Getting to: Amiens

Air Travel to Amiens

Major Airports

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), northeast of Paris, is France's largest international airport. Paris Orly Airport (ORY), south of Paris, is the second largest, mainly serving domestic and European flights. Paris-Beauvais Airport (BVA), about 70 km north of Paris, is closer to Amiens and serves low-cost carriers.

Flight Information

CDG/ORY: Host major airlines worldwide with global routes.
BVA: Main airlines are Ryanair and Wizz Air for budget travel.
Prices peak July-August and holidays. Shoulder seasons bring better value.

Airport Transfers

From CDG/ORY to Amiens: Train is the most efficient. Take RER B to Gare du Nord in Paris, then direct SNCF trains to Amiens (approx. 1h 15m).

Transfer Options

Train (Recommended): From Paris Gare du Nord, direct to Amiens.
Bus: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus (budget-friendly, slower).
Taxi/Private Transfer: Most expensive option.

Booking Flights

Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparisons.

Beauvais Transfers

Regular bus services, like Navette Amiens, connect BVA directly to Amiens city center (approx. 1 hour).

Airport Facilities

CDG/ORY feature extensive facilities; BVA has more basic services.

Land Travel

Train Connections

SNCF operates France's railway services.
Frequent direct trains from Paris Gare du Nord (approx. 1h 15m).
Direct connections to Lille (1h) and Rouen (1h 15m).
Book via SNCF Connect app/website or at stations.

Long-Distance Buses

FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer connections.
Generally cheaper than trains.
Journeys are typically slower than train travel.
Book online through company websites.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Requirements

Minimum age 21 or 25 (young driver surcharge may apply). Valid national driving license plus International Driving Permit (IDP) for non-EU/EEA licenses. Credit card for deposit.

Companies & Booking

Major international rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) have offices. Booking in advance is wise. DiscoverCars.com for options.

Road Network

Excellent motorway network (A16, A29, A1). Toll roads ("péage") common. Drive on the right. Speed limits apply.

Sea & River Travel

Ferry Services

Amiens is an inland city; no direct sea arrivals. For travelers from the UK, ferry services connect Dover (UK) to Calais and Dunkirk (France). Another route links Newhaven (UK) to Dieppe (France). From these French ports, Amiens is accessible by car or by train/bus connections.

Points to Note

A different way to arrive in France.
Standard Schengen entry procedures apply at French ferry ports.
Passport control and customs checks are similar to airport arrivals.

River Transportation

The Somme River flows through Amiens, but its main use within the city involves local leisure boat tours. The most prominent example is the guided "barque à cornet" tours through the unique Hortillonnages (floating gardens).

Local Water Tours

"Barque à cornet" tours for Hortillonnages exploration.
Depart from specific points like Embarcadère Saint-Leu.
These tours are for local exploration, not long-distance transportation.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

France does not levy a separate exit fee or tax you need to pay directly at the airport or train station. Airport taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price.

Departure Timing

Air Travel: 2-3 hours before international flights from Paris airports (CDG/ORY). 1.5-2 hours from Paris-Beauvais (BVA). Train Travel: 15-20 minutes before SNCF train departure from Amiens station.

Station Facilities

Amiens Train Station (Gare d'Amiens) has basic facilities. Paris airports (CDG/ORY) feature extensive shopping, dining, and lounges.

Final Confirmation

Confirm your flight or train times the day before departure. Double-check opening hours of any shops or services planned for use at the airport or station.

Getting to Amiens