This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Amiens is a straightforward city to visit: it’s safe, walkable and reachable in about an hour from Paris. This FAQ answers the practical questions most visitors ask, from which airport to fly into to how much to tip. See our weather by month guide for more.
Amiens Travel Tips and FAQ: Getting There and Around
Which airport should I fly into?
There’s no commercial airport in Amiens itself. Beauvais-Tillé (BVA), a Ryanair hub, is the closest at about 60 km, roughly an hour by car or shuttle. Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is about 120 km away, reached in about 1.5 hours by train via Paris. Both connect onward by train to Gare d’Amiens. The things to do guide covers it in depth.
How do I get from Paris to Amiens?
Direct TER Hauts-de-France trains run from Paris Gare du Nord to Gare d’Amiens in about 1 hour 10 minutes, roughly 10-15 times a day, with a full single fare around €25-35. From the station it’s a 10-minute walk to the cathedral or a €1.40 Ametis bus ride. Our events and festivals breakdown has the specifics.
Do I need a car?
No. The centre is compact and largely pedestrianised, and local Ametis buses (€1.40 a trip, about €4 for a day pass) plus a free city-centre shuttle cover the rest. A car is only useful for the Somme battlefields, which are 30-45 minutes away by road. Compare with the best neighborhoods guide before you book.
Amiens Travel Tips and FAQ: Money, Tipping and Practicalities
What currency is used and can I pay by card?
France uses the euro, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, including market stalls, though small cafés may set a €5-10 minimum. Tap-to-pay works widely; carry a little cash for the Christmas market and barques à cornet boat trips. For the overview, see the Amiens guide.
How much should I tip?
Service is included in restaurant bills, so tipping isn’t expected. Round up to the nearest euro or leave €1-2 for good service in cafés, and a euro per bag for hotel porters is plenty.
Is the tap water safe and can I drink it?
Yes, tap water in Amiens is safe to drink, and restaurants will serve a carafe d’eau free on request. Public fountains run in several squares in summer.
Amiens Travel Tips and FAQ: Visas, Language and Safety
Do I need a visa?
France is in the Schengen area. Visitors from the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while many other nationalities need a Schengen visa applied for before travel. Check current rules with the French consulate for your country.
Is Amiens safe?
Amiens is generally safe for visitors, with low violent-crime rates. Watch for pickpockets around the station and keep an eye on bags in busy Christmas-market crowds. The Saint-Leu quarter stays lively but orderly late into summer evenings.
Do people speak English?
French is the working language, and English is spoken in hotels, the tourist office and main attractions, though less so in small cafés and shops. A few phrases go a long way, and menus are often only in French.
Suggested Hotels in Amiens
Hôtel Spa Marotte
A five-star hotel in a 19th-century mansion with a 350 m² spa set in a former bank vault, a short walk from the station and cathedral. Best for couples and anyone wanting a spa break in the centre. Check rates and availability
Mercure Amiens Cathédrale
A four-star hotel facing the cathedral with soundproofed, air-conditioned rooms and a bar. Best for first-time visitors who want the main landmark outside their window. Check rates and availability
ibis budget Amiens Centre Gare
A dependable budget option five minutes’ walk from the station with compact rooms and optional buffet breakfast. Best for solo travellers and one-night stopovers watching costs. Check rates and availability
For the full picture before you book, see our where to stay guide and the best time to visit calendar to match a hotel to your dates.
