How to Travel to Morzine by Train

Have you heard? The Ski Train is back! While this is great news for increasing sustainable travel options to the Alps, the new Ski Train route comes with its own restrictions, only running from mid December 2023 until the start of February 2024, and tying users into Saturday departures and Sunday returns.

So, after several enquiries, and the success of our blog about driving or flying to Morzine, we thought we’d take a look at how to travel to Morzine by train, whatever dates you decide to come skiing this winter.

Why Travel By Train?

Train travel is often seen as slower and more expensive than flying however this may not always be the case.

Luggage allowances on trains are more generous and less strict than airlines so there’s no nasty price hike when you add your skis or snowboard on to your booking!

You can take a pair of skis or a snowboard on the Eurostar from London to Paris for free as one of your two pieces of luggage. There’s also no additional cost for ski equipment on the onward TGV Lyria train from Paris to Geneva. Just make sure your skis or snowboard are in a proper bag - ideally one with good straps or wheels to make carrying them that little bit easier. 

Specifically for visitors to Morzine, train travel has been made a more cost-effective and attractive option with the launch of the AlpinExpress Pass. Organised by local not-for-profit organisation Montagne Verte, the AlpinExpress Pass gives visitors exclusive discounts with various  AlpinExpress partners (including More Mountain) on accommodation, ski hire, lift passes, and other services in Morzine.

Train travel is also a great way to really sit back and enjoy the journey aspect of your holiday. It’s easy to get up and move around, you have access to everything in your bags, and you can even take your own food and drink onboard - a relaxing alternative to driving or busy airports!

The Train Journey to Morzine

There are four main options for travelling to Morzine by train, all starting with catching the Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Paris.

In Paris, you’ll arrive in Gare du Nord and then need to catch your onward train from Paris Gare de Lyon. There are lots of ways to get between the stations, all detailed in this great guide to changing stations in Paris from Snowcarbon. Their top tip? Pre-book a taxi to greet you at the station and save navigating the Metro or RER trains with all your bags.

The last leg of your journey will have to be done by transfer or bus as Morzine doesn’t have its own train station.

All journeys detailed below have a total travel time of around 8.5 hours.  

Option 1: London St Pancras - Paris - Geneva Airport - Morzine (Trains + Transfer)

Super straightforward, this route involves a change in Paris and finishes with a transfer from Geneva Airport.

Step 1:  Catch the Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord. This takes just under 2.5hrs

Step 2:  In Paris, change stations from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon. The actual journey takes about half an hour but you should probably allow a bit of extra time as Paris is always busy! 

Step 3:  Take the TVA Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to Genève Aéroport. This takes just under 3.5hrs and prices start from as little as €29 if booked well in advance.

Step 4:  From the airport train station it’s a 5 minute walk to the airport Arrivals area where you can get a shared transfer to Morzine. This takes around 1.5hrs. You will need to pre-book your transfer - we highly recommend Skiidy Gonzales.

Option 2: London St Pancras - Paris - Annemasse / Bellegarde - Morzine (Trains + Transfer)

If you want to avoid Geneva, you can get a train from Paris to Annemasse then get a private transfer up to Morzine. 

Steps 1 and 2:  As above.

Step 3:  Take the TGV Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to Annemasse. There are no direct trains so you will have to change in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine. The journey from Paris Gare de Lyon to Annemasse is around 3h40 in total.

Step 4:  From Annemasse station, it's just under an hour transfer up to Morzine - we highly recommend Skiidy Gonzales. Just remember to give them a call before booking your train to confirm that they will be able to collect you! 

Top Tip: If you'd prefer to take one less train, book your ticket from Paris Gare de Lyon to Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, and Skiidy Gonzales can pick you up from there. It's then around 1h30 transfer time to Morzine. 

Option 3: London St Pancras - Paris - Genève Cornavin - Thonon - Morzine (Trains + Bus)

Steps 1 and 2:  As above.

Step 3:  Take the TVA Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to Genève Cornavin. Genève Cornavin is the Geneva’s city centre train station and the journey here from Paris takes around 3.5hrs.

Step 4:  From Genève Cornavin, you can take the Leman Express L1 train to Thonon-les-Bains. This takes just under an hour.

Step 5:  Catch the Ligne Y91 bus from Thonon Les Bains Gare SNCF to Morzine Gare routière which takes around an hour.

Option 4: London St Pancras - Paris - Genève Cornavin - Cluses - Morzine (Trains + Bus)

Steps 1 - 3:  As above for Option 3.

Step 4:  From Genève Cornavin, you can take the Leman Express L3 train to Cluses. This takes just under an hour.

Step 5:  Catch the Ligne Y92 bus from Cluses Gare routière to Morzine Gare routière which takes around an hour.

So, how should you travel to Morzine?

It really depends. If you're coming on a solo ski holiday, or travelling as a couple, then the train is perfect. For larger groups or families, the costs and logistics might mean that driving to Morzine is actually easier and more cost effective.

Our advice is that whichever way you choose to travel to Morzine, try and book in advance to secure some of the cheapest tickets and beware of hidden charges when booking with airlines! 

Take a look at our available properties for this Winter and get in touch if you have any questions about planning your holiday to Morzine.