How to Get to Chartres. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

The closest major international airports are Paris-Orly Airport (ORY), approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Chartres, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), around 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast.

Flight Information

CDG is France's largest international airport, serving extensive long-haul flights globally.
ORY mainly handles domestic and European flights.
Flight prices generally increase during peak summer (June-August) and around major holidays. Off-peak seasons provide better value.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports furnish a complete selection of facilities: duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental desks, currency exchange, banking, plus lounges.

Connecting to Chartres

From CDG: RER B to Châtelet-Les Halles, then RER A/Métro Line 4 to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, then TER train to Chartres. Total 1.5-2.5 hours.
From ORY: Orlyval to Antony, RER B to Denfert-Rochereau, Métro Line 4 to Montparnasse-Bienvenüe, then TER train to Chartres. Total 1.5-2 hours.
Private transfer/taxi: A direct but more expensive option (€150-€250+). Vehicle hires are also available at each of the two airports.

Direct Flight Options

CDG has extensive direct air travel possibilities from main urban centers across North America, Asia, Africa, and other global hubs. Orly also maintains a good network, especially within Europe and to North Africa.

Flight Price Fluctuations

Flight prices to Paris generally increase during peak summer travel season (June-August) and around major holidays like Christmas and Easter. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often give better value on airfares. Search platforms like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Comfort

Both Paris airports offer duty-free shops, a wide selection of restaurants, lounges, and on-site or nearby hotels for layovers. They also give services like baggage wrapping and medical assistance.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Chartres holds excellent train connectivity via Gare de Chartres.
SNCF (national rail operator) provides frequent TER (Trains Express Régionaux) services.
Direct connection to Paris Gare Montparnasse, approximately 1 hour travel.
For other French cities, transfer in Paris at a main train station. Book using THE App/website for french national railways app or website.

Long-Distance Buses & Driving

Long-long-haul bus services (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus) offer an alternative to trains, often with lower prices. Consult their online sites for routes.
Driving to Chartres provides flexibility for discovery the region. Non-EU citizens must carry a valid national driver'a driving LICENSE and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Roads in France maintain excellent condition; many motorways are toll roads. A GPS system or telephone navigation (Garmin DriveSmart 55 GPS Navigator) is highly recommended.
Parking in central Chartres can be challenging; most city center parking is paid. Major car rental companies operate at Paris airports and in Chartres.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

This category remains not relevant for Chartres, an inland city. Primary ferry docks for France locate themselves on its coasts (e.g., Calais, Le Havre).

River Transportation

The Eure River flows through Chartres, but it is not serve as a major navigable waterway for passenger transport connecting Chartres to other cities. Its use mainly involves local leisure activities like small boat tours or kayaking.

Immigration Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports remain not applicable for direct getting to Chartres. This is true for coastal port entries, not inland city visits.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

You won't pay exit fees impose themselves on travelers leaving from France. These costs typically encompass themselves in your airfare or train ticket price.

Departure Timing

For international flights from Paris airports (CDG/ORY), schedule your arrival for least 2-3 hours before departure. 3 hours are sensible for long-haul flights.
For regional trains from Gare de Chartres, arriving 15-20 minutes before departure generally suffices.
For TGV (high-speed) trains if connecting in Paris, arriving HALF an hour before departure usually stands adequate. Boarding begins about 20 minutes before.

Airport & Station Facilities

Gare de Chartres, the local train station, offers basic facilities: a ticket office, self-service ticket machines, and a couple of compact shops or newsstands.

Major Hub Amenities

Paris airports (CDG & ORY), as major international hubs, provide extensive facilities for departing travelers.
These consist of a wide array of dining options, shopping (including duty-free), lounges, currency exchange, plus bags services.
When you depart from Chartres for a flight from Paris, consider booking your train ticket from Chartres to Paris Montparnasse in advance. This secures your connection and sometimes saves money.

Driving Safety

Driving in France generally stays safe. Be mindful of speed limits, which enforcement remains strict.

Road Rules

Pay attention to roundabouts, which are common.
Be aware of "priorité à droite" (priority to the right) rules on some smaller roads.
Drunk driving laws remain strict, with low blood alcohol limits.

International Driving Permit

Non-EU citizens must carry a valid national driver'a driving LICENSE and an International Driving Permit (IDP). You obtain this permit in your home country before setting off.

Rental Requirements

Most rental car companies need drivers to be at least 21 or 25 years old.
Drivers must hold their license for a minimum of 1-2 years.
A major a credit card is mandatory for the security deposit.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Providers

FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus (formerly Ouibus) serve as major intercity coach operators operating in France.

Routes

They might provide direct connections to Chartres or connections via Paris.

Booking

Consult their formal websites for current routes, schedules, and pricing, as services vary.

Border Crossing

This information remains not applicable for travel within France or the Schengen Area once you have already entered the Schengen zone. France shares open borders with its Schengen neighbors.

How to Get to Chartres