Ski holidays in resorts near Grenoble airport. Chalets, hotels and apartments.
Grenoble Airport (GNB), also known as Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport, is a small airport located between Lyon and the city of Grenoble, in the south-east of France. The airport only operates in the winter months and provides quick access to ski resorts in the Southern Alps, primarily Alpe d'Huez and Les Deux Alpes. Several low-cost companies fly from the UK to Grenoble including EasyJet, British Airways and RyanAir.
In the 1930s, the airport site was used as a military aviation field. It was not until 1966, ahead of the Olympics, that the airport became operational and the first commercial flight took off the following year. During the 1970s the runway was extended, and the terminal building doubled in size to allow the airport to open up to the growing ski market. In 2018 Grenoble Airport celebrated its 50th anniversary and in 2019 welcomed more than 307,000 passengers.
Grenoble Airport is 45km north-west of the city of Grenoble, in the south-east of France. The airport is located in the alpine Rhone-Alpes region and is the closest airport to Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Apes. Grenoble also acts as an alternative to Lyon Airport (44km away) Chambery Airport (53km away) and Geneva Airport (114km away) for skiers travelling to resorts in the Tarentaise Valley and beyond.
There is only one terminal at Grenoble Airport. Generally, arriving at Grenoble airport can be a speedy process with passport control 100m from the plane and the luggage belts just a few metres further. But departing from Grenoble can be chaotic for skiers with the large number of flights coming in and out of the small airport at the weekend. The airport does have one of the longest runways in France, and it has a better weather record than neighbouring airports, such as Chambery. It’s rare for the airport to close due to extreme weather.
Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the airport. You can log in to the Wi-Fi on your computer, tablet or phone by selecting the ‘VINCI Airports Wi-Fi’ network and entering your email address when prompted. If you need to withdraw money, there is a cashpoint located in arrivals. For any issues or questions when you are at Grenoble Airport head to the Info Desk in the terminal.
Shopping options are limited at Grenoble Airport. Within the terminal, you will find a Newsagent, a gift shop and a Duty-Free shop. If you are planning to purchase any souvenirs or gifts during your trip to the mountains, then make sure you visit the shops in resort for the best selection.
There is one main restaurant at Grenoble Airport; Le Sequoia offers drinks, beers, and a selection of international hot and cold meals. For food on the go or to take on the plane, there are snack bars in the airport hall, departure lounge and arrivals, selling sandwiches, salads, sweets, pastries and drinks.
There are no airport lounges at Grenoble Airport.
Most of our ski holiday packages include transfers from Grenoble Airport already, but if yours doesn’t, a few companies offer transfers independently. Always prebook your transfer from Grenoble Airport and check with the operator where you need to meet them.
Taxis are available at Grenoble airport by calling +33 6 40 66 50 27. If you need transport from the airport to resort make sure you prebook a taxi or transfer coach before travelling as this will be cheaper.
Several major car rental brands operate from Grenoble Airport, including Hertz, Sixt, Enterprise and Avis. You can prebook car hire and pick up the car from the offices in the car park. There is a petrol station 3 minutes from the airport at the Super U hypermarket.
The nearest train station is Grenoble city centre railway station, 22 miles away from the airport. Tou can take a Transisère bus from the airport to the city train station.
There are several bus services that serve Grenoble Airport:
Grenoble airport (also known as Alpes–Isère Airport, Aéroport Alpes–Isère or it’s airport code GNB) is one the main airports for incoming winter snow sports tourists. It’s located in the Isere region of France and you’ll be able to get to most of the major resorts within a 3hr-3hr 30min drive.
There are hundreds of ski resorts within three hours of Grenoble Airport. The closer airports are Les Deux Alpes (approx. 100km) and Alpe d’Huez (approx. 100km). Top resorts within three hours from Grenoble airport are Courchevel (approx. 180km), Meribel (approx. 175km), Val Thorens (approx. 195km), Les Arcs (approx. 200km), La Plagne (approx. 190km), Val d’Isere (approx. 220km) and Tignes (approx. 215km).
Direct flights to Innsbruck are available from most major UK airports. Airlines such as TUI, Titan and British Airways are just some of the options our available with ski packages to this airport.
Direct flights to Grenoble are available with selected ski packages from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Manchester.
The best way to get from Grenoble Airport to La Plagne is to book a ski package that includes transfers to resort. La Plagne lies approximately 190km (a 2hr 30min drive) in average weather and traffic conditions. Alternatively, there are many bus companies that provide transfers from Grenoble Airport to La Plagne as there is no direct train.
Most of our ski packages to Les Deux Alpes will include transfers from Grenoble Airport. Les Deux Alpes is a great option if you prefer a short transfer, lying about 100km from Grenoble airport. On a good journey you can be there in as little as 90mins! Alternatively, there are many bus companies that provide transfers from Grenoble Airport to Les Deux Alpes as there is no direct train.
The easiest way to get to Meribel is to book a ski package with transfers included. Meribel is a fantastic base for exploring the 3 Valleys and you’ll be there in about 2hrs and 15mins from Grenoble airport. Alternatively, there are many bus companies that provide transfers from Grenoble Airport to Meribel as there is no direct train.
Images ©Thierry Gay
Resort | Country | Distance (km) | Est. time (hr) | Chalets | Hotels | Apartments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
La Plagne | France | 153 | 2 | £732 | £456 | £270 |
Les Menuires | France | 140 | 2 | £1199 | £729 | £339 |
Val Thorens | France | 142 | 2 | £743 | £544 | £402 |
Les Deux Alpes | France | 115 | 2.15 | £462 | £545 | £418 |
Serre Chevalier | France | 158 | 2.15 | £669 | £274 | |
Courchevel | France | 174 | 2.25 | £435 | £952 | |
Alpe d'Huez | France | 108 | 2.3 | £838 | £492 | £291 |
Brides Les Bains | France | 160 | 3 | £689 | £432 | |
La Rosiere | France | 200 | 3 | £537 | £286 | |
La Tania | France | 141 | 3 | £887 | £923 | £570 |
Les Arcs | France | 200 | 3 | £623 | £562 | £257 |
Val d'Isere | France | 183 | 3 | £729 | £824 | £377 |
Valmorel | France | 160 | 3.15 | £2750 | £573 | £300 |
Meribel & Mottaret | France | 170 | 3.3 | £533 | £870 | £251 |
Tignes | France | 177 | 4 | £627 | £739 | £290 |