How to get to Normandy

A two-hour train journey from Paris, with one international airport and four cross-Channel ports, Normandy is easily accessible by rail, air, ship and road, thanks to excellent transport connections and a fantastic public transportation network.

BY FERRY

From the UK

• Brittany Ferries: Portsmouth to Le Havre, Caen-Ouistreham and Cherbourg; Poole to Cherbourg
• DFDS Seaways: Newhaven to Dieppe

From Ireland

• Irish Ferries: Dublin to Cherbourg
• Stena Line: Rosslare to Cherbourg
• Brittany Ferries: Rosslare to Cherbourg and Rosslare to Le Havre (new for 2023) 

The price comparison websites aferry.co.uk and directferries.co.uk have a search function to compare the available ferries from all operators at your chosen port between the UK and France.

From the Channel Islands and the Chausey Islands

• Manche Iles Express*: From Diélette, Barneville Carteret and Granville, to the Channel Islands of Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney, and to the Chausey Islands
• Jolie France*: From Granville to the Chausey Islands

*Please note some ferry crossings are seasonal

BY CAR

Whether travelling on national roads, motorways or country lanes, plan your route, distances, travel time, and tolls and petrol costs on viamichelin.com

BY TRAIN

• From Paris Saint-Lazare train station: Rouen, Le Havre, Dieppe, Evreux, Bernay, Lisieux, Deauville-Trouville, Caen, Bayeux and Cherbourg
• From Paris Montparnasse train station: Alençon, Bagnoles-de-l’Orne, Argentan, Granville and the Mont-Saint-Michel (via Pontorson or Villedieu-le-Poêles).

To plan your trip by train, check the national train network SNCF CONNECT
To plan your trip by train, check the regional train network Normad Normandie

Via Eurotunnel: The Eurotunnel terminus in Coquelles is only 1h30′ from Le Tréport, one of the gateways to Normandy.

by coach

• The coach company Blablabus runs out of Paris and a few other French cities to Normandy
• Flixbus also connects Paris to many cities in Normandy

Public transport

Normandy has an extensive public transport network, enabling you to have a full day out exploring the area without using the car.

Travelling around Normandy

Make use of the Atoutmod search engine to get as quickly as possible from A to B on public transport in Normandy (website available in English).

BY BIKE

With over 310 miles (500km) of cycling routes, there’s no better way to explore the stunning scenery and rich heritage of Normandy than on a bike. The varied cycling routes offer a range of great cycling experiences to suit all ages and abilities, from traffic-free family rides to challenging hilly trails.

BY Plane

Normandy is surrounded by three international airports – Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Nantes International Airport, with daily flights from destinations all over the world.

Normandy itself boasts four airports mainly for domestic flights. However, Caen-Carpiquet and Deauville Airports also run regular international flights.

The French and Norman independent regional Chalair airline launches a new seasonal route between Kerry in Ireland to Caen, on Saturdays from 29 June to 21 September 2024.

A new route is also available from Southampton to Caen-Carpiquet airport, on Fridays from 28 June to 20 September – on Sundays from 30 June to 22 September 2024.

Reservations are open and can be made on the Chalair website chalair.fr and through travel agencies (physical or online).

• Caen-Carpiquet Airport
• Deauville Airport
• Cherbourg Airport
• Le Havre Airport
• Rouen Airport