The Complete La Tania & 3 Valleys Ski Transfer Information Guide

 

Airports | Private / Shared Transfers | Car Hire | Buses | Trains / Uber / Heli | Driving Directions

 

 

 

The Airports

Usually you're going to arrive in either Geneva Airport, Lyon Airport, Chambéry Airport or Grenoble Airport (and of course there's the Train Services to Moûtiers Railway Station).

 

Turin Airport at 3.5 hours drive and through the expensive Fréjus tunnel it’s not really an option.

 

Annecy Airport no longer has scheduled flights to Paris and St. Etienne Airport is no longer used by Ryan Air for flights from the UK.

 

Air France did have some innovative air/rail combined tickets via Paris to Lyon Railway Station where you could continue on to Moûtiers for your final transfer but these appear to have been dropped.

 

Helicopter Transfers to Courchevel Altiport or Méribel Altiport are available if you're seriously loaded and hate traffic! Prices start from around €2,500 one-way from Geneva for 6 passengers.

 

Alpine Airlines announced in June 2015 the restart of commercial "on demand" flights from Courchevel Altiport. More here...

 

Fastest road journey times to La Tania

Moûtiers Railway Station (19km), 15mins - normal run with no hold ups 20mins

Chambéry Airport (103km), 1hr 5mins - normal run with no hold ups 1hr 20mins

Geneva Airport (137km), 1hr 40mins - normal run with no hold ups 2hrs

Lyon Airport (180km), 1hr 40mins - normal run with no hold ups 2hrs

Grenoble Airport (185km), 1hr 55mins - normal run with no hold ups 2hrs 20mins

 

Note that those first times are the absolute fastest driving times without any traffic or delays - journey times can easily double or treble on a Saturday, during bad weather or at other peak times.

 

Also consider times for possible flight / train delays, passport queues, baggage hold-ups, security delays, Autoroute toll booth queues, car park congestion, speed cameras, border passport / security checks, Moûtiers traffic controls plus any accidents, roadworks, weather or snow delays and the need for putting chains on etc.

 

Choosing an airport for La Tania

Geneva has by far the most flights from the UK and the most transfer options – but is of course therefore the busiest. It is an expensive airport - duty free usually a waste of time apart from tobacco.

 

Geneva has a French side / exit to the airport with hire cars generally cheaper on that side (although the main route to La Tania is through Switzerland anyway – see further down this page for the pros and cons of which side to hire cars from). Note the sharp price rise in cars from Winter 2022 onwards at Geneva (on both sides).

 

Lyon and Grenoble require more Autoroute tolls but it is motorway nearly all the way. Lyon can be quicker than Geneva sometimes even though it's an extra 40-50km. There is also the alternative route of driving from Geneva via Chambéry using the Autoroutes (50km longer and an additional €11.30 tolls each way), this is actually often a good option on Summer weekends when the lakeside routes get even more heavily congested than in Winter.

 

Lyon car hire is off airport with a shuttle bus needed like the Swiss side of Geneva airport (no 10 minute walk option like Geneva though).

 

Grenoble has the least transfer options but has an increasing number of flights going there. Jet2 now using Grenoble instead of Chambéry for example.

 

Chambéry is the nearest (& smallest) airport but can be quite chaotic on Saturdays and also is most susceptible to bad weather – especially fog / low cloud. Crystal allegedly pay Lyon airport around €2,000 a week retainer just in case they need to divert so Lyon have staff on standby. That said, the €10m of improvements over the last couple of years make it a dream when it's quiet!

 

Full Driving Directions and Maps from all the local Airports are here

 

Please remember that timetables and prices are always subject to change so check before you travel and any other words about avoiding speed cameras and not buying a Swiss Vignette are just words - NOT advice. Take responsibility & ownership for your own decisions & actions - just like you always should on the mountain.

 

 

 

PRIVATE TRANSFERS

By far the easiest way of getting to resort in modern, new, comfortable mini buses (or go for luxury options in deluxe 4x4s) for your journey to The Three Valley resorts from all the nearby airports and from the Moûtiers railway station.

 

Private Transfers are now heavily regulated with regular spot checks by the authorities, all companies have to have special operators licences, register their vehicles and pay to get authorized parking and access at airports. In addition their drivers need to be experienced, fully registered, licensed to work, be comprehensively insured and take an official medical examination - which all adds up to a far more professional, safer and more comfortable journey.

 

Approximate 2024 prices for a Geneva to La Tania Private Transfer one-way

 From €300 to €390 for 1 to 4 persons

 From €330 to €500 for 4 to 8 persons

 Shared transfer options generally from €70 to €90 per person meach way

 

Usually Chambéry is around 10-15% cheaper and Lyon & Grenoble around 15-25% more

 

 

Recommended Transfer Companies

Shared transfers (or simply filling up empty legs) may be available (note the reduced availability of shared transfers for Winter 2024 above) from these companies. Click on their links / logos for price quotes, availability and contact details.

