J2Ski logo J2Ski logo
Login Forum Search Recent Forums

Lyon to Val Thorens transfer

Lyon to Val Thorens transfer

Login
To Create or Answer a Topic

Started by Alexa in France - 6 Replies

J2Ski

Alexa posted Jan-2016

Can anybody who is familiar with this area give me an advice please in choosing correct departure times for train/bus?
In March we plan stay in Lyon for couple of days and then on Sunday transfer to Val Thorens. We'd prefer to get to Val Thorens rather earlier than later.
One option is Lyon-Moutiers train that arrives to Moutiers at 1:09 pm, from where we can catch a bus to Val Thorens that leaves at 13:30 pm. This is the earlier option, and I hope 20 minutes would be enough to transfer from the train to the bus. The downside of this option is this train is not direct and we need to transfer in Chambery (how complicated this transfer will be?).
Second option – direct train From Lyon to Moutiers that will arrive at 14:46pm, but the bus departs at 15:00 pm, which leaves us only 14 minutes for transfer. Will it be enough? The next bus to Val Thorens will depart at 17:00 pm, which is kind of late.
I think everything depends on how long it might take to get off the train with our luggage and get to the bus station in Moutiers. Please help with the choice.

Chateaudoz
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

A quick search of the val thorens web site has this: http://www.valthorens.com/en/resort-and-useful-information/transportation/by-road.650.html .
The easiest is probably a direct bus from Lyon airport which you can get to on the Lyon Metro system; the Rhone Express departs from Lyon Part Dieu, Villette, and other stops along the way which you might find more convenient, depending on where you are staying.
Altibus schedules etc. here http://www.altibus.com/

Edited 1 time. Last update at 04-Jan-2016

SwingBeep
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

The bus station at Moûtiers is directly outside the railway station http://www.mobisavoie.com/7431-departemental-bus-stations.htm If you pre-purchase your tickets there should be plenty of time.

Don't panic if you don't see a bus when you arrive, as sometimes they use mini buses if there are too few or too many people booked on the scheduled bus. If you get the bus from Lyon airport you will still have to change at Moûtiers. The train will also be much cheaper, just watch your luggage!

Chateaudoz
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

The train will also be much cheaper, just watch your luggage!

Yep, I reckon about 20-30€ p/p return, cheaper on the train.
If cost is not a major factor, you could also rent a car for about 200€ for the week, directly from the center of Lyon, but you would have to add around 70€ for parking in VT as well as the autoroute tolls and fuel.
All the options need balancing cost, convenience and security; which is most important and what fits best with your timing.

Alexa
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

Thank you both for your tips. I'd prefer cheaper option to take a train. Are you saying 14 minutes between arrival of the direct train to Moutiers and departure of the bus to Val Thorens will be enough for the transfer? Or should I get a non-direct train (with change in Chambery), which will give me more time for transfer to the bus in Moutiers (21 minutes)?

SwingBeep
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

I think 14mins is plenty, it's about 75m from the railway platform to the bus station. Altibus was set up to encourage skiers to use public transport to get to the ski resorts, so it wouldn't make sense if there wasn't enough time to get from the train to the bus. If you have any doubts you could contact Altibus directly https://altibus.com/call-center-rp26_en.aspx

Alexa
reply to 'Lyon to Val Thorens transfer'
posted Jan-2016

Thank you SwingBeep for your valuable advice!

Topic last updated on 05-January-2016 at 14:53