Nantes is served by Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), located just 8 km southwest of the city center. It is a major airport that offers numerous domestic and international flights. Airlines such as Air France, EasyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea provide frequent connections to cities across Europe. Upon landing, travelers can reach the city center via shuttle bus, taxi, or rental car.
The Nantes Train Station (Gare de Nantes) is the city's primary railway station, offering high-speed TGV connections from Paris and other major French cities like Lyon or Lille. The journey from Paris to Nantes by TGV takes approximately 2 hours. Regional services (TER) connect Nantes with surrounding areas in the Pays de la Loire region.
For those traveling by road, Nantes is well-connected to the French motorway network. The A11 motorway links Nantes to Paris, and the A83 connects to Bordeaux. Drivers will find ample paid parking in the city, with some options for free parking on the outskirts.
Long-distance bus services, such as Flixbus and BlaBlaBus, offer budget-friendly travel options to Nantes from various cities across France and Europe. The city's central bus station is conveniently located near the train station, providing easy access to public transport for further travel within the city.
For those arriving from the UK, you can travel by ferry to Saint-Nazaire, which is close to Nantes. Companies like Brittany Ferries run services from Portsmouth to Saint-Malo, and from there you can continue on to Nantes by car or train.
Upon arrival in Nantes, you can use the efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and bicycles, to get around the city comfortably.