Travelling to the Alps with children or a large group turns the airport transfer from a detail into the most important booking of the trip. The right vehicle, the right child seats and a driver who waits for a delayed flight make the difference between a calm arrival and a stressful one. This guide covers how to book a family or group transfer, safety, and luggage.
Choosing the right vehicle
Give the operator an honest headcount and luggage list — including skis, snowboards, boot bags, pushchairs and any oversized items. That determines whether you need a large estate, a minivan or a minibus. Splitting a big group across two smaller vehicles can also work and sometimes travels faster. Browse the vehicle fleet to see capacities, or request a quote for your group.
Child seats and safety
In France, children under 10 must use an appropriate restraint. Reputable Alpine operators provide infant, child and booster seats on request at no extra cost — but you must reserve them in advance and confirm the child’s age and weight so the correct seat is fitted. On mountain roads in winter, also confirm that the operator fits winter tyres and carries snow chains; a professional driver who knows the passes is worth far more than a marginal saving.
Luggage and equipment
- Ski and board bags take up significant space — always declare them so the vehicle has room.
- Pushchairs and travel cots should be listed at booking; drivers can help load and unload.
- Group gear (multiple suitcases, sports equipment) may push you into a larger vehicle or a second car — cheaper to plan than to fix on arrival.
Making the day easy
Share your flight number so the driver can track arrivals and be waiting if you land early or late. Agree a clear meeting point in the arrivals hall. For groups arriving on several flights, a short wait can let everyone travel together. A private transfer — booked for your party alone — is almost always the least stressful choice for families; see how it compares in our private vs shared transfers guide.
Heading to a specific resort or airport? Start with the airport transfers guide or the ski resort transfers guide, then request your family transfer quote.