How to travel in Brittany

written by INSIDR Team October 9, 2022

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So, you’re planning a trip to Brittany and wonder how to travel there? The hundreds of kilometers of coastline, the sandy beaches, the medieval history…it’s definitely a region worth visiting, but how can you get around this lovely corner of northwestern France? Luckily, Brittany is easily accessible from Paris and has multiple local transportation networks and options.

Rennes and Saint-Malo can both be reached by high-speed train, bus or car. Having a car during your trip can be helpful. You’ll have the flexibility to discover some of the secluded treasures in the region and move at your own pace. However, if you don’t have access to a vehicle, there’s no need to fret! The sweeping train network, with both high-speed and local lines is a great alternative. There is also an extensive bus and coach network that are great budget-friendly options as well.

We’ve put together a list of transportation options in Brittany with some helpful tips and advice. Enjoy your travels!

What are the best transportation options in Brittany

Car

We definitely recommend having a car during your time in Brittany. It’s the easiest and most flexible way to access the region’s hidden gems and stunning nature. Take a road trip along the coast or visit one of the region’s national parks. Roads are in great condition and well marked, making driving a simple and safe mode of transportation.

Train

Brittany has an exceptional and economical rail network that allows visitors to discover all four corners of the region in comfort. The train is a quick and easy alternative to driving. Rennes is connected to Paris via the high-speed TGV line. Regional trains connect dozens of cities and towns with the more than 3,000 daily local trains.

Bus

Brittany has an extensive bus and coach network with attractive fares. Each of the four Breton departments works together to provide affordable transportation. The bus networks can be combined with the train to speed up travel time if you’re going long distances. There are also private bus companies that make the longer journey from Paris to Rennes or Paris to Saint Malo, it can also be a budget-friendly option when traveling around Brittany.

Driving in Brittany

Driving from Paris to Brittany

Brittany is easily accessible by car from Paris. Simply take the A11 highway from the center of the city or the CDG airport. The drive should take you around 4 hours, depending on your final destination. We do recommend avoiding leaving on Friday or Sunday evenings; the traffic can be quite bad! The A11 is the quickest and most direct route, but also a rather uneventful drive on the freeway. You can also opt for a longer drive via the smaller “départmental” roads to see more of the French countryside.

Traveling by car in the Brittany region

Having a car during your time in Brittany is ideal for exploring the secluded beaches and wildlife-rich moorlands in the region. Roads are clearly marked and road travel relatively easy, a GPS can definitely come in handy. Some of our favorite road trips include driving along the Crozon peninsula, exploring the Mont Saint Michel Bay and the Armorique Regional Natural Park, where you can see puffins! Take care to learn the local traffic rules and signs. We also recommend getting an International Driver’s License and French translation of your Driver’s License to make sure your trip goes smoothly.