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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

The Jura, France

Air Travel

Major Airports Near Besançon

Besançon is accessible from several airports, with varying distances and flight options.

Airports

  • EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP): Approx. 160 km (100 miles) east. Serves budget airlines and major European carriers.
  • Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS): Approx. 200 km (125 miles) southwest. A major international airport with worldwide connections.
  • Geneva Airport (GVA), Switzerland: Approx. 160 km (100 miles) southeast. Another international airport with good connections.

Flight Information & Pricing

Airlines and flight patterns vary by airport and season.

Tips

  • Direct flights to France from major global hubs typically land in Paris (CDG/ORY), requiring an onward journey to Besançon.
  • Flight prices are highest in summer (June-August) and around major holidays. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) often provide better value.
  • Booking flights well in advance, especially for high season travel, often secures better rates. Consider services like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

All major airports offer standard facilities: car rental, restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, and Wi-Fi.

Transfers from BSL

Shuttle bus to Saint-Louis train station (France), then regional trains (TER) to Besançon Viotte (2-3 hours total).

Transfers from LYS/GVA

From LYS, Rhône Express to Lyon Part-Dieu, then TGV to Besançon (2-3 hours). From GVA, direct train to Geneva Cornavin, then direct train to Besançon (2-3 hours).

Transfers from Paris Airports CDG/ORY

From Charles de Gaulle CDG

  • Take RER B to Gare du Nord.
  • Connect to RER D to Gare de Lyon.
  • From Gare de Lyon, take TGV to Besançon Franche-Comté TGV or Besançon Viotte.
  • Total travel time approx. 3-4 hours, including transfers.

From Orly ORY

  • Use OrlyVal shuttle to Antony.
  • Then RER B to Gare du Nord.
  • Connect to RER D to Gare de Lyon.
  • From Gare de Lyon, take TGV to Besançon. Total time approx. 3-4 hours.

Departure Information

Exit Fees or Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from France. Your ticket price includes any relevant taxes.

Departure Timing

For international flights outside Schengen, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For flights within Europe (Schengen), 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. For TGV trains, 30-45 minutes before departure is fine.

Airport/Station Facilities

Airports and major train stations offer standard facilities: shops, restaurants, waiting areas, restrooms, and duty-free shops at larger airports.

Land Transportation

Train Travel

Besançon connects well by train via France's SNCF network.

Train Services

  • TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse): High-speed trains connect Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station (outside city) to Paris (2h 15m) and other major cities.
  • TER (Trains Express Régionaux): Regional trains connect Besançon Viotte (city center) to nearby towns like Dole, Lyon, Dijon, Strasbourg, and Belfort.
  • Besançon Viotte is the main city center station. Besançon Franche-Comté TGV is outside the city, linked by TER train.

Bus & Car Travel

Other land transport options.

Options

  • Long-distance Bus: Companies like FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus operate services to Besançon. Usually cheaper but slower than trains.
  • Self-driving: France has an excellent road network. Autoroutes (motorways) are well-maintained toll roads ("péage"). A valid driver's license is needed, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU license holders. Consider DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
  • Use underground parking garages (e.g., Marché Beaux-Arts, Chamars, Pasteur).

Driving Laws & Safety

Understand local driving regulations for a smooth journey.

Laws

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is against the law.

Road Conditions & Hazards

Roads are generally in good condition, but stay aware of specific conditions.

Considerations

  • Watch for speed cameras, which are common.
  • In winter, snow tires or chains may be required for driving in the higher Jura mountains.
  • Check local road conditions before setting out during snowy periods.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Sea or river arrivals are not applicable for international or long-distance travel to Besançon.
  • Besançon is an inland city.
  • The Doubs River serves mainly for local navigation and leisure boats.
  • It does not accommodate large passenger vessels or international river cruises.
  • While pleasure boats offer scenic city tours, these are local activities, not means of arrival.
  • No international port facilities in Besançon.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Be aware of procedures and timing recommendations, especially when heading to airports or major train stations.

Timing at Airports

  • For international flights (outside Schengen Area), plan to arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • For flights within Europe (Schengen Area), 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient.
  • This allows time for check-in, security, and customs (if leaving Schengen).

Train Departure & Facilities

Train Timing & Services

  • For regional TER trains from Besançon Viotte, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure usually works.
  • For high-speed TGV trains (Besançon Franche-Comté TGV or Paris Gare de Lyon), arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Airport and major train stations offer standard facilities: shops for souvenirs, restaurants, cafes, waiting areas, and restrooms.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from France.

Locate Your Gate

Arrive with enough time to locate your platform or gate without rushing.

Smooth Departure

Planning your departure time wisely leads to a relaxed journey out of Besançon.

Airport Transfers

To Basel Mulhouse Freiburg BSL

Transfers to BSL are straightforward using local transport.

Route Details

  • Take a shuttle bus from the airport to Saint-Louis train station (France).
  • From Saint-Louis, direct regional trains (TER) connect to Besançon Viotte.
  • Total travel time is approximately 2-3 hours.

To Lyon-Saint Exupéry LYS

Access to LYS involves a tram and train connection.

Route Details

  • Use the Rhône Express tram service to reach Lyon Part-Dieu train station.
  • From Lyon Part-Dieu, high-speed TGV trains run to Besançon Franche-Comté TGV station.
  • The overall journey time is about 2-3 hours.

Transfer Options from Paris Airports

From CDG

RER B to Gare du Nord, then RER D to Gare de Lyon, then TGV to Besançon Franche-Comté TGV or Besançon Viotte.

From ORY

OrlyVal to Antony, then RER B to Gare du Nord, RER D to Gare de Lyon, then TGV to Besançon.

Travel Time

Approx. 3-4 hours from Paris airports to Besançon by train, including transfers.

Seamless Connections

France's integrated transport network means reaching Besançon from major airports is straightforward, despite the city lacking its own international air hub. Good planning leads to a smooth journey.