Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, the comprehensive guide
Bordeaux Airport (BOD): Terminals A, B and Billi, 115 years of history, direct flights, parking, services, hotels and onward travel – everything you need to know before departure or arrival.
In a nutshell
- IATA Code: BOD · ICAO Code: LFBD · No national rankings for 2025–2026 are published in the official key figures consulted
- Location: 12 km west of central Bordeaux, in the town of Mérignac
- Traffic Observed: 6.6 million passengers in 2024 – source: Bordeaux Airport, Key Figures 2024. No 2026 estimate is presented as a foregone conclusion.
- 3 terminals: Hall A (Schengen flights), Hall B (Air France and non-Schengen flights), Billi Terminal (low-cost carriers)
- 24 active companies, 88 direct destinations: Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Lisbon, Marrakesh, Montreal (seasonal)
- Runways shared with Air Base 106 of the Air and Space Force
- €140 Million Transformation Program over 4 years (Billi expansion, solar panels on parking lots P2 and P4, renovation of Halls A/B)
- Distance from central Bordeaux: 12 km, 20–30 min by private driver or car, 35–45 minutes by Tram Line A
Before You Go: The Airport in Context
You land at Bordeaux-Mérignac one morning in April. Approaching from the ocean, your plane flies over the Landes region, with maritime pines stretching as far as the eye can see, then over the A630 Bordeaux ring road. Touchdown is on one of the two intersecting runways, shared since 1938 with Air Base 106 of the French Air and Space Force. As you taxi, you may spot Rafale fighter jets or Airbus A330 MRTT aircraft at the military base. This is one of Mérignac’s lesser-known features: it is a mixed-use airport, serving civilian and military aviation.
You will generally arrive at Hall A from Spain, Portugal or Italy; Hall B on an Air France service from Paris-Orly or Charles de Gaulle, or on a long-haul flight such as the seasonal Montreal route; and Billi Terminal from London-Gatwick, Manchester or Dublin on easyJet or Volotea. Billi is a streamlined low-cost terminal with fewer services.
Bordeaux-Mérignac is a medium-sized airport undergoing a transformation. The Official Key Figures Page records 6.6 million passengers in 2024. It does not provide annual results for 2025 or forecasts for 2026; therefore, this article does not include any estimates based on that information. Future data will need to be updated based on the airport’s annual report.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive. For practical information about our private chauffeur transfer service (rates, packages, welcome-sign service and flight tracking), see our page Bordeaux Airport Transfer.
The Airport by the Numbers
Data verified on July 2, 2026. Airlines, destinations, parking options, and fares are subject to change: please confirm them on the airport's official website and on TBM before departure.
| Data | Value |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | BOD |
| ICAO Code | LFBD |
| Passengers (2024) | 6.6 million – Bordeaux Airport, Key Figures for 2024 |
| National ranking | Not included in the official key figures reviewed |
| Companies | 24 active |
| Direct Destinations | 88 |
| Runways | 2 intersecting runways (shared with Air Base 106) |
| Platform Area | 850 hectares |
| Distance from the center of Bordeaux | 12 km |
| Address | Avenue de l'Aéroport, 33700 Mérignac |
| GPS | 44.8283° N · 0.7156° W |
| Phone | +33 (0)5 56 34 50 50 |
| Official Website | bordeaux.aeroport.fr |
Major Companies: Air France, easyJet, Volotea, Transavia, Wizz Air, British Airways, KLM, Vueling, Lufthansa, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat, Aegean Airlines, Tunisair, Luxair, Air Arabia.
History and Identity: 115 Years of Aviation in Mérignac
The Origins (1910–1936)
Aviation arrived in Mérignac in 1910, just seven years after the Wright brothers' first flight. The town made a large expanse of heathland at Beau-Désert available for a major aviation week, which proved highly successful. The Peruvian aviator Bielovucic completed the first flight from Paris to Bordeaux: three stages over three days and seven hours.
