Caen–Carpiquet Airport, located just 6 kilometres west of Caen’s city centre in the Normandy region, serves as a compact regional hub for travellers, handling around 274,011 passengers in 2018. With a single terminal and flights to approximately 20 destinations operated by airlines like Air France, Volotea, and Chalair Aviation, the airport offers a straightforward experience for those travelling to places like Marseille, Nice, and Corsica. Its small size and modern facilities ensure a smooth journey for passengers visiting Normandy or connecting to larger hubs.
Accessing the airport is convenient, with several transport options linking to Caen. The Twisto bus line 3 runs every 15 minutes to the city centre, taking about 15 minutes and costing €1.60.
Taxis, available outside the terminal, provide a quick 10-minute ride to central Caen for around €15 to €20, with companies like Taxis Abbeilles offering 24/7 bookings via their app. For those driving, the airport’s car park offers 400 spaces, free for the first 15 minutes and €36 for a week, with clear signage guiding drivers. Car rental agencies, such as Europcar and Hertz, are located in the terminal for added convenience. Passengers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures to account for check-in and security processes.
The airport’s single-terminal layout is easy to navigate, with all services housed on one level. Departures and arrivals are clearly marked, with check-in desks and security checkpoints centrally located. The boarding area, equipped with vending machines and seating, is accessible via a short walk, and clear signage ensures quick movement. Due to the airport’s smaller size, queues are typically short, but peak summer months, particularly April to October when seasonal routes operate, can lead to minor delays at check-in or security due to increased passenger numbers. Occasional baggage claim delays, sometimes caused by limited staffing or equipment issues, may also occur, so passengers should monitor flight updates via the airport’s website or displays.
Dining and retail options are limited but practical for a regional airport. A cafeteria in the main hall and departure lounge offers hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks, with vending machines available 24/7 for additional choices. Prices are reasonable, with a coffee costing around €2. Retail is minimal, with a small shop in the terminal selling local products and travel essentials upon request at the sales counter. Passengers seeking more dining or shopping options may prefer to eat or shop in Caen before heading to the airport, as choices are sparse airside.
Facilities cater to essential traveller needs, with free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal for easy access to emails or flight information. A designated internet area in the departure lounge provides additional connectivity, though charging stations are limited. Accessibility is well-supported, with ramps, lifts, and toilets equipped with changing tables for families. A children’s waiting area with drawing and play facilities keeps young travellers occupied. A La Poste postbox is located near the departures entrance for last-minute mail, but no ATMs or currency exchange are available onsite, with the nearest options at nearby hypermarkets in Rots or Bretteville-sur-Odon, a five-minute drive away. The closest hotels, such as the Ibis Caen Centre, are a short drive from the terminal and offer shuttle services.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s smaller scale minimising congestion-related delays. Disruptions are typically caused by airline-specific issues, such as equipment problems, or weather conditions, particularly fog or strong winds common in Normandy. Passengers can check real-time flight statuses via the airport’s website or in-terminal screens. As a regional airport, Caen–Carpiquet focuses on direct flights, with limited connecting options. Routes to Paris Orly via Air France offer connections to larger hubs, with a minimum connection time of around 45 minutes. The single-terminal setup simplifies transfers, but passengers on separate tickets should verify luggage transfer policies to avoid rechecking bags.
Caen–Carpiquet Airport’s compact design, proximity to the city, and essential amenities make it a practical choice for travellers exploring Normandy. While dining and retail options are basic and peak-season queues can slow processes, the airport’s accessibility and efficient operations ensure a pleasant experience for those passing through.
