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How to Get to Collioure

How to Get to Collioure

Collioure France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

For international travelers, Collioure gains from a few regional airports, with larger international hubs a bit further away. Your choice often reflects your starting point plus chosen connecting flights.

Airports Serving the Region

  • Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport (PGF): ~30km north, closest.
  • Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO), Spain: ~100km south, Ryanair hub.
  • Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), Spain: ~200km south, large international hub.

Flight Availability & Airport Services

Flight frequency and prices increase considerably during summer (July-August). Booking flights well in advance is advisable for high season travel periods to secure better rates. The periods between high and low season offer a good balance of reasonable prices and available flights.

Seasonal Tips & Facilities

  • Low season (winter) generally sees fewer flights but the lowest prices.
  • PGF is smaller with basic facilities (cafes, car rentals).
  • GRO and BCN are larger with full ranges of shops, restaurants, and car rental facilities.

PGF Public Transport

Bus Line 7 from PGF to Perpignan city center (~€1.50). From Perpignan, take a regional train (TER) or Lio bus (Line 540) to Collioure. This is the most budget-friendly option.

GRO Car Rental

Renting a car at Girona airport is a popular and practical option, giving flexibility for local exploration. The drive to Collioure covers about SIXTY minutes 15 minutes, crossing the French-Spanish border.

BCN Train Transfers

High-speed train (TGV/AVE) services from Barcelona Sants station to Perpignan (requires a transfer in Barcelona from the airport). This has a fast way to reach Perpignan.

Airport Transfer Options to Collioure

From PGF Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport

  • Taxis: Approximately €60-€80 to Collioure.
  • Public Transport: Bus Line 7 to Perpignan city center, then regional train or Lio bus (Line 540) to Collioure.
  • Budget-friendly option via public transport.
  • Car Rental: Available at the airport.

From GRO Girona-Costa Brava Airport & BCN Barcelona-El Prat Airport

  • GRO Bus: Direct services (Frogbus, FlixBus) to Perpignan, then local transport to Collioure.
  • GRO Car Rental: Popular option, ~1h 15m drive.
  • BCN Train: High-speed (TGV/AVE) from Barcelona Sants to Perpignan, then local transport.
  • BCN Car Rental: Widely available, ~2h drive for maximum flexibility.

Airlines & Flight Search

Airlines Operating

Ryanair (GRO, PGF), Volotea (PGF), Transavia (PGF), Air France (larger hubs), Vueling (BCN).

Flight Search Platforms

Explore flight options with Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts and Skyscanner for comprehensive comparisons.

Intercontinental Flights

Most outside Europe connect via BCN or main European airports like Paris, London, Frankfurt.

Land Transportation

Train Connections in Collioure

Collioure holds its own train station, Gare de Collioure, conveniently close to the town center. This results in rail travel a viable and often scenic option, especially from within France or Spain.

Regional & High-Speed Rail

  • Regional Trains (TER): Frequent, scenic connections along the coast (Perpignan, Port-Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer, Cerbère/Portbou, Spain).
  • Coastal train journey brings stunning views of the Mediterranean.
  • High-Speed Trains (TGV): Perpignan is a major TGV hub with direct connections to The city of light (~5h), Lyon, Marseille, and Barcelona.

Long-Distance Buses & Self-Driving

Long-distance buses present a budget-friendly option, while self-driving provides maximum flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.

Bus Services & Car Rental Insights

  • Long-Distance Buses: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate services to Perpignan from various European cities.
  • Self-Driving: Excellent road network (A9 motorway, scenic D914 coastal road).
  • Requirements: Valid driver's license (IDP recommended for non-EU). Age 21/25+ for rentals. Strict drink-driving laws.

Border Crossing & Ticketing

Information

  • Border Crossing: Main crossing at Le Perthus (A9/AP-7). Seamless for Schengen citizens; non-Schengen may have passport control.
  • Train Tickets: Purchase at Collioure station, via SNCF Connect online/app, or at larger stations.
  • Bus Tickets: Directly from the driver for Lio network, or online for long-distance services (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus).

Parking & Road Safety

While a car offers flexibility, understanding local driving rules and car parking limitations is important for a smooth experience in Collioure.

Driving Rules & Parking Advice

  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained. Scenic D914 can be winding. Mountain roads narrow/steep.
  • Parking: Very limited and expensive in Collioure, notably in the busy season. Many central streets are pedestrianized.
  • Parking Strategy: Consider parking outside the immediate town center in designated paid lots and walking in.

Important Driving Reminders

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are required for all.
  • Adhere to firm speed limits; common speed cameras.
  • If renting, consider purchasing full coverage insurance.
  • France holds strict drink-driving laws.
  • Particular accommodations provide parking, a valuable amenity.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Port Information

While Collioure is a small port, it doesn't serve as a major entry point for large sea vessels. Larger cruise ships may dock nearby.

Sea Entry Overview

  • Collioure is without a major ferry port or cruise terminal for large ships.
  • Larger cruise ships may dock in nearby Port-Vendres (~5km south). Photo: Port-Vendres Port.
  • No regular passenger ferry services to Collioure from other countries.

Immigration & Connections

If you arrive via a cruise ship docking in Port-Vendres, standard immigration procedures apply upon disembarkation. River transportation is not valid for Collioure.

Procedures & Transfers

  • Immigration: Passport checks may occur, especially for non-Schengen citizens.
  • Connections: From Port-Vendres, local buses (Lio network) and regional trains offer frequent links to Collioure.
  • The transfer is short and scenic, making it simple to reach your accommodation.

Easy Disembarkation

Cruise lines typically provide clear information on immigration procedures for passengers arriving by sea.

Seamless Transfers

Public transport options from Port-Vendres ensure a quick and simple journey to Collioure's town center.

No River Transport

Collioure is a coastal town; its small river is not navigable for passenger transport.

Departure Information

Departure Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes apply to tourists departing France by air, land, or sea. The price of your flight or train ticket typically covers any applicable taxes.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • PGF (Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport): Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure for domestic/short-haul European flights.
  • BCN (Barcelona) or other major European hubs: Allow 2 to 3 hours before departure, especially with checked luggage.
  • Train Departures (Collioure station): Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure. For TGV from Perpignan, 20-30 minutes.

Airport & Station Facilities

Familiarity with the amenities at your departure point can elevate your final moments in the region.

Available Services

  • PGF has limited facilities: a small cafe and few shops.
  • Perpignan train station features more amenities: cafes, bakeries, newsstands.
  • Collioure train station is very small, furnishing only basic shelter.

Departure Checklist

Confirm Times

Confirm your flight or train departure times the day before you leave.

Factor in Traffic

Account for potential traffic if driving to the airport or station, specifically during peak season.

Last-Minute Needs

Plan to purchase any food or drinks before arriving at Collioure station in case you have a long wait.

Final Preparations

Booking car rentals in advance often brings better rates. Check DiscoverCars.com for options.