 

SNOWBOUND TRANSFERS

 

 

Long time La Tania resident Phil (he cleaned the Ski Lodge in the 90s, never went home, got married and has a family here) runs the well established Snowbound Transfers with his wife Roxanne. They operate door to door services with a fleet of private, luxury, shared & last-minute transfers using new, upgraded Renault Traffic minibuses which include complimentary drinks & blankets. There's some top of the range Mercedes Vianos or similar available for luxury transfers. Available from all the local airports and Moûtiers railway station to La Tania, Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens Valleys.

 

SKI MAGIC TRANSFERS

 

 

Ski Magic Transfers offer transfers from Chambéry, Geneva, Lyon or Grenoble airports and Moûtiers station to all resorts in the Three Valleys. Their experienced drivers are trained in winter condition and all drivers take medical examinations to ensure that they are safe, fit and healthy enough to drive. Ski Magic are fully insured and licensed by the French authorities to carry fare paying passengers and offer private or shared transfers. 

 

SKI HAME TRANSFERS

 

 

Ski Hame Transfers provide reliable minibus transfers to resorts in the Courchevel and Méribel valleys of the Three Valleys. Transfers are available from Geneva airport, Chambéry airport, Grenoble airport, Lyon airport and Moûtiers train station. They operate a fleet of Renault Traffic minibuses, all the vehicles are new and properly maintained to ensure both your comfort and safety. Shared and Private transfers available.

 

STS TRANSFERS

 

 

Savoie Transfer Services offer private and shared transfers from all the major local airports such as Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry and pride themselves on outstanding service. All vans are VW 4 Motion Caravelle's which means they are all 4 wheel drive and offer you that extra level of comfort you should expect from a 2 hour+ transfer to resort, and the peace of mind that you will get there safely, on time and whatever the weather.

 

FREERIDE REPUBLIC TRANSFERS

 

 

Freeride Republic Transfers offers a professional fully licensed airport transfer service to our chalet guests and also for private clients looking for a reliable and affordable airport transfer service to the resorts of Courchevel, La Tania and Méribel. They are also licensed for and operate 16 seater minibuses as well as the standard 8 seater option, offering further flexibility for large groups and multiple chalet parties.

 

PLEISURE TRANSFERS

 

 

Pleisure Transfers offer reliable, private and shared airport transfers all year round to Méribel and Courchevel from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble and Chambéry. They have over 20 years experience delivering clients safely to and from the Alps. Pleisure offer private and shared transfers from all major Alpine airports and train stations, their fleet ranges from 1 to 16 passenger seat so can cater to most sizes of groups. Are you looking for a transfer to or from somewhere else? They can offer bespoke ski, snowboard, bike and walking holiday transfer packages on request in both Winter and Summer.

 

LE PRAZ TRANSFERS

 

 

Le Praz Transfers are based in the heart of the Three Valleys and have been offering affordable airport transfers from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble & Chambéry to the world famous resorts in the Three Valleys & beyond for the past 16 years. Most of their vehicles seat 12 to 16 passengers so are ideal for larger groups being accommmodated in one vehicle drastically reducing the cost. Prices for Winter 2023/2024 start at just €50 per person each way.

 

 

 

AIRPORT CAR HIRE

 

 

Using Car Hire For Your Airport Transfer

Car Hire can be very reasonable option especially if you're in a group even if you do leave it parked up for a week (free parking in La Tania). Book early and beware all the add-in costs and decide if you need ski racks and snow chains. During heavy snowfall you will need chains and/or snow tyres (and it is the law to have them on mountain roads where indicated, though it's rarely enforced) - it can be cheaper to buy chains than hire if you purchase before you get near the mountains and are hiring longer than 10 days or so.

 

Petrol is no longer cheaper in Switzerland due to the exchange rates so fill up in France just before you get there (even in Annecy is probably near enough). Diesel is still a bit cheaper than petrol in France but getting a bit closer now. Take care when speeding, especially villages where the limit drops to 50km/h without warning, check the La Tania Speed Camera page and note that most fixed French cameras are always preceded by a warning sign, but there are more & more mobile cameras now - you've been warned!

 

On 8 June 2015 the DVLA got rid of the paper counterpart of the UK Driving Licence with points and endorsements held electronically. There is a process to "share" this information with car hire companies via the DVLA website. Note that in our experience it is never required in France or Switzerland (for Geneva) or in fact anywhere in the world outside of the UK.

