The Alps by night train

The overnight ski train runs once a week from Paris and transports skiers to the Alps

The Alps by night train

The night train operated by Travelski Express (a subsidiary of Compagnie des Alpes) allows passengers to depart from Paris on Friday evening and arrive in the Alps the following morning, particularly in the Tarentaise Valley. This project aims to offer a more comfortable and environmentally friendly alternative to travelling by car to ski resorts.

Setting up this train required complex organisation. Passenger carriages had to be assembled, suitable locomotives found, a dining car provided for, and operating permits obtained from SNCF Réseau. To run this train, Travelski has entered into a partnership with the company Pegasus. The train carried passengers for the first time on 19 December 2025.

The rolling stock used is old: the carriages date from the 1970s, as almost no new sleeper carriages are produced today. They have, however, been refurbished. The train consists of 11 carriages. Each contains 10 compartments with six berths, allowing it to carry up to 660 passengers. Passengers can therefore sleep during the journey and arrive refreshed at the foot of the mountains.

The train runs once a week during the winter season. It departs from Paris on Friday evening for the Alps. It leaves again on Saturday evening, returning to Paris on Sunday morning. Occupancy rates have been very satisfactory, particularly during the February holidays and in March, with several trains more than 80% full.

Passengers greatly appreciate this experience. The night train offers both a practical means of transport and a unique travel experience, reminiscent of the night trains of yesteryear. For families, it also allows them to spend time together during the journey.

Finally, this mode of transport offers a significant environmental benefit. Travelling by train emits far less CO₂ than travelling by car, which greatly reduces the carbon footprint of skiing holidays. In the future, the aim is to further develop this type of train and to introduce a fully electric night train in the coming seasons.