Getting There and Away

Stunning aerial view of Calvi's marina and citadel, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in Corsica.
Tom, Pexels

Calvi is served by Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY), a train station in the town center, and a ferry port situated near the harbor.

Flights:

Calvi – Sainte-Catherine Airport (CLY) offers connections, with increased flight frequency during the high season (July-August). Airlines like Air Corsica provide services from mainland France. Flights from major French cities such as Paris Orly, Nice, and Marseille are available. The fastest way to reach Calvi from France by air takes approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes, with costs ranging from €180 to €370. Taxis are available from CLY to Calvi, costing around €15-€20 for a 10-15 minute journey.

Ferries:

The port of Calvi connects to Nice, France, with services primarily operated by Corsica Ferries. Journey times from Nice to Calvi can range from approximately 6 hours 15 minutes to 13 hours, with ticket prices starting from around €21 to €48. Services from Toulon (France), Savona, and Livorno (Italy) are also available, often via connections.

Trains:

Calvi is the northern terminus of Corsica’s scenic narrow-gauge railway network, known as 'U Trinighellu'. Direct coastal trains run between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse, taking about 43-45 minutes and costing €3-€6. Connections to Bastia (~3 hours, around €17) and Ajaccio (~4 hours 30 minutes, around €25) are made via Ponte Leccia.

Buses:

Local and intercity bus services operate, though they are generally less frequent than train services. Corsicar runs routes such as Calvi-Bastia-Calvi, taking approximately 2 hours and costing around €19. This route is available during summer months and school term time. A bus service also connects Calvi to Calenzana, a journey of about 25-30 minutes priced at €9. An additional €1 charge may apply per extra luggage item. Schedules are subject to change, especially during holidays.

Car Rental:

Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Calvi and the wider Corsican region, especially given the diverse landscapes. Several major car rental companies, including Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Budget, have agencies at Calvi Sainte-Catherine Airport and within the town center near the port. Booking in advance is advisable for better selection and rates, with daily prices potentially starting from €25-€46. Driving is on the right, and some mountain roads can be narrow or rugged.