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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Normandy, France

Airport Access

Major Airports for Rouen

International access to Rouen typically happens through Paris airports.

Paris Gateways

  • Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG): France's largest international airport and a major global hub.
  • Paris-Orly (ORY): The second largest Paris airport, serving mostly domestic and European flights.
  • Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Located north of Paris, this airport mainly serves low-cost carriers.

Flight Information

Airlines & Prices

  • CDG: Main hub for Air France. ORY: Vueling, easyJet. BVA: Low-cost carriers like Ryanair. (Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner)
  • Direct flights to Paris are available from major global hubs. Prices peak during high season (June-August) and holidays.
  • Booking several months in advance usually yields better prices, especially for international long-haul flights.

Airport Facilities

All Paris airports are large and offer extensive facilities including duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfers to Rouen

Allow ample time for connections.

Bus Transfers

FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate direct services from CDG and ORY to Rouen. These are often more economical than train combinations.

Detailed Transfer Options

From CDG & ORY

  • From CDG: RER B to Gare du Nord, then Metro to Gare Saint-Lazare, then SNCF train to Rouen. Total journey about 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • From CDG: FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus direct services. Journey time approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Book in advance.
  • Private Transfer/Taxi from CDG: Most expensive, direct door-to-door service, 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic.
  • From ORY: Orlyval light rail to Antony, then RER B train to Gare du Nord, Metro to Gare Saint-Lazare, and then a SNCF train to Rouen. Total journey about 2.5 to 3 hours.

From ORY & BVA

  • From ORY: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus also offer services from Orly to Rouen. Check their websites for current routes and schedules.
  • From BVA: Take the official shuttle bus (navette) from BVA to Porte Maillot in Paris. From Porte Maillot, take the Metro to Gare Saint-Lazare, then a SNCF train to Rouen. This is a longer route due to multiple transfers.
  • Direct bus services from BVA to Rouen (e.g., FlixBus) may be available, though they are less frequent than from CDG or ORY.
  • Allow ample buffer time for travel from Rouen to Paris airports, considering traffic delays or public transport disruptions, notably during rush hour.

Driving to Rouen

Road Network

France has an excellent network of well-maintained motorways (autoroutes) and national roads. Motorways are often toll roads (péage), which means you pay a fee for using them. These tolls can add up on longer journeys.

Requirements

To drive in France, you need a valid driving license. If your license is from an EU/EEA country, it is sufficient. If you hold a non-EU/EEA license, you are required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original license. Ensure your vehicle has its registration and proof of insurance. (DiscoverCars.com)

Parking

Finding parking in Rouen's historic center can be challenging and expensive. Several underground car parks are available (e.g., Parking Cathédrale, Parking Vieux-Marché), but they can be costly for extended periods. Consider parking on the outskirts and using public transport into the center.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

France's national railway company, SNCF, operates train services. Rouen's main train station is Rouen-Rive-Droite, conveniently located close to the city center.

Train Travel Perks

  • Paris to Rouen: Frequent direct trains connect Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris to Rouen-Rive-Droite. The journey is relatively quick, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a comfortable and popular choice.
  • Other connections: Regional trains (TER - Transport Express Régional) connect Rouen to other towns in Normandy, like Le Havre, Caen, Dieppe, and Evreux. This makes Rouen a good base for exploring the region by rail.
  • Booking train tickets in advance, especially for peak times, is recommended.

Bus Options

Long-distance bus travel offers economical alternatives, though it takes longer.

Intercity Bus Services

  • FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus: These are the main intercity bus companies operating in France. They offer services connecting Rouen to various destinations, including Paris, other major French cities, and some European destinations.
  • The bus station in Rouen is near the train station or at other designated stops. Check their websites for current routes and schedules.
  • Bus travel is generally more economical than trains but involves longer travel times.

Self-Driving & Safety

France has an excellent road network. Understand local driving laws.

Driving Essentials

  • Road Network: France has an excellent network of well-maintained motorways (autoroutes) and national roads. Motorways are often toll roads (péage), which means you pay a fee for using them.
  • Requirements: To drive in France, you need a valid driving license. Non-EU/EEA license holders need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your original license. Ensure your vehicle has its registration and proof of insurance. ZFE (Low Emission Zone) in Rouen requires a Crit'Air sticker.
  • Traffic: Traffic can be heavy around Paris and other major cities, especially during peak holiday periods or rush hours. Plan accordingly.

Road Rules & Tips

Driving in France is generally straightforward, but observe local rules.

Safety on the Road

  • Drivers in France drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal, even with hands-free devices.
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced by cameras and police, so pay attention to signs (e.g., 130 km/h on motorways, 80 km/h on national roads, 50 km/h in urban areas).
  • Random breathalyzer checks are common, so do not drink and drive. Always have the required safety equipment in your car (e.g., reflective vest, warning triangle).

Sea & River Arrivals

  • Ferry Services: Rouen is a river port mainly for cargo transport. It does not serve as a major port for international car ferry services (these typically connect UK ports to Normandy ports like Dieppe, Le Havre, or Caen/Ouistreham).
  • River Cruises: While large ocean cruise ships do not dock in Rouen, smaller river cruises often include Rouen as a stop on their Seine itineraries, usually starting or ending in Paris or Honfleur. These are leisure-focused cruises.
  • River Transportation: Beyond leisure river cruises, no regular public river transportation options (like water taxis or commuter ferries) within Rouen for general tourist arrival exist. The Seine is used more for recreational boating and commercial river traffic.
  • Immigration Procedures: This is not typically applicable for tourist arrival directly in Rouen via river. For ferry arrivals into other Normandy ports, standard Schengen Area immigration procedures apply, similar to airport arrivals.
  • Connections to Land Transportation: If you arrive in Rouen via a river cruise, the docking points are usually within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the city center, making onward travel into the city convenient.
  • Departure Timing: For international flights from Paris, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For flights within the Schengen Area, 1.5-2 hours. Train/Bus: 15-30 minutes before departure.

Departure Information

Air Departure Prep

Smooth airport departure from Paris airports requires planning.

Airport Departure Timing

  • International Flights (outside Schengen): Plan to arrive at CDG or ORY 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. This allows ample time for check-in (if not done online), baggage drop, security screening, and passport control.
  • For flights within the Schengen Area, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • Security lines can be long, especially during peak travel times.

Train & Bus Departures

Departure by train or bus is less formal than airport procedures.

Station Departure Timing

  • Train Stations (Rouen-Rive-Droite): Arrive at the station about 15-30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure. This gives you time to find your platform and carriage.
  • Bus Stations: Similar to train travel, arrive 15-20 minutes before your bus departure to locate your bus and load luggage.
  • Exit Fees or Taxes: No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied on departing travelers from French airports beyond what is already included in your airfare. Similarly, no special fees apply when departing by train or bus.

Airport Facilities

Paris airports (CDG and ORY) offer extensive facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shopping, a wide selection of restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and baggage services.

Train Station Facilities

The main train station in Rouen (Rouen-Rive-Droite) has basic amenities like cafes, newsstands, and small shops. It is a functional station rather than a large shopping hub.

Travel Time Reminder

When planning your departure from Rouen, especially if flying from Paris, allow ample buffer time for travel from Rouen to the Paris airport. Consider potential traffic delays or public transport disruptions.

Final Checks

Confirm your departure terminal and gate in advance. Check for any last-minute travel alerts or changes before heading to the airport or station.

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