How to Get to Annecy. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Annecy is mainly served by two major international airports nearby: Geneva Cointrin (GVA) and Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS). Annecy Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc Airport (NCY) is regional, not for most international arrivals.

Airport Details

Geneva Cointrin (GVA): Most convenient, 45-60 min drive. Extensive European connections (Air France, Swiss, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM). Limited direct intercontinental flights.
Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS): 1.5-2 hour drive. Broader international/long-haul flights (Air France, Lufthansa, easyJet, Transavia). More direct flights from North America.
Flight Prices: Peak in July-August and during winter ski season (Dec-Mar). Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sep-Oct) often bring better rates. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Both GVA and LYS are modern airports with a full range of services, including duty-free, dining, car rental, currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options to Annecy

From GVA: Direct bus services (FlixBus, Frossard) to Annecy train station (approx. 1 hour, €10-€20). Most direct and economical.
From GVA: Taxi/private transfer (~€100-€150). Quickest but most expensive.
From LYS: Rhônexpress tram to Lyon Part-Dieu station, then TGV/regional train to Annecy (total ~2 hours).
Car Rental: Available at both GVA and LYS. Renting from the French side at GVA simplifies returns in France.

Efficiency at Airports

For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure for check-in, baggage, and security. Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, and Wi-Fi.

Train Station Departure

For train departures from Gare d'Annecy, arriving 30-60 minutes before is usually enough time to find your platform and carriage.

Car Rental Return

Allow extra time for returning your rental car, especially at airports, as queues or inspections might occur.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Annecy's main train station, Gare d'Annecy, sits near the city center.
TGV (High-Speed Train) services connect Annecy to Paris (Gare de Lyon) in ~3h 45m. Connections to Lyon (~2h), Valence, Grenoble.
Regional Trains (TER) connect to surrounding towns in Haute-Savoie and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Book tickets via SNCF Connect. Advance booking for TGV often yields better prices.

Long-Distance Bus & Self-Driving

Long-Distance Bus: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus connect Annecy to major French cities and some international destinations. Generally more economical than train travel, but slower.
Self-Driving: Valid national driving license. Non-EU licenses need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry vehicle registration, insurance proof, reflective vest, warning triangle.
Roads are well-maintained. Motorways are toll roads. Drive on the right. Speed limits are enforced. Mountain roads can be winding; snow tires/chains in winter.
Parking: Challenging in Old Town. Use underground garages (Parking Bonlieu, Hôtel de Ville, Courier). For rental cars, consider DiscoverCars.com.

Sea/River Arrivals

Inland City

Annecy is an inland city situated on a lake, not directly on a sea or major river.

Not Applicable

Therefore, sea or river arrivals are not a means for reaching Annecy.

Lake Activities Only

Water transport is limited to lake cruises and small boat rentals within Lake Annecy itself.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from France, whether by air or land. Any taxes are usually included in your flight or train ticket price.

Departure Timing

Airports (GVA or LYS): For international flights, arrive 2-3 hours prior to scheduled departure.
Train Station (Gare d'Annecy): For train departures, 30-60 minutes before is generally sufficient.
Car Rental Return: Allow extra time for returning your rental car.

Airport/Station Facilities

Departure points offer a range of facilities for travelers.

Available Services

Shops for last-minute souvenirs.
Restaurants and cafes for meals.
Restrooms and Wi-Fi.

Departure Planning Tip

Confirm your airport transfer or train times the day before you depart. Traffic might influence travel times to Geneva or Lyon airports.

Staying Informed

Check local traffic reports.
Account for potential delays during peak travel times.
Keep flight/train apps updated for real-time information.

Smooth Travel

Knowing your travel options and preparing for them makes your Annecy trip enjoyable from start to finish.

How to Get to Annecy