Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport
Bordeaux, FR · 12 km (7.5 mi) west of Bordeaux
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time |
|---|---|
| 30'Direct Airport shuttle bus | 40-45 min |
| Car hire Rental car | — |
| Corol 39 Bus · Every 20 min (Mon-Fri), Every 30 min (Sat) | 20 min |
| Corol 39 City bus | — |
Insider notes
Don’t plan to overnight at the terminal as it closes 23:30–04:00, displacing potential sleepers.
Hall A Lounge near Gate A11 provides a break from terminal noise and a chance to snag a quiet seat, even during peak travel times.
Use the Corol 39 or other local bus lines for €1.70–€2 per ride instead of the pricier direct shuttle; it’s a slightly longer, but more economical journey to the city.
Welcome
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) maintains a distinct local charm, feeling more like a suburban field rather than the international gateway it is—especially for a city renowned for its wine. Located just 12 km west of Bordeaux, this airport’s compact layout offers speed of movement, but beware: its limited airside amenities mean you should plan ahead if you want to avoid being stuck without suitable dining or shopping options.
At a glance
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport serves over 8 million passengers annually with two runways and three terminals: Hall A, Hall B, and the no-frills ‘billi’ terminal. It’s a hub for carriers like easyJet and Volotea, and connects the wine capital to both domestic and European destinations. With the airport’s close proximity to Bordeaux, city access is a breeze, although budget accordingly for overnight stays, as the entire airport closes between 23:30 and 04:00.
Terminals & layout
Hall A caters to airlines such as Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa, while Hall B is primarily used by low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair, as well as Volotea. The billi terminal serves easyJet and Ryanair too but offers a stripped-down travel experience. Most services, including a limited selection of shops and eateries, are located landside, so grabbing a bite or shopping before security is advised.
Getting to and from the city
The airport is easily accessible by a variety of transport options. The local Bus Ligne 1+ takes 45–55 minutes to central Bordeaux for roughly €2, offering an affordable albeit slower alternative to taxis, which cost about €30 during the day, spiking to €45 at night. For quicker access, consider the 30’Direct shuttle bus, which takes 40–45 minutes. However, cost-conscious travelers often pick the Corol 39 bus, which completes the journey in around 20 minutes for a similar price. Rental cars and VTC rideshares add to the flexibility of your transit choices, though taxis remain the fastest late-night option given reduced bus frequency.
Traveller essentials
Free Wi-Fi, “HotSpot Aeroport de Bordeaux,” is reliable up to three hours, so make sure you’re connected if you need to work while waiting. Travellers should carry an empty water bottle as free refill stations are conveniently located airside and landside. Remember, the airport closes by late evening; if caught off-guard, hotels like the Mercure and Sheraton are within a short 5–12 minute walk or shuttle ride from the terminal.
Dining & shopping highlights
For a taste of Bordeaux’s renowned seafood, Ostréa offers a unique airside dining experience, quite distinct from the other cafes and eateries such as Starbucks and Brasserie BLEU. When those close, Monop’daily and Selecta vending machines provide basic snacks and drinks. Shopping is sparse, with Monop’daily offering essentials if needed before you depart.
Lounges
Hall A and Hall B each boast a lounge where non-premium passengers can buy access for about €35, operational from approximately 05:00 to 21:00. Basic in their offerings, these lounges provide quiet respite and are especially recommended during peak travel times to avoid the bustling terminals.
Insider tips
- Time: Don’t plan to overnight at the terminal as it closes 23:30–04:00, displacing potential sleepers.
- Quiet: Hall A Lounge near Gate A11 provides a break from terminal noise and a chance to snag a quiet seat, even during peak travel times.
- Money: Use the Corol 39 or other local bus lines for €1.70–€2 per ride instead of the pricier direct shuttle; it’s a slightly longer, but more economical journey to the city.
- Avoid: Airside dining is sparse, especially in Hall A; stock up on meals or snacks before you pass security.
- Local: Ostréa offers a fleeting chance to savor local seafood like oysters—airside rarity—and a glass of Bordeaux white wine.
- Insider: Free water bottle refill stations are near the gates and Arrivals, so bring your empty bottle to fill up without paying for water.
- Time: Prepare for closed cafes and shops if catching an early departure before 06:00, as vending machines might be your only option.