 

More information in our blog post and the DVLA web site to view your information is at: www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence

 

The Savoie is now implementing the law on the mandatory use of snow tyres (or carrying chains) from 01 November to 31 March each Winter.

 

 

Geneva Airport Car Hire

Geneva Car Hire 2024 - An Example

A quick check in September 2023 on a very average week of 13/14 to 20/21 January 2024 (to show Saturday and Sunday changeover days difference) for the cheapest, smallest car they do via the highly recommended Carrentals.co.uk price comparison site:

 

Airport	15-22 Jan 2023	13-20 Jan 2024	14-21 Jan 2024
Geneva Swiss Side	£355	£339	£286
Geneva French Side	£323	£264	£264
Lyon (for comparison)	£276	£219	£219

 

IN 2017 & 2018 PRICES WERE OFTEN CHEAPER ON THE SWISS SIDE.

From 2019 this has mainly reverted to the French side being significantly cheaper.

 

Even though "all-inclusive" is mentioned in the price, consider additional insurance waiver cover (but see below for an alternative), child seats, satnav, ski racks, wifi / mobile phone hire and snow tyres/chains (now mandatory on the Swiss and French sides) during Winter).

 

It's always cheaper to return the car topped up at the end of the hire (full to full) rather than take their offer of paying for the tank now - you most likely won't even use a full tank anyway.

 

In the past few years we've starting to see unlimited mileage disappear although unlikely to effect anyone using vehicles just to travel to La Tania as you always get a minimum of 200km a day.

 

Also beware of hiring the cheapest / smallest car - it could be electric without enough range to get to La Tania!

 

 

Airport Car Hire - Approximate 2024 Prices

In old money... say it's a 170 mile round trip at about 35mpg, so around 5 gallons (22.7 litres) of fuel.

Unleaded 95 E10 Petrol is €1.92 per litre in September 2023.

 

Petrol €44 and tolls for the Geneva to Annecy (North) Autoroute are €8.50 each way.

 

So with a hire car for 4 with room for gear (say £350) plus tolls & fuel (around £50) you could get the return transfer down to around £100 each. Based on a French side hire car avoiding Swiss motorways and buying a Vignette.

 

 

Geneva Airport - French v Swiss Sides

The French swapped some land with Switzerland in 1960 to allow expansion of the airport and a French entrance/exit was agreed as part of the deal. Although the main route to France is still via Switzerland even from the French side, but this can be avoided if needed.

 

The Car Hire area on the Swiss side moved in November 2008 - it is now to the right of arrivals as you exit baggage collection on the Swiss side. You complete paperwork here and then use a free shuttle bus or walk to the new car hire car park (it's no longer underneath arrivals and make sure you don't pay for the bus).

 

Follow signs to P51 parking on your return - there's a fuel station immediately before the turn in to the rental car park but beware it's fully automated and cards can fail or there's a big queue. The walking route is marked and only around 5 or 6 minutes - easy with hand baggage or wheely cases.

 

The French side of the airport is accessible via the check-in level at the far right end of the building (opposite to the easyJet end). Most of the time it's not even manned and you can walk straight through - have boarding cards and passport ready just in case though. You may need to buzz the doorbell and look at a camera if late at night.

 

The car hire desks are immediately as you exit in to the French side next to check-in desks. Cars are parked a short walk away directly in to a covered car park.

 

 

Swiss Side Pros & Cons

• Mandatory requirement to have snow tyres or chains in Winter from 1st November until 15th April (usually additional to "all-in-costs" from around £40 per week, but sometimes included, it does vary with supplier). Note new French laws of mandatory snow tyres (or chains) apply from 01 Nov to 31 Mar and are now enforced.

   

• A Shuttle Bus is provided for access to the hire car parking although it is just over a 5 minute walk from the shuttle bus stop - easy with hand luggage or wheelie bags. Check the bus stop shuttle count down timer to see if it's worthwhile walking or waiting.

   

• The luggage trolleys provided in Geneva Airport take UK 2p coins - you may consider not returning the trolley to it's rightful place... A very selfish act of course.

   

• Generally car hire is more expensive on the Swiss side - but may not be in Summer or peak periods in Winter and may be subject to differing Euro / CHF exchange rates. Winter 2022 saw hire car prices increase sharply at Geneva Airport (especially on the Swiss side) although this may stabilise as new car supply issues ease.

   

• A Vignette is usually always included (the Swiss motorway tax disc / sticker required for motorway driving - but this can be avoided, see below in driving directions). For the first time ever in 2017 we had a Swiss plated car without a Vignette and have heard of at least one other.

   

• Directions back to the airport are much easier - especially if using motorways all the way.

