Quick Answer
The best and most direct way to get from Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) to the University of Picardy (Campus of Beauvais, also known as "Jules Verne University of Picardy") is by taking the Navette Aérobus (Airport Shuttle) to the city center ("Beauvais - Théâtre") and then a short local bus ride or taxi. The total journey takes approximately 30-50 minutes and costs between â¬5.50 (shuttle + bus) and â¬20-30 (shuttle + taxi). There is no direct train from the airport.
Option 1: Airport Shuttle + Local Bus (The Standard & Economical Choice)
This is the most common and recommended route for most travelers, especially students. It involves a two-leg journey managed by two different public transport operators.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Leg 1: Navette Aérobus (Airport Shuttle)
- Pick-up Point: Directly outside the BVA terminal arrivals hall. Follow the clear signs for "Navette Ville / Shuttle".
- Destination: It terminates at "Beauvais - Théâtre" (City Centre Bus Station).
- Operator: Corolis (Beauvais's public transport network). Official Corolis Website.
- Journey Time: About 15-20 minutes.
- Frequency: Synchronized with flight arrivals and departures. Typically runs every 15-20 minutes during peak times.
- Leg 2: Local Corolis Bus to University
- Pick-up Point: Get off the shuttle at "Beauvais - Théâtre". The bus stops for the university are located at the same station.
- Relevant Bus Lines: Lines 5 (Direction "Saint-Just-des-Marais") or 6 (Direction "Hôpital/Maison d'Arrêt") serve the "Université" stop. Check the real-time displays.
- Destination Stop: "Université". This stop is right at the entrance of the Beauvais campus (Jules Verne University of Picardy).
- Journey Time: Approximately 10-15 minutes.
Sample Shuttle Schedule (Indicative):
| From Airport (BVA) | Arrival at Beauvais-Théâtre | First Bus (Line 5/6) | Arrival at Université |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:15 | ~08:35 | 08:40 | ~08:55 |
| 10:45 | ~11:05 | 11:10 | ~11:25 |
| 15:30 | ~15:50 | 15:55 | ~16:10 |
Key Advantage: Very cost-effective. Seamless connection at a central hub.
Key Consideration: You must manage your luggage on and off two buses. Check the weekend and holiday schedule for local buses, as frequency may be reduced.
Option 2: Airport Shuttle + Taxi (The Balanced & Convenient Choice)
This hybrid option offers a good balance between cost and door-to-door convenience, ideal if you have heavy luggage or arrive late.
How it Works:
- Take the Navette Aérobus from BVA to "Beauvais - Théâtre" (as described above). Cost: ~â¬5.50.
- At the Beauvais city center station, you will find an official taxi rank. Take a taxi for the final 4-5 km stretch to the university.
- The taxi ride takes about 10 minutes and costs approximately â¬12-â¬18 depending on traffic and time of day.
Total Estimated Cost: â¬17.50 - â¬23.50. Total Estimated Time: 30-40 minutes.
Pro Tip: You can also use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt from the city center, which might be slightly cheaper than the official taxi rank.
Option 3: Direct Taxi or Private Transfer (The Fastest & Most Expensive Choice)
For the ultimate in convenience, especially for groups, families, or those with significant luggage or mobility issues, a direct taxi is available.
Details:
- Pick-up: Official taxi rank outside BVA arrivals.
- Journey Time: A direct drive takes 15-20 minutes without traffic.
- Cost: This is a fixed-rate fare from the airport to any destination within Beauvais. Expect to pay between â¬25 and â¬35.
- Pre-booking: You can pre-book a private transfer online for a fixed price. This is advisable during very late/early hours or peak season.
When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning flight arrivals when public transport has stopped, traveling in a group of 3-4 (splitting the fare makes it reasonable), or if you have special requirements.
Warning: Always ensure the meter is running or the fixed price is agreed upon before starting the journey. Use official services.
Option 4: Walking or Cycling (For the Short Stay or Active Traveler)
While not practical for most with luggage, it's worth noting the proximity for context.
- Walking: The distance is about 5 km. This would take a brisk walker around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Not recommended with suitcases or after a long flight.
- Cycling: Beauvais has a developing cycling network. If you are an exchange student or visiting researcher, renting or using a city bike for this journey could be feasible in good weather. The ride would take about 20-25 minutes.
Note: These options are presented for completeness. The shuttle+bus remains the practical default.
Option 5: Alternative Long-Route via Paris or Regional Train (Not Recommended)
This option is highly inefficient for reaching the Beauvais campus but is listed for informational completeness, especially if you are coming from elsewhere in France.
Why It's Not Advised:
- Train from BVA? There is no train station at Paris Beauvais Airport. The "Beauvais" in its name refers to the city, not a rail connection.
- The Illogical Route: To use trains, you would first need to take the shuttle to Beauvais city, then a TER train from Beauvais station to Paris Gare du Nord (~1h15), and then another train back out towards Beauvais? This makes no sense for reaching the university within Beauvais.
