Cabourg is located on the Côte Fleurie in Normandy, a 2-hour and 40-minute drive from Paris. A seaside town, it is mainly accessible by train or car—which isn’t a drawback: the roads in Normandy are pleasant, and the region is well worth exploring.
Here we’ve compiled all the practical options for getting to Cabourg, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane via the Caen airport.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Summary: How to Get to Cabourg
If you don’t want to read the whole article:
- On the Côte Fleurie in Normandy, a 2-hour-40-minute drive from Paris, a 1-hour-15-minute drive from Rouen, and a 30-minute drive from Caen
- There is no train station in the center of Cabourg: the Dives–Cabourg station, located in Dives-sur-Mer, allows you to get close to Cabourg, but service is limited and often takes longer than traveling via Caen and then taking a bus.
- There are no direct trains to Cabourg; you can transfer in Caen when traveling from Paris— see the schedule
- A car is still the most convenient option— Compare rental offers.
- Nearest airport: Caen-Carpiquet (30-minute drive), with mainly domestic flights and a few seasonal destinations. – View flights
- A very flat city, easy to explore on foot or by bike once you’re there
WHERE TO STAY IN Deauville
Option 1: downtown
For easy access to the beach, beautiful downtown and restaurants… We recommend..:
- Hotel Villa Augeval with its charming manor houses – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Le Patio for good value – see prices, photos and availability
- And for luxury, Hôtel Le Normandy is a must – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: in the countryside
Less than 15 minutes from Deauville, you can enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by greenery. We recommend..:
- Hotel Les Manoirs de Tourgeville – prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Les Manoirs des Portes de Deauville – prices, pictures and availability
Option 2: Trouville
On the other side of the harbor is the twin town of Trouville, also with beautiful villas but a more relaxed atmosphere. We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Flaubert, les pieds dans le sable – see prices, pictures and availability
Where is Cabourg? Map
Cabourg is located on the Côte Fleurie, on the northern coast of Normandy, at the mouth of the Dives River. The town is located between Houlgate (to the east) and Dives-sur-Mer (immediately to the west). It borders the English Channel and spreads out in a fan-shaped pattern from its waterfront.
Here are the distances from the main cities:
- Paris → Cabourg: 2 hours and 40 minutes by car (about 220 km via the A13)
- Rouen → Cabourg: 1 hour and 15 minutes by car
- Caen → Cabourg: 30-minute drive
Option 1 – Day trip from cities in Normandy
Cabourg is a great destination for a day trip from several cities in Normandy. The road runs along the coast and offers beautiful views.
From Caen
Caen is the closest starting point for traveling to Cabourg. It’s a 30-minute drive—the trip is quick and easy. By public transportation, the Nomad bus connects the two cities in about 45 minutes. We recommend renting a car so you can explore the Côte Fleurie at your own pace—Houlgate and Dives-sur-Mer are worth a stop. If you’re using public transportation, take the Nomad bus from Caen: Line 111 goes to Cabourg. Schedules vary by season, so it’s best to check your connections before you leave.
See the options here
From Deauville or Trouville
Deauville and Trouville are located about thirty kilometers west of Cabourg. By car, allow 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. In the summer, the train line between Trouville-Deauville and Dives-Cabourg is back in service, which may make this a good option for travelers already on the Côte Fleurie.
These two towns share with Cabourg the atmosphere of the Côte Fleurie—a day trip to all three is definitely possible.
See the options here
From Rouen
Cabourg is a 1-hour-and-15-minute drive from Rouen. There is no direct public transportation route connecting the two cities without a transfer—so a car is the only option for this trip.
See the options here
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
Option 2 – From the nearest airport: Caen-Carpiquet
The nearest airport is Caen-Carpiquet, located about a 30-minute drive away, with mainly domestic flights and a few seasonal destinations. For travelers coming from distant destinations, it is often more convenient to travel through Paris and then continue by train or car.
Cabourg by plane
The closest airport to Cabourg is Caen-Carpiquet Airport (CFR), located about 30 km to the west—a 35-minute drive under normal conditions. This airport primarily offers domestic flights within France, as well as a few seasonal destinations, particularly international ones, depending on tour operators’ schedules. The selection of flights there remains more limited than from Paris. For travelers coming from distant destinations, it is often more convenient to travel through Paris and continue by car or train.