After World War I, the site became a military airfield in the 1920s and later welcomed its first regular civilian flights. It received its first official designation in the 1930s.
Air Base 106 (1936–1945)
In 1936, Air Base 106 (BA 106) was officially established as one of the French Air Force's first major, formally organised air bases. In 1938, the city of Bordeaux contributed 7.5 million francs towards the military facilities, a considerable investment at the time, justified by the expected economic benefits.
During World War II, the airport took on a major military role. After the Liberation, the civilian terminal was gradually rebuilt alongside the military facilities. Since then, Mérignac has been a mixed-use site: civil and military aviation share the runways, an unusual arrangement in France.
The Boom in Air Travel (1959–2000)
On November 8, 1959, a new terminal opened, designed by architect Raymond Mothe. Its total capacity was 2 million passengers, a target considered highly ambitious at the time.
Dassault Aviation's facilities opened in 1968 and were briefly named after Prime Minister Pierre Messmer, a designation retained until 1976. Dassault remains a major industrial presence in Mérignac today, with its Rafale assembly lines and engineering offices.
Successive expansions followed during the 1980s and 1990s, including the first telescopic passenger bridge in 1987. Annual passenger traffic gradually rose from 1 million to 4 million.
The Low-Cost Boom (2000–2019)
The major turning point came with the European deregulation of the airline industry and the arrival of the low-cost airlines:
- easyJet established a significant Bordeaux presence from the 2000s onwards
- Volotea opened regional bases, including one in Bordeaux
- Ryanair, Wizz Air and Transavia followed during the 2010s and early 2020s
To handle this volume of traffic, the airport built the Billi Terminal in 2010, designed by architects Marjan Hessamfar and Joe Vérons. Dedicated to low-cost airlines, the terminal combines limited services and simple facilities with lower operating charges. This business model contributed to the surge in traffic.
Growth Over the Past Two Decades:
- 2009: 3.3 million passengers
- 2017: 6 million passengers (milestone reached on December 19, 2017)
- 2019: 7.7 million passengers (all-time high, up 13.3% for the year)
The turnaround since 2020
March 2020: A Sharp Drop. COVID-19 brought traffic to an abrupt halt, and the airport operated at reduced capacity for the following 18 months.
2022–2023: passenger traffic gradually recovered to around 6.5 million.
January 2024 brought a major announcement: Ryanair said it would leave Bordeaux after a disagreement with the airport over the future of its low-cost base. The airline cited "rising costs"; airport management replied that Ryanair had sought "unacceptable additional conditions" and said it was following recommendations in a critical report by the Court of Auditors on the airport's excessive reliance on low-cost carriers.
To avoid confusing preliminary figures with consolidated results, this guide uses the following as the latest verified official traffic figures: 6.6 million passengers in 2024. No national rankings or 2025–2026 volume figures are extrapolated without the airport's annual report.
Air Base 106 Today
Don't forget: BA 106 remains one of France's largest air bases. It is home to:
- The1/91 Gascogne Fighter Squadron (Rafale)
- The In-Flight Refueling Group 1/31 Brittany (Airbus A330 MRTT – refueling aircraft and strategic transport aircraft)
- Several support units
Military aircraft share the runways with commercial flights. You may spot Rafale fighter jets as your aircraft taxis, a little-known feature of Mérignac.
2024–2028 Transformation Program
The airport is currently in its most significant period of transformation in decades. 140-million-euro program spanning four years, led by the ENIA Architects and the INGEROP Engineering Firm:
- Expansion and Complete Renovation of the Billi Terminal to improve low-cost comfort (critical issue)
- Solar Panel Installation in parking lots P2 and P4 (renewable energy goal)
- Modernization of Waiting Areas in Halls A and B
- Replacement of Elevators and Escalators (2 million euros)
- Doubling the Number of Information Screens, WiFi boost
- Gaming Areas in the waiting areas
- Complete renovation of the restrooms
Internal project slogan: "Together, let's make a difference". By the time you visit in 2027 or 2028, the airport won't look anything like it did in 2024.
