The Eurostar Ski Train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice from London: 2025 Review

If you’re heading to the French Alps for a ski holiday, the Eurostar ski train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice from London is hands down the most relaxing way to travel. No airport stress, no baggage reclaim, no need to navigate your way from a distant airport to your resort. Instead, you step off the train right in the heart of ski country, ready to head straight to the slopes.

In this post, I’ll share my experience taking the Eurostar ski train from London to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, but if you’re looking for more ways to reach the Alps by rail, check out my detailed guide to train travel to the Alps for more options!

I took this train during February half-term (a one-week school holiday that all UK schools have; which also happens to be one of the busiest weeks of the ski season). I was travelling solo with my two big kids, aged 10 and 12, and I wanted a journey that was as hassle-free as possible.

Given how busy this week always is, I expected some travel chaos, but I was pleasantly surprised: the Eurostar was smooth, easy, and much more relaxing than flying.

This review is completely independent – I booked the tickets myself (at full price!), and nothing about this trip was gifted. So this is a real, honest review of what it’s like to take the Eurostar ski train in peak season with kids in tow.

This post covers everything you need to know about the journey, including:

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I receive a small commission, which helps to support this blog!

Booking tickets on the Eurostar Ski Train to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

I booked our tickets through Rail Europe, which is one of the easiest ways to search for and book European train travel. They show real-time availability, prices, and connections, so you can compare options and book everything in one place.

Eurostar ski train tickets sell out fast, especially for peak weeks like February half-term, so I’d highly recommend booking as soon as they’re released. For the Eurostar ski train, tickets are typically released in the summer for travel during the upcoming winter season. This means that if you’re planning to travel during February half-term or Easter, you need to be ready to book as soon as they go on sale—because they sell out fast. In 2024 the release date of these tickets was the 9th July 2024 for travel in the winter 2024-25 season.

You can set up a booking alert on Rail Europe so you know when those tickets will be released.

Prices can vary depending on demand, so the earlier you book, the better the deal. If you’re planning your next ski trip and want a stress-free way to get to the Alps, you can check prices and availability via my Rail Europe link.

Setting off

Security and passport control

Compared to an airport, this was a dream. There are four quick steps before you reach the departure lounge:

1️⃣ Scan your ticket at the self-service gate.

2️⃣ Security check – bags and coats go through a scanner, but unlike at an airport, there’s no need to empty your water bottle or take out liquids or large electricals like laptops, you can carry a small pen knife – which I like for making lunches on the go and for the inbuilt scissors, and there’s no need to remove boots, belts, or watches.

3️⃣ UK passport control.

4️⃣ French passport control (immediately after the UK check).

I was expecting long queues since we were travelling in February half-term, but we sailed through in just 20 minutes.

The Eurostar departure lounge at St Pancras International

London to Lille: The first train

💼 Luggage: There are small racks above the seats for hand luggage, but bigger suitcases need to go in the racks at the ends of carriages. A nice touch was that the first row of seats in each carriage was blocked off for extra luggage storage – it was nice to see that profit was sacrificed for convenience and safety in the knowledge that people going skiing are likely to have a lot of luggage!

⏳ Journey time: It felt like no time at all before we were through the channel tunnel and whizzing through France; in fact it took less that 1 hour 30 minutes to Lille Europe from London.

💡 Important: The train continues to Brussels, so make sure you get off promptly in Lille – it’s not the terminus!

Changing trains in Lille

The direct train from Lille to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

👜 Luggage space: This train is better designed for ski travellers than the London to Lille service, with larger overhead luggage racks that easily fit cabin bags, duffel bags, and bigger rucksacks.

If you’re carrying larger luggage, skis or a snowboard, these need to be stored in carriage 1, but there’s plenty of time to sort this before departure, as the train sits at the platform for around 25 minutes. There are also luggage racks at the ends of each coach for larger suitcases.

The train has eight coaches, numbered from 1 to 8, with designated boarding spots on the platform. We were in carriage 8, which meant we had to board at spot R, while carriage 1 was at spot O, with other carriages spaced out in between (carriage 3 was spot P and carriage 5 was spot Q).

