Metz Alsace And Lorraine, France Travel Guide
Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport (ETZ): Approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) south of the city. It mainly handles domestic French flights and some seasonal European charter routes. This option works if you are already in France or flying from limited European destinations. Luxembourg Airport (LUX): Approximately 60 km (37 miles) north of Metz, Luxembourg Airport is often preferred by international travelers. It has a wider range of international connections and airlines compared to ETZ. Saarbrücken Airport (SCN), Germany: This smaller airport is about 70 km (43 miles) east of Metz. It has some regional and limited international flights, an option for connections within Germany.
France's largest international hub, CDG lies approximately 320 km (200 miles) west of Metz. It has excellent high-speed TGV train connections directly to Metz, making it a viable and often very simple option for travelers arriving from major global hubs. The TGV journey from CDG to Metz takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Flight prices peak in summer (June-August) and around Christmas/New Year. Shoulder seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) often bring better value. Booking several months in advance secures better fares.
Direct flights to Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (ETZ) from major global hubs are rare. International travelers find it most practical to fly into Luxembourg (LUX) or Paris CDG.
ETZ: Air France (domestic), Volotea (seasonal). LUX: Luxair, Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, KLM, British Airways. CDG: Global airlines.
Metz-Ville train station functions as a major hub for national and regional rail services. The TGV network has rapid connections from Metz to Paris (Gare de l'Est) in about 1 hour 20 minutes, Luxembourg City in 30-40 minutes, Strasbourg in 45-55 minutes, and Nancy in 30-40 minutes. Connections to other major French cities are also available. TER services connect Metz to smaller towns and cities within the Grand Est region of France and to parts of Germany.
Long-distance bus companies provide an economical alternative to train travel. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer connections from Metz to various cities across France and other European countries. The main bus station or designated bus stops are typically near the Metz-Ville train station.
A valid driver's license is required. If your license is not from an EU/EEA country or not in French, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended and in some cases legally required. Carry it with your original license. France has an excellent motorway ("autoroute") network. The A4 motorway connects Metz to Paris and Strasbourg, while the A31 leads to Luxembourg and Nancy.
Metz is an inland city located on the Moselle River. While river cruises operate on the Moselle, they typically serve as tourist leisure activities rather than a main mode of international arrival or departure for visitors.
If departing from Metz-Nancy-Lorraine (ETZ), Luxembourg (LUX), or Paris CDG, arrive at the airport with sufficient time. For international flights (especially outside the Schengen Area), try to arrive 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure.
For high-speed TGV trains, plan to arrive at Metz-Ville train station 20-30 minutes before departure. For regional TER trains, 10-15 minutes is usually sufficient. French train stations are generally open, without extensive security checks like airports.
Offers various facilities for departing travelers, including shops, cafes, waiting areas, and restrooms for convenience.
Provides extensive facilities, including duty-free shops, a wide range of restaurants and cafes, currency exchange services, and airline lounges.
As France's largest international hub, CDG has the most extensive facilities, including numerous retail and dining options for all travelers.
Allow sufficient time at the airport or station for a stress-free departure. Ensure all travel documents are readily accessible. For international arrivals, flying into Luxembourg (LUX) or Paris CDG usually provides more flexibility and connections, with straightforward onward travel to Metz. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.
