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SeeMeribel

Getting around guide

How to get around in Meribel

Updated

There's plenty going on in Meribel, so it pays to know how to get around. We've put together this handy guide on the best way to get around so you can get to all the key places, and help you find your bearings quickly. 

There is a great bus system here and best of all is that it is free to use. 

In summer you have the option to cycle, but we wouldn't recommend taking to two wheels in winter.

This is our quick guide to getting around resort.

bus in meribel

Buses

Méribel is the largest of the Three Valleys resorts, made up of several hamlets all of which are connected via regular bus services. There are also frequent public buses to Val Thorens and Courchevel via Moutiers.

Méribus is the free bus service which runs seven days a week, during the winter and summer seasons. The real time schedule for all lines is on the 3 Vallées app. Buses run around every 15-20 minutes during the day depending on the line and less frequently in the late evening. The timetable is slightly reduced during the first and last fortnight of the winter season.

About Trains to Val Thorens

Train

The nearest train station to Méribel is Moûtiers - approximately 18km/12 miles from the resort. (The full name is Moutiers les Salins, Brides les Bains. Buses run regularly from Moûtiers to Courchevel, Val Thorens and Méribel check the timetables.

About Transfers to Val Thorens

Driving in resort

We know how tempting it is to use the car to pop between the Three Valley's different resorts. But parking - especially in peak seasons - can be a nightmare. It’s not great for the environment either, let’s face it.

If you do want to use the car, try to take as many passengers as you can.

Don’t forget you’ll need winter tyres or chains if you’re driving around Méribel between the end of November and the beginning of April. 

Taxi Val d'Is - Taxi Company, Val d'Isere Centre

Taxi

Taxis can usually be found in the evenings in the rank opposite the Tourist Office in Méribel Centre. It is advisable to book a taxi in advance, especially if you want to stay out after the Meribus service ends at around midnight.

About Meribel Summer Lift Pass Prices

Biking around Meribel

Méribel is a popular destination for road bikers who fancy tackling the many routes and cols that start and finish here. You can check out many routes by reading our guide to cycling this region.

During the summer you can ride the many mountain biking trails

The Tour de France passes through and around the area of Méribel regularly.

image of a dog on a path in the mountains with autumn trees and green grass with the mountains stretching out in the distance

On foot

Getting around Méribel on foot

Walking in the Méribel Valley is possible but can be challenging due to steep hills and the altitude. Ice-grippers for your boots are recommended in winter and can be purchased online or from local ski hire shops.

The resort has pavements in many areas, though some outlying parts require walking on roads. Méribel is spread up the hillside, so expect a workout when heading uphill. From the centre, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to reach Morel and Altitude 1600, 20 to 25 minutes to le Rond Point, and at least 30 minutes to le Belvédère.

Mottaret is similarly steep, with many steps leading to le Hameau or a gentler zig-zagging road. Most people opt for the free bus service or the Olympe gondola to get around.

Marked winter walking paths connect many resorts and hamlets in the valley, offering a safer and more scenic alternative to busy roads. These groomed trails are well signposted but unlit, making them unsuitable after dark. There is no pavement between Méribel and Méribel Village, so taking the free Meribus is advised, especially at night.

Pedestrians can access much of the Méribel Valley using a pedestrian lift pass in summer and winter, allowing access to several summits and links to the wider Three Valleys area. However, for safety reasons, walking on the pistes is not permitted in winter, and sledging is only allowed in designated areas.

Gondola Lifts in Méribel

Two gondola lifts provide a convenient way to get around on foot:

Chalets Gondola (Mottaret)

  • Connects the main centre of Mottaret with le Hameau at the top, with a midway stop.
  • Runs daily from 08:00 to 19:30.
  • Free to use for all pedestrians.

Olympe Gondola (Brides-les-Bains to Méribel)

  • Links Brides-les-Bains with Méribel, stopping at les Allues and le Raffort.
  • Operates from 08:30 until ski lifts close (17:00 early season, 17:30 from February onwards).
  • Free for lift pass-holders.
  • Without a lift pass: Free for downhill travel, but a ticket is required for uphill journeys.

Travel Between Brides-les-Bains and Méribel

  • The Olympe gondola is the easiest way to reach Méribel from Brides-les-Bains, with a 25-minute journey allowing skiers to catch the first lifts at 09:00.
  • A direct bus service runs between the two resorts on Tuesday evenings in winter (check the timetable on our buses page).
  • If you miss the last gondola or bus, a taxi is required. The 15km journey takes 15-20 minutes, costing around €30-40.

Getting around Meribel and the Three Valleys on skis

  • Méribel, Méribel Village, and Mottaret are well connected by ski lifts and pistes.
  • The Villages run (red piste) allows skiing down to Les Allues and le Raffort but typically closes before the season ends due to low altitude.
  • Skiing to Brides-les-Bains is only possible in exceptional snow conditions (usually a few days in January/February) via a challenging off-piste route.

Travelling to other Three Valley resorts by bus or taxi

  • All 3 Valley resorts are accessible by public buses, with a change at Moûtiers (18km from Méribel).
  • During peak season, four direct weekday buses run from Méribel to la Tania.
  • Outside peak season or at weekends, a taxi is the easiest option for la Tania.
  • By car, Courchevel is faster to reach than by bus, taking 20-30 minutes in good conditions, while Les Menuires and Val Thorens take at least an hour.

By ski lift (foot passengers and skiers)

  • Courchevel 1850 is easily accessible from Méribel and Mottaret via gondolas, with free resort buses connecting the other Courchevel villages.
  • Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville are reachable via chairlifts and gondolas.
  • To reach Val Thorens, take the ski lifts to Les Menuires, then a paying bus to Val Thorens.
  • La Tania cannot be accessed on foot via ski lifts—take the bus or a taxi instead.
  • Brides-les-Bains is linked to Méribel by the Olympe gondola lift.
Helicopter Tours, Courchevel Valley

Helicopter

If you are feeling flash (and flush) you can fly from resort to resort by helicopter with Jet Systems