- Long-Distance Bus: Companies like FlixBus operate from Paris (Porte Maillot) to Beauvais. However, you would first need to get from BVA to Paris (a 1.5h shuttle ride with Beauvais Connexion), then wait for the bus back to Beauvais. Total travel time could exceed 4-5 hours.
Conclusion: Disregard train or long-distance bus options for transport within the city of Beauvais from its airport.
Tickets & Cost Comparison: All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare the key metrics of each transport method.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Total Cost (One Way) | Number of Transfers | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle + Local Bus | 30 - 50 min | â¬5.50 (Shuttle: â¬5.50, Bus: â¬1.70* with Corolis pass) | 1 (Bus to Bus) | Students, budget travelers, solo travelers with light luggage | âââââ (Best Value) |
| Shuttle + Taxi | 25 - 40 min | â¬17.50 - â¬23.50 | 1 (Bus to Taxi) | Travelers with medium luggage, small groups, better convenience | ââââ (Best Balance) |
| Direct Taxi/Transfer | 15 - 20 min | â¬25 - â¬35 | 0 (Direct) | Groups of 3-4, families, late-night arrivals, heavy luggage | âââ (Most Convenient) |
| Walking | 60 - 75 min | â¬0 | 0 | The very adventurous, ultra-light packers | â (Not Practical) |
*Local bus fares are cheaper with a rechargeable "Pass Corolis" card. Single paper tickets are more expensive. Check Corolis Fares.
Where to Buy Tickets:
- Airport Shuttle (Navette Aérobus): Ticket machines or sales desk at BVA arrivals, or directly from the driver (cash/card).
- Local Bus (Corolis): Purchase via the "Corolis" app, at ticket machines at "Beauvais - Théâtre", or from the driver (exact change preferred).
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Beyond schedules and prices, here are practical insights to make your journey smoother.
- Luggage Strategy: If you have a lot of luggage, the Shuttle+Taxi option is worth the extra â¬10-â¬15 for saved hassle. The shuttle buses have ample luggage space underneath.
- Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Purchase an EU SIM card or ensure you have mobile data. You'll need it to check real-time bus schedules (via the Corolis app) or call an Uber.
- Money: Have some Euros in cash (especially small bills/coins) for buying bus tickets from the driver, though card payments are increasingly accepted.
- Night Arrivals: If your flight lands after the last shuttle (check the BVA website), your only option is a direct taxi. Pre-book a transfer for peace of mind.
- For Students: Upon arrival at the university, inquire immediately about obtaining a student transport pass for Corolis, which will offer significant discounts for your stay.
- Double-Check Your Campus: The "University of Picardy" has multiple campuses. This guide is for the **Beauvais campus (Campus Universitaire de Beauvais, also called "Université de Picardie Jules Verne - Site de Beauvais")**. If you are heading to the main campus in Amiens, the transport strategy is completely different (involving a train or bus from Beauvais to Amiens).
FAQs: Getting from Beauvais Airport (BVA) to the University
Is there a direct train from Paris Beauvais Airport to the University?
No, there is no direct train. Paris Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) does not have a train station. The only direct public transport link to the city is the Navette Aérobus (airport shuttle).
What is the cheapest way to get from BVA to the University of Picardy?
The absolute cheapest way is the Navette Aérobus + Corolis Local Bus combination, costing just over â¬5.50 for the entire journey if you use a rechargeable bus pass.
How do I get to the university if my flight arrives very late at night?
Your only reliable option for a late-night arrival is a pre-booked private transfer or a taxi from the official rank. Public shuttles and buses do not run 24/7. Always check the last shuttle time on the airport website before you travel.
Is Uber available at Beauvais Airport and in the city?
Yes, Uber and similar apps (Bolt) operate in Beauvais. However, availability at the airport itself can be sporadic. It's often easier to take the shuttle to the city center ("Beauvais - Théâtre") and then request an Uber from there for the final leg to the university.
I am traveling in a group of 4. What's the best option?
For a group of four, a direct taxi or pre-booked van transfer becomes very cost-effective. Splitting a â¬30 fare four ways (â¬7.50 per person) is competitive with the shuttle+bus option and offers door-to-door convenience with your luggage.
How far in advance should I book a taxi or transfer?
For standard arrivals, you can usually find a taxi without booking. However, it is highly recommended to pre-book online if you arrive after 10:00 PM, during a major holiday, or with a large group. This guarantees your ride and a fixed price.
Where exactly is the "Université" bus stop on campus?
The "Université" bus stop is located on Rue Pierre Waguet, right at the main entrance to the Beauvais university campus complex. It services multiple university buildings including the IUT, ESIEE, and others.
Is the journey wheelchair accessible?
The Navette Aérobus is equipped for wheelchair access. For the local Corolis buses, accessibility varies by vehicle. For fully accessible, stress-free travel, a pre-booked accessible taxi or private transfer is the most reliable option. Contact the providers in advance.