   

• Fuel station immediately before entrance to car hire parking. Although in Swiss Francs, not cheap and 24/7 automated - not all UK Cards always work.

   

• (Expensive) Macdonalds, Starbucks and other options in the food court before security.

 

French Side Pros & Cons

• New French law of mandatory snow tyres (or chains) now apply from 01 Nov to 31 Mar.

   

• No motorway tax sticker (Vignette) - but motorways to/from the airport can be avoided, see below.

  It can be bought on-line here for £35.50 or at the border for CHF40. The Vignette is valid between 1st December of the previous year and 31st January of the following year (date printed on the Vignette).

  A steep price rise to 70CHF or 100CHF has been proposed and rejected several times. With no price increase since 1985 a rise is expected.

   

• Generally car hire is cheaper on the French side and often with no charges for additional drivers. Euro / Swiss Franc exchange rates may effect price either way too.

   

• You can often pick up or drop off at different French airports such as Grenoble, Lyon or Chambéry free or without excessive charges. Dropping off in another "country" from pickup is not usually allowed or has a very high excess charge.

   

• Be careful finding the French side on the way back, take notice on your way out - Follow the signs to Ferney Voltaire and you should make it ok.

  Full airport directions to both sides of Geneva Airport here

   

• Fuel available 100m from the entrance road to the French side of the airport. Manned during weekday hours and then automated - some issues with UK credit/debit cards have been reported.

   

• Only one, but arguably a better and cheaper restaurant on the French side.

 

Lyon Airport

Now also needs a shuttle bus to the car hire area (and the bus stop is the opposite end of the terminal to the usual Charter and easyJet arrivals).

 

 

Chambéry and Grenoble Airports

Portacabins right outside arrivals and next to the vehicles. Very handy but make sure you get off the plane first - leave a friend to collect your bags as queues can develop very quickly!

 

 

Tolls (each way) from the airports to La Tania (September 2023 Prices)

Geneva Airport via Annecy Nord J17 (132km) €8.50

Geneva Airport via Annecy Sud J16 (134km) €9.20

Geneva Airport via Chambéry / Albertville Autoroutes (183km) €19.80

Lyon Airport (181km) €18.70

Grenoble Airport via Grenoble (170km) €13.50

Grenoble Airport avoiding Grenoble towards Lyon and via Chambéry (185km) €11.80

Chambéry Airport (104km) €5.80

 

See below for full details of Directions to La Tania

 

Confusion reigned during Summer 2016 over EU Citizens taking Swiss registered cars in to France due to interpretations of some new EU rules. According to some report some hire companies were getting German registered cars in place on the Swiss side and asking questions if you were taking a car in to France, saying you wouldn't be insured etc.

 

UPDATE OCTOBER 2016 - No one cares anymore, there are no restrictions in place and there is no problem taking a Swiss registered hire car in to France. The usual on-line scaremongering and tabloid like reporting can be ignored - just like when they said all transfer buses would be banned!

 

 

Car Hire Companies.

We recommend Carrentals.co.uk, they strike the best deal from the major hire car companies of Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, National, Europcar etc so you can be sure of the best price. You can hire from the French or Swiss sides of Geneva airport and nearly all towns, airports and railway stations are covered too.

 

When in Geneva at the airport the most competitive deals on arrival may be with Hertz. We've seen people negotiate with all the car hire companies going from one desk to another and play one company off against another - Hertz won (although getting a laptop out and using Carrentals.co.uk may be cheaper).

 

It's also worth remembering that all these companies love their loyalty or corporate discount schemes/codes/vouchers. Worth checking if you're entitled to any of these and searching on the internet for them - we've lots of reports that they don't actually check if you're entitled to them or not!

 

 

Collision Damage Waiver and Excess Insurance

Usually the "all-inclusive" costs will include CDW but there will be an excess charge of up to €1000 for loss or damage to the vehicle and the hire car companies will try and sell you an extra insurance to cover this excess - could be as high as €15 per day!

 

The alternative is to take your own Excess Insurance out - you'd still have to pay for any damage but then would claim this back from your own insurance.

 

We can highly recommend icarhireinsurance.com who paid our claim back in under a week and start their European policy for multiple rentals from less than £40 YEAR with Quidco cashback (Sep 2023 prices).

 

 

 

 

SCHEDULED COACH SERVICES

 

GENEVA

Airport Bus From Geneva Airport - Information at www.altibus.com

 

See desk at the Airport for tickets, book on-line or call +33 479 68 32 96

There is a limited service at the start/end of season and there may be more departures at peak times. All routes change at Moûtiers where you may be taxied to resort depending on numbers. Reconfirm your return 2 days in advance at the Tourist Office in La Tania. Journey time is around 3 to 3.5 hours including the change at Moûtiers.