The 3 terminals: Hall A, Hall B, Billi
Contrary to what one might think, Bordeaux-Mérignac has 3 separate boarding areas, connected to each other by a covered walkway. Always check your gate number on your boarding pass – Confusion can lead to a lot of last-minute stress.
Hall A – Schengen flights
The busiest terminal, which covers flights within the Schengen Area and domestic flights for most airlines (excluding Air France and low-cost carriers).
Companies in Hall A: Aegean Airlines, Air Arabia, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, Tunisair, Volotea, Vueling, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat, and other international airlines.
Services Hall A:
- 2 levels: departures at the top, arrivals at the bottom
- Boarding bridges
- More than 10 stores restaurants (Starbucks, Le Grand Comptoir, Eat'Shop, Chez Jean, Café News, Café des Grands Hommes, Le Barista...)
- Duty-free shops
- Currency Exchange Offices
- VIP Lounge, Hall A (accessible through Priority Pass or loyalty cards)
- Lost and Found Office now moved to the Ground floor of Hall B (next to the Customs office, near bench 46)
Hall B – Air France and non-Schengen flights
The Air France terminal exclusively, as well as flights outside the Schengen Area (passing through dedicated border control checkpoints).
Typical Flights in Hall B: Air France to Paris-Orly, Paris-CDG, and the entire Air France network (Lyon, Marseille, Nice, etc.), as well as certain seasonal intercontinental flights (Montreal with Air Transat, Marrakesh).
Services Hall B:
- Air France VIP Lounge in Hall B, reserved for Business Class and Flying Blue Gold/Platinum members
- Restaurants: The Golden Brioche, Ostrea (oyster restaurant–a rare local specialty at an airport, not to be missed), Deli&Cia
- Duty-free shops
Billi Terminal – low-cost
Terminal for low-cost airlines. The most criticized for its minimal comfort – few seats, few shops, direct access to the tarmac without a jet bridge.
Companies at the Billi: easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia.
Important Note: Since the departure of Ryanair in 2024, Billi's traffic has dropped by about 20%. The remaining airlines (easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia) continue to operate normally.
Billi Terminal Services:
- Starbucks
- A few snacks and vending machines
- Just one duty-free shop boarding area
- No VIP lounge
Helpful Tip: The Billi terminal is widely criticized for its lack of comfort. If you have an easyJet or Volotea flight, Be sure to eat and drink before going through security – The options on-site are very limited. The good news: Complete renovation planned by 2027 as part of the €140 million program.
Summary Table of the 3 Terminals
| Terminal | Major Companies | Distinctive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Hall A | Aegean, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Vueling, British Airways, Volotea, Tunisair, Royal Air Maroc... | Main terminal, with the most shops and services |
| Hall B | Air France only + flights outside the Schengen Area | Air France Lounge, Border Control, Flights to Montreal |
| Billi Terminal | easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Transavia | Low-cost, minimal comfort, renovation scheduled for 2027 |
Top Direct Destinations from Bordeaux
The airport offers 88 destinations in 2026, served by 24 airlines. Here are the most frequent routes.
Domestic Routes (Metropolitan France)
| Destination | Companies | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris-Orly | Air France | Several flights a day | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Paris-CDG | Air France | Several flights a day | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Lyon | Air France, easyJet | Daily | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Marseille | Air France | Daily | 1 hour and 15 minutes |
| Nice | Air France, easyJet | Daily | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
Note: Since the LGV Sud Europe Atlantique opened in July 2017, reducing the TGV journey to Paris to 2 hours and 4 minutes, the Paris-Bordeaux air route has faced direct competition from rail. It remains in operation, however, partly because of international connections through Paris airports.
