Normandy, France
For most international travelers, flying into a major French airport and connecting to Caen forms the most common approach.
No direct flights from major global hubs (e.g., North America, Asia, Australia) go directly to Caen-Carpiquet Airport. Travelers typically fly into Paris (CDG or ORY) and then connect to Caen by train, bus, or car.
Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or join flight deal alerts like Dollar Flight Club to find affordable airfares.
From Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR) to Caen city center: Taxi (approx. €20-€30, 15-20 min) or Twisto Line 3 bus (approx. €1.70, 20-30 min).
From Paris (CDG/ORY) to Caen: Train (RER to Gare Saint-Lazare, then direct train to Caen - 2.5-3.5 hours) or long-distance bus (FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus - 3-4 hours).
The closest major ferry port is Ouistreham (Caen-Ouistreham), approximately 15 km (9 miles) north of Caen on the English Channel. Brittany Ferries operates services to Portsmouth, England.
The Orne River flows through Caen but is mainly for pleasure boating and local shipping. No significant tourist river transportation or scheduled passenger services exist within the city itself.
Regular bus services (Twisto Line 12 or 14) connect the Ouistreham ferry terminal to Caen city center (~30-40 minutes). Taxis are also available at the terminal.
No specific exit fees or taxes are typically paid directly by travelers departing from France. Any applicable taxes are usually included in the airfare, train ticket, or ferry ticket price when you make your initial booking.
Facilities vary significantly between regional airports/stations and major international hubs.
Ensure your departure experience is smooth by following security protocols and keeping necessary documents accessible.
Allocate ample time for your departure, specifically from major Parisian airports, where security and customs processes can be extensive. This avoids unnecessary stress.
