How to Get to Calvi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Options

Local & Nearby Airports

Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) is closest. Bastia and Ajaccio offer more year-round options.

Calvi Airport CLY

CLY: ~7km from Calvi, mainly domestic and seasonal international flights.
Bastia-Poretta (BIA): ~90km northeast, wider year-round options.
Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte (AJA): ~170km south, Corsica's largest airport.

Airlines & Routes

Direct flights from major global hubs are rare. Most international travelers connect via European airports.

Airlines

Air France (including Hop!): From major French cities (Paris, Nice, Marseille).
Volotea, Transavia, easyJet: Seasonal European connections (London, Geneva).
Lufthansa (Munich), Swiss (Zurich): Offer seasonal service.

Seasonal Flight Changes

High Season (July-August) brings increased frequency and higher prices. Shoulder Seasons (May-June, September) offer good availability and moderate prices. Low Season (November-April) sees limited direct flights to CLY; Bastia or Ajaccio are typical entry points.

Airport Facilities

CLY: Basic facilities (café, car rental, taxi). BIA & AJA: More extensive facilities, including multiple restaurants and shops.

Airport Transfers

CLY to Calvi: Taxi (~€15-€20, 10-15 min) or car rental. Seasonal shuttle possible. BIA/AJA to Calvi: Car rental is recommended (1.5-3 hr drive) or scenic but long bus + train options via Ponte Leccia.

Flight Booking Tips

Smart Booking

Use flight comparison sites like Skyscanner for best prices.
Consider subscribing to alerts from services like Dollar Flight Club for deals.
Book flights several months in advance for peak season travel.
Be flexible with travel dates for better rates.

Travel Flexibility

Flying mid-week often yields lower fares.
Consider flying into Bastia (BIA) or Ajaccio (AJA) for more options, then renting a car.
Pack light to avoid checked baggage fees.
Your travel insurance World Nomads covers flight delays/cancellations.

Car Rental Considerations

Requirements

Valid national driving license (plus IDP if non-EU/EEA). Credit card in driver's name for deposit. Minimum age (21/25).

Companies

Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget at CLY and in town. Local agencies also. Use DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Booking Advice

Book in advance, specifically for high season, for vehicle selection and better rates.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Corsica has an unique single-track railway network.

"U Trinighellu"

Calvi is the northern terminus for the scenic coastal line to L'Île-Rousse.
Connects inland via Ponte Leccia to Bastia and Ajaccio.
Offers stunning views of coastline and interior landscapes.

Bus Services

Long-distance bus services are less developed and less frequent than the train network.

Limited Connections

Some connections from Calvi to Bastia or Ajaccio exist, but direct routes are limited.
Consult local sources or Collectivité de Corse for schedules.
Internal bus service connects town center with immediate outskirts.

Self-Driving Requirements

Driving In Corsica offers the most flexibility.

What to Know

Valid national driving license (IDP if non-EU/EEA).
Valid credit card in main driver's name for deposit.
Minimum age (21 or 25), possible young driver surcharge.

Road Conditions & Safety

Be aware of local driving habits and road characteristics.

Driving Smarts

Main roads are well-maintained, but many secondary roads are narrow, winding, steep.
Speed limits are enforced; watch for mobile speed cameras.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in Calvi town center during peak season.

Sea Arrivals Ferries

Calvi has a small ferry port near the town center.
Corsica Ferries operates routes from Nice, Toulon (France), Savona, Livorno (Italy).
La Méridionale from Marseille; Moby Lines from Italy to Bastia (then onward travel).

No passport control for travel within Schengen Area (e.g., from mainland France/Italy).
Port is central, walkable to accommodation and train station.
Car rental agencies often have offices near the port.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed directly on travelers departing from Calvi or France. Airport taxes are typically included in your flight ticket.

Timing Recommendations

Air Travel (CLY): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights, 2 hours for international.
Ferry Travel: Arrive 1 hour prior to departure, especially with a vehicle.
Foot passengers for ferries may arrive closer to departure, but allow ample time.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities vary significantly by airport.

What to Expect

Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY): Limited facilities, mainly a small waiting area and a café.
Calvi Train Station: Basic open-air platform with limited ticket office hours.
Calvi Ferry Port: Basic waiting area and ticket offices for ferry companies.

Final Check

Verify your flight or ferry status before heading to the airport or port. Allow extra time during peak season for potential queues.

How to Get to Calvi