Travel by train to Morzine in the French Alps

Why train travel to Morzine is a great option

Morzine is an authentic Alpine village and a gateway to the Portes du Soleil – one of the biggest ski areas and (summer) biking destinations in the world. Encompassing the mountainous region between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, it’s a favourite with skiers, mountain bikers, hikers and families looking to get their mountain kicks in a stunning setting. Accessing this incredible spot need not start with an airline flight, travelling by train to Morzine takes a similar amount of time to flying, and although this is not a resort serviced by the Eurostar ski train, the journey is not much different. The rail route to Morzine involves combining a Eurostar ticket to Paris with a fast TGV train to a station near Morzine. As with Most European ski resorts, and just like catching a plane, you need a transfer, taxi or local bus to take you up the mountain to the ski village. Here we share how and where to book tickets, as well as precise information on the routes and connections. But, in case you are sitting on the fence, let’s start with why train travel is a valid option for travel to our incredible mountain playground in the French Alps.

The benefits of train travel to Morzine – and how to save money!

Whether escaping to the Alps to ski, hike, bike or just enjoy time in nature, the climate crisis combined with a host of other factors, is making train travel more popular as a way to start your holiday. In a nutshell, here are the pros of catching the train to Morzine:

• A huge reduction in the carbon emissions associated with your holiday
• A calmer way to travel avoiding airport queues, baggage drop and early check-ins
• Relaxed time on-board with WiFi on the train if you need it
• As fast as planes, door-to-door travel often takes the same time as taking a flight
• Pack all you want and bring your skis/board without those hiked up baggage costs (one suitcase and pair of skis/board is free, details here)
• Get extra perks – travel by train qualifies you for the AlpineExpress Pass for money saving deals on transfers, ski pass, ski hire and other services and activities in the Morzine
• As a rail user get 10% off the price of your AliKats chalet, or even more with our green rewards scheme
• Cheaper travel for kids and groups. Discount rates are often available on rail tickets for groups (usually 10 or more people). On many services kids under four go free (if a seat is not needed) and kids aged 11 or under are eligible for a reduction of around 30%.
• Adventure! Swapping plane for train, catching the scenery through the window and meeting fellow passengers can be a fun way to start your holiday.

Prices and when to book your ticket

The lowest fares sell out first, so get the best price on rail fares by booking early. You’ll find Eurostar tickets are available by mid-July for the entire ski season. The TGV section of your journey is usually bookable roughly 90 days in advance of the date of travel.

You can book the Eurostar leg of your journey on Eurostar’s website, and the TGV on SNCF Connect (the French rail booking website). Alternatively, Rail Europe and Trainline are easy-to-use online ticket-booking agents that cover various train operators, including Eurostar and TGV. Just be aware that these platforms operate through an algorithm to simultaneously show ticket prices and routes, which can hide some options, so it is always good to check routes and prices with the individual operators.

The train route between London and Morzine

We have tested a few train routes to Morzine, and the two routes that go via Cluses or Geneva are the most efficient when you consider train connections and transfer options.

London to Morzine via Geneva (+ mini van transfer)

This option will bring you into Geneva airport where you can jump in a pre-booked transfer. Don’t forget you can receive a discount on your transfer via the AlpineExpress Pass for rail users to Morzine.

Route and connections:

London St Pancras on the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord (2hr28)

Change to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 14:18 TGV to Geneva Cornavin (3hr11)

Take a 7 minute train to Geneva airport (run roughly every 5 minutes/ 70 trains a day)

Duration: approx. 8hrs 20

Transfer: pre-book a transfer to take you from Geneva airport to your chalet in Morzine (approx.90 mins)

London to Morzine via Cluses (+taxi/local bus)

This option will bring you to Cluses train station, where you can take a taxi or local bus to get to Morzine.

Route and connections:

London St Pancras on the 09:31 Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord (2hr28)

Change to Paris Gare de Lyon and take the 14:18 TGV to Bellegarde, where you change to go to Cluses, arriving at 18.52 (4hr33)

Duration: 9hr 22

Transfer: From Cluses take a taxi or local bus (aprox.40 mins) to Morzine. If taking the bus, your AliKats chalet chauffeur will pick you up from Morzine bus station and bring you to your chalet.

Low impact ski holidays in Morzine

Catching the train to the Alps from London has many benefits and can be a great way to start your mountain holiday. Combine train travel with one of AliKats’ eco-friendly chalets for a sustainable mountain holiday in Morzine. Our luxury catered chalets are zero food waste and designed with the lowest possible environmental impact.

Image Crediits: Getty Images for Unsplash; Photo by Maarten Duineveld for Unsplash; Photo by Isaac Wardel for Unsplash; Photo by Cybrnneon for Unsplash.