Car Hire in Chambery Train Station

Planning a ski trip and want to access Les 3 Vallees, the world’s largest ski area, or dreaming of getting behind the wheel to explore the best driving roads in the Alps?

You’ll find Chambery, the largest city in the Savoie Department, the perfect location to begin your Alpine adventure.

Chambery has its own airport, Chambery Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (CMF), a short taxi ride away from the city centre where you’ll find our Avis Chambery rental location conveniently based at Chambery Train Station, Chambery-Challes-les-Eaux.

You can easily reach the Chambery by train on one of the international services from cities across Europe, via the Eurostar, Thalys or high speed TGV and hire a car. To make your ski trip to the Alps stress free, just hop on the Eurostar to Paris and leave the French capital from the Gare de Lyon on one of the 20 trains a day from Paris to Chambery. You can travel the 455km and be right by the ski slopes in just under 2hr50min on the fastest train.

Chambery Station is a key international transport hub with connecting train services to major cities like Geneva, Turin and Milan as well as being a stop on the Eurostar service from Brussels with onward connections to regional centres like Grenoble, Annecy and Aix-Les-Bains. Opened in 1856, the station’s facilities include shops and cafes, a welcome desk, left luggage, waiting rooms, a taxi rank and within the precinct of the station, an Avis car rental location.

Hiring a car from Avis at Chambery-Challes-les-Eaux Railway Station gives you the chance to explore southeast France, head further afield to visit cities like Lyon or Turin, or drive to the Mediterranean coast with its chic towns and glamourous beaches. So, whether you are looking for the perfect hire car to tackle the Alps or the wider region, Avis has you covered as soon as you step off the train.

You’ll find our Avis office at Chambery-Challes-les-Eaux Train Station close to the entrance of the station in Place de La Gare.

From our Avis office at Chambery Station, it’s just an 8min (2.7km) drive into the heart of Chambery. Turn left out of the car rental car park onto Avenue de la Boisse and at the end of the street, turn left onto Boulevard Gambetta. At the roundabout take the fourth exit onto Avenue Jean Jaurès and continue into the centre of the city.

Our Chambery Train Station location offers a quality fleet for every kind of trip. A compact car is ideal for the streets of the old town and for tight parking, while an estate or SUV gives you more room for luggage, hiking gear and skis if you are heading for the Alps. For families, a people carrier gives everyone room.

Add the extras you need when you book, including GPS navigation, child safety seats and additional driver cover. Our friendly team is on hand to help you choose the right car for your plans. 

Chambery train station is a handy pick-up if you’re arriving by rail, with the Les 3 Vallées resorts, including Méribel, around an 80-minute drive away. A hire car lets you go straight to your resort and is also handy for supermarket runs and evenings out. 

For the upper valleys, Albertville train station is another option. Winter tyres or snow chains are required in designated French mountain areas from 1 November to 31 March, so check winter equipment and ski rack options when you book. If you’re flying in, you can also pick up a hire car from Grenoble Airport. 

What are the age requirements for hiring a car at Chambery Train Station? 

The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car. 
 
Can I pick up my hire car at Chambery Train Station and return it to another location? 

Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at Chambery Train Station and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible. 
 
What documents do I need to hire a car at Chambery Train Station? 

Bring your full, valid driving licence, the payment card used for your booking and photo ID such as a passport. Requirements can vary by country and car group, so check your booking confirmation before you travel. 

What type of car should I hire for the Alps? 

A compact car suits the old town. If you are heading into the mountains, or travelling with family, luggage or ski gear, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. In winter, you may need winter tyres or snow chains, so ask the Avis team about the right equipment before you set off. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book.

If you are heading out to tour the Alps or southeast France from Chambery Station, our friendly Avis team is on hand to help make your road trip as smooth as possible. Be aware that Chambery, like many French cities, has a Low Emissions Zone (Zone à Traffic Limité) to cut pollution and congestion.

As a popular tourist destination, Chambery can get busy at peak times in the holiday season and the A43 and A41 highways into and out of the city can be affected.

If you are new to driving in France, we’d advise familiarising yourself with the latest advice plus the road rules in France.

Chambery was the historic capital of the Savoie region in medieval times. Situated at a crossroads, today it’s a popular base from which to explore the French Alps.

The town itself has several attractions. Be sure to visit the House of Savoie castle, the Château of Chambery, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The most famous landmark is the Elephant Fountain, built in the 19th century. Take a stroll through the medieval part of town to be transported back in time.

You can also take a dip in the nearby Lake Bourget in warmer months, go boating and even water skiing.

Food lovers will appreciate the distinct cuisine of the Savoie region, especially the mountain cheeses. Famous dishes like tartiflette and raclette originated here and while this hearty food is perfect after a day on the slopes, you can enjoy these sumptuous regional staples all year round.

Chambery is situated between many quaint towns and vibrant cities, including Lyon and Geneva. It’s also conveniently located close to the French Alps for ski and mountain sport enthusiasts, as well as many other scenic destinations.

Méribel

About 80 minutes’ drive west into the mountainous landscape surrounding Chambery, the town of Méribel awaits. A major ski station in the 3 Vallées, it offers some of France’s best slopes in the winter. In the summer it’s quieter, but there are numerous trails ideal for hikers looking to get off the beaten track and enjoy the great outdoors.

Annecy

Take the 90-minute scenic route via D912 to the town of Annecy. Located on Lake Annecy, one of Europe’s most pristine lakes, it offers a range of activities from water sports to hang-gliding and hiking. Stroll the town’s intimate winding streets and canals while shopping and sampling the specialities of the Savoie region.

Grenoble

Less than an hour south of Chambery, the city of Grenoble is nestled at the base of picturesque mountains. This university city has plenty of history to explore, and the hilltop Fort de la Bastille, accessible by gondolas, is its top attraction.

If you are picking up your hire car from Avis at Chambery Station and want to explore Chambery, you’ll find plenty of public parking around the station area. There are plenty of parking options in the city centre with both short and long stay car parks as well as on-street parking payable at meters. Don’t forget parking in some popular Chambery tourist sites can be at a premium in the peak summer months and in the height of the ski season and it is worth checking local parking and booking ahead before you set off.

Avis helps you head for the Alps without delay. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip. 

• Fully flexible
  Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.

• Savings on coverage
  When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.

• Loyalty benefits
  Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
   
• Faster collection
  Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.