Dijon is a straightforward city to navigate but a few practical details make the difference between a smooth trip and one full of small frustrations. This guide covers airport access, public transport, tipping, tap water, safety, and the questions most first-time visitors ask. For area orientation and transport connections, the best neighborhoods in Dijon guide maps each district.
Dijon Travel Tips: Getting There and Arriving
Which airport serves Dijon?
Dijon-Bourgogne Airport (DIJ) is a small regional airport 5km southeast of the centre with limited commercial flights: seasonal Ryanair service to Porto (summer only) and occasional charter flights. For most international travellers, the practical options are: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), connected to Dijon by direct TGV in 2 hours (45 to 75 euros one-way, book at sncf-connect.com); Lyon-Saint Exupery (LYS), reachable by TGV in 2 hours with a connection at Lyon Part-Dieu; and Paris Orly (ORY), reached via shuttle to Gare de Lyon then TGV to Dijon (total 2 hours 30 minutes).
How do I get from the Dijon train station to the city centre?
Dijon-Ville station (Gare de Dijon) is at the western edge of the city centre. You exit the station onto Place Darcy, and the pedestrian Rue de la Liberte leads straight into the old town. It is a flat 10-minute walk to Place de la Liberation. The tram lines T1 and T2 both stop at Gare station. A single tram/bus ticket costs 1.50 euros (valid for 1 hour of transfers) from the Divia ticket machines on the platform. Taxis queue outside the station exit; a ride to any point in the old town costs 8 to 12 euros.
Dijon Travel Tips: Getting Around
What is the best way to get around Dijon?
Walking covers the entire historic centre and most attractions. The two tram lines (T1 north-south from Quetigny to Dijon railway station, T2 east-west from Chenove to Valmy) serve the outer districts. A single ticket costs 1.50 euros, a 10-ride carnet costs 12 euros, and a 24-hour pass costs 4.20 euros. Buy tickets at tram-stop machines (accept coins and chip cards) or via the DiviaMobilites app. Trams run from roughly 5:30 AM to midnight (until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays). The Dijon bus network (lines L3 through L9 plus local routes) covers areas the tram does not reach. Cycling is growing: DiviaVelodi offers 400 bikes at 40 stations, with a day pass at 1.50 euros (first 30 minutes free, then 1 euro per additional 30 minutes).
How much is a taxi in Dijon?
Metered taxis charge a flag drop of 2.50 euros plus 1.80 euros per kilometre (day rate, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM) or 2.40 euros per kilometre (night rate). A trip within the city centre costs 8 to 15 euros. The main taxi ranks are at Gare de Dijon (train station) and Place du Theatre. Call Taxis Dijonnais at +33 3 80 41 41 41 for a booking. Uber operates in Dijon with a limited fleet: expect a 5 to 15-minute wait and fares slightly below taxi rates. Uber from Gare de Dijon to Place de la Liberation runs about 7 to 9 euros.
Dijon Travel Tips: Practical Information
Can I drink the tap water in Dijon?
Yes, tap water is safe and of good quality throughout Dijon. Restaurants are legally required to provide free tap water (une carafe d’eau) on request. The city’s water comes from the Valmy groundwater source and meets all EU drinking-water standards. Carry a refillable bottle: public drinking fountains are located at Place Darcy, Jardin de l’Arquebuse, and Place de la Liberation during summer months (usually May to September).
What is the tipping custom in Dijon?
Service is included in all restaurant bills by French law (indicated as service compris on the receipt). Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service: rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 euros on a 40 to 60-euro meal is common. For a coffee or drink at a bar, leaving the coin change (1 to 2 euros) is normal. Taxi drivers typically receive a 1 to 2-euro tip. Hotel porters and housekeeping: 1 to 2 euros per bag and 1 to 2 euros per night, respectively.
Is Dijon safe?
Dijon is a safe city by French and European standards. The 2024 French Interior Ministry crime data ranked Dijon below average for violent crime among mid-sized French cities. The historic centre is well-lit, heavily pedestrianised, and busy with locals until 10:00 to 11:00 PM. Standard precautions apply: watch for pickpockets around Place de la Liberation and the Christmas market during crowded periods, and avoid the Grésilles district east of the university campus late at night (the area has a higher concentration of social housing and occasional reports of street-level drug activity). The emergency number is 112 (EU-wide). The Dijon police station (Commissariat Central) is at 2 Place Suquet, open 24/7. English-speaking officers are not guaranteed.
Do I need to speak French in Dijon?
Dijon is less English-friendly than Paris. Staff at hotels, the tourist office, and higher-end restaurants will speak functional English, but at bakeries, cafes, and local markets you will need basic French phrases. Learning bonjour (hello), merci (thank you), s’il vous plait (please), and parlez-vous anglais? (do you speak English?) goes a long way. The French expect a greeting (bonjour) before any interaction; skipping it is considered rude. The Dijon Tourist Office (11 Rue des Forges) stocks free English-language maps and the Owl’s Trail guide.
What is the currency and are cards accepted?
France uses the euro. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere in Dijon, including at Les Halles market stalls (most vendors now have contactless readers). American Express acceptance is patchy outside large hotels. Small bakeries, some market vendors, and the occasional bar may require a minimum card spend of 5 to 10 euros, so carry 20 to 30 euros in cash. ATMs (distributeurs) are plentiful along Rue de la Liberte with no withdrawal fees from French banks; non-EU cards typically incur a 2 to 3% foreign-transaction fee from your home bank.
Suggested Hotels in Dijon
Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon MGallery
A 5-star landmark facing Darcy Garden in a listed 19th-century building with 88 rooms, an on-site spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The hotel blends Haussmann architecture with contemporary design and is the city’s most prestigious address. Best for luxury travellers and special-occasion stays. Check rates and availability
Maison Philippe Le Bon
A 4-star boutique hotel in a 16th-century mansion on Rue Sainte-Anne, 300 metres from the Palais des Ducs. It has 44 character-filled rooms with exposed beams, a gastronomic restaurant, and a courtyard terrace. Best for couples and travellers seeking a historic boutique experience in the old town core. Check rates and availability
Kyriad Dijon Centre Gare
A reliable 3-star chain hotel directly opposite Dijon-Ville station with 80 soundproofed rooms, fitness centre, and 24-hour reception. The old town is a 10-minute walk. Best for rail travellers, short stays, and anyone who wants a predictable, well-located base at moderate prices. Check rates and availability
Read our complete Dijon travel guide hub page for the seasonal snapshot, climate overview, and links to all seven planning guides.
