As a travel enthusiast, I’ve always been drawn to the subtle charm and richness of French cities. Rouen, nestled in the heart of Normandy, is one of those rare places that feels like a hidden gem—its cobblestone streets and medieval charm are enough to captivate any wanderer. But one question always comes to mind when planning a trip to Rouen: How do I get there? More often than not, it’s a question of logistics. And with Rouen being slightly off the beaten track compared to Paris or Nice, planning the right flight is essential. Luckily, Rouen’s location in northern France means it’s well-served by several airports, each offering a convenient route to reach this beautiful city.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the surrounding airports that connect you to Rouen, as well as share my personal experiences and tips for booking flights. Whether you’re traveling from within Europe or further abroad, this article will help you navigate the best options, flight details, and booking tips for an unforgettable trip to Rouen.
The Beauty of Rouen: A Hidden Treasure in Northern France
Before diving into the flight details, let me paint a picture of why you’ll want to visit Rouen. Imagine strolling through narrow streets, the scent of freshly baked baguettes wafting through the air, and the majestic Rouen Cathedral towering above, its spires reaching towards the sky. The city, often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and art.
The city is like a quiet symphony, with the soft hum of the Seine River flowing lazily by and the flicker of candlelight dancing in centuries-old churches. It is here, in this beautiful Norman city, that Joan of Arc was tried and executed. The charm of Rouen is that it feels timeless, like a place frozen in a moment of history, yet full of life and warmth.
And so, your journey begins.
The Airports Around Rouen: Your Gateway to Normandy
1. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), the largest and busiest airport in France, is often the first stop for travelers arriving in the country. It’s an airport that almost feels like its own city—modern, sprawling, and bustling with life. For those of us coming from further abroad, CDG is the most common entry point into France. The best part? Paris is just a short train ride away from Rouen, and the airport offers direct links to the city through trains and buses.
Traveling from CDG to Rouen:
- By Train: The train journey from Charles de Gaulle to Rouen takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll need to take the RER B train from the airport to Paris Gare du Nord, and then transfer to a TGV (high-speed train) or regional TER train that will whisk you to Rouen.
- By Car: If you’re renting a car, the journey takes around 2 hours, and I must say, the drive through the French countryside is a serene experience. Picture rolling hills dotted with ancient stone villages—each one more picturesque than the last.
2. Beauvais Tille Airport (BVA)
Beauvais Tille is another airport that serves travelers to Rouen, located roughly 100 kilometers north of the city. It is the second-most popular airport for international travelers heading to Paris. It’s a smaller, more budget-friendly option compared to Charles de Gaulle, and it mainly hosts budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
Traveling from Beauvais to Rouen:
- By Bus: From Beauvais, you can take a shuttle bus that will bring you directly to Paris Gare du Nord in about 1.5 hours. From there, you can easily hop on a train to Rouen. It’s a fairly straightforward route that doesn’t take much planning, though the bus rides can be a bit cramped at times.
- By Car: For those who enjoy a scenic road trip, driving from Beauvais to Rouen takes about 1.5 hours, and the route is not only quick but also picturesque, as you pass through the serene French countryside.
3. Rouen Vallée de Seine Airport (URO)
Rouen’s own airport, Rouen Vallée de Seine (URO), is a more local option, though it’s not as frequently used for international flights. If you’re lucky enough to catch a flight from one of the European cities that service this airport, you’ll be landing just a stone’s throw away from Rouen itself. The airport primarily serves regional flights, particularly from the UK, though it is growing in popularity for business and leisure travel.
Traveling from Rouen Vallée de Seine Airport to Rouen City Center:
- By Taxi or Car: The airport is located just about 15 minutes from Rouen’s city center by car, so a taxi is a quick and convenient option if you have luggage in tow. A taxi ride will cost you around 20–25 euros, depending on traffic and your final destination.
- By Bus: There are buses available from the airport to Rouen city center, though the frequency can be less than ideal. It’s best to check the schedule in advance to avoid long waits.
Recommended Flights to Rouen: What to Book and Where
Having explored the options for airports near Rouen, let’s look at some specific flights you can take, based on my own experiences, that will smoothly bring you into this charming part of France.
1. Ryanair: London Stansted to Beauvais
Flight Details:
- Airline: Ryanair
- Departure: London Stansted (STN)
- Arrival: Beauvais Tille (BVA)
- Flight Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cost: Typically around €30–€80 (depending on booking time and season)
- Ratings: Ryanair is often labeled as a no-frills airline, but for those on a budget, this flight is a solid option. It’s fast, affordable, and gets you to France without hassle. The seats may be compact, but if you’re traveling light, this flight is a great value.
Booking Platform:
You can easily book Ryanair flights via their official website. Be sure to check for promotions and early bird deals that can get you discounted fares. For a smooth experience, sign up for Ryanair’s newsletter to get alerts on sales.
2. Air France: Paris Charles de Gaulle to Rouen Vallée de Seine
Flight Details:
- Airline: Air France
- Departure: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
- Arrival: Rouen Vallée de Seine (URO)
- Flight Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: Around €120–€250
- Ratings: Air France is a solid choice for those looking for a smooth, reliable flight experience. The service is typically top-notch, and for short flights, the comfort is quite adequate. The in-flight experience might not rival that of long-haul flights, but it’s efficient and offers good value.
Booking Platform:
Book directly through Air France. They often have offers and discounts, especially if you book well in advance.
3. EasyJet: Geneva to Beauvais
Flight Details:
- Airline: EasyJet
- Departure: Geneva (GVA)
- Arrival: Beauvais Tille (BVA)
- Flight Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: €50–€150 (depending on season and booking time)
- Ratings: EasyJet offers excellent value for money. The service is simple but effective, with friendly staff and efficient boarding. The legroom can feel a little tight for taller passengers, but for a short flight, it’s more than comfortable enough.
Booking Platform:
EasyJet flights can be booked on their official website. Keep an eye out for their flash sales to snag even better deals.
Top Tips for Booking Flights to Rouen
Booking a flight to Rouen—or any destination for that matter—can sometimes feel like trying to find a pearl in an ocean of options. But with a little strategy and patience, you can often secure great deals. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
1. Use Multiple Platforms
When booking flights, don’t just settle for one search engine. I recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights for a comprehensive search. These platforms allow you to compare multiple airlines and booking sites to find the best deals.
2. Consider Budget Airlines
While budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air may have additional fees, they can still offer unbeatable prices. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and willing to accept a more basic service, these carriers are a great choice.
3. Be Flexible with Dates
If you have some wiggle room with your travel dates, you can save a significant amount on airfare. I often find that traveling mid-week (Tuesday to Thursday) tends to be cheaper than flying over the weekend.
Rouen, with its fascinating blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, has captured my heart in a way few places ever do. From the grandeur of the Rouen Cathedral to the charming cobblestone streets, it’s a city that feels both timeless and alive. What makes it even more appealing is that getting to Rouen is easier than you might think. Whether you arrive through the bustling Paris Charles de Gaulle, the quaint Beauvais Tille, or even the more local Rouen Vallée de Seine airport, there are plenty of convenient options available.
The key is in planning your flight carefully. With a little research and flexibility, you can secure a comfortable and affordable ticket that suits both your schedule and your budget. Whether you’re traveling from London, Geneva, or Paris, the journey to this picturesque French city is well worth the effort. Rouen awaits you, ready to offer an unforgettable travel experience steeped in beauty and history.
