Getting to Les Deux Alpes: Airports, Transfers and Travel Times
Les Deux Alpes sits in the Isère region, roughly 109km from Grenoble Airport — the obvious choice if you want the shortest transfer. Here’s how the main options compare.
By air: which airport?
| Airport | Distance | Typical transfer time |
|---|---|---|
| Grenoble | 109km | 1h45-2h (up to 3h on Saturdays / peak weeks) |
| Lyon | ~170km | Around 2h30-3h |
| Geneva | ~230km | 3h+ |
Grenoble has the most direct flights from the UK during ski season (easyJet, Jet2, British Airways and Swiss all run routes), and is the airport most transfer operators build their shuttle timetables around. If you’re flying into Lyon or Geneva instead, factor in the longer transfer — worth it only if it gets you a materially cheaper or more convenient flight.
Shared shuttle vs private transfer
Several operators (Ben’s Bus, AlpNav and others) run shared coach transfers from Grenoble Airport to Les Deux Alpes throughout the season, generally timed to meet incoming flights, with fares from around £27-£40pp one-way. These are the cheapest option but involve waiting for other passengers and, occasionally, a change of vehicle at Bourg d’Oisans. Private transfers cost more but go door-to-door with no stops, which is worth the extra for families travelling with young children, awkward luggage, or a tight onward schedule.
Timing tips
- Saturdays are the busiest changeover day — expect transfer times to stretch to 3 hours or more between 7am and 4pm.
- Weekday and Sunday transfers are noticeably quicker, often under 2 hours.
- French school holiday weeks (Christmas, February) add significant traffic on the final approach roads — build in extra time either direction.
By train and bus
Grenoble’s main train station connects to the wider French and European rail network, and local buses (Transaltitude) run from Grenoble bus station to Les Deux Alpes in around 1h30 — a good option if you’re not flying, or prefer not to hire a car for the final leg.
Once you’re there
A free shuttle bus runs the length of the village every 15 minutes, so wherever your transfer drops you — see our guide to the best areas to stay — you’re never far from your accommodation or the lifts.
Start planning your trip: browse all Les Deux Alpes accommodation, or read our full Les Deux Alpes ski guide.