Getting Around Briançon — Transport in the Serre Chevalier Valley

The Serre Chevalier valley is 15km long, connecting Briançon town to Monêtier-les-Bains with Chantemerle and Villeneuve in between. A free ski bus runs between the four villages in winter during ski season. In summer, the bus service is reduced and a car is significantly more useful. Parking is available in each village but fills quickly in peak weeks.

Ski Bus (Winter)

A free bus connects all four villages during the ski season.

• Free shuttle bus — runs between Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Monêtier
• Frequency varies — typically every 30–60 minutes, check current timetable at serre-chevalier.com
• Runs from approximately 8:30 to 22:00 during ski season
• Not reliable for early-morning ski school starts — check timing carefully
• Taxi supplements — available in each village for after-bus-hours trips

By Car

A car gives maximum flexibility, particularly in summer.

• The main road (D1091) runs the length of the valley from Briançon to Monêtier
• 25 minutes by car from Briançon to Monêtier
• Parking in each village — paid in peak season, often free in quieter periods
• Road chains not typically required in the valley — the D1091 is kept clear
• Col du Lautaret (above Monêtier) requires chains in some winter conditions

Getting to Briançon

Options for arriving in Briançon.

• By car — 95km from Grenoble (1h30), 160km from Lyon (2h), 110km from Turin (1h30)
• By train — direct from Grenoble to Briançon (TER, 3 hours); no TGV to Briançon
• By bus — Grenoble to Briançon airport transfer services in peak ski season
• Nearest airports — Grenoble Alpes (2h), Lyon Saint-Exupéry (2.5h), Turin (1.5h)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a car in Briançon?

In winter during ski season, the free resort bus is adequate if you are staying in one of the four villages and skiing the main area. In summer, a car is strongly recommended — the valley bus service is reduced and many of the best hiking trailheads are not served by public transport.

Is there a bus between Briançon and the ski resorts?

Yes. A free ski bus runs between Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve, and Monêtier during the ski season (approximately December to April). The service typically runs every 30–60 minutes from around 8:30 to 22:00. Check the current timetable at serre-chevalier.com.