It was all clearly signposted on screens and easy to navigate. The staff were friendly and helpful, making sure everyone knew where to go, especially those with lots of luggage.

Once onboard, we settled in for the long but incredibly scenic journey through France. The train is fast, speeding through the countryside and not stopping until Chambéry (though it slows slightly as it passes Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport).

With just over three hours to go, we were somewhere between Geneva and Lyon, racing towards Chambéry. After Chambéry, the train slows down and makes several more stops, but by this point, the mountains start to feel closer, and the excitement builds. The total journey from Lille to Bourg takes around 6.5 hours, but with comfy seats, good views, and enough space to stretch your legs, it’s a pretty enjoyable ride.

Onboard food & drink

Sweet treats:
🍫 Chocolate mousse
🍪 Chocolate chip cookie
🍬 Sour sweets
🍫 Tony’s Chocolonely bar
🧇 Belgian waffle
🍫 KitKat

For kids, there’s even a special snack bag, which comes with:

• Sea salt crisps
• Mango Pipstick
• The Laughing Cow Dip & Crunch
• GoGo SqueeZ apple and strawberry fruit smoothie snack

There’s also a good range of drinks, including hot and cold options, soft drinks, beer, wine, champagne, and spirits.

Where the train stops and the ski resorts they serve

One of the best things about taking the Eurostar ski train is that it drops you right in the mountains, much closer to the ski resorts than if you were flying into Geneva or Lyon. However, how close you are to the slopes depends on which station you get off at; some resorts are just a short hop away, while others require a longer transfer.

Most resorts have buses or coaches that meet the train to take passengers up into the mountains, but you’ll need to book these in advance to guarantee a seat. Alternatively, if you prefer more flexibility (or you’re travelling as a group with lots of luggage), you can arrange a private transfer instead. Either way, it’s worth planning ahead so you’re not left scrambling for transport when you arrive.

Here’s a breakdown of where the train stops and which resorts you can reach from each station:

🚆 Chambéry

• Aix-les-Bains
• La Féclaz

🚆 Albertville

• Arêches
• Crest-Voland Cohennoz
• Flumet
• La Giettaz
• Les Saisies
• Megève
• Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe

🚆 Moûtiers-Salins-Brides-les-Bains

• Brides-les-Bains
• Champagny-en-Vanoise
• Courchevel
• La Tania
• Les Menuires
• Méribel
• Pralognan
• Valmorel
• Val Thorens

🚆 Aime-La Plagne

• La Plagne
• Montalbert

🚆 Landry

• Montchavin La Plagne
• Les Coches
• Peisey-Vallandry

🚆 Bourg-Saint-Maurice

• Les Arcs (via 7 minute funicular)
• Tignes
• Val d’Isère
• La Rosière

Arrival in Bourg-Saint-Maurice

At 18:25, right on time, we finally rolled into Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the last stop on the line and right in the heart of ski country. After hours of watching the landscape shift from rolling French countryside to dramatic Alpine peaks, it is great to step off the train knowing that we were already where we needed to be – no long airport transfers and no waiting for baggage.

One of the great things about taking the train is that all passport checks are done in the UK, so when you arrive, there’s no queuing at border control. You simply grab your bags, step off the train, and head straight for your onward transport.

For many, that means hopping on a coach to one of the major ski resorts; all of which have pre-bookable transfer services that meet the train. If you’re heading further afield, private transfers are also an option, though these need to be arranged in advance.

For anyone skiing in Les Arcs, you’re in luck. The Arc en Ciel funicular leaves directly from Bourg-Saint-Maurice station and takes just 7 minutes to reach Arc 1600. It’s located at the opposite end of the station from the main exit, and if you’re arriving by train, it’s easiest to head straight to the rear of the platform. There’s a footbridge that leads directly to the funicular station, though be aware it does involve some stairs—something to factor in if you’ve got a lot of luggage.

Once at Arc 1600, free shuttle buses are waiting to take skiers up to Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000, so you can be up in the mountains within an hour of arriving in Bourg.

For those heading to Tignes, Val d’Isère, or La Rosière, there’s a regular bus service from Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which makes transfers easy and affordable.

