Car Hire in Carcassonne - Getting to Carcassonne
Air travel saves both time and energy, and Carcassonne is served by both its own airport and Toulouse Airport, the latter of which is only a two-hour flight from London. There is at least one direct flight from Heathrow to Toulouse per day. Toulouse receives the bulk of international flights, though there are a few that touch down at Carcassonne.
From Carcassonne Airport, the town is only four kilometres away. Transport to the centre is provided by a bus service that runs regularly between the two points, or visitors also have the option of taking a taxi into town.
France’s roads are well-signposted and of a high standard, making driving far less stressful for foreigners. Driving from the UK to France takes approximately 12 hours and includes making use of either the Channel Tunnel or the ferry services as a means of vehicle transfer across the Channel. Carcassonne can be reached from northern France via motorway A61.
The French rail network is extremely efficient, as well as cost-effective. The Channel Tunnel has cut travel time from the UK significantly, with the 340-kilometre journey taking only three hours. Travellers arriving in Paris have the option of several night trains to Carcassonne as well.
Several French ports run regular train services to Carcassonne, and the town is also a major stopping point for trains to and from Toulouse. As many as 24 trains, destined for Carcassonne and beyond, leave Toulouse each day. The journey between the two towns takes approximately 50 minutes.
Buses are reliable in France and the system is extensive, servicing both local destinations and many cities in the rest of Europe.
Several ferries cross the Channel from various British ports. The most popular route from London is the Dover-Calais crossing. Travelling by ferry to Carcassonne is a great deal cheaper than most other forms of travel, though less convenient and more time consuming.
