Caen-Carpiquet Airport
Airport guide 2026

Caen-Carpiquet Airport CFR

France

Caen-Carpiquet Airport serves the Norman city of Caen, significant for the history of the 1944 Normandy invasion, approximately 6 km from the center.

It is the access point for the D-Day beaches and for the Mémorial de Caen, one of Europe's major museums dedicated to World War II.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.caen.aeroport.fr

How to get to Caen-Carpiquet Airport

The city centre of Caen is about 6 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 12-15 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city centre of Caen in about 12-15 minutes.

By Train

Caen railway station offers connections to Paris, but is not directly connected to the airport: accessible by bus or taxi.

By Bus

Line 3 Twisto connects the airport (Carpiquet) to Caen city centre; ticket 1.60 euros, valid 1 hour on the entire network with connections included.
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Tips If your goal is the D-Day beaches, it is advisable to rent a car or book an organized tour: the sites are distributed along a wide stretch of coast.

Average travel time to CFR

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus15-20 minutes
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Three parking options are available (P1 at terminal, P3 800 meters away, more economical); the first hour is free.

Rates in brackets up to 8.60 euros for 17-24 hours (33.10 euros per week, 99.20 euros per month).

How to get to Caen from CFR

By Train

Caen station, reachable by bus or taxi, offers connections to Paris in approximately 2 hours.

By Bus

Twisto bus line 3 connects the airport to Caen city center in approximately 15-20 minutes; ticket costs 1.60 euros.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; expect approximately 82-85 euros during the day, 88-91 euros at night for downtown Caen.

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Car rental at Caen-Carpiquet Airport

The major car rental companies have counters in the arrivals area, useful for exploring the D-Day beaches.

The security deposit requires a credit card in the name of the driver, along with a driver's license and passport.

 

Hotels near Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Caen-Carpiquet is 8 km from the centre: a taxi takes 10-15 minutes, the Twisto Liane 3 bus up to 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. With no fast direct link, choosing the right area matters more than being close to the terminal: those arriving by car and visiting the Mémorial find it handy to stay towards Côte de Nacre, those travelling light and by train prefer the area around the Gare SNCF, those who want the castle and the Vaugueux on foot go for the historic centre. Distances from the airport are similar for every area: what really changes is what's around the hotel in the evening.
Neighbourhood

Côte de Nacre, near the Mémorial

10-15 minutes by car from Carpiquet airport

Best for: those visiting the Mémorial de Caen or travelling by car who want easy parking

Pros
  • A few minutes from the Mémorial de Caen
  • Large free parking, handy for those travelling by car
Cons
  • A car or taxi is needed, area not very walkable in the evening
  • Further from the historic centre's restaurants
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Near the airport link

Gare SNCF

Twisto Liane 3 bus in 30-40 minutes from the airport, or taxi in 10-15 minutes

Best for: those arriving or leaving from the station or taking the Liane 3 bus to the airport

Pros
  • 500 metres or less from the Gare SNCF and the tram stops
  • Wide choice of prices, from budget to aparthotel with kitchen
Cons
  • The direct bus from the airport isn't frequent
  • A transit district, less characterful than the historic centre
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City centre

Historic centre, the Château

10-15 minutes by taxi from the airport, same as the other areas of the city

 

Airport services

The airport serves western Normandy, a key destination for historical tourism connected to D-Day.

Shopping & Duty Free

A small duty-free area offers typical Norman products, including cider and calvados.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport does not have dedicated lounges for business travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The terminal's public areas have Wi-Fi connectivity.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children find essential support in the waiting lounges.

Terminal guide

The terminal is on a reduced scale, reflecting the airport's regional role.

It is better not to take risks: 1.5 hours of advance arrival for flights is the safest choice.

Map of Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Map of Caen-Carpiquet Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the Mémorial de Caen?

One of Europe's leading museums dedicated to World War II and the Battle of Normandy, with a strongly educational and emotional approach.

Q. Is it worth renting a car to visit the D-Day beaches?

Yes, it's recommended, or alternatively an organized tour: the historic D-Day sites are spread along a wide stretch of coastline.

Q. Why is Caen airport called Caen-Carpiquet?

It takes its name from the suburb of Carpiquet, the scene in June 1944 of one of the fiercest battles of the Battle of Normandy for control of the old military airfield: today's runway stands on that very historic site.

Q. Is Caen connected to Paris by train?

Yes, with a direct connection of about 2 hours from the central station.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Caen

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