 

Geneva Airport - WINTER 2024 SCHEDULE Winter 2024 Timetable

 

For an example a typical week in 2024 is shown

Depart Geneva Airport

Mon - Fri - 15:45

Sundays - 14:40

Saturdays - 11:00 12:00 15:30 19:30 (there may also be options to Moûtiers only)

 

Depart La Tania

Mon to Fri - 09:40

Sundays - 08:10

Saturdays - 06:20: 07:50 11:50 (there may also be options from Moûtiers)

 

2024 On-Line Prices - Geneva Airport to La Tania

Adult €77 one-way, €133 return (SATURDAYS)

Adult €94 one-way, €157 return (MID-WEEK)

 

Child is from 4 to 12 years and 2 are free per reservation with an adult, all under 4s travel free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LYON

Airport Bus From Lyon Airport - www.altibus.com or call +33 479 683296

 

Booking now available on-line. There is a limited service at the start/end of season. All routes usually change at Moûtiers where you may be taxied to resort depending on numbers. Reconfirm your return 2 days in advance at the Tourist Office in La Tania. Journey time is around 3.5 hours including the change at Moûtiers. Lyon Airport is known as St Exupery Airport.

 

Lyon Airport - WINTER 2024 SCHEDULE Winter 2024 Timetable

 

For an example a typical week in 2024 is shown

Depart Lyon St Exupery Airport

Mon to Thu - NO SERVICE

Fridays - 15:30

Saturdays - 10:20, 12:10, 15:30

Sundays - 12:30

Additional services may run during school holidays and/or via Moutiers

 

Depart La Tania

Mon to Thu - NO SERVICE

Fridays - 09:40

Saturdays - 06:10 08:05

Sundays - 08:10

Additional services may run during school holidays and/or via Moutiers

 

2024 Winter Prices - Lyon Airport to La Tania

Adult €65 one-way, €103.50 return (additional €4 a peak times)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHAMBÉRY

Airport Bus from Chambéry Airport - www.altibus.com or call +33 479 683296

 

 

There is a limited service at the start/end of season. All routes usually change at Moûtiers where you may be taxied to resort depending on numbers. Reconfirm your return 2 days in advance at the Tourist Office in La Tania. Journey time is between 1:45 & 2:45 depending on change at Moûtiers.

 

Chambéry Airport - La Tania Winter 2022 Timetable - No 2024 Direct Scheduled Services

 

For an example a typical weekend in 2022 is shown

Depart Chambéry Airport

Saturdays - 14:30, 16:20

 

Depart La Tania

Saturdays - 08:20

 

2022 Winter Prices - Chambéry Airport to La Tania

Adult €42 one-way, €75 return

Child 0-12 Years €42 one-way, €70 return

 

 

 

 

GRENOBLE

Airport Bus from Grenoble Airport - www.bensbus.co.uk

 

Scheduled service to Moûtiers meeting every weekend flight - then onward transfers by taxi (10% discount with Bens Bus Taxi Partners). Journey time is around 2 to 2.5 hours to Moûtiers

 

Buses are scheduled on Saturdays & Sundays to try and meet incoming flights. More info here...

For an example a typical weekend in 2024 is shown - always check timetable & on-line.

 

2024 Schedule - Tailored for UK Flights Arrivals and Departures

Depart Grenoble Airport (Approximate Timings)

Saturdays - 09:55 10:55 11:50 12:30 14:10 16:30 19:50

Sundays - 11:05

 

Depart Moûtiers (Approximate Timings)

Saturdays - 05:25 06:45 07:55 08:50 14:20

Sundays - 06:25

 

2024 Winter Prices - Grenoble Airport to Moûtiers

Adult €49.50 one-way, €89 return (£5 each way supplement for Sunday travel)

 

 

 

 

 

MOÛTIERS

Moûtiers to La Tania/Meribel/Courchevel - WINTER 2024 SCHEDULE www.cars-region-savoie.fr

 

S65 Service: Moûtiers to La Tania and Courchevel 2 Dec 2023 to 21 Apr 2024

S64 Service: Moûtiers to Méribel and Méribel-Mottaret 2 Dec 2023 to 21 Apr 2024

 

Map of Moûtiers Bus Station

 

There are exceptions & additions at beginning and end of season and often extra buses at peak times. Always check for any changes and confirm returns 48 hours in advance. Journey time is around 40 minutes.

 

For an example a typical week in 2024 is shown (additional options via Le Praz).

