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How to Get to Nimes

How to Get to Nimes

Nimes Occitanie, France Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Nîmes

While Nîmes holds its own regional airport, larger hubs offer broader international connections.

Closest & Largest Options

  • Nîmes–Alès–Camargue–Cévennes Airport (FNI): Regional, 12 km (7.5 miles) south-southeast of Nîmes. Ryanair flights to London Stansted, Charleroi, Dublin.
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport (MPL): Larger, 50 km (31 miles) southwest. Wider range of domestic and international connections (Air France, easyJet, Ryanair).
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): Major international airport, 90 km (56 miles) southeast. Widest variety of international flights (Air France, Ryanair, Lufthansa).

Flight Insights & Transfers

Direct flights to FNI or MPL from outside Europe are uncommon. Most international travelers connect via major European hubs (Paris CDG, London LHR, Amsterdam AMS, Frankfurt FRA). From these hubs, a connecting flight to MRS or MPL is an option, or a high-speed TGV train directly to Nîmes from Paris CDG.

Getting from Airports to Nîmes

  • FNI to Nîmes: Shuttle bus (Navette Tango) to train station (~20-30 min, €5-€6). Taxi (~€25-€35).
  • MPL to Nîmes: Tram/Shuttle + Train via Montpellier Saint-Roch (~1.5-2 hrs). Direct bus (FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus). Taxi (~€100-€150).
  • MRS to Nîmes: Airport bus to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence train station, then direct TER or TGV trains (~1-1.5 hrs). Direct bus services. Taxi (~€180-€250).

Seasonal Pricing

Flight prices typically rise during peak summer season (June-August) and major French/European holidays. Shoulder seasons often bring more good prices.

Airport Facilities

All three airports provide basic amenities: car rental desks, taxi stands, shops, restaurants, and lounges. MRS has the most extensive facilities.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available at all major airports. Consider mobile phone compatibility and CHOICES for sim cards upon arrival.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Connections

  • Gare de Nîmes Centre: Main train station in city center. Serves regional (TER) and intercity trains.
  • Nîmes-Pont-du-Gard TGV Station: Outside city, built for high-speed TGV lines (Paris ~3 hrs, Lyon, Barcelona). Shuttle bus connects to the downtown area.
  • Long-distance buses: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate extensive networks to Nîmes. Bus station (Gare Routière) is next to Nîmes Centre train station.
  • Border crossing: Nîmes is withwithin France (Schengen Area); no internal border controls from other Schengen countries.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

  • Car rental: Valid driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) a sound practice for non-EU licenses. Drivers usually 21/25+, license held 1-2 years. Major credit card for deposit. DiscoverCars.com is an option.
  • Roads: Excellent motorway (toll) and well-maintained national/departmental roads. Driving is on the right. Speed limits strictly enforced.
  • Traffic & Parking: Congestion in city centers during peak hours. Nîmes city center has pedestrian zones. Parking (underground garages like Parking des Arènes) is challenging and expensive.
  • Safety: Roads are generally safe. Pay attention to cyclists. Roundabouts are common.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Nîmes lacks direct ferry services or cruise ports. The nearest major cruise ports are Marseille (Port of Marseille Fos) and Sète. Travelers arriving by sea use land transportation (train or bus) to Nîmes.

River Transportation

Nîmes does not sit on a navigable river for passenger transport. While the Rhône River is nearby, it is not a principal mode of arrival for travelers to Nîmes. River cruises typically dock in cities like Avignon or Arles.

Immigration & Connections

For arrivals by boat from non-Schengen countries, border control at French seaports follows standard Schengen entry rules. Major cruise ports have good connections to rail and bus systems for travel to Nîmes.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are paid by travelers upon departure from French airports or train stations. These charges typically fall in your ticket price.

Departure Procedures

  • Airports: For international (non-Schengen) flights, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is generally enough.
  • Train Stations: For TGV (high-speed) departures, be THERE two0-30 minutes before. For regional (TER) trains, 10-15 minutes usually suffices.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel periods. French train stations are generally efficient.

Airport/Station Facilities

All major departure points offer amenities for travelers.

Services Available

  • Restrooms and waiting areas.
  • Shops for last-minute souvenirs.
  • Cafes for refreshments.

Flight Tracking & Updates

Stay informed about your flight status for a smoother departure.

Tools

  • Airline apps: Use your airline's mobile app for real-time updates and boarding passes.
  • Airport websites: Check the official online portal for Nîmes-Garons, Montpellier, or Marseille Provence Aerodromes for live flight information.
  • Flight tracking apps: Apps like FlightAware or FlightStats provide global flight tracking.

Customs & Security

Before Security Check

  • Liquids: Adhere to 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids (100ml containers, in a 1-quart bag).
  • Electronics: Remove large electronics (laptops, tablets) from bags for separate screening.
  • Duty-Free: Keep receipts for duty-free purchases for potential inspection.

Customs Declarations

  • Currency: Declare amounts over €10,000 when entering or leaving the EU.
  • Alcohol/Tobacco: Adhere to duty-free allowances for your destination country.
  • Restricted Goods: Be aware of items restricted or prohibited for export/import (e.g., certain cultural artifacts).
  • Non-EU Residents: Claim VAT refunds on eligible purchases prior to leaving from the EU.
  • Receipts: Keep all purchase receipts for customs verification if needed.
  • Information: Consult your destination country's customs regulations prior to departure.

Travel to Nearby Cities from Nîmes

Avignon & Pont du Gard

Both locations are easily accessible from Nîmes by train or bus, making them perfect day trip destinations.

Transport Options

  • Avignon: Direct TER train from Nîmes Centre (~30 min).
  • Pont du Gard: Bus line 115 from Nîmes (approx. 45 min).
  • Driving: Approx. 30 min to Avignon, 25 min to Pont du Gard.

Arles & Montpellier

These cities offer additional historical and cultural experiences, within a short distance from Nîmes.

Transport Options

  • Arles: Direct TER train from Nîmes Centre (~20 min).
  • Montpellier: Frequent TER rail services from Nîmes Centre (~30 min).
  • Driving: Approx. 25 min to Arles, 45 min to Montpellier.

Wine Regions

Explore vineyards of Costières de Nîmes, just a short drive from the city center.

Photography Trips

The Camargue provides unique wildlife and landscape photography opportunities.

Coastal Escapes

Mediterranean beaches are easily reachable for a day of sun and sea.

Intercity Travel Tips

Train Travel Advantages

Train travel across Southern France offers speed and comfort, often a preferred mode for intercity journeys.

Benefits of Rail

  • Tickets often booked in advance for better pricing.
  • City center stations mean less travel time to attractions.
  • High-speed trains offer Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.

Bus Travel & Cost-Efficiency

Long-distance buses present a budget-friendly alternative for travel between cities, with extensive networks.

Bus Perks

  • Often more affordable tickets compared to train travel.
  • Flexible schedules, especially with multiple daily departures.
  • Access to towns not directly served by train.

Rental Car Exploration

Flexibility

A rental car provides the most flexibility for exploring the broader Occitanie region at your own pace.

Rural Access

Access to charming villages, vineyards, and natural parks not always reachable by public transport.

Scenic Routes

Opportunities for scenic drives through the countryside, finding hidden gems.