Top Nantes Travel: Your Guide to Transportation Services

Planning to explore Nantes? Well, that’s quite exciting! Picking the right way to get around this cool city can totally make or break your experience, and I am pretty sure that you know that, too! I mean, no one wants to spend their precious vacation time figuring out how to get from place to place. What’s great is that Nantes has a bunch of super convenient options to suit every traveler’s style. We’re gonna look closely at some really solid travel and transport services, giving you what I would call super helpful insights to help you plan your trip like a total pro! What’s great is that these selections are based on actually getting around Nantes and getting to know the feel of the city.

1. Tan: Nantes Public Transportation

So, you are thinking about zipping around Nantes like a local? I mean, have you checked out TAN, the city’s public transportation network? Actually, it’s a rather sprawling web of trams, buses, and even the Navibus (a cute little ferry boat!), meaning that there are pretty much tons of different options for you. In some respects, the tram system is, I believe, the star of the show, slicing through the city center and reaching out to tons of key areas. This network actually offers what I think of as quite the convenient, eco-friendly, and pocket-friendly way to see the sights.

A single ticket typically costs just a few Euros and you are then able to hop on and off within an hour, which should work for most plans, or so I’ve seen. If you are planning on being in town for several days, though, a multi-day pass might actually be a better deal. You are able to buy tickets at machines at the tram stops, or I do believe you could actually use the TAN app to buy them digitally. What’s more, you have got the convenience right there in your phone. It seems to me that checking out TAN’s website for maps and timetables would really make figuring out routes super simple.

Speaking from my own experience with similar services: The thing that might surprise you the most, usually, is how efficient and clean these systems tend to be, often putting other transport networks to shame, I find. Pretty impressive, right?

Read our full review: Nantes Public Transportation TAN Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (TAN Official Website)

2. Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) Transfers

Now, how do you go from the Nantes Atlantique Airport to the city, and vice-versa? I’m sure you’re figuring out what makes the most sense as a start or end to your trip. So, in that case, the airport is actually connected to the city center via a special airport bus, called the Navette Aéroport. Typically, it takes somewhere around 20-30 minutes to reach the city center, dropping you off at the central train station, and runs very regularly. Just a little insider tip that can make all the difference.

However, if you want that door-to-door service with a bit of personal attention, a private transfer could also be a good call. Very nice for anyone who might be dealing with tons of luggage or is in a group or is just looking for convenience. If that’s the case, a number of companies provide pre-booked private cars or vans. The way I would handle this, it’s quite simple really, is to make sure you book way in advance, so you are able to compare the rates and confirm the car will be available at your arrival time, so you get a soft landing with no extra stress!

For something a little less expensive than a private car but easier than the bus, it might be worth it to check ride-sharing options, like Uber or local apps. Still, with surge pricing potentially being a factor, do just be aware of that, as well as wait times. Either way, it’s really super simple to get into Nantes from the airport.

Read our full review: Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) Transfers Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Official Airport Website)

3. Taxis in Nantes

Looking for a way to go around Nantes on your own terms? In other words, do you prefer getting a taxi? You actually should know that, like most cities, you are able to find taxi stands usually at main points around town like train stations, big hotels, and tourist hot spots, just to illustrate the convenience here. I’m of the opinion that you can, typically, hail a taxi on the street. Even though I wouldn’t say this is always the easiest method.

It seems, sometimes, booking ahead either by phone or by using one of the local taxi apps is better. As a matter of fact, this, arguably, tends to reduce waiting, especially at peak times or late at night. A lot of taxis take credit cards these days, and the law does require this anyway, but what is also the case is that checking with the driver before you start the ride is a good idea.

Of course, taxis seem like they may tend to be a bit pricier than public transport. But on the other hand, splitting a fare among fellow travelers might actually make it surprisingly affordable, to some extent. Getting around Nantes, then, is often a rather seamless mix of a little planning and just plain taking advantage of available solutions, like taxis.

Read our full review: Taxis in Nantes Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Nantes Taxi Services)

4. Bicycle Rentals: Bicloo

Want to go green as you see Nantes? It’s almost certain that you’ve heard of Bicloo, the city’s super great bike-sharing program! You will find Bicloo stations spotted all over Nantes. What’s really nice is how easy it actually is to rent a bike, it could be for just a short trip or maybe even a full day.

I really think, you know, pedaling around Nantes gives you a fresh perspective, in a way, right? Just a note though: Nantes is more or less bike-friendly with pretty solid bike lanes in the city. So, there’s some really neat architecture or nice little parks all over! That can make it just, well, you know, an adventure.

What is nice to have in your consideration is that short-term subscriptions are readily available, as a matter of fact. Plus the stations actually make both pick-up and drop-off just seamless. Arguably, exploring the city this way might even get you in a little better shape too.

Read our full review: Bicloo: Bicycle Rentals Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Official Bicloo Website)

5. Car Rentals in Nantes

Thinking of striking out further from Nantes than public transportation or bike rentals can allow? That, arguably, means renting a car makes perfect sense. You might consider this choice if you are planning a road trip, just, you know, out into the Loire Valley, perhaps. You’re gonna find various well-known rental agencies that have offices at the airport, actually, as well as in the city.

I’d really tell you, though, booking beforehand almost always gets you a better deal. So, I’d keep my eyes open for that. You need, too it’s almost for sure, a valid driver’s license. Then there are some particular driving laws or local practices of France that you ought to get familiar with. You’d better factor in parking situations or what traffic could typically look like especially if you intend to explore more into city central!

Now, obviously, with the car, destinations all across Loire Atlantique feel closer. Driving brings a ton of freedom. Which should actually matter when you are in control, right?

Read our full review: Car Rentals in Nantes Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Car Rental Services in Nantes)