Passing through Calais-Dunkerque Airport? A layover in Calais is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 45 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at CQF:
First, verify that you can enter France — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the local transport takes about 45 minutes into Calais, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — EUR is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Calais-Dunkerque Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Calais-Dunkerque Airport into town:
- local transport: About 45 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 65 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at CQF aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Calais itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Quick budget math for your Calais layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$10 |
| Meal | ~$20 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$40 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Calais, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
For a layover visit to Calais, we’d suggest Calais Town Hall and Belfry and The Burghers of Calais (Rodin Sculpture). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Calais.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside CQF, you can spend time at Airport Terminal Waiting Area or try Observe General Aviation Activity. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Au Côte d’Argent and Le Grand Bleu are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Calais.
- At the airport: Aéroport Bar & Snacking and Vending Machine Corner will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at CQF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Calais itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for France that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Sleep & Lounge Options at CQF
Long overnight layover? Your options at CQF include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in France also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Calais genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.