Driving to Amiens from Calais
The journey from Calais to Amiens by car is easy and a great way to explore more of France en route!
Whether you drive straight from Calais to Amiens or take a scenic route through northern France, the journey by car is easy and enjoyable.
Why visit Amiens?
Whether you enjoy art, history, or nature, Amiens has it all. From its Gothic Cathedral and picturesque canals to its cosy cafés, Christmas markets and museums, there is something for every kind of traveller. Perfect for both a quick day trip and a leisurely weekend getaway, Amiens is also an ideal base for exploring Northern France – no wonder so many visitors choose to stay in the charming and convenient city!
Visit Amiens and stroll along Quai Belu, where the canal, lively market, and sunny skies await!
How do you get to Amiens by car from the UK?
Driving to Amiens from the UK is one of the best ways to explore more of the UK and France. The travel time will vary depending on your starting location, but reaching Amiens from the UK typically takes between three and eleven hours.
Plan your trip with these approximate driving times and distances:
| UK to Amiens | Distance | Driving time |
| Folkestone to Amiens | 131 miles | 2 hr 42 |
| London to Amiens | 200 miles | 4 hr 45 |
| Birmingham to Amiens | 324 miles | 6 hr 5 |
| Cardiff to Amiens | 354 miles | 6 hr 45 |
| Manchester to Amiens | 407 miles | 7 hr 45 |
| Newcastle upon Tyne to Amiens | 473 miles | 8 hr 35 |
| Glasgow to Amiens | 610 miles | 10 hr 25 |
| Edinburgh to Amiens | 593 miles | 11 hr |
Driving to Amiens is easier than ever with LeShuttle:
• Our service departs up to four times every hour, 365 days a year
• Your journey with LeShuttle lasts just 35 minutes
• There are no baggage restrictions, so you can pack as much as you like
How long is the drive from Calais to Amiens?
The journey from Calais to Amiens is 157 km and takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
What is the best route to Amiens?
The drive to Amiens can be as swift or as scenic as you like! You can head straight to the French city or take a leisurely road trip through France if you prefer.
The quick route
The fastest way to drive from Calais to Amiens is along the A16 motorway. This route has tolls and takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to drive. Take the A16 southbound toward N1/Amiens-Nord for around 140 km, then merge onto the N1. Stay on the N1 and follow local signs to reach your final destination in the city.
If you’d prefer to avoid toll roads, you should take the A16 toward Boulogne-sur-Mer before joining the D341, D901, D12, D1001, and N1.
The scenic route
Make the drive to Amiens part of the adventure by taking the scenic route to the French city.
Calais
Calais is not only the site of our terminal but also a stop-worthy destination in its own right. As well as the popular shopping mall, Cité Europe, you’ll find plenty of attractions and activities to explore. Head to Calais beach to meet the Calais dragon, or discover the city’s history at one of its many museums. Fashion lovers will want to visit Calais Museum of Lace and Fashion, while history fans will enjoy the War Museum 39-45.
Take a break on Calais Beach and soak in the view.
Boulogne-sur-Mer
Just 30 minutes from Calais, this historic, maritime city on the Opal Coast makes an ideal stop on the way to Amiens – and with its reputation for fresh fish and seafood, it’s best enjoyed at lunchtime! For those with an appetite for culture, there are plenty of things to see and do in Boulogne-sur-Mer, from markets and museums to monuments and castles. The French city is also home to the largest aquarium in Europe, Nausicaá - perfect for a fantastic family day out.
Abbeville
An hour from Boulogne-sur-Mer, Abbeville is another noteworthy stop en route to Amiens. History and architecture fans will not want to miss the UNESCO-listed belfry and its annex, home to the Boucher-de-Perthes Museum. With exhibitions featuring prehistoric artefacts as well as medieval sculptures and art from across the centuries, you may feel like you’ve stepped across time and not just 1 hour 45 minutes from Calais. If this feels like the perfect time to stretch your legs, you’ll find plenty of space to do so at Le Parc de la Bouvaque – its 50 hectares of wetlands are ideal for nature lovers and dog walkers.
Saint Omer
While not directly on the path to Amiens, Saint Omer is well worth the diversion. You’ll need to take the A26 instead of the A16 to pass this historic town, but with a total journey time of just 2 hr 15 minutes, the town is easy to fit in en route. Officially classified as a ‘Town of Art and History’, the market town is home to a wealth of medieval architecture, wartime bunkers, and religious sites. For something a little different, why not try the Rando-Rail? The quirky bike-train experience is the perfect way to see more of the French countryside!
Visit Saint-Omer to explore the Marais Audomarois, a stunning wetland biosphere reserve, among other things.
Arras
An hour from Saint Omer, Arras is another destination for your itinerary. One of the prettiest towns in Northern France, Arras is packed with baroque-style squares, historic architecture, and bustling marketplaces – perfect for a lazy afternoon of sightseeing and shopping. For anyone serious about cheese, La Prairie is an irresistible stop. With over 200 permanently available cheeses, the cheese shop and delicatessen near Place des Héros is a mouthwatering destination for food lovers.
Driving laws in France
Before setting off, familiarise yourself with the driving laws in France, make sure you pack the right documents, and equip your car with essentials like a high-visibility vest and a UK sticker.
Plan an Amiens road trip
Amiens is easy to reach by car. Planning your trip ahead of time will ensure you enjoy a relaxing and stress-free trip.
Can you do a day trip from Calais to Amiens?
Amiens is just 2 hours away from Calais, making it perfect for a day trip from the UK.
Is there toll on the route from Calais to Amiens?
The A16 and A26 are both toll roads, so you should prepare for charges along the way.
How long to spend in Amiens?
Amiens is perfect for a weekend getaway. Plan to spend between two to three days in the French city to make the most of everything it has to offer.
Is Amiens in the low-emission zone?
Amiens is a low emission zone, so you will need a Crit’Air sticker to travel around the city. You should also keep an eye out for zone restriction signage and any temporary restrictions throughout your visit.
Drive to Amiens with LeShuttle
Ready to plan your trip to Amiens? The channel crossing is just 35 minutes with LeShuttle, so whether you decide to take the direct or the scenic route, you’ll be exploring France in no time.
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