How to get to Mont Saint-Michel

ON FOOT, BY BIKE, BY SHUTTLE... THERE ARE LOTS OF OPTIONS

Thinking of visiting Mont Saint-Michel and wondering how to get to this rocky island full of secrets? How do you reach the Mont by car or bike? What’s the cost of the shuttle to the village? When’s the best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel? We’ve got all the details for you.

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel by car

Just a short distance from the Mont, there are parking areas designed to make your visit easier. These are surrounded by orchards and reed beds, home to a rich variety of wildlife and plants. Located 2.7 km from Mont Saint-Michel village, these car parks are open 24/7, all year round. All you need to do is take a ticket, which gives you:

parking for your vehicle,
shuttle access for all passengers,
services at the Tourist Information Centre, such as toilets and baby-changing facilities.

You can pay at the end of your visit to Mont Saint-Michel at one of the ticket machines near the Tourist Information Centre. The parking fee depends on how long you park, the season, and the type of vehicle.

Van owners, please note that overnight parking is forbidden. There are campsites just a few kilometres away where you can stay in peace.

Your visit to Mont Saint-Michel

How much does the Mont Saint-Michel shuttle cost?

The cost of the shuttle service between the car parks and the lower part of Mont Saint-Michel village is included in your parking ticket, so the shuttle is free and you don’t need to book in advance.

A shuttle runs every 12 minutes between the car parks and the drop-off point, just 350 metres from the rampart gate. The ride takes about 12 minutes and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Dogs aren’t allowed (except for guide or assistance dogs, or small pets in suitable carriers).

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel by bike

Several major bike routes and greenways stop at Mont Saint-Michel. So, why not take the opportunity to explore the area on your bike and enjoy the adventure to the fullest!

When you reach Mont Saint-Michel, you can cycle along the causeway, the bridge and the esplanade. However, sharing the space with pedestrians and shuttles can be a bit tricky. It’s much easier to park your bike in one of the designated areas and then take the free shuttle to the village.

Major bike routes

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel on foot

Whether you’re hiking the GR®223, the pilgrims’ ways to Mont Saint-Michel, or following the path taken by Victor Hugo, all roads lead to the Mont!

It takes about 50 minutes (3 km) to walk to Mont Saint-Michel along the marked paths starting at the car park. There are different routes that let you enjoy the peaceful landscapes of the bay as you approach the village. Alternatively, you can take the free shuttle, which gets you to the village in just 15 to 25 minutes

Getting to Mont Saint-Michel without a car

Want to visit Mont Saint-Michel but don’t have a car? Don’t worry, SNCF runs a direct train service from Paris with a shuttle from Pontorson every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all year round.

When to visit Mont Saint-Michel

The village of Mont Saint-Michel is open and accessible all year round, free of charge and with no need to book.

The abbey is open every day except for 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

We recommend visiting Mont Saint-Michel during the low or mid-season, when you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the medieval streets of the village. The abbey is also quieter during these times.

In the high season, it's best to visit early in the morning or in the evening (parking fees are reduced from 18:30).