Getting There & Away: Angers

Air Travel

Major Airports

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) west of Angers, a regional hub. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Paris Orly Airport (ORY) are major international hubs with extensive global connections.

Direct Flight Information

Nantes (NTE) serves many European carriers (Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Volotea).
Paris (CDG/ORY) airports offer comprehensive global connections for intercontinental flights.
No direct flights from North America or Asia to Nantes. Travelers usually connect via Paris or other major European hubs like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or Dublin. Consider using Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Seasonal & Facilities

Flight prices peak during summer (June-August) and major holidays due to high demand. Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) often present better value. Low season (November-March) generally has the lowest fares.

Airport Services & Booking

All major airports offer duty-free shops, restaurants, car rental services, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.
Booking in advance, especially for high season travel, usually secures better prices.
Check your airline's specific recommendations for airport arrival times.

Nantes Airport Transfer

From Nantes Atlantique (NTE) to Angers, a convenient and cost-effective option is the TAN Air shuttle bus to Nantes train station, then a train to Angers Saint-Laud.

Paris Airports Transfer

From Paris CDG, take the RER B train to Gare de Massy TGV or Gare Montparnasse, then a direct TGV train to Angers Saint-Laud. This is the most popular and efficient route.

Taxi & Car Rental

Taxis from NTE to Angers are costly (€150-€200+). Major car rental agencies have counters at NTE, offering flexibility for onward travel. Compare options with DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Angers Saint-Laud Station: Main hub for high-speed (TGV) and regional (TER) services.
TGV: Direct connections to Paris (1h 30m), Nantes (40m), Rennes (1h), Lille, and Lyon.
TER: Connects to towns within Pays de la Loire (Saumur, Cholet, Le Mans, Tours).
Booking: Purchase via SNCF Connect or at station. Book TGV in advance for cheaper fares.

Long-Distance Bus & Self-Driving

Bus Options: FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer intercity services; cheaper than trains, but longer journeys.
Self-Driving: Valid national license; IDP often needed for non-EU citizens. Ages 21-25 with surcharge possible.
Roads: Excellent, well-maintained. Autoroutes have tolls. Drive on the right. Speed limits are enforced.
Parking: Challenging in city center. Use underground garages. Street parking is limited and paid.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Not applicable for direct arrival to Angers. Closest major ferry ports are along the Atlantic coast (Saint-Malo, Roscoff), connecting to the UK/Ireland. Travelers proceed to Angers by train or car from there.

River Transportation

The Maine River is navigable for pleasure boats, connecting to the Loire. Tour boats offer short scenic cruises from Angers. Longer Loire River cruises also happen, mainly for leisure and sightseeing, not a main mode of arrival.

Immigration/Connections

Immigration procedures for sea arrivals happen at the port of entry if coming from outside Schengen. For river cruises near Angers, land transfers to the city center are typical via taxi or pre-arranged shuttle.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees are levied directly when departing France. Airport taxes are typically included in your flight ticket price. For train departures, no additional taxes beyond the ticket price exist.

Departure Timing

Flights (NTE): 2-3 hours before international flight; 1.5-2 hours for domestic/Schengen.
TGV trains: Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure to find your platform and board.
TER trains: 5-10 minutes before departure is fine.

Station & Airport Facilities

Angers Saint-Laud Station has shops, cafes, and waiting areas. Nantes Atlantique and Paris Airports offer extensive facilities for departing travelers, including dining, retail, and lounges.

Before You Depart

Grab a coffee, snack, or last-minute souvenir at the station.
Allow extra time at major airports for exploring options or VAT refund procedures.
For paper train tickets, you must "composter" (validate) your ticket using orange machines on the platform before boarding. Failure to do so can mean a fine.

Local Transport Tips

Reconfirm & Track

Staying updated on your travel schedule minimizes stress. Last-minute changes are always possible, so being prepared for them is wise.

Smart Travel Prep

Reconfirm your flight or train schedule 24-48 hours before departure.
This approach keeps you informed of any last-minute changes or delays.
Consider using a GPS system with real-time traffic updates if driving. Download offline maps for areas with potentially poor signal.

Efficiency & Local Discovery

Maximize your time and experience Angers like a local by choosing efficient transport methods and exploring on foot.

Navigating Angers

For short trips in the city center, walking is often quicker than waiting for public transport.
Walking lets you discover hidden corners of the city.
When planning your daily activities, calculate walking distances. Combining walking with a tram ride for longer stretches saves energy and time.

Public Transportation Basics

Tramway & Bus

Angers' public transport has a modern tramway (Line A) and an extensive bus network. The tram connects major points of interest like the train station, Château, and Place du Ralliement.

Tickets & Fares

Single ticket: ~€1.70 (valid 1 hour, transfers ok). 10-trip ticket: ~€13.40. Day Pass: ~€4.50 (unlimited 24h). Angers City Pass: includes transport and attractions.

Operating Hours

Tram generally runs from 5:30 AM to 00:30 AM. Peak hours: every 6-10 minutes. Off-peak: 15-20 minutes. Bus hours vary; service is reduced Sundays/holidays.

Public Transport Tips

Download the official Irigo app for real-time schedules and route planning.

Getting There & Away