While booking a direct La Plagne transfer is normally the easiest way to reach La Plagne’s 11 villages, travelling by train is also a brilliant option. La Plagne sits directly above Aime la Plagne, which lies on the main railway line linking Geneva, Chambéry, Albertville, Moûtiers and terminating at Bourg-Saint-Maurice (perfect for Les Arcs) – making it surprisingly easy to get here by rail.

Train travel can be cheaper than transfers, especially mid-week or outside peak holiday periods. It’s also perfect if you’re arriving early-season as a saisonnaire, or visiting in summer when many transfer companies stop running. Much of this guide also applies to the other Tarentaise ski resorts including Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’Isère and the Trois Vallées. Also, if you’re flying to Lyon LYS check our Lyon to La Plagne travel options page. 

Tickets are easy to book online and prices are usually very reasonable. The journey from Geneva airport normally takes between three and a half and five hours, depending on the connection time in Chambéry. From Chambéry itself, the trip is shorter at around an hour and a half.

Prices vary by demand and class, but you’ll often find fares from around €18–€40. You can search times and book tickets here:

Book trains to La Plagne (Aime la Plagne)

If your flights don’t match train times, you can stay overnight at the airport or book a hotel close to Geneva Cornavin station. Another option is to take the (more regular) train to Chambéry and stay overnight there before continuing onwards in the morning. You can check hotel availability on the form at the bottom of this page. 

Geneva airport has its own train station directly beneath the terminal. From arrivals, follow the signs left towards the glass-fronted station building and head down the escalators to the platform level. Trains run regularly into the city centre and Geneva Cornavin station, where you’ll join your main onward service. If you have a wait before your train, there’s a McDonalds restaurant about five minutes to the left of the main entrance or a charming little bar just across the road.

The airport to Cornavin journey only takes around ten minutes. Most visitors take this route:

Geneva Airport → Geneva Cornavin → Chambéry → Aime la Plagne

The section between Geneva and Chambéry passes through some wonderful scenery, with modern, comfortable trains and loads of luggage space. You will briefly pass through customs at Cornavin, but in reality it’s usually very relaxed.

Most routes from Geneva require a change at Chambéry. The connection is normally straightforward, although the time between trains can sometimes be short – so it’s best not to hang around.

You may need to cross platforms, but there are elevators if you’d rather avoid the stairs with luggage. If you have a longer wait, there’s a small café just outside the station entrance.

From Chambéry, trains run directly to Moûtiers, Aime la Plagne and Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

The final part of your journey is from Aime la Plagne station up to the ski villages. When you exit the station, the bus stops are to your left. Services run up to the various high-altitude villages in around 30–40 minutes. If you’re staying in lower villages, you’ll take a slightly different route – more information below. 

You can check bus times here:

Valley buses from Aime to La Plagne

If buses aren’t running (for example, late at night), you can always book a La Plagne transfer or taxi instead. You might also want to check current La Plagne traffic webcams and congestion before travelling.

Routes are slightly different for La Plagne’s valley villages. You can find full information on our La Plagne valley buses page. 

Champagny-en-Vanoise
Get off the train at Moûtiers and take the local bus up the valley.

Plagne Montalbert
You’ll still get off at Aime la Plagne but then use the local bus link.

Montchavin-Les Coches
Remain on the train one more stop until Landry, then take the shuttle bus up to resort.

Note: These routes also work well for Les Arcs, Tignes, Val d’Isère, Sainte-Foy and La Rosière — simply continue to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and connect there.

La Plagne in 3D: Watch this short 3D video to see how the La Plagne villages fit together. It’s a really helpful way to understand the layout of the resort before you arrive.

Additional La Plagne travel resources: You may also find these guides useful:

La Plagne shuttle buses
Valley buses from Aime
How to get to La Plagne
La Plagne village guide