Driving to Dijon from Calais
Drive from Calais to Dijon. Visiting Dijon by car is a great way to explore more of France and get a real flavour of the country!
Driving from Calais to Dijon is one of the best ways to explore France on your own terms – with all the freedom, flexibility and comfort of your own space. Plus, with plenty of room to stock up on the world-famous mustard, your journey home is sure to be as flavourful as your trip out!
Driving to Dijon is easy 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
Why visit Dijon?
While Dijon is perhaps best known for its tangy mustard, it’s also celebrated as the ‘City of Gastronomy and Wine’ and the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ – making it an unmissable stop for history buffs and food lovers alike, mustard fans or not! Top reasons to visit Dijon include:
- Explore historic architecture: Wander down medieval streets and admire half-timbered houses in the city’s Old Town.
- Visit the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne: Learn about the Dukes of Burgundy and their role in French politics.
- Enjoy local gastronomy and mustard: Try Dijon mustard, savour local produce, and delight in regional dishes.
- Sip on Burgundy wines: Sample local wines and enjoy vineyard tours.
- Discover local museums: Visit museums like the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle, and the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne.
- Admire the architecture: Gaze upward at the sky of soaring spires from the city’s historic churches.
Admire the views from the square outside the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne
How long does it take to drive from Calais to Dijon?
The journey from Calais to Dijon takes around 5 hours and 25 minutes.
How far is Dijon from Calais by car?
The exact distance between Calais and Dijon will depend on the route you take, but you can expect the drive to be around 570 km long.
What is the best route to drive from Calais to Dijon by car?
Whether you want speed or scenery, there are plenty of options on the drive to Dijon. Head straight to the French city or take a meandering road trip through France before heading to the capital of Burgundy!
The quick route
The fastest way to drive from Calais to Dijon is via the A26 motorway. This route has tolls and takes around 5 hours and 25 minutes. Take the A16 southbound before joining the A26. Continue along the A26. Then merge onto the A5, followed by the A31, and finally follow the signs to Dijon.
The scenic route via the A26 and A5 autoroutes
The drive to Dijon can be part of the adventure! Take the scenic route to explore some top French cities along the way.
Calais
Your journey starts in Calais, so why not take a moment to explore everything the city has to offer? The shopping centre, Cité Europe, is a firm favourite for visitors looking for some tax-free retail therapy. Meanwhile, Calais beach is the perfect place to stretch your legs, walk the dog and enjoy the fresh sea air.
Stretch your legs with a stroll along Calais beach.
Arras
Around 1 hour 20 minutes from Calais, Arras is the perfect next stop on your drive to Dijon. Sitting in the Hauts-de-France region, which is particularly well-known for its cheeses, Arras is the ideal place to pick up some delicious local cheeses to pair with mustard! Make sure to try Cœur d'Arras, a heart-shaped cheese created in celebration of the city’s annual Rat Festival.
Reims
A further two hours along the A26 brings you to Reims. Famous for its champagne, you’ll find some of the largest champagne houses in France in this region. Between tours and tastings, make sure to visit top attractions like Reims Cathedral, the Palace of Tau and Fort de la Pompelle.
For a truly sparkling moment, raise a glass in the champagne region in France.
The scenic route via the A16
Take the A16 to explore Abbeville, Amiens and Paris on the way to Dijon.
Abbeville
Just under two hours from Calais, Abbeville is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet, authentic French town, away from the tourist crowds. Despite its low-key reputation, there’s plenty to see and do. Climb the oldest belfry in France for panoramic views, explore the Bouvaque Park and nearby wetlands for nature, or discover the town’s rich history.
Amiens
Amiens is under an hour from Abbeville and is the perfect next stop on your road trip. The capital of the Somme department in the Hauts-de-France region, Amiens, is packed with must-visit attractions. Don’t miss the Maison de Jules Verne, the adopted home of writer Jules Verne, author of Around the World in Eighty Days. The historical house is sure to inspire future road trips across France and Europe!
Wander down cobbled streets with half-timbered houses in Amiens.
Paris
The drive from Calais to Dijon is the perfect opportunity to explore the French capital along the way! Around 2hrs from Amiens, Paris is home to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame Cathedral, as well as countless more museums, markets and hidden gems. With so many free activities and natural spots to enjoy, a passing visit en route to Dijon can be rewarding without requiring a big budget.
Driving in Dijon
Driving in Dijon doesn’t have to be difficult. We’d recommend spending some time before your trip familiarising yourself with the roads, road rules, and parking options so you can enjoy the city without worry. Top things to bear in mind:
| Topic | Key information | Tips |
| City size and layout | Medium-sized city. The historic centre has narrow streets and one-way systems. | Consider parking outside the centre and exploring on foot or by tram. There is a free shuttle Monday to Saturday (8am-7pm) which is perfect for exploring the city. |
| Traffic | Usually moderate; busy during 8–9 am & 5–7 pm. | Plan trips outside rush hour if possible. |
| Parking | On-street parking is limited and challenging but there are parking garages nearby. | Park at Parc République, Parc Darcy, or near the train station, and take advantage of hotel parking if available. |
| Park & Ride | Dijon has 3 main park-and-ride sites: Piscine Olympique, Valmy, and Zénith. From these sites, you can easily reach the city centre by tram or bus. | Ideal to avoid tight streets and inner-city traffic. Great for short stops or day visits. You can get free parking if you validate a Divia ticket. |
| Pedestrian zones | Many streets in the centre are pedestrian-only or restricted. | Park nearby and explore on foot. |
| Driving rules | Drive on the right; seat belts required; trams have priority. | Familiarise yourself with French road signs before your trip. |
| Tolls | None in Dijon city; but approaching highways (A31, A38) are tolled. | Have cash or card ready for tolls. |
| Crit’Air Sticker | Dijon is in a Low Emission Zone. Vehicles need a valid Crit’Air sticker to enter. | Order your Crit’Air sticker in advance, and display it on your windshield to avoid fines. |
Drive to Dijon with LeShuttle
Inspired to drive to Dijon? The channel crossing is just 35 minutes with LeShuttle, so whether you go straight there or enjoy the views along the way, the first leg of your journey won’t slow you down.
FAQs
Still have questions about driving to Dijon from Calais? We’ve got you covered.
How much are the tolls from Calais to Dijon?
The exact cost of tolls to Dijon depends on the route you take and the vehicle you drive. Typically, you can expect to pay between €70 and €100 each way.
We’d recommend using a toll calculator to plan your trip and budget accordingly.
We’d recommend using a toll calculator to plan your trip and budget accordingly.
Do I need a Crit’Air sticker to drive into Dijon?
Yes – you will need a Crit’Air sticker to drive into Dijon as the city is a Low Emission Zone (ZFE).
For now, though, all vehicles – including the most polluting Crit’Air categories - are allowed to drive around the city. This is thanks to Dijon’s excellent air quality. Rules are likely to be revised periodically depending on ongoing air quality levels.
If you plan to take a scenic route to Dijon, some destinations along the way, such as Paris, Reims, and Amiens, require Crit’Air stickers.
For now, though, all vehicles – including the most polluting Crit’Air categories - are allowed to drive around the city. This is thanks to Dijon’s excellent air quality. Rules are likely to be revised periodically depending on ongoing air quality levels.
If you plan to take a scenic route to Dijon, some destinations along the way, such as Paris, Reims, and Amiens, require Crit’Air stickers.
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