Since we were staying in Bourg itself, we had the most stress-free option of all. It was just a 5 minute walk from the train station to our accommodation. Each morning, we walked the short distance to the funicular, took the 7-minute ride up to Arc 1600, and collected our skis and boots from a locker at the top (which I had pre-booked); which meant no lugging equipment back and forth. After a full day on the slopes, we’d simply drop our gear back in the locker and take the funicular back down to town for the evening. It couldn’t have been easier.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice – more than just a train station

While many people pass through Bourg-Saint-Maurice on their way up to the ski resorts, this charming Alpine town is well worth a little exploration in its own right. If you’ve got time before heading up the mountain – or if, like us, you’re staying in Bourg for your ski trip – you’ll find a traditional, welcoming town with a relaxed vibe and plenty of things to do.

At the heart of Bourg-Saint-Maurice is the Grand Rue, a pedestrianised street lined with bakeries, butchers, cheese shops, and independent boutiques—exactly what you’d hope for in an Alpine town. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh croissants in the morning, stop for a savoyarde-style lunch, or browse local delicacies like Reblochon cheese, saucisson, and artisan chocolates. There’s also a fantastic crêperie (because is it even a ski trip if you don’t have at least one crêpe?).

If you’re visiting during the peak winter season, there’s often live entertainment in the Grand Rue, like street performances and live music. It’s a nice atmosphere, and after a day on the slopes, it’s a good place to grab a drink and soak up the Alpine buzz.

For families, Bourg has a few great little toy shops, perfect if you’re looking for something to keep younger kids entertained in the evenings. There are also plenty of cosy cafés, ideal for warming up with a vin chaud or a hot chocolate.

Although most visitors are here for the skiing, Bourg itself makes a fantastic base. It has easy access to Les Arcs via the funicular, plus buses to Tignes, Val d’Isère, and La Rosière, meaning you can get all the benefits of being in a ski town without the high resort prices. And with its traditional Alpine charm, it never feels like just a transit hub – it’s a destination in its own right.

An extra day on the slopes

Back through Lille – passport control and security

The journey to Lille was a mirror image of the outbound trip, with just one key difference: this time, we weren’t full of excitement for a week of skiing – we were tired, a little sun- and wind-burnt, and sad to be leaving the beautiful French Alps!

At 14:35, we pulled into Lille Europe, where we had a 1.5-hour layover for passport control and security before boarding the Eurostar to London. This part of the journey requires a bit more effort than the seamless platform switch on the way out, but it’s still pretty straightforward.

The waiting area in Lille is small and always busy, and unfortunately, there aren’t enough seats for everyone. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a spot, but otherwise, it’s a case of standing around or perching on the floor. There are vending machines and a small shop after security, but if you want something more substantial, you’re better off grabbing a snack before you go through.

Final leg – Lille to London

Travelling with kids on the Eurostar to Bourg-Saint-Maurice

If you’re taking little ones on the Eurostar ski train, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s far more family-friendly than flying. No need to battle with baggage restrictions, airport security meltdowns, or trying to keep them entertained in a cramped plane seat.

Children under four years old travel for free, but they don’t get their own seat, so they’ll need to sit on your lap for the journey. If you’d prefer them to have their own space (highly recommended on this journey which is long!), you can buy a child ticket to guarantee them a seat.

The train itself is well set up for families. When you book, you can choose seats around a table (book super early to secure one of these!), which makes life much easier. There’s room for snacks, colouring books, and travel games, and you’re not stuck in a row where little legs have nowhere to go.

Pushchairs are allowed on board at no extra charge, but they need to be folded before boarding and stored in the luggage racks near your seat.

There are baby-changing facilities available in dedicated carriages. These are usually in coaches 7, 17, and 27.

If you need food and drink for the kids, the Eurostar Café has child-friendly options, including dedicated kids’ snack bags. They don’t sell baby food, but the staff are happy to warm up baby bottles if you need them to.

Overall, it’s a relaxed and easy way to travel with kids, with plenty of space to stretch out, move around, and keep them entertained.