Arrival by Air: Clermont Ferrand

Airport and Airlines

Main Airport

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE) is the main airport directly serving Clermont-Ferrand.

Details

CFE is a regional airport, offering convenience for direct city access.
Mainly domestic flights, with a limited number of international routes.
Flight availability and prices fluctuate seasonally.

Connecting Flights

No direct long-haul flights arrive at CFE from major global hubs outside of Europe.

Common Hubs

Connect through Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) for domestic flights or train transfers.
Lyon Saint-Exupéry (LYS) offers train connections directly from its airport station.
Other European hubs: Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), or London (LHR/LGW/STN).

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available outside the terminal. Approximate cost to the city center ranges from €20-€30.

Airport Bus

T2C Line 20 connects the airport directly to the city center, including Place de Jaude and the train station. Single ticket costs €1.70.

Car Rental

Rental desks are within the terminal.

Airport Services

Facilities

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE) offers basic facilities, including car rental desks.
A restaurant/bar for refreshments.
Seating areas and parking options.
The airport is compact, making transfers and navigation straightforward.

Transfer Options

Taxis are available outside the terminal; approx. €20-€30 to city center.
T2C Line 20 public bus connects the airport directly to the city center (€1.70).
The bus option is budget-friendly and efficient.

Price Considerations

Peak Season

Expect more frequent flights and potentially higher prices during the peak summer season (July-August) and French school holidays.

Low Season

Prices are generally lower during the low season (winter, excluding Christmas and New Year's holidays) due to reduced demand.

Flight Tools

Dollar Flight Club for deals and Skyscanner for comparisons.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

France's extensive land transportation network makes reaching Clermont-Ferrand by train a comfortable and efficient choice.

Rail Network

SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français) operates comprehensive train services.
The main train station is Gare de Clermont-Ferrand, just north of the city center.
Direct Intercités trains connect to Paris Bercy (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours).

Bus Travel

Clermont-Ferrand is well-connected to the rest of France by rail.

Bus Options

FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate long-distance bus services to and from Clermont-Ferrand.
The main bus station is conveniently located adjacent to the Clermont-Ferrand train station.
Bus services connect Clermont-Ferrand to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, and various other French and European cities.

Self-Driving

France boasts an excellent network of motorways (autoroutes) and national roads.

Driving Notes

You need a valid national driving license. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended.
Most motorways have tolls (péage); pay with credit cards or cash at toll booths.
Consider purchasing a detailed France road map or downloading a reliable offline GPS app for extensive self-driving.

Driving Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Road Rules

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Speed limits are strictly enforced (e.g., 130 km/h on motorways, 50 km/h in urban areas).
You must carry a reflective safety vest and a warning triangle in your vehicle.

Parking

On-street parking in the city center is often paid, with parking meters.
Look for public underground car parks (e.g., Parking Jaude, Parking Gaillard, Parking Les Carmes).
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

"Park and Ride" facilities (Parcs Relais) on the outskirts offer cheaper parking.
These connect directly to the public transport network.
Always pay attention to parking signs and restrictions.

Departure Information

Flight Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly on departing travelers from French airports beyond what is already included in your ticket price.

Airport Check-in

For domestic flights within France, arrive at least 1.5 hours before scheduled departure.
For international flights (especially outside Schengen Area), allow 2 to 2.5 hours before departure.
This allows sufficient time for check-in, security, and potential passport control queues.

Train/Bus Departure

Clermont-Ferrand's main train and bus stations offer facilities for departing travelers.

Station Timing

For train departures, arrive at the station 20-30 minutes before scheduled departure.
For long-distance bus departures, try to arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
This provides time to locate your platform/gate and board without rush.

Airport Facilities

Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport (CFE) offers basic amenities for departing travelers, including shops and a restaurant/bar.

Train Station Services

Clermont-Ferrand Train Station (Gare de Clermont-Ferrand) provides waiting areas, some shops, food outlets, ticket machines, and information desks.

Regional Access

Clermont-Ferrand is a landlocked city, so sea or river travel options are not relevant for reaching the city directly.

Before You Go

Border Information

Clermont-Ferrand sits in central France, well within the Schengen Area.

Schengen Travel

No specific border controls or procedures are involved when traveling from other Schengen countries.
You pass freely between Schengen countries.
The city is located deep within French territory.

Affiliate Resources

Travel Tools

Flights: Dollar Flight Club for deals and Skyscanner for comparisons.
Car Rentals: DiscoverCars.com for vehicle bookings.
eSIMs: Airalo for international mobile data.

Departure Checklist

Flight Status

Double-check your flight status using airline apps for any last-minute changes or delays.

Train Status

Verify your train status using the SNCF Connect app.

Boarding Times

Be aware of recommended arrival times for airports (1.5-2.5 hours) and train stations (20-45 minutes).

Final Checks

Before heading to the airport or train station, double-check your flight or train status using airline apps or the SNCF Connect app for any last-minute changes or delays.

Arrival by Air