Le Puy-en-Velay is somewhat isolated geographically — it sits in a valley on the Massif Central and is not on any major railway axis. The nearest major cities are Clermont-Ferrand (130 km north) and Lyon (135 km east). By train, the route from Lyon requires a change at Brioude and takes around two and a half hours; services are infrequent, especially on weekends. The regional bus network (cars Région Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) covers some routes but a car is the practical choice for most visitors.
By car from Lyon, take the A47/N82 toward Saint-Étienne and then south to Le Puy — about 90 minutes. From Paris, the drive is around four and a half hours. Parking is available near the town center and along the approaches to the old town. The relative difficulty of reaching Le Puy is part of what has kept its character intact.