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The Le Mans 24h race is an event like no other, attracting thousands of racing fans from across the world to the picturesque city of Le Mans in France. Given its proximity to Paris, many travellers will make their onward journey to the circuit from there, a straightforward journey whether you choose to travel by car, coach or train.
If you’re traveling to Le Mans from the UK, check out our guide on the journey here.
Where is the Le Mans Circuit?
Located in the Pays de la Loire region in northwestern France, the small city of Le Mans is so much more than just a race venue, it’s a treasure trove rich with history, architecture and culture, all waiting to be explored – so make sure you factor in a stroll round the city when you’re not watching the racing action!
How far is Le Mans from Paris?
Le Mans is approximately 208km (129 miles) southwest of central Paris. If you’re hiring a car at the airport, the distance from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Le Mans is 230km (143 miles) via the A3 and A11 motorways.
How to get to Le Mans from Paris
Le Mans is easily reachable from Paris by car, train or coach. Unsurprisingly, with thousands of car enthusiasts descending on Le Mans for the race, it’s wise to make sure you plan your journey carefully, both before and after the race.
Travelling from Paris to Le Mans by car
The journey by car via the A11 motorway typically takes two and a half hours but may take longer if travelling through rush hour. Be warned – traffic congestion around Le Mans directly before and after the race can be a nightmare so it’s wise to try and travel outside of these times.
The good news is that parking is included with a Motorsport Travel Destinations Package, taking the pain out of trying to find a parking space within Le Mans itself that doesn’t cost the earth.
Trains from Paris to Le Mans
Regular services run from Paris Montparnasse train station direct to Le Mans station (French name Gare du Mans) with a journey time of between an hour to two and a half hours. The slower trains tend to be via the SNCF local commuter service so if you want a swifter journey, take one of the TGV high speed trains which will have you in Le Mans in an hour. Tickets cost as little as €16,00 (£13.70) if booked in advance and can be purchased via the SNCF website or through Omio. You can also purchase tickets at the station. The last train from Le Mans back to Paris on Sunday 16 June leaves at 21:08.
For details on how to get to the circuit from Gare du Mans, take a look at our blog Getting to the circuit.
Travelling from Paris to Le Mans by bus or coach
Don’t want the hassle of navigating your way out of Paris by car? Take the coach instead! Services such as Flixbus and BlaBaCar start from as little as €6,00 (£5.14) making it one of the most cost-effective forms of getting to Le Mans. There are numerous coach stops in Paris so if you’re staying in the French capital, there’s likely to be a stop not too far from you. Coaches run frequently through the day with the last coach leaving Le Mans at 23:55. Tickets can be purchased via the Flixbus and BlaBaCar websites. Remember to book as far in advance as possible – coach spaces are already filling up fast!
How to get from Gare Du Nord to Le Mans
The main station for people travelling to Paris by train from other parts of Europe, including London, Amsterdam and Cologne, is Gare du Nord in the north of the city. Unfortunately, there is no connection to Le Mans from Gare du Nord, but it’s easy enough to hop on the metro (Line 4) which takes you to Montparnasse train station (direction Mairie de Montrouge), a journey of approximately 25 minutes. From Montparnasse, you can catch a direct train to Le Mans.
How to get from Charles De Gaulle Airport to Le Mans
If you’re arriving at CDG Airport, there are a number of direct trains to Le Mans, with a journey time ranging between one hour and 40 minutes to three hours and 30 minutes. Tickets will cost upwards of €35,00 (£30) but may be considerably more if you book on the day. As recommended above, it’s wise to opt for TGV high-speed trains than the slower SNCF commuter service.
You can also take a shuttle bus direct to Le Mans leaving from CDG Central Bus Station – Terminal 3. These are relatively frequent and prices start from €18,99 (£16.26).
Book your tickets to the 2024 Le Mans 24h race
Three of our five ticket & accommodation package options have completely sold out – as has the circuit. If you want to be at Le Mans 24h in 2024, secure your ticket now.