 

Depart Moûtiers Train Station

Saturday - 06:00 09:35 11:00 12:05 12:45 13:15 13:50 14:40 15:30 16:05 16:50 18:20 19:30*

Mon to Fri - 08:20 11:30 13:35 15:55 18:25 21:30*

Sunday - 07:00 10:55 13:35 14:10 15:05 16:10

 

Depart La Tania

Saturday - 06:20 08:15 09:10 11:55 13:20 14:15 15:50 16:40 18:15 19:00

Mon to Fri - 09:40 13:30 15:35 17:50 19:40*

Sunday - 08:20 09:20 14:15 16:15 17:05

 

*reservation required on last bus

 

2024 Winter Prices - Moûtiers Train Station to La Tania

Adult: €12 one-way, €20 return. 10% off online sometimes available.

Young Persons rate 2 to 26 years old: €8:40 one-way, €14 return.

 

LA TANIA to MÉRIBEL

Now possible on the S64 and S65 Services for Moutiers

 

Certain midweek services to/from Moûtiers now link the La Tania & Courchevel Valleys to Méribel. Note the "Ce car dessert Courchevel puis Méribel" comments on the S64 Méribel & S65 Courchevel Timetables.

La Tania to Méribel Centre is €4.00. Return fare is €6.30.

 

Monday to Friday only

Departs La Tania at 09:40 13:30 15:35 17:50 & 19:40* last bus requires booking

Departs Méribel Centre at 12:10 14:15(tbc) 16:35

 

 

TRAIN AND OTHER OPTIONS

Train

Most often from Geneva Airport to Moûtiers then a bus (40 mins) or taxi (20 mins) to resort - timings with no traffic and good weather. Train station is at the airport then change at Geneva Cornavin (there are no longer free tickets to get to Geneva Cornavin ) and at least one more change is required to get to Moûtiers (usually Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux or Aix-les-Bains-Le Revard).

 

Please note that there is another town called Moûtiers in the west of France, the one you want is Moûtiers les Salins. On Saturdays expect to pay €30 to €55 one-way with a bus from Moûtiers to La Tania also required for €12.

 

Example 2024 Saturday Service - 3h 11m to Moûtiers

11:32 Geneva Airport => Geneva Cornavin 11:39

11:59 Geneva Cornavin => Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux 13:17

13:26 Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux => Moutiers-Salins 14:43

 

Example 2024 Saturday Service - 3h 11m to Geneva Airport

11:16 Moutiers-Salins => Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux 12:34

12:42 Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux => Geneva Cornavin 14:02

14:20 Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux => Moutiers-Salins 14:27

 

Trains from Lyon and Chambéry (via Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux) are also possible. From Lyon Airport you can now get a direct OUIGO train to Moûtiers - prices start from only €10 for a one-way, no guaranteed seat and no baggage fare. Other options with changes at Chambéry and often Montmélian from €30 to €45 one-way are available but there's not that many trains per day - you need to have the right flight times.

 

Check out www.sncf.fr for details and see our journey via Lyon: Gatwick to La Tania door to door for £35

 

 

Taxi

Jumping in a standard taxi at Geneva airport could cost £500 one-way!

 

A standard taxi from the railway station in Moûtiers to La Tania should cost €60 - €100. It's only a 16km journey length and takes about 20 minutes.

 

There are now plenty of shared transfer / taxi companies advertising on the internet, a lot just acting as agents / brokers for other companies and not all are reputable - you've been warned!

Our recommended transfer companies

 

 

Uber

Uber now operate from Geneva and Lyon. No news of anyone using them yet but it could be an option if you've landed without anything booked. Geneva Ubers originally were always routed to use the Autoroute via Chambéry but from Summer 2018 now route themselves via Annecy.

 

UberX Estimated Fares - September 2023

Geneva Airport to La Tania CHF377 (£339)

Lyon Airport to La Tania €280 (£241)

Chambéry Airport to La Tania €162 ( £140)

Grenoble Airport to La Tania €259 (£223)

 

 

Hitching

Very difficult and where to start? Can be possible from Moûtiers if you walk along to the junction with the main road from Albertville but if you've got a load of ski gear forget it. In the mountains it used to be very easy to hitch a lift and most people would stop, but since Covid this tradition seems to have greatly diminished.

 

 

Charter Transfer Coaches

Were sometimes available as a surcharge when flying on a flight only deal with certain charter operators but that seems to have disappeared in the last few years - certainly the days of bribing reps at the airport for a lift seem to have gone forever...

 

 

Helicopter or Plane transfer!

From Geneva or Lyon direct to the Altiport at Courchevel 1850 or Méribel - Not as madly expensive as you might think... Contact SAF on +33 479 080091 but is always dependent on weather conditions.

 

Alpine Airlines announced in June 2015 the restart of commercial "on demand" flights from Courchevel Altiport. More here...

