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Caen is easy to reach and easy to get around. Paris is about two hours away by direct train, the airport is 7 km west of the centre, and the compact old town is walkable in a day. France uses the euro, tap water is safe to drink, and service is included in restaurant bills, so tipping is optional. This Caen travel tips guide answers the practical questions most visitors ask, from airport transfers to safety. For the monthly climate, see our Caen weather by month guide.
Caen Travel Tips: Getting There (Airports, Trains and Ferry)
Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR) sits 7 km west of the city and handles seasonal and domestic flights, mainly to Lyon, Marseille, Nice and Corsica on airlines such as Volotea and HOP. Twisto bus line 3 runs from the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes, or a taxi costs roughly €20 to €25. By train, the Gare de Caen is on the Paris Saint-Lazare line, with direct Intercités taking about 2 hours; regional TER trains also run to Bayeux (about 20 minutes), Cherbourg and Rouen. For ferry travellers, Ouistreham port is 15 km north, with Brittany Ferries sailings to Portsmouth in the UK. See our Caen neighborhoods guide for where to base yourself when you arrive, or the main Caen travel guide.
Caen Travel Tips: Getting Around the City
Caen’s three-line tramway (T1, T2 and T3) opened in 2019 and is the quickest way across the city, with a single ticket around €1.60 and a day pass about €4.20. The Twisto bus network fills in the gaps, and the same tickets cover both. The centre is compact and best explored on foot, and there is a self-service bike scheme for longer hops along the Orne. Parking is easier outside the centre; if you are driving, pick a hotel with free parking on the northern side. Check our things to do in Caen guide for what is within walking distance.
Caen Travel Tips: Money, Tipping and Practicalities
France uses the euro, and cards are accepted almost everywhere, though small markets and some bakeries prefer cash for amounts under a few euros. Service is included in restaurant prices, so tipping is optional; leaving 5 to 10 percent in cash for good service is common but not expected. Tap water is safe to drink, and asking for a carafe d’eau in a restaurant is standard. Shops often close on Sunday outside the centre, and many close for a couple of hours at lunchtime. The standard voltage is 230V with Type E plugs, so bring an adapter if you come from the UK or outside Europe. If you want to time your visit to avoid the wettest months, our best time to visit Caen guide has the seasonal breakdown.
Caen Travel Tips: Safety and Common Questions
Caen is a generally safe city with a low violent-crime rate, and the main practical risks are pickpocketing around the station and petty theft from parked cars. Keep valuables out of sight, and lock bikes properly. English is widely spoken in hotels and the main museums, but basic French goes a long way in smaller restaurants and shops. France is in the Schengen area, so EU citizens need only an ID card, while most other visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days; check your own country’s requirements before travelling. Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) handle minor medical needs, and the emergency number is 112. For what is on during your stay, see our Caen events and festivals guide, and for area-by-area hotel recommendations see where to stay in Caen.
Suggested Hotels in Caen
Château d’Audrieu
An 18th-century château-hotel 15 km west of Caen near Bayeux, with formal gardens, a pool, a gastronomic restaurant and a spa. Best for couples who want a countryside luxury base for the D-Day beaches. Check rates and availability
Hôtel Des Quatrans
A three-star on Rue Gémare in the historic centre, 250 metres from the medieval Maison des Quatrans and a two-minute walk from the château, with a 24-hour reception and bar. Best for travellers who want central, good-value comfort. Check rates and availability
Kyriad Caen Centre
A modern budget hotel on Place de la République in the city centre, with simple rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast available. Best for solo travellers and short stays on a tight budget. Check rates and availability