Major European Routes
| Destination | Companies | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| London (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton) | easyJet, Wizz Air | Daily |
| Amsterdam | KLM, Transavia | Daily |
| Madrid | Iberia, Vueling | Daily |
| Barcelona | Vueling, easyJet | Daily |
| Lisbon | TAP, easyJet | Daily |
| Rome | easyJet, Vueling | Several times a week |
| Brussels | Brussels Airlines | Daily |
| Geneva | easyJet | Daily |
| Dublin | Aer Lingus Seasonal | Seasonal |
| Berlin | easyJet | Several times a week |
| Istanbul | Turkish Airlines | Daily |
Intercontinental and Seasonal Routes
| Destination | Company | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir | Royal Air Maroc, Transavia | All year round |
| Montreal | Air Transat | Seasonal (May–October) |
| Tunis | Tunisair, Nouvelair | All year round |
| Tel Aviv | El Al | Seasonal |
| Mauritius, Réunion | Corsair | Seasonal |
Parking: A Complete Guide
This is the section travelers search for most often. Here's everything you need to know to avoid paying too much.
Parking Lot P0 (Comfort / Express)
- Usage: drop-off or short stay
- Distance: 1-minute walk in Hall A, right on the premises
- Rates: ~€4 for 15 min, ~€29/day, ~€167/week
- Distinctive Feature: partially covered (some levels are covered), max. height 1.95 m
- Who is this for?: those who want to be as close as possible to the terminals, no matter the cost
Parking Lot P1 (Short-Term Parking)
- Usage: short- and medium-term stays
- Distance: ~2-minute walk from the 3 terminals
- Rates: ~€24/day, ~€42/2 days, ~€102/week
- Distinctive Feature: open-air parking lot, maximum height 2.30 m
- Who is this for?: trips lasting 1 to 4 days
Parking Lot P2 (Medium-Term Parking)
- Usage: Weekend and Short Stays
- Distance: A 2- to 4-minute walk from the 3 terminals
- Rates: ~€23.50/day, ~€41/2 days, ~€112/week. The first 20 minutes are free.
- Distinctive Feature: the airport's largest car park (3,377 spaces), 25 accessible parking spaces, max. height 2.30 m
- Who is this for?: weekends and 3- to 7-day stays
Parking Lot P3 (PExpress)
- Usage: drop-off service
- Rates: Free 10 min, then €2 for 10–20 minutes, €4.50 for 45 minutes
- Distinctive Feature: 125 spaces, ideal for quickly dropping off or picking up a passenger
- Warning: Construction has disrupted access to PExpress since January 2026 – allow extra time
Parking Lot P4 (Economy Long-Term – The most popular option)
It's the cheapest official parking lot at the airport, and by far the most popular choice for vacations.
- Distance: ~1.5 km from the terminals, Free shuttle every 20 minutes (from the first flight to the last)
- Capacity: 3,424 seats (including 10 people with disabilities)
- Rates: ~€16/day, ~€20/2 days, ~46 €/week with online reservation (without reservation: ~€63/week)
- Online Reservation: Up to 20% off 5- to 7-day stays. Reservation fee: €6
- Hours: Open starting at 4 a.m., shuttle service until the last flight
- License Plate Recognition: The gate opens automatically if you have booked online
- Construction in March 2026: during the installation of solar panels in Parking Lot 4, approximately 900 spaces are temporarily unavailable. Please follow the signs.
P4 Tips:
- Book as early as May for summer departures – P4 fills up quickly in July and August
- In the event of a flight delay, any time beyond the reserved duration will incur an additional €15 charge, even for just 10 minutes
- No assistance for people with disabilities on site (plan ahead)
Private parking lots nearby
There are less expensive alternatives, particularly through services such as valet or private shuttle parking lots.
| Service Provider | Type | Distance | Rate per week | Shuttle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ector (valet) | Valet | 0 min (drop-off on site) | ~45-60 € | No (valet parking) |
| Park and Trip | Shuttle | ~5–10 min | ~35-50 € | Free |
| Lion Valet Bordeaux | Valet | 0 min | ~50-65 € | No (valet parking) |
Tip: Booking online saves you money up to 40% on the rates charged on-site, across all parking lots.