 

 

 

 

Driving Directions and Maps to La Tania

Directions from Geneva - The French Side

French motorway signs are blue and A-roads green.

Swiss motorway signs are green and A-roads blue.

 

 

If you don't have a Swiss Vignette (like a motorway toll tax disc) with a French hire car you should be able to get away with it by heading for France via the motorway and coming off to cross the border at St Julian - the chances of getting caught traveling up a couple of junctions of the motorway are very small. Remember to turn off after the third tunnel or you could get caught on the Motorway border point.

 

However, there's only a small chance when exiting Switzerland and probably worth taking the risk (you'll almost certainly get caught on your return using the Motorway border point on the way back in to Switzerland with special Vignette Officers patrolling the border area). It may of course be better to go exactly the same way on the way back if you're not familiar with the St Julian route however it can be worth using this way at peak times to cross the border as there's a lot less traffic.

 

Exit the French Side car hire car park - there is only one road out with barb-wire fence on either side for about 2km and then you pass through a tunnel underneath the runway. At the end of this road you turn right and within 50m you cross the border in to Switzerland (usually just a brief glance from the customs officers) and go back through the same tunnel once again.

 

At the end of the tunnel bare right and then left at the lights following the green (Swiss motorway) signs to FRANCE. Keep left and join the slip road on to the motorway following signs to FRANCE and pass under the Galexpo centre. At the next major intersection keep left following signs to FRANCE, you'll see a sign saying Toll 10km (you turn off before then).

 

Note that on your return to the French side exit the motorway at the Airport turning (well signposted) and then follow the signs to FERNEY - this will get you back to the tunnel under the runway.

 

You then pass through 3 more tunnels - beware of speed cameras both inside and between the tunnels, the speed limit is 100km/h but variable:

Vernier Tunnel 1900m

Bernex Tunnel 400m

Confignon Tunnel 1400m

 

At the exit of the 3rd tunnel you must exit to the right - the PERLY Sortie. Keep right at the lights following signs to PERLY / St JULIAN then straight over next lights through to St Julian passing all the fuel stations and crossing the border in to France (again usually just a brief glance from the customs officers if they are there).

 

Follow the road over 2 mini islands, then the road bares left (follow AUTRES DIRECTIONS down a small hill to the right and then right at the lights signposted ANNECY.

 

Follow the road over a large island following AUTRES DIRECTIONS and ANNECY signs and then over the first Autoroute following signs to the new A41 extension direct to Annecy - you go back on yourself at the next roundabout and then right on the A41 to Annecy.

 

(Alternatively stay on the road and follow green signs towards JUSSY, CRUSEILLES and ANNECY if you want to avoid the toll charge - easiest to head for the centre of Annecy following signs to Le Lac (the huge lake) - or follow Albertville signs around the ring road. Once you've hit the lake it's then easy to leave this on your left and drive anti-clockwise around the lake on the N508 towards UGINE and ALBERTVILLE. The alternative side of the lake via Talloires is often just as quick at peak times although lots of people have cottoned on to this in recent years.

 

 

Directions from Geneva - The Swiss Side

As you exit the Airport you'll see green (Swiss Motorway) signs to France overhead. Follow this straight road for about 1km, turn left at the T junction at the end then first right (all sign posted FRANCE ) and you're on the motorway.

 

You then pass through 3 tunnels - beware of speed cameras both inside and between the tunnels, the speed limit is generally 100km/h but is variable:

Vernier Tunnel 1900m, Bernex Tunnel 400m, Confignon Tunnel 1400m

 

Cross the border in to France (a quick glance is usually all that happens) and you come to the new A41 extension direct to Annecy (see below).

 

The A41 extension towards Annecy directions

watch your speed on this new(ish) road - it's generally 110km/h not 130km/h and there are some mobile speed traps about as well as tunnel cameras with variable limits. About 2km North of the long 3km tunnel is a popular place for mobile cameras and a fixed camera just before the Annecy Nord turn off heading South. There's a Péage to collect a ticket about half way and then keep heading towards Annecy.

 

Exit at Annecy Nord (J17 with Toll of €8.50 and UK credit cards are accepted in the automated barriers) to head around the far side of the lake via Talloires (clockwise around the lake). Head for Pringy and then battle through the streets to Le Lac and TALLOIRES.

 

Exit at Annecy Sud (J16 €9.20) and follow sign to ALBERTVILLE to head around the usual West side of the lake (anti-clockwise).

 

You could stay on the Autoroute and travel via Chambéry - it's an extra 50km and an extra €11.30 in tolls each way with a possibility of toll queues at Chambéry on a Winter Saturday. In the Summer months this can be a good option though with Annecy and the lake very, very busy on Summer Sunday afternoons.

