requiring an expensive private transfer could outweigh any saving on the airfare.

What about Chambéry and Grenoble airports?

Grenoble Airport

Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport (GNB) is the closest commercial airport to Les 2 Alpes and geographically the most convenient option if you can find a suitable flight.

The airport is around 115km from the resort, with a normal road transfer taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to two hours.

However, there is an important difference between Grenoble Airport and Grenoble the city. The airport is located at Saint-Étienne-de-Saint-Geoirs, some distance northwest of the city itself. Grenoble railway and bus stations are considerably closer to Les 2 Alpes than the airport.

Grenoble Airport mainly serves a seasonal winter flight programme, with a particular emphasis on routes from Britain. Its limitation is the comparatively small choice of airlines, departure airports, dates and flight times.

If you can find a convenient direct flight that connects with a scheduled resort shuttle, Grenoble can offer an excellent overall journey.

However, it is worth comparing the airfare with Lyon and Geneva rather than assuming that the nearest airport is automatically the cheapest or easiest.

Chambéry Airport

Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc is another possible gateway to Les 2 Alpes.

It lies approximately 130km from the resort, with a normal transfer taking around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the route.

Geographically, it is reasonably convenient.

The limitation is flights.

Chambéry operates a much smaller commercial flight programme than Geneva or Lyon, with much of its ski traffic concentrated on seasonal winter services and weekend arrivals.

Direct shared transfers to Les 2 Alpes are also more limited.

If you find a suitable flight, a pre-booked private transfer can work well.

Otherwise Grenoble, Lyon and Geneva normally offer a wider choice of flights and onward transport.

Can I get a transfer to Les 2 Alpes from Italy?

Yes, although Italian airports are not normally the most practical gateways.

Les 2 Alpes lies in the Oisans, close to the Écrins massif and west of the French–Italian border.

There is a road connection from the Briançon area towards Bourg d'Oisans along the D1091, passing the Chambon dam before the climb to Les 2 Alpes.

However, travelling from Turin or Milan involves a substantially longer journey than arriving through Grenoble, Lyon or Geneva.

Some routes also involve mountain passes or tunnels, with winter conditions and seasonal restrictions affecting which roads are available.

There are fewer regular shared-transfer services from Italian airports.

An Italian arrival usually makes sense only if Italy forms part of a wider holiday, you find a particularly convenient flight or you are hiring a car.

For a straightforward Les 2 Alpes ski holiday, Grenoble, Lyon or Geneva will generally be easier.

Which Les 2 Alpes transfer should I choose?

For most travellers, the decision can be narrowed down fairly quickly.

• Flying into Grenoble: look first at a direct scheduled airport shuttle. It offers the shortest airport-to-resort journey.
• Flying into Lyon: compare scheduled Saturday transfers with a private vehicle or connections via Grenoble city.
• Flying into Geneva: don't dismiss it because of the distance. Compare the overall flight-plus-transfer cost, particularly if travelling from Britain.
• Travelling alone on a budget: a scheduled airport coach or Grenoble train-and-bus connection is likely to be attractive.
• One or two people: compare shared transfers from all three principal airports alongside the available flights.
• A family: compare the combined cost of shared seats with a private vehicle.
• Four or more adults: always obtain a private-transfer quote rather than assuming individual tickets will be cheaper.
• Arriving midweek: check the operating days of your preferred shared service before booking the flight.
• Arriving late or leaving early: private transport normally provides greater flexibility.
• Travelling from Paris or elsewhere in France: consider the train to Grenoble followed by Transaltitude.
• Bringing several bikes: book a suitable specialist vehicle and declare your equipment in advance.
• Staying in Les 2 Alpes 1800 or Zone du Soleil: check the exact coach stop and whether local shuttle buses will be operating when you arrive.
• Staying in Venosc or Mont-de-Lans: make sure your transfer goes to the correct village rather than Les 2 Alpes resort centre.
• Planning to explore the wider Oisans: consider hiring a car.

More inspiration...

Read our page on how to get to Les Deux Alpes for more information on all the different ways to travel.