Carcassonne, a stunning medieval city located in the south of France, is a destination that transports visitors back in time with its impressive walls, towers, and rich history. Whether you’re visiting the famous Cité de Carcassonne or the lower town, getting to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an experience in itself. In this article, we’ll explore the various travel options to reach Carcassonne from major cities in France and abroad.
1. By Air
One of the easiest ways to get to Carcassonne is by air, thanks to its regional airport, Carcassonne Salvaza Airport (CCF). It is located just 3 km from the city center and serves various European destinations, mainly through low-cost carriers like Ryanair. Flights connect Carcassonne to major cities such as London, Brussels, and Dublin, making it an attractive option for international visitors.
Carcassonne Airport to Center of Town
Upon arrival at Carcassonne Airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus into the city, with a journey time of less than 15 minutes. Taxis can be fairly expensive in Carcassonne but the shuttle from the airport to the center of town is €6 and free for kids under 5 years old.
The trip takes around 10-15 mins.
The timetable can be found here https://rtca.carcassonne-agglo.fr/saisonnier-et-aeroport/
If you do wish to call a taxi we can recommend :
Carcassonne taxi +33 4 68 71 50 50
City Zen Cab +33 6 25 50 27 93
Toulouse Airport to Carcassonne
For those coming from further afield, you might find it more convenient to fly into one of the larger airports nearby. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS), about 90 km from Carcassonne, is the nearest international airport with more flight options. Once you land in Toulouse, you can easily take a train, bus, or rent a car to reach Carcassonne in about an hour.
The link to the public transport available from Toulouse Airport to Matabiau train station is https://www.toulouse.aeroport.fr/en/transports/public-transport
As of Oct 2024 the cost of the shuttle from Toulouse Airport to Matabiau (center of town train station) is €9
The trip takes 25-45 mins
Airport > Toulouse city center : First departure: 5.40 am daily // Last departure: 0.10 am daily
Toulouse city center > Airport : First departure: 5.05 am daily // Last departure: 9.40 pm daily
Once in Matabiau you can catch a train to Carcassonne
Trains go every 20/30 mins throughout the day. You can check times and buy tickets here or at the station https://www.sncf-connect.com/
2. By Train
France’s extensive and efficient train network makes rail travel a popular way to reach Carcassonne. Carcassonne is well connected to major French cities like Paris, Toulouse, and Marseille via the French national railway service (SNCF). If you’re traveling from Paris, you can take a direct TGV (high-speed train) from Paris Gare de Lyon to Carcassonne. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering a scenic view of the French countryside along the way.
For those coming from closer destinations like Toulouse, which is about 90 km away, regional trains (TER) offer a convenient and quick route. These trains run frequently throughout the day, and the journey lasts around an hour. If you’re coming from other parts of southern France, trains from Montpellier, Marseille, and Bordeaux also serve Carcassonne, making it accessible from various regions.
3. By Car
For those who enjoy road trips and the flexibility of exploring at their own pace, driving to Carcassonne can be an exciting option. Carcassonne is located just off the A61 motorway, which connects Toulouse and Narbonne. The drive from Toulouse takes roughly an hour, while from Narbonne it’s a 40-minute journey. If you’re coming from Paris, the drive is longer but quite scenic, taking approximately 7 hours depending on traffic and stops.
Renting a car is a great way to explore the surrounding region, especially if you plan to visit other nearby attractions such as the Canal du Midi, the vineyards of the Languedoc region, or even the Pyrenees Mountains. If you are staying in the center of town you do not need to rent a car, everything is within walking distance.
If you do wish to rent a car, we like to use ADA Car rental (this is not a paid for recommendation) https://www.ada.fr/location-voiture-carcassonne
4. By Bus
For budget travelers, buses offer an affordable way to reach Carcassonne. Several bus companies, such as FlixBus and Ouibus, operate routes from cities like Toulouse, Barcelona, and Paris. The bus station in Carcassonne is conveniently located at the train station, and bus travel can be a good option for those who don’t mind longer travel times in exchange for lower costs.
So …
Getting to Carcassonne is relatively straightforward, whether you’re flying, taking the train, driving, or hopping on a bus. Its strategic location in southern France, combined with various transportation options, makes it an accessible and worthwhile destination for travelers. Whether you prefer the convenience of air travel, the charm of a scenic train ride, or the freedom of a road trip, Carcassonne awaits with its medieval allure and historical significance. So, pack your bags and get ready to step back in time in one of France’s most captivating cities!