Summary Table of All Parking Lots
| Parking | Distance to Terminals | Rate per day | Shuttle | Online Reservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P0 Comfort | 1-minute walk | ~29 € | No | Yes |
| P1 Short Stay | 2-minute walk | ~24 € | No | Yes |
| P2 Medium Stay | 2–4 min walk | ~23,50 € | No | Yes |
| PExpress | In front of terminals | First 10 min free | No | No |
| P4 Long-Term | 5-minute shuttle ride | ~16 € | Free (every 20 minutes) | Yes (recommended) |
| Private car parks | Shuttle: 5–10 min | ~6-10 € | Free | Yes |
Airport Services and Amenities
Restaurants and Cafés
The selection varies greatly depending on the terminal. Key Tip: Eat before going through security – It's cheaper, and there's more variety in the public area.
Hall A (public area and boarding):
- Starbucks (public area)
- Le Grand Comptoir, Eat'Shop, Chez Jean, Café News, Café des Grands Hommes
- A-B Connecting Wing: Le Barista – Bar & Food
Hall B:
- The Golden Brioche
- Ostrea – oyster restaurant, a delicious local specialty–don't miss it if you have time
- Deli&Cia
Billi Terminal:
- Starbucks
- Only a few snacks and vending machines
Hours: Most shops open for the first flight and close after the last. The terminals are closed to the public from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. when no flights are scheduled (since October 2024).
Shops and Duty-Free Stores
- Duty-free: 2 shops (Hall A near the boarding area, and the Billi public area). Alcohol, perfumes, tobacco, and candy. Open from the first flight to the last.
- Perfume Shop: in the A-B connecting wing, which is open depending on traffic conditions
- Relay: 3 stores (newsstand, bookstore, snack bar)
- Looping: Travel accessories for children
- Post Office: Arrivals Level, Hall A, open Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (except on holidays)
Practical Services
Free Wi-Fi – The network is available in all terminals, with 2 free hours per connection; reconnection is possible to extend the session.
Luggage Storage – Available in the main terminal (Hall A, Departures Level), 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., 7 days a week. External services such as Eelway and Nannybag also offer drop-off locations at partner stores in Bordeaux.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) – Located in Halls A and B (arrivals and departures level).
Currency Exchange Offices – Available in Hall A.
Phone Charging Stations – Located in the waiting areas of Halls A and B.
VIP Lounges – The Hall A Lounge is available to eligible passengers through their airline's loyalty programme, Priority Pass or a one-time purchase. The Air France Lounge in Hall B is reserved for Business Class customers and Flying Blue Gold or Platinum members.
Assistance for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) – This airport-operated service is completely free. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange assistance. More than 30,000 passengers receive support each year in Mérignac. The P4 shuttle is accessible to passengers with disabilities.
Hotels Near the Airport
Ideal for a very early morning flight or a connecting flight. Most hotels are within walking distance or accessible via tram lines A and F.
| Hotel | Distance to the airport | Estimated price per night | Airport Shuttle | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ibis budget Bordeaux Airport | ~800 m (on foot) | starting at ~50 € | No (Bus Line 1) | 2★ |
| ibis Styles Bordeaux Airport | ~900 m (on foot) | starting at ~80 € | Free (5 min) | 3★ |
| Campanile Bordeaux West Mérignac | ~1 km | starting at ~70 € | No (Tram A) | 3★ |
| B&B Hotel Bordeaux Mérignac Cadera | ~1 km | starting at ~63 € | No (Tram A) | 2★ |
| Novotel Bordeaux Mérignac | ~2 km | starting at ~100 € | No (Tram A) | 4★ |
| Kyriad Prestige Bordeaux Airport | ~10 min by tram | starting at ~80 € | No (Tram A) | 4★ |
Tip: theibis budget and the B&B Hotel are the most economical options for an overnight stay before an early morning flight. The Novotel is the best choice for business travelers (restaurant, pool, meeting rooms).
