Why Le Havre Is One of the Most Important Normandy Destinations
Le Havre sits on the Normandy coastline where the Seine River meets the sea. It’s a modern, artistic city with a UNESCO-listed center but more importantly, it’s one of France’s biggest cruise ports, welcoming global travelers boarding transatlantic ships, river cruises, and European itineraries.
Whether you’re planning a seaside getaway, a cruise departure, or a multi-stop Normandy trip, getting from Paris to Le Havre is straightforward once you know your options.
This guide simplifies every way to travel the route by train, car, bus, chauffeur, or airport transfer based on comfort, cost, and your travel style.
Table of Contents
Overview of All Transportation Options
Bus Services From Paris to Le Havre
Paris to Le Havre Flights (Are They Worth It?)
Traveling From Paris Airports (CDG/Orly)
Paris to Le Havre Cruise Port Transfers
What’s the Best Option Overall?
Luxberri Private Chauffeur Service
Paris to Le Havre Distance
The route between Paris and Le Havre is a comfortable journey:
By car: 200 km
Driving time: 2 hours 15 minutes
By train: 176 km, 2 hours
By bus: 3.5 to 4 hours
Travel times vary slightly based on traffic, especially around Paris and Normandy’s A13 highway.
Paris to Le Havre Transportation Options (Quick Overview)
| Mode | Time | Cost | Notes
|
| Train | 2h | €20–€40 | Fastest public transport
|
| Car / Chauffeur | 2h 15m | €250–€650 | Best for comfort & cruise port |
| Bus | 3.5–4h | €10–€20 | Cheaper but slower
|
| Flights | Not advised | Varies | No direct flights
|
| Airport transfers | 2h 30m | Varies | Ideal for cruise passengers |
Each option suits a different type of traveler but for cruise departures, families, seniors, or anyone with luggage, private car service is the most reliable.
Paris to Le Havre by Train (Fastest Method)
The train from Paris to Le Havre is popular because it’s simple and direct. Trains depart from Gare Saint-Lazare, a major hub in central Paris.
Train basics
- Duration: 2 hours
- Direct route: Paris Saint-Lazare to Le Havre
- Trains: TER Normandie
- Price: €20–€40
- Frequency: Around every 1 - 2 hours
Paris to Le Havre Train Schedule
Trains generally leave throughout the day morning, midday, and evening. While not high-speed TGVs, TER trains are comfortable for regional travel.
Pros
- No connections
- Predictable schedules
- Affordable
Cons
- Not ideal with heavy luggage
- Station-to-port transfer required
- Fixed departure times
For cruise travelers with strict embarkation windows, this matters.
Paris to Le Havre by Car (Most Flexible)
Driving from Paris to Le Havre is straightforward:
Route
- A13 → A131 highway
- Scenic Normandy landscapes
- Options to stop in Rouen, Honfleur, or Étretat
Driving Time
2 hours 15 minutes
Why travelers choose car travel
Door-to-door convenience
Zero transfers
Control over timing
Ideal for families
Easy for cruise departures
Many travelers prefer private chauffeur services to avoid renting a car, navigating French roads, or dealing with tolls.
Paris to Le Havre Bus (Slow but Budget-Friendly)
Bus companies like FlixBus operate daily departures.
Travel Time
3.5 to 4+ hours
Why choose it?
- Cheapest option
- Good for flexible itineraries
- Why skip it?
- Long travel time
- Irregular schedules
- Not suitable for cruise passengers
Paris to Le Havre Flights Should You Consider It?
There are no direct flights from Paris to Le Havre.
The distance is too short, the road is efficient, and the train is faster.
Private flights into Le Havre’s Octeville Airport exist, but they are rare and expensive and not a practical option for most travelers.
Paris Airport (CDG or Orly) to Le Havre
International travelers arriving at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly Airport often need quick transportation to Le Havre for:
- Cruise departures
- Normandy tours
- Hotel check-ins
- Connecting with private tours
Options from the airport
Train
- No direct train from CDG or Orly.
- You must go into Paris first → switch stations → then travel to Le Havre.
Total: 3.5 - 4.5 hours (not ideal after a long flight)
Bus
- No direct bus service from airports.
Private Chauffeur
- Fastest and easiest:
- CDG/Orly → Le Havre (direct)
- Approx. 2h 30m travel time.
Perfect for cruise passengers.
Paris to Le Havre Cruise Port Transfers
Le Havre Cruise Terminal serves major cruise companies including Princess, Cunard, Carnival, MSC, Costa, Holland America, and more.
Why many cruise travelers avoid trains
- Tight boarding schedules
- Multiple luggage pieces
- No taxis guaranteed at Le Havre Station
- Risk of delays
Benefits of Private Car Transfers
- Pick-up from your hotel or airport
- Direct drop-off at the cruise terminal
- No rushing between train stations
- Spacious vehicles for luggage
- Reliable timing (crucial for cruises)
For cruise days, this is easily the safest option.
What’s the Best Method Overall?
| Traveler Type | Best Option |
| Cruise passengers | Chauffeur / Private car |
| Backpackers | Train |
| Families with kids | Private car |
| Business travelers | Chauffeur |
| Budget travelers | Bus |
| Airport arrivals | Chauffeur |
| Sightseers | Car (for detours to Rouen, Étretat, Honfleur) |
For most luxury or comfort-focused travelers, the answer is simple:
a private chauffeur offers the smoothest Paris → Le Havre experience.
Luxberri Paris to Le Havre Chauffeur Service
If you're looking for a smooth and stress-free journey to the Normandy coast, Luxberri offers premium Paris to Le Havre chauffeur services tailored for comfort, timing, and reliability.
With Luxberri, you get:
- Luxury Mercedes vehicles (E-Class, V-Class, S-Class, Maybach)
- Professional English-speaking chauffeurs
- Direct pickup from your hotel, CDG, or Orly
- Perfect timing for cruise departures
- Ample space for luggage
- Option to stop in Rouen, Honfleur, Étretat, or Normandy villages
Whether you’re heading to the Le Havre cruise port, staying in the city, or continuing your discovery of Normandy, Luxberri ensures a safe, relaxing, and elegant journey.
Book your Paris to Le Havre private car transfer with Luxberri and enjoy a premium chauffeur experience from start to finish.
