Paris to Honfleur: The Complete Travel Guide
Train and bus, driving via the Pont de Normandie, or a guided tour — how to reach Normandy's prettiest harbour town from Paris.
Honfleur's postcard-perfect harbour, with its tall slate-fronted houses reflected in the water, is one of Normandy's most beloved towns — and a favourite day trip from Paris. It sits about 195 km from the capital, at the mouth of the Seine estuary opposite Le Havre.
This guide covers the train-plus-bus route via Le Havre, driving via the Pont de Normandie, and guided tour options, with realistic timings and prices.
Quick comparison: your options from Paris
| Option | Time (one way) | Cost (one way, per person) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train + bus (via Le Havre) | ≈2h45 | €35–50 | No car, scenic bridge crossing |
| 🚗 Driving (A13 + A29) | ≈2 hours (195 km) | €20–25 tolls + fuel | Flexibility, coastal detours |
| 🎟️ Guided day tour | ≈2 hours | €100–150 | Zero planning, guided context |
Option 1: Train to Le Havre, then bus to Honfleur
As with Etretat, there's no direct train to Honfleur — the nearest station is Le Havre, on the opposite bank of the Seine estuary, connected to Honfleur by the dramatic Pont de Normandie bridge.
Step by step
- Paris-Saint-Lazare → Le Havre — Direct trains take about 2 hours, running roughly hourly. Check times at SNCF Connect. Tickets cost around €25–40 one way.
- Le Havre → Honfleur — The Nomad bus line (line 39) crosses the Pont de Normandie to Honfleur in about 30–40 minutes, for a few euros.
- Arrival in Honfleur — The bus drops you close to the town centre, a short walk from the Vieux Bassin (old harbour).
Recommended schedule: Take an early train (07:30–08:30) from Paris, arrive in Honfleur by late morning, spend the afternoon exploring the harbour and Sainte-Catherine church, and catch a late-afternoon bus and train back.
🌉 Bridge tip
The Pont de Normandie crossing offers spectacular views over the Seine estuary — try to get a window seat on the bus for the crossing.
Option 2: Driving from Paris via the A13 and Pont de Normandie
Driving is the most direct route and lets you cross the iconic bridge yourself:
- Take the A13 motorway towards Caen, then the A29 towards Le Havre
- Cross the Pont de Normandie (toll bridge, about €6 each way) directly into Honfleur
- Total distance: about 195 km, roughly 2 hours from central Paris
Parking in Honfleur is available at several car parks near the harbour (payant in summer, fills up quickly on weekends).
🚗 Combine with Deauville
Honfleur and Deauville are only about 15 minutes apart by car — easy to combine into a single Normandy coast day trip.
Option 3: Guided tour from Paris
Many full-day tours from Paris combine Honfleur with Deauville, Etretat, or the D-Day beaches. These include round-trip coach transport, a guide, and free time to wander the harbour.
HonfleurHonfleur: Sea Trip & Pont de Normandie
Discover the Pont de Normandie and the Seine Estuary by boat with live narration.
from €28 — Book on GetYourGuide →
HonfleurFrom Le Havre: Honfleur Round Trip Shuttle
Comfortable round-trip shuttle to Honfleur from the cruise terminal, with free time to explore.
from €113 — Book on GetYourGuide →Check our tours page for more recommended operators and booking links.
What to see in Honfleur
- The Vieux Bassin — The old harbour, lined with tall, narrow slate-fronted houses and lively cafes — the single most photographed spot in Normandy.
- Sainte-Catherine church — A remarkable wooden church built by shipwrights, with a separate bell tower across the square.
- Eugene Boudin Museum — Dedicated to the painter often credited with inspiring Impressionism, with wide views over the estuary.
- Rue de l'Homme de Bois and the old town — Cobbled streets full of galleries, boutiques, and cider and calvados tasting rooms.
Practical tips
- Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon, when the harbour is quieter and the light on the water is best.
- Try the local specialities: Normandy cider, calvados, and fresh seafood are all Honfleur staples.
- Book parking or transport in advance for weekends and summer — Honfleur is one of the most visited towns in Normandy.
More Armada travel guides: Paris to Rouen · Paris to Giverny · Paris to Étretat · Paris to Deauville · All day trips
Article published 17 July 2026 by the Armada Rouen Visitor Guide team.
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