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Here at Mountain and Tradition, we have been working to reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable tourism. It's how we got the EU EcoLabel certification (click here to see what steps we have taken so far). However, many people don't realise that the most harmful aspect of a ski holiday actually happens not in the resort, but in getting there. In fact, over half of a ski holiday's carbon footprint is produced by travel to and from the resort (find out more about greenhouse gas emissions in ski resorts).
Now, getting the train to resort is not right for everyone. For example, if you live in the north of England, just getting to St Pancras is hard enough. Equally, if you're travelling with several small children, the change in Paris might be less smooth than a direct flight. However, for most of our guests, train travel offers a comfortable, affordable and sustainable way to get to Les Gets. Use this page to make your own mind up whether train travel is right for you and your group.
Full disclosure: we want the world to be green and Les Gets to be white, every winter forever. That's why we have already taken significant, measurable steps to reduce our own carbon footprint and earn the EU EcoLabel certification (find out what steps we've taken so far).
One thing we're doing this season is offering a discount to all our guests who travel to Les Gets by train. In fact, it's not just us. As part of the AlpinExpress Pass scheme, many local businesses are now offering discounts to train travellers. For details on how you can save money in this way, see our page on the AlpinExpress Pass here.
Taking the train to Les Gets from the UK, instead of flying or driving, offers a refreshing alternative. Without long security lines, crowded gates, or baggage claim delays, train travel provides a smoother, more relaxed start and end to your ski holiday.
Unlike the unpredictability of airport delays and traffic jams, the train gives you a reliable schedule, making travel plans easier to manage. While train tickets are usually more expensive than most low-fare flights, the overall cost often balances out when you factor in airline fees for extra luggage and ski equipment. In most cases, train travel becomes a comparably priced and far more convenient option.
The train is a comfortable and eco-friendly way of travelling to the Alps. Sit back, take in the changing landscape, and arrive refreshed!
| Pros | Train | Plane | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmentally friendly | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Comfortable seating and space | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| No traffic delays | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| City-center access | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ample luggage capacity | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Low risk of delays | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Flexible route | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Fast for long distances | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
While travelling by train from the UK to Les Gets for a ski holiday offers many advantages, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here's a breakdown of who might find train travel a good option and those who might find it a challenge.
You can buy your train tickets via The Trainline. You will need to buy two separate journeys. First the journey to London St Pancras. Then second, your journey from St Pancras to your train terminus (Cluses, Geneva or Thon-les-Bains).
The three train stations closest to Les Gets are:
Whether you're arriving via Cluses, Geneva Main Station, or Thonon-les-Bains, all three offer shuttle, taxi or bus services to complete the last leg of your journey.
Cluses Train Station: The distance from Cluses Train Station to Les Gets is approximately 22 km (14 miles), which typically takes up to 30 minutes by car or shuttle. If you're travelling to Cluses Train Station and connecting via transfer to Les Gets, you can avail of a discount via the Alpin Express Pass (with participating operators).
Depart from: London St Pancras International
Arrive at: Paris Gare du Nord
Paris Gare du Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon are two major railway stations in Paris, located on opposite sides of the city. To continue your journey, you will need to travel from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Depending on the mode of transport you choose, this can take 10 - 40 minutes.
There are four main ways to get from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon: RER D Train, Métro, taxi or bus. Everyone is different and it's worth looking into all the options according to your own circumstances. But we would recommend the RER D Train as the quickest and most cost-effective option.
1. Follow signs for the RER D inside Gare du Nord. Look for the green "RER" logo and signs directing you toward Melun/Malesherbes (southbound).
2. Purchase an Île-de-France transit ticket (€2) from the ticket machines or counters.
3. Board the southbound "Sud" train heading in the direction of Melun or Malesherbes.
4. Get off at Paris Gare de Lyon (2 stops). In total you should allow around 30 minutes of total travel time, this includes buying your ticket and making it to the the platform. Once you're on the train, the journey from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
5. Once you arrive in Paris Gare de Lyon, follow the signs for TGV platforms or for the station exits.
For more information about travelling from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon, check out this handy guide compiled by Montagne Verte.