Options from Caen-Carpiquet Airport to Cabourg
From the airport, there are several ways to get to Cabourg, depending on your preferences.
By rental car
A rental car is the most flexible option when departing from Caen-Carpiquet. Several international agencies have counters at the airport. The drive to Cabourg takes 35 minutes via the N814 and then the D513 along the coast. We like this option because it gives you the freedom to explore the Côte Fleurie at your own pace, without having to rely on bus schedules. Be sure to make reservations in advance during peak season.
Compare car rental deals. See also our tips for renting a car in France.
By public transport
From the airport, you can take the Twisto Line 3 to Caen. Next, you’ll need to transfer to the train station or bus station, then take the Nomad bus to Cabourg. From the train station, the Nomad network offers regular service to Cabourg: the trip takes about 45 minutes. Outside of the school year and summer weekends, ridership declines. We recommend that you check the latest schedules on the Nomad network’s website before you leave.
By cab
Taxis are available outside the Caen-Carpiquet terminal. The direct trip to Cabourg takes about 35 minutes. Rates vary by service provider; a surcharge applies at night and on Sundays. This option is particularly suitable if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or at unusual times.
Private transfer
For added convenience, a private transfer with a driver can be booked in advance. The driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal and will take you directly to your accommodations in Cabourg. This option is particularly well-suited for family or group trips, since the cost is per vehicle.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Option 3 — By car
A car is the best way to get to Cabourg. Cabourg does not have a train station in the city center, but the Dives–Cabourg station is located in Dives-sur-Mer, just across the Dives River, and public transportation in the region remains limited. By car, you can also enjoy the freedom to explore the Côte Fleurie, whose small coastal roads are particularly pleasant.
From Paris, the standard route takes the A13 toward Caen, then the N814 and the D513 toward Cabourg. Allow 2 hours and 40 minutes without stops under normal conditions. In July and August, allow extra time when traveling on the A13, which is very busy on weekends.
Good to Know — Parking in Cabourg: Parking is regulated in several areas near the town center and the waterfront. In paid parking areas, check the hours and rates on site, as the rules may vary by location. The farther you get from downtown, the easier it is to find free parking spots.
Compare car rental deals in France. See also our tips for renting a car in France.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Remember to take outcomprehensive insurance (some roads are winding and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Option 4 — By train
Cabourg has a train station on the border with Dives, but it has very few connections. The city is accessible by bus from Caen, the region’s main train station. Here we describe the two possible combinations.
Via Caen
Caen Station is connected to Paris-Saint-Lazare in about 2 hours by TGV or Intercités. From the Caen train station, the Nomad bus runs to Cabourg in about 45 minutes. The frequency varies by season—in the summer it is satisfactory, but lower during the off-season. We recommend checking your connections before booking your train to avoid a long wait in Caen.
Check schedules and make reservations on SNCF Connect.
Via Deauville and Dives-sur-Mer
Another option for public transportation is to take the train to Deauville, then the branch line to Dives-sur-Mer, a town right next to Cabourg. From Dives-sur-Mer, Cabourg is within walking distance (about 20 minutes) or can be reached by taxi. This route takes longer than the option via Caen and then by bus, but it might be worth considering if you want to stop in Deauville.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
How to Get Around in Cabourg
Once you’re in Cabourg, it’s easy to explore the town without a car. The terrain is flat, and the distances are short. We recommend walking to explore the city center, the waterfront, and the villas. Cycling is also a great way to ride along the promenade or head to Dives-sur-Mer and Houlgate. Local taxis are available for trips to nearby areas.
And once we’re in Cabourg…
Cabourg has plenty to offer: the Marcel Proust Promenade, the Belle Époque villas, the fine-sand beach with its blue beach huts, the dune, and the Dives estuary. Dives-sur-Mer, just a stone’s throw away, is home to an exceptional medieval market hall.
- The Marcel Proust Promenade and its 3 km of waterfront
- Belle Époque villas to discover as you stroll through the streets
- The Villa du Temps Retrouvé Museum, dedicated to Proust and the Belle Époque
- The Dunes and the Dives Estuary: A Nature Walk
- St. Michael’s Church
- Dives-sur-Mer and its medieval market hall, just a few minutes’ walk away
See our complete guide to the best things to do in Cabourg.
See our selection of the best hotels in Cabourg.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