How to get to Bordeaux from the airport
The airport is 12 km from downtown. There are several options depending on your budget, the amount of luggage you have, and the time of day.
- Tram Line A (since April 2023): 35 min to central Bordeaux, 45 min to Saint-Jean Station. Fare: €1.80. Every 10 minutes during the day.
- Tram Line F (since December 2025): direct service from Saint-Jean Station to the airport in ~45 min.
- 30'Direct Shuttle: Hall B → Hall 2, Saint-Jean Station, 30 minutes nonstop. Price: €8 full price.
- Lianes 1+ Bus: Saint-Jean Station – Airport via several stops in Mérignac, 45 min, price: €1.80.
- Taxi: approximate estimate of 30 to 50 € toward the center, depending on traffic and pick-up arrangements.
- Private chauffeur service with a flat rate: starting at 45 € in economics, 35-minute wait included after landing, including flight tracking.
- Personal car: A630, Exit 11, ~20–25 min without traffic.
For details on fixed chauffeur-transfer rates, provider comparisons, booking safeguards and package options, see our dedicated Bordeaux Airport Transfer page.
Practical Tips by Type of Traveler
Business traveler
- Arrival 1 hour and 30 minutes before a domestic flight, 2 hours before an international flight
- Parking Lot P1 Recommended for short stays (2-minute walk, accurate billing)
- The Hall A Lounge or the Air France Lounge (Hall B) allow you to work in peace before boarding
- Fast track available through certain companies or VIP concierge services
Family with children
- Strollers: allowed through to the boarding gate; checked as baggage for free
- Changing Tables: available in the restrooms in Halls A and B
- Security lane: let the staff know if you are travelling with young children; a dedicated lane may be available
- Billi Terminal with Children: Bring food and plan activities – there aren't many things to do there
- Parking: P2 recommended (No shuttle needed; quick access on foot)
Passengers with reduced mobility (PRM)
- Contact your airline 48 hours in advance the flight for which assistance is requested
- The service is completely free at the airport
- Wheelchairs are available upon arrival and departure
- The P4 shuttle is accessible to passengers with disabilities
- For the 30'Direct Shuttle: 2 accessible parking spaces available; reservations recommended at 05 57 77 58 78
Travelers with Pets
- In the cabin: Pet must be in an approved carrier, stored under the seat. Maximum weight varies by airline (8–10 kg total). A fee applies.
- In the cargo hold: Transport in an IATA-approved crate. Notify the airline at the time of booking.
- Green Zone: An outdoor area is available between Hall A and the Billi Terminal to walk your pet before boarding
- Small animals (in a basket) and guide dogs accepted on the 30'Direct shuttle
Schedule: When is the airport busiest?
| Period | Crowd | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July–August | Peak | Very long lines, full parking lots, high prices |
| School Breaks (All Saints' Day, Christmas, February, Easter) | High | Significant traffic spikes |
| May bank-holiday weekends | High | Very busy weekends |
| Friday night (5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) | Very busy | The worst time slot is Sunday evening |
| Sunday evening (4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.) | Very busy | Return-journey queues |
| Monday morning (6 a.m.–9 a.m.) | Very busy | Business travel |
| Tuesday–Thursday at noon | Low | Quieter window for light travel |
Tips for Stress-Free Travel
- Book the P4 starting in May For summer departures – flights are typically fully booked in July and August
- During busy times, Please arrive 2 hours and 30 minutes early an international flight, 2 hours before a domestic flight
- Use the online check-in and express luggage check-in to save time
- The TBM app lets you track the tram in real time–which is helpful for making sure you don't miss your connection
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does my airline use at Bordeaux-Mérignac?
Always check your boarding pass. As a general rule: Hall B is for Air France only and non-Schengen flights; the Billi Terminal is for easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, and Transavia; Hall A is for all other airlines (KLM, British Airways, Vueling, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Corsair, Air Transat, etc.).
How do I get from the airport to downtown Bordeaux?