Depart from: Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrive at: Cluses
You can find a full guide to travelling from Cluses to Les Gets here on the Montagne Verte website.
Geneva Main Station: The distance from Geneva Main Station to Les Gets is about 55 km (34 miles), and the journey usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by road. Although Geneva is further away than Cluses and Thonon-les-Bains, you will find a much greater amount of ski transfers to Les Gets — some of which will offer a discount via the Alpin Express Pass.
Depart from: London St Pancras International
Arrive at: Paris Gare du Nord
Paris Gare du Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon are two major railway stations in Paris, located on opposite sides of the city. To continue your journey, you will need to travel from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Depending on the mode of transport you choose, this can take 10 - 40 minutes.
There are four main ways to get from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon: RER D Train, Métro, taxi or bus. Everyone is different and it's worth looking into all the options according to your own circumstances. But we would recommend the RER D Train as the quickest and most cost-effective option.
1. Follow signs for the RER D inside Gare du Nord. Look for the green "RER" logo and signs directing you toward Melun/Malesherbes (southbound).
2. Purchase an Île-de-France transit ticket (€2) from the ticket machines or counters.
3. Board the southbound "Sud" train heading in the direction of Melun or Malesherbes.
4. Get off at Paris Gare de Lyon (2 stops). In total you should allow around 30 minutes of total travel time, this includes buying your ticket and making it to the the platform. Once you're on the train, the journey from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
5. Once you arrive in Paris Gare de Lyon, follow the signs for TGV platforms or for the station exits.
For more information about travelling from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon, check out this handy guide compiled by Montagne Verte.
Depart from: Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrive at: Geneva Main Station
Perhaps the best way to get from Geneva Airport to Les Gets resort is still via the Airport, which is still the city's best-served location when it comes to resort transfers. There are many different train services from Geneva main station to the airport, and a taxi journey is equally short if necessary.
From Geneva Airport, multiple resort transfer services are in operation, and we will be happy to help you organise the right one for you.
Thonon-les-Bains Station: The distance from Thonon-les-Bains to Les Gets is approximately 37 km (23 miles), and takes around 50 minutes by car or shuttle. While Thonon-les-Bains is further from Les Gets than Cluses, it offers an equally scenic and relaxing train route from Paris.
Depart from: London St Pancras International
Arrive at: Paris Gare du Nord
Paris Gare du Nord and Paris Gare de Lyon are two major railway stations in Paris, located on opposite sides of the city. To continue your journey, you will need to travel from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon. Depending on the mode of transport you choose, this can take 10 - 40 minutes.
There are four main ways to get from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon: RER D Train, Métro, taxi or bus. Everyone is different and it's worth looking into all the options according to your own circumstances. But we would recommend the RER D Train as the quickest and most cost-effective option.
1. Follow signs for the RER D inside Gare du Nord. Look for the green "RER" logo and signs directing you toward Melun/Malesherbes (southbound).
2. Purchase an Île-de-France transit ticket (€2) from the ticket machines or counters.
3. Board the southbound "Sud" train heading in the direction of Melun or Malesherbes.
4. Get off at Paris Gare de Lyon (2 stops). In total you should allow around 30 minutes of total travel time, this includes buying your ticket and making it to the the platform. Once you're on the train, the journey from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
5. Once you arrive in Paris Gare de Lyon, follow the signs for TGV platforms or for the station exits.
For more information about travelling from Paris Gare du Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon, check out this handy guide compiled by Montagne Verte.
Depart from: Paris Gare de Lyon
Arrive at: Thonon-les-Bains
You can find a full guide to travelling from Thonon-les-Bains to Les Gets here on the Montagne Verte website.
