![[EL_Header_Close]](https://cdn2.ernalow.co.uk//images/icons/_Other/Icons_XMark_50Navy.webp){kind=icon}
Alpe d'Huez Transfers
Alpe d'Huez Ski Transfers
What type of ski transfer do I need to get to Alpe d'Huez?
Located in the heart of the Oisans region in the Alps, Alpe d’Huez is one of the most thriving resorts in the area. From its high glacier at 3,300 meters allowing for year-round skiing, to its reputation as the 'l'Isle du Soleil' which translates into Island in the Sun, due to its sunny slopes, Alpe d’Huez is also one of the Alps most inviting ski resorts. Alpe d’Huez is a high altitude resort that forms part of the Grand Domaine ski area. There are no trains or flights directly connecting the ski resort or the area. A ski transfer is perhaps the most used form of accessing Alpe d’Huez. At Erna Low you can select from a few transfer options to get to Alpe d’Huez for your dream ski holiday. A private transfer is perhaps one of the most opted for and is the best option for people looking to travel privately and exclusively within their family bubble; it is essentially a complete hire service where one person or group of travellers has the car to themselves and are driven up to their accommodation. A shared transfer can also be arranged for people visiting Alpe d’Huez and are happy to share a transfer vehicle with other visitors to the resort who will be arriving at the airport on the same day but at a different time. It is a less expensive option and also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and make new friends who share the same passion for skiing.
What airports can I transfer from to get to Alpe d'Huez?
Transfer to Alpe d’Huez can be arranged from most areas in the Alps, however, the four closest airports to Alpe d’Huez and the Grand Domaine ski area are Geneva International airport, Chambéry Aix-les-Bains Airport (more commonly known as Chambéry Airport ), Grenoble Alpes Isère airport ( commonly referred to as Grenoble airport) and the Saint-Exupéry airport, also known more regularly as Lyon airport. Grenoble airport and Chambery airport are closer in proximity to Alpe d’Huez and have the shortest drives to the resort. If you were flying in locally from France, either of these would be a great option. However, due to the size and low profile of both airports, they do not have a lot of international flight connections making it difficult to access from abroad. Flying in from overseas? Geneva airport is your best option and the most selected route of all the options due not only to its connections but its frequency of arrival flights. As such, this makes Geneva to Alpe d’Huez a much more selected transfer option overall. Transfers from private owned and non commercial airports can also be arranged. For any personalised or special requests, please do not hesitate to contact us.
How much do you charge for transfers to and from Alpe d'Huez?
Our transfer prices to and from Alpe d'Huez tend to vary on a few factors such as your chosen pick up airport or train station and its proximity to Alpe d'Huez and the Portes du Soleil as the different airports, train stations etc may vary in proximity for example, a Grenoble to Alpe d’Huez transfer will incur an entirely different price from a Lyon to Alpe d’Huez transfer . The prices will also depend on whether you have chosen a return or single journey and also how many people make up your travel group ( as the travel size may require more than one vehicle in some cases). The charges will also depend on the chosen type of ski transfer as the prices differ between the different transfer types. The prices will also be displayed on our website and they can be viewed during the overall ski holiday booking process. After selecting your holiday destination, you will be directed to the ski transfer page where you can select your transfer type. The cost of the transfer will be displayed next to the transfer chosen. You can also see it in the overall ski holiday breakdown cost. For any additional information on quotes, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Why should I book a transfer to Alpe d'Huez directly with Erna Low?
Visiting the French Alps is always an amazing experience often filled with long-lasting memories with the majority of those memories being of great fun and filled with slopes and sno parties etc, however, some long-lasting memories also include unpleasant airport commutes or transfers from the airports to the ski resorts. We have all had them at some point or the other. At Erna Low, we certainly recognise the challenges of travelling to the Alps in the winter months and how much of a burden it could weigh at times especially if you are travelling with your family with young children in tow, or travelling with a large group of friends who all have very different thresholds of patience whilst you try to figure out a way to get to Alpe d’Huez from your airport or train terminal and you do not speak a word of French. When you book a transfer to Alpe d'Huez with Erna Low, everything is pretty much taken off from when you land at the airport. With your transfer booked, there is really no need to stress or worry upon arrival about when the next bus leaves or what connection trains and other modes of public transport you need to take to get to Alpe d’Huez. Leave all the logistics to us, kick your feet back and enjoy the view on the way to Alpe d’Huez.
As one of France's most iconic ski resorts, it draws visitors from across Europe and beyond, which makes getting the transfer right an important part of planning your trip. The approach to the resort is one of the most famous ascents in the Alps - familiar to cycling fans as a Tour de France legend, but equally memorable for anyone arriving by road in winter. From the valley town of Le Bourg-d'Oisans, the road climbs roughly 8.5 miles through 21 numbered hairpin bends, each one switchbacking tighter than the last. It's a striking introduction to the resort, and a reminder that you're genuinely heading somewhere special.
The four main gateway airports are Grenoble (GNB), Chambéry (CMF), Lyon (LYS), and Geneva (GVA). Grenoble is the closest at around 65 miles, with transfers typically taking 1 hour 45 minutes. Chambéry is slightly further, at about 80 miles and roughly 2 hours. Lyon, a major international hub, is about 94 miles away and takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Geneva is the most popular choice for international travellers, at around 131 miles and 3 hours 15 minutes under normal conditions. Bear in mind that during peak weeks - Christmas, February half-term - and in heavy snowfall, all of these times can increase noticeably.
When it comes to how you actually get up the mountain, there are three main options. Shared shuttle services such as Ben's Bus and Alpine Fleet run scheduled coaches from the main airports and are a cost-effective choice, particularly for solo travellers or couples. Private transfers offer door-to-door service with no waiting around for other passengers, which many families find well worth the extra cost. If you're travelling light and feeling adventurous, the train-and-bus combination is also a solid option: take the TGV to Grenoble, then hop on the Transisère bus for the final 40 miles up to the resort.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get to Alpe d'Huez?
Shared shuttle buses are your best bet for keeping costs down. Services from Grenoble are particularly good value given the shorter distance, and if you're already heading through Grenoble by train, the local Transisère bus from the city centre is the most budget-friendly option. Shared coaches from Lyon are also competitively priced if that's your arriving airport.
How long does the Alpe d’Huez transfer from Geneva take?
Typically between 3 and 4 hours, though this varies with traffic and weather. The motorway section from Geneva to the Grenoble area is generally straightforward, but the mountain road up to the resort can slow things down, especially if there's been fresh snowfall or if you hit the resort changeover on a Saturday.
Do I need to worry about the 21 hairpins during my Alpe d’Huez transfer?
If you're prone to motion sickness, it's worth sitting in the front seat where possible and keeping your gaze on the road ahead rather than the valley below. That said, the drivers who operate these routes do them day in, day out throughout the season and know every bend intimately - you're in experienced hands.
Can Alpe d’Huez transfers accommodate ski and snowboard equipment?
Most dedicated ski transfer companies include one piece of luggage and one pair of skis or a snowboard as standard in the fare. If you're booking a private car rather than a minibus, it's worth selecting the Minivan class at the time of booking to ensure there's enough boot space for everyone's kit.
Are child seats available on my Alpe d’Huez transfer?
For private transfers, child seats can almost always be arranged, but they need to be requested and confirmed in advance - don't leave it to chance on the day. On large shared coaches, child seats are generally not available, so if you're travelling with very young children, a private transfer is usually the more practical option.
If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package.