Several options are available: Tram Line A (€1.80, ~35 min to central Bordeaux, every 10 min); the 30'Direct shuttle (€8, 30 min to Saint-Jean Station); a private chauffeur service (flat rate from €45, 20–30 min door to door, with a welcome sign and 35 min of free waiting time); or a taxi (estimated fare: 15 €, depending on traffic). For details and bookings, see our Bordeaux Airport Transfer page.
What is the cheapest parking lot at Bordeaux Airport?
For long stays, P4 is the least expensive of the official parking lots (~€16/day, ~€46/week with online booking). Private parking lots with shuttle service may be even cheaper (~€35–50 per week). Book online to get the best rates.
Is there luggage storage at Bordeaux Airport?
Yes. Luggage storage is available in Hall A, on the departures level, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. External services (Eelway, Nannybag) also offer luggage storage at partner stores in Bordeaux.
Which restaurants are open at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport?
The main restaurants and cafes: Starbucks (Hall A and Billi), Le Grand Comptoir, Chez Jean, Eat'Shop, Café News (Hall A), Ostrea (oysters), and La Brioche Dorée (Hall B). Most of them open as soon as the first flight arrives. The Billi terminal has very limited dining options–be sure to eat beforehand if you’re passing through there.
How do I book assistance for passengers with reduced mobility at Bordeaux Airport?
Contact your airline at least 48 hours before your flight (ideally as soon as you make your reservation). The service is free. At the airport, agents are available at the check-in counters to assist you all the way to the plane. More than 30,000 people receive assistance each year at Mérignac.
Is there free Wi-Fi at the Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport?
Yes. Wi-Fi is available in all terminals. The connection is free for 2 hours. Reconnect if necessary to extend your session.
How far in advance should I arrive at the airport?
Domestic flight (mainland France): at least 1 hour 30 minutes, 2 hours during peak periods · Schengen European flight: at least 2 hours, 2 hours 30 minutes in July–August · International flight outside the Schengen Area: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (passport control, customs) · Add 15–20 minutes if you’re coming by tram or shuttle from downtown
Why did Ryanair leave Bordeaux-Mérignac?
In January 2024, Ryanair announced the closure of its Bordeaux hub following a commercial dispute with the airport. This timeline alone does not provide sufficient information to estimate future traffic figures; please refer to the official annual reports for consolidated results.
Will the airport be expanded?
Yes, significantly. A 140-million-euro transformation program is underway over a four-year period (2024–2028), led by the architectural firm ENIA Architectes and the engineering firm INGEROP. It calls for the complete expansion of the Billi Terminal, the installation of solar panels on parking lots P2 and P4, the modernization of waiting areas, the doubling of the number of information screens, and the renovation of restrooms.
Further Reading
- Book your private chauffeur transfer from the airport: see our Bordeaux Airport Transfer page (prices, packages, comparisons, booking safeguards and reservations)
- Arriving by TGV? See our page Transfer from Saint-Jean Station
- Head straight to the vineyards: see Private Chauffeur Service: Bordeaux ↔ Saint-Émilion or Private Chauffeur Service: Bordeaux ↔ Médoc
- Arcachon Bay on the same trip: see Private Chauffeur Service: Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon, Cap Ferret or Dune du Pilat
- Périgord Noir and Lascaux: see Private Chauffeur Service: Bordeaux ↔ Sarlat
Sources and References
- bordeaux.aeroport.fr – Official airport website (flights, parking, services, maps)
- Key Figures: Bordeaux Airport – 2024 traffic data
- infotbm.com – TBM Network: Real-time tram and bus schedules
- 30direct.com – Direct shuttle from the airport to Saint-Jean Station (schedules, reservations)
- store.bordeaux.aeroport.fr – Online parking reservation for Lot P4
- Mérignac.com – By plane – municipal information on access to the airport
Article updated on July 2, 2026.
A driver will be waiting for you at the airport
A welcome sign with your name in the arrivals area, real-time flight tracking, and a fixed rate guaranteed in writing. Sedan or van, available 24 hours a day, even for delayed flights.