To get around in Nantes, you can use a variety of transportation options, including trains, buses, metro lines, and bike-sharing systems, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Nantes is easily accessible by air, with Nantes Atlantique Airport, also known as Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, being the main international airport serving the city. The airport is located about 8 kilometers southwest of the city center and offers direct flights to many European cities, including Paris, London, and Amsterdam. You can also reach Nantes by train, with the city being a major stop on the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) network, which connects it to other major French cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Additionally, Nantes can be reached by car via the A11 and A83 highways, which connect it to other major cities in western France.
If you're coming from outside of Europe, you may need to fly into a larger airport like Paris Charles de Gaulle or Amsterdam Schiphol and then take a connecting flight to Nantes. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from other European cities to Nantes. The city is also a popular stop for river cruises, with many companies offering itineraries that include Nantes and other destinations in western France. Overland entry points include the nearby cities of Rennes and Angers, which are connected to Nantes by highway and train.
Domestic Flights
Nantes has an extensive domestic air network, with many flights connecting it to other cities in France. The main domestic airlines serving Nantes are Air France and Hop!, which offer multiple daily flights to cities like Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. You can book domestic flights online through the airlines' websites or through a travel agency. Approximate costs for domestic flights vary depending on the route and time of year, but you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a one-way ticket. It's a good idea to book in advance to get the best prices, especially during peak travel seasons.
Trains & Rail
Nantes has an extensive rail network, with multiple train stations serving the city. The main train station is the Gare de Nantes, which is located in the city center and offers connections to other major cities in France, including Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. The TGV network provides high-speed train services to many destinations, with journey times of around 2 hours to Paris and 4 hours to Lyon. You can book train tickets online through the SNCF website or at the train station. It's a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to get the best prices.
Buses & Coaches
Nantes is also served by an extensive network of buses and coaches, with many companies offering routes to other cities in western France. The main bus station is the Gare Routière de Nantes, which is located near the train station and offers connections to cities like Rennes, Angers, and La Rochelle. You can book bus tickets online through the companies' websites or at the bus station. Approximate costs for bus travel vary depending on the route and time of year, but you can expect to pay around $10-$30 for a one-way ticket.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | Nantes | $1.80 | 3 lines, frequent services |
| City Bus | Nantes | $1.80 | extensive network, frequent services |
| Taxi | everywhere | $2.50/km | available at taxi ranks or by phone |
| Ride-Hailing | Nantes | $5-$10 | available through Uber and Bolt |
| Bike-Sharing | Nantes | $1.50/hour | self-service bike rental system |
Driving
- To drive in Nantes, you'll need a valid driver's license from your home country or an international driver's license.
- The road quality in Nantes is generally good, with well-maintained highways and city streets.
- Fuel costs are around $1.50 per liter for gasoline and $1.20 per liter for diesel.
- Car rental companies like Europcar and Hertz have offices at the airport and in the city center, with prices starting from around $40 per day.
- Be aware of traffic restrictions in the city center, including limited access to certain streets and parking restrictions.
- Parking fees are around $2 per hour in the city center, with many parking garages and street parking options available.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of peak hour traffic in the city center, which can cause delays.
- Use public transportation or walk/bike whenever possible to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
- Download the TAN (Transport de l'Agglomération Nantaise) app to plan your routes and track public transportation in real-time.
- Buy a Nantes City Pass for free public transportation and discounts on attractions.
- Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
- Use cash or credit cards to pay for transportation and other services, as not all vendors accept foreign currencies.
- Download the Uber or Bolt app to book ride-hailing services.
- Learn some basic French phrases to help you navigate and communicate with locals.