Getting around in Nantes

In Nantes, you can make use of an extensive public transport network to get to the campus and to get around the city.
Trams, buses, river buses, bikes or carpooling – find out what options are available to you.

On campus, you can also make use of the bike racks, carpool spaces and showers to make the most of sustainable transport options.

Public transports

Travelling by public transport with Naolib

The Centrale Nantes campus is just a 15-minute tram ride from Nantes city centre.

The Nantes metropolitan area offers a comprehensive public transport network to help you get to the campus or travel around the metropolitan area (24 municipalities). With a public transport ticket, you can travel throughout the Nantes metropolitan area by bus, tram, river shuttle and TER train. From 10.30 pm, a night service is available, and a ‘stop on demand’ service is offered on bus and Chronobus routes to ensure you can travel safely. 

Subscription plans and prices

Public transportation is free on weekends (from Saturday midnight to Sunday 11:59 p.m.), excluding airport shuttles. Thus, if you live in a university residence on campus, a customized plan may be more advantageous than an unlimited plan, depending on whether you travel on the network more during the week or on weekends.

A reduced-price subscription is available for students (under 26).
Tickets are valid on the entire bus, tram, busway, navibus, and TER network within the metropolitan area (excluding the airport shuttle). 

Find all the prices and subscription options on the Naolib website (in French)

Maps

• Find the interactive transport map on the Naolib website
• Download the map of tourist attractions served by public transport

People with reduced mobility: the Proxibus service

Proxibus is a service designed for people with reduced mobility. It provides transport for holders of a Mobility Inclusion Card (disability category) for regular or occasional journeys across all the municipalities of Nantes Métropole.

A few figures on public transport in Nantes:

• 3 tram lines (2 additional lines from 2027) 1 busway line and 1 e-Busway line
• 9 express bus routes
• 45 bus routes
• 3 river shuttles routes
• 1 airport shuttle

Bike

Parking on campus

The Centrale Nantes campus offers more than 300 bicycle parking spaces and is equipped with covered bicycle shelters. 

4 tool stations are available for carrying out routine maintenance on your bike.

Cycle paths allow you to cycle along the banks of the Erdre to reach the campus.

Bicloo: the bike-sharing service

Naolib's “Bicloo” bike-sharing service is a network of more than 120 stations across the city and 1 230 bikes available 24/7.
The closest Bicloo station to the Campus is: “FACULTES – No. 93.”

Several rental options are available: 1-day or 3-day “short-term” tickets, a customized option, or an unlimited option for everyday use.

• Find all the information here or visit one of the two “Espace Vélo Naolib” locations in Nantes.
• Not sure which subscription package to choose? Take advantage of the Naolib Discovery Offer: 1 month free to try out Naolib's services (public transport, bike sharing, or car sharing).

Renting with Vélocampus

Vélocampus offers a bike rental service for those on a budget.
You can choose the rental period (minimum 1 month). For full details, visit the dedicated page.

Long-term rental with Naolib Vélos

With "Naolib Vélos", you also have the option of renting a bike on a long-term basis.
Several models are available, including electric bikes.
Find all the information here (in French) or visit one of the two “Espace Vélo Naolib” bike centers located in Nantes.

Not sure which subscription package to choose? Take advantage of the Naolib Discovery Offer: 1 month free to try out Naolib's services (public transport, bike sharing, or car sharing)..

Bike lanes in the Nantes metropolitan area

To ensure safe cycling, the metropolitan area has more than 800 km of bike lanes.

View the interactive map and discover the main cycle routes

Carpooling

Carpooling spaces

If your carpool to Campus, particularly as a driver, there are three reserved spaces available.

Karos

For your daily carpooling, the BDE (student association) has opened an account on the Karos website. 

OuestGo

To help you connect with other students or staff, a "Centrale Nantes" community has been created on the OuestGo website.
In addition, to optimise the solutions on offer, you can also consult the carpooling proposals of the community created jointly with Audencia: "Centrale Nantes et Audencia".

Naolib Covoit’

Nantes Métropole, in partnership with Covoiturage Pays de la Loire, has set up a daily car-sharing scheme for drivers and passengers.
For details of eligibility conditions and benefits, visit the Naolib Covoit’ website.

People with reduced mobility: the Mon Copilote service

Mon Copilote makes it easier for people with disabilities to get around through ride-sharing. This service takes you wherever you want to go on the public transport network: whether it’s to a doctor’s appointment, lunch with friends or a leisure activity… all journeys are possible, Monday to Saturday, between 7am and 10pm.

Nantes Métropole and Naolib have introduced solidarity pricing calculated according to your family income. To find out more, visit the CAF website or app and log in to your account.
This solidarity pricing applies to public transport and long-term bike rental.
To find out if you are eligible, visit the dedicated page.