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Les Arcs is one of the best resorts in the Alps to reach by train. Bourg-Saint-Maurice station sits at the bottom of the valley, a funicular climbs from beside the platforms to Arc 1600, and free shuttle buses take you on to Arc 1800. This guide covers every rail route from the UK, from the Eurostar ski train to changing in Paris, Lille or Lyon.
The short version
- Simplest: the Eurostar ski train on selected winter Saturdays, changing at Lille, straight to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
- Most flexible: Eurostar to Paris, then a TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
- The last few kilometres: the funicular to Arc 1600 (about 7 minutes, free with a train ticket in winter), then a free shuttle to Arc 1800.
Rail routes compared
| Route | Changes | When it runs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar ski train from London St Pancras | One, at Lille Europe | Selected Saturdays, outbound 19 December 2026 to 20 February 2027 | Families who want the fewest changes |
| Eurostar to Paris, then TGV from Gare de Lyon | Change stations in Paris | Year round TGV services, with extra winter trains | Flexible dates, any day of the week |
| Eurostar to Lille, then TGV | One, at Lille | TGV and OUIGO connections | Avoiding a station change in Paris |
| Fly to Lyon, then train | One or two | TER and TGV year round, about 3 hours from Lyon | Combining a flight with rail |
| Overnight train from Paris Austerlitz | Change stations in Paris | Friday nights in winter | Arriving early on Saturday morning |
Service details are from the official Les Arcs train page and Seat 61. Timetables change every season, so check the current times before you book.
The Eurostar ski train
The ski train, now sold as Eurostar Snow, runs from London St Pancras on selected Saturdays in winter. You change at Lille Europe onto a ski train that runs through the Tarentaise valley, stopping at Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. For winter 2026/27, Seat 61 lists outbound trains on Saturdays from 19 December to 20 February, leaving St Pancras at 9.01am and reaching Bourg-Saint-Maurice at 5.45pm local time. Return trains run on most Sundays and some Saturdays from 27 December to 28 February.
Its big advantage is simplicity: one change, luggage stays with you, and you arrive at the right station for Les Arcs. Saturday trains in February half term are popular, so book as early as you can.
Changing in Paris
Outside the ski train dates, or if you want a different day, take Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord and cross the city to Paris Gare de Lyon for a TGV to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The Les Arcs website says TGV INOUI runs year round, OUIGO offers cheaper winter fares, and extra TGV services run from 27 November to 12 December 2026.
Crossing Paris with ski bags and children takes longer than you think, so allow plenty of time between trains. If you book Eurostar and the TGV separately, check what happens if a late Eurostar makes you miss the connection.
The overnight option
The Travelski Night Express runs on Friday nights in winter from Paris Austerlitz. The Les Arcs website gives estimated times of 10.52pm from Paris, arriving in Bourg-Saint-Maurice at 8.09am on Saturday, and 9.33pm on Saturday for the return. Snowcarbon lists outbound trains from 18 December 2026 to 26 March 2027. You still need to reach Paris first, and Eurostar tickets are booked separately.
Changing in Lille or Lyon
- Lille: Eurostar to Lille, then a TGV INOUI or OUIGO connection to the Alps, avoiding a station change in Paris.
- Lyon: if you fly to Lyon, TER and TGV services run to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in about 3 hours.
Flying to Paris and taking the train
If you live near a regional airport such as Manchester, you can fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle and take the train from the airport’s own TGV station at Terminal 2. The journey to Bourg-Saint-Maurice generally takes around 6 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours, usually with two changes, for example via Lyon Part-Dieu and Chambéry, or via Valence TGV and Montmélian. Flying on a Friday evening, staying near the airport and taking the train on Saturday works well. Our Les Arcs ski guide covers this route in more detail.
Staying near Paris Charles de Gaulle
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Flying on a Friday evening and taking the train on Saturday means a night near the airport.
Expedia: hotels at Charles de Gaulle airport
Set to the Friday night before February half term 2027.
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Arc 1800
The funicular
The Les Arcs funicular leaves from beside Bourg-Saint-Maurice station and climbs to Arc 1600 in about 7 minutes. The return trip is free when you show your train ticket, according to the official Les Arcs funicular page.
Free shuttles to Arc 1800
At Arc 1600, free shuttle buses link Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000. The Les Arcs website says they run every 20 to 30 minutes, from 7am to 11pm in winter. Check where your accommodation is in Arc 1800 before you travel: our guide to where to stay in Arc 1800 explains the different areas.
Taxis
A taxi from Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the easiest option late at night or with lots of luggage. One lesson from our own trip: if your train home leaves before the funicular starts running, book a taxi down to the station well in advance. We left it until the Friday evening, phoned more than twenty taxi companies and only managed to get one at 4am.
Tips for travelling with ski kit by train
- Travel as light as you can, and consider hiring skis in resort rather than carrying them (see ski hire in Arc 1800). Our guide to ski hire and lessons explains how.
- Check each operator’s luggage rules before you travel, especially for ski bags.
- Keep tickets handy for the funicular, as you need to show them.
- Allow extra time on Saturdays in the school holidays, when stations and shuttles are busiest.
Where to book in Arc 1800
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The searches below open with February half term 2027 dates as an example. Change the dates and group size to match your own trip.
Vrbo: holiday apartments in Arc 1800
We have used Vrbo for self catered apartments on our own trips.
Expedia: hotels and residences in Arc 1800
Prices and availability change often, so always check the latest details before you book.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get to Les Arcs by train from London?
Yes. The Eurostar ski train runs from London St Pancras on selected winter Saturdays, changing at Lille, to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. Outside those dates, change in Paris for a TGV.
Is the Les Arcs funicular free?
Yes, for train passengers. The round trip is free when you show your train ticket, according to the official Les Arcs website.
How do I get from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800?
Free shuttle buses run from Arc 1600 to Arc 1800, every 20 to 30 minutes in winter.
How long does the train from Paris to Bourg-Saint-Maurice take?
It depends on the service and the day. Check the current timetable on SNCF Connect or the Les Arcs website before you book.