How to Get to Gourette
Practical guide to getting there and getting around
Nestled at the foot of the legendary Col d’Aubisque, in the heart of the Ossau Valley, Gourette is surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. And getting here and around the resort is just as easy, with a range of convenient transport options to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Whether you’re driving through the mountains, travelling by train or plane with onward bus connections, or taking one of the affordable Skibuses running through the valley from Laruns and Eaux-Bonnes, you’ll find plenty of easy ways to reach the resort. Choose the option that works best for you and get ready to enjoy Gourette to the fullest, from the moment you arrive.
Taking the train to Gourette is a great way to travel stress-free while helping protect the mountain environment. Your rail journey ends at Pau TGV train station.
Once you step off the train, it’s easy to continue your journey. Regular coach services, including those operated through the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional transport network, as well as shuttle services and taxis, can take you straight into the Ossau Valley and on to the resort. Sit back, enjoy the scenery and watch the landscape unfold as you make your way up towards the peaks.
Let the Gourette Skibus Take You to the Slopes
Looking for a safe and easy way to reach your favourite ski resort?
Find the Skibus that runs near you and let it take you all the way up to the mountains!
Driving is one of the easiest ways to explore the Ossau Valley at your own pace. From the A64 motorway (La Pyrénéenne), head towards Pau, then take the RN134 towards Laruns. From there, follow the D918 up to Gourette.
Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of free parking, including Ley car park, right at the foot of the resort. From there, gondolas provide easy access to the centre.
Please note: between 1 November and 31 March, France’s Mountain Law requires vehicles travelling in mountain areas to be fitted with four winter tyres or to carry snow chains or snow socks.
The ski area has several car parks. The largest and most convenient option for day skiers is the free Ley car park, located just below the ski area. From there, the free Ley gondola takes you directly to the centre of Gourette in less than 3 minutes. Paid indoor and outdoor parking is also available in the centre of the ski area.
Yes. Under the French Mountain Law, from 1 November to 31 March, vehicles must be fitted with 4 winter tyres or carry snow chains or snow socks in the boot to access the ski area via the D918.
Skibuses operate throughout the winter season, connecting Bayonne, San Sebastián and Pau with Gourette, right at the foot of the slopes. It's an affordable option, with great-value packages, some of which include a ski pass, so you can leave the car at home.
Yes. In addition to the free Ley gondola, which connects the main car park with the ski area, internal shuttles and other local transport services may operate during the season, depending on the time of year and the needs of the different residential areas.
The nearest main railway station is Pau TGV station. From there, you can take regional bus services operated by Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with connections to Laruns and Gourette.
- Pau-Pyrénées Airport: the closest, around 60 km away.
- Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport: around 75 km away.
- Biarritz Pays Basque Airport: around 160 km away.
From these airports, you'll need to hire a car or combine train and bus journeys to reach the Vallée d’Ossau.
No. The road linking Gourette to the Altiport and continuing towards Cauterets/Sallent de Gállego via the Col d’Aubisque is closed during the winter due to snow and for safety reasons.
