Epernay is one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, known for its beautiful vineyards and delicate champagnes. It’s a stunning and historical place, and a charming small town. If you’re exploring Champagne and wondering how to get from Reims to Epernay, here are your options.
Best Options to Get From Reims to Epernay:
– By car (just under 30 minutes)
– By train (around 35 minutes): Train stations are walkable from the town centers and there is usually at least one train per hour.
– By bus (around 1 hour and 20 minutes): This takes longer so I don’t usually recommend it
In case it’s your first time, I’ll provide you with more context and tips below so you can choose the best way to Epernay from Reims for your trip schedule.
How Far is Epernay from Reims?
Before heading to Epernay, you must know that the distance between Reims and Epernay is only 26 kilometers (approximately 16 miles). The journey usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete. So you can easily plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to explore the beautiful landscape.
How to Get to Epernay from Reims by Car
For wine lovers who enjoy a little more independence and flexibility on their travels, renting a car is the best option. You can rent a car from Reims or Epernay and drive there confidently using the A26 and A4 highways connecting the two cities. If you rent a car in Reims, you can drop off your car at the rental agency in Epernay or vice versa. This option will allow you to discover the hidden gems on the way such as charming villages and historic towns.
Renting a Car in Epernay
Renting a car in Epernay is a convenient option for travelers who do not want to bring their own vehicle to France. If you prefer this option, make sure to book your rental car in advance, as the prices can be higher if you rent upon arrival.
Taking a taxi from Reims to Épernay
The absolute fastest way to get to Epernay from Reims is to take a taxi, because you won’t have to spend time checking out a rental car, dealing with parking in either town, or picking up tickets and waiting for a train.
A taxi typically costs around 70 to 80 Euros, and the drive takes just under 30 minutes.
You can also try taking a rideshare service like Uber or BlaBlaCar instead of a regular taxi. In my experience Uber works great in Paris, but in this region tends to have lower availability so you may have better luck with the BlaBlaCar. If you can catch a rideshare, you will likely save money vs. the price of a regular taxi.
How to Get to Epernay from Reims by Train
Another popular way to travel from Reims to Epernay is by train. Trains depart regularly from the Reims train station to the Epernay train station. There are multiple trains to choose from, and the journey normally takes around 35 minutes. The train is an ideal way to relax and soak in the stunning countryside views while on the journey.
Cost of Train Ticket from Reims to Épernay
The train from Reims to Epernay is run by either Swiss Railways or SNCF, so it’s best to check their websites for the latest prices. But at the time of this writing, you can get a fairly cheap train ticket for around $18 for a direct train. To find cheap train tickets it’s best to shop online in advance, as you may have to pay a bit more when buying last minute at the station.
There are more than 150 direct train runs every week, so finding train times that work for you shouldn’t be too hard and you don’t need to change trains. Typically the Épernay train leaves around once per hour with the first train around 5:30 in the morning and the last train around 9PM. During rush hour from 7am to 9am and 4pm to 7pm, direct trains to Épernay leave multiple times per hour.
Reims train station
The Reims train station is modern and easy to navigate, but I do recommend finding your platform at least 5-10 minutes before your train leaves just to avoid surprises. It is located close to Reims town center, around a 12 minute walk from Reims Cathedral.
Epernay train station
The Epernay station is located near town center, a three minute walk to the Église Notre-Dame, and a 6-7 minute walk to reach champagne houses like Moet et Chandan on the Avenue de Champagne
Getting from Reims to Epernay by Bus
You can take the Épernay bus from Reims for around 10 Euro. The bus to Épernay leaves Reims roughly once per hour. Even though it’s a direct bus, the typical schedule takes just under an hour and a half due to stops along the way. For this route, bus trips to Épernay take a lot longer than the train and aren’t much cheaper, so I don’t typically recommend this method.
Conclusion
Epernay is a beautiful wine region where one can immerse themselves in the culture of champagne production. Getting to Epernay from Reims is a very easy journey thanks to its close proximity to one another and the availability of good transportation unlike some smaller towns in France that have fewer direct services.
Whether you choose to drive or take the train from Reims, you are guaranteed to experience a relaxing and unforgettable journey through the French countryside. Make sure you make the trip to Epernay, where you can experience high-quality champagne and discover the fascinating history of the region.