 

Then follow signs for the N508 towards UGINE and ALBERTVILLE. Currently two fixed speed cameras before Ugine - all well marked with signposts before you get to them - but mobile cameras are popular too. At Ugine follow the N212 to ALBERTVILLE.

See from Albertville directions below

 

 

Winter 2008 / 2009 and La Tania got nearer to Geneva Airport

 

23 Dec 2008 saw the opening of the new A41 motorway extension from just north of Annecy direct to the Swiss Border.

 

The road has a new viaduct across the gorge near Le Noiret and a new 3.1km long Tunnel du Mont-Sion. The time taken from the North Annecy junction to the Swiss border a short as 12 minutes.

 

The new 19km road cost 871 million Euros to build and the initial toll charge for cars was initially set at €4.50 each (now €8.50) The speed limit is currently set to 110km.

 

The construction statistics include the employment of some 900 people with 180 earth moving machines moving 7 million cubic metres of earth. The largest tunnel boring machine in France (named Adelaide) was used and the whole project was completed in 29 months.

 

With no more Cruseilles hold-ups it slashed a good half an hour off peak time Geneva Airport to La Tania transfers.

 

Swiss Side to French Side Directions

 

From the Swiss Motorway past the Swiss side you go under the runway, cross the border than back under the runway (zoom in and use satellite view for more clarity)

 

 

Directions from Lyon (see maps at bottom of page)

From St Exupery airport, (Lyon Airport formerly named Satolas) follow the Autoroute A43 and signs to CHAMBERY and then A43 and A430 to ALBERTVILLE. See from Albertville directions below.

 

Four toll stops in all - 2 to collect tickets and 2 to pay the tolls. See toll coast above. Autoroutes all take contactless plastic. Click and zoom on the map below.

 

 

Directions from Chambéry (see maps at bottom of page)

Follow signs to the Autoroute A43 (or E70 European classification) and then signs to ALBERTVILLE. Pick up the A430 to ALBERTVILLE. See from Albertville directions below.

Click and zoom on the map below.

 

 

Directions from Grenoble (see maps at bottom of page)

The airport is way past Grenoble town and it's almost as quick to head back up the A48 Autoroute towards LYON and pick up the A43 to CHAMBERY and on to ALBERTVILLE on the A430 (as opposed to driving through Grenoble on the A48 and then picking up the A41 towards CHAMBERY and then the A43 / A430 to ALBERTVILLE). See from Albertville directions below.

Click and zoom on the map below.

 

 

Directions from Albertville

From Annecy follow the main dual carriageway to Albertville from Ugine.

At Albertville a new roundabout from Autumn 2008 directs you left of the town and by-passes the traffic light heavy main street with a new road next to the river bringing you out near the McDonalds drive thru'.

Turn left again here until the big roundabout (underneath the N90 dual carriageway) and then go LEFT towards MOÛTIERS on the N90.

 

From Lyon (or Chambéry or Grenoble) the A43 becomes the A430 to Albertville and then the N90 - simply keep going along the dual carriageway towards MOÛTIERS on the N90.

 

 

Follow the N90 dual carriageway for about 20km and as you come in to Moûtiers look for signs to COURCHEVEL / MÉRIBEL on the D117, follow these and filter right. From here LA TANIA is signposted.

 

You're now on the windy roads! Take care. Stay on this road for about 10km past the turn off for Méribel and Brides Les Bains, through La Perrière until you come to a small roundabout and go right (almost back on yourself) - signposted Courchevel / Le Praz / La Tania.

 

Now you're on the really windy roads. Take more care. Follow this road for maybe 7km - quite a few hairpins! Drive straight through Saint Bon and keep going until you reach Le Praz (also called Courchevel 1300). As you come in to the centre of the village take the right hand main road signposted to La Tania (this ultimately takes you to Méribel too - there used to be a mini roundabout here). Drive past the Olympic Ski Jump on your left and keep left at the next mini roundabout. Follow for about 2km and you'll arrive in La Tania. Click and zoom on the map below.

 

 

 

More Maps from the Airports

Area Location Map - showing routes from all the nearby airports.

 

Geneva Airport (French Route) - showing French side of airport route with no Vignette.

Swiss border (French Route) - continuing showing route with no Vignette.

 

Geneva Airport - standard route - route from Geneva Airport (Swiss side) to Annecy.

Swiss border - standard route - continuing from Geneva Airport to Annecy.

 

Grenoble Airport - showing routes to La Tania

 

Chambéry Airport - showing routes to La Tania

 

Check The Speed Camera Page to see where you may get caught.

 

Check the resort maps to find your accommodation etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

page last updated 22/04/24