# Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) > Montpellier/Méditerranée, FR · 7 km (4 mi) southeast of central Montpellier Web: https://airport.flights/airport/mpl JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/mpl.json ## Facts - **IATA**: MPL - **ICAO**: LFMT - **Timezone**: Europe/Paris - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 2 - **Passengers**: 1.9M/yr - **Official site**: https://www.montpellier.aeroport.fr ## Overview ## Welcome Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) captures the spirit of a small seaside regional airport more than that of a bustling city hub. Situated just 7 km southeast of central Montpellier, its efficiency in delivering you from plane to beach or downtown terrace in under 30 minutes — if you time buses right — stands out. The airport is known for its swift curb-to-gate logistics and unexpected focus on local food and wine for its size. ## At a glance MPL serves approximately 1.9 million passengers annually and operates with two terminals: Terminal 1 for arrivals and Terminal 2 for departures, each with a distinct role. While you won't find a major airline hub here, Air France, easyJet, Ryanair, Transavia France, and Volotea maintain a presence, making it a key point for regional travel around the Mediterranean. The airport features two runways and is praised for its quick access to both urban attractions and regional beaches. ## Terminals & layout Terminal 1 handles arriving flights with a focus on a seamless entry experience. Upon landing, you're met with a concise layout that leads you easily to transportation options. Terminal 2, consisting of just two gates, manages departures efficiently. Travelers appreciate the uncluttered design, although peak times can lead to congestion. The airport houses a concentration of offerings in both terminals but feels more intimate compared to larger hubs. ## Getting to and from the city The Navette Aéroport Montpellier shuttle connects the airport to the city in roughly 25 minutes and costs €2, free for children under 5. Taxis offer a quicker 15-20 minute ride to central Montpellier, with fares ranging from €20-30. Bus options, including Hérault Transport Line 621, provide transit to nearby localities like Palavas-les-Flots, costing between €1.60 and €2. With limited frequency, aligning your arrival or departure with these schedules avoids unnecessary waits or costly taxi alternatives. ## Traveller essentials Parking is straightforward with three lots: P1, P2, and P3. For those staying nearby, hotel shuttles, notably from Ibis and Aéroport Hôtel, offer complimentary rides in just 5-10 minutes, perfect for early departures or layovers. If renting a vehicle, note that car rental shuttles are available at no cost, but peak hours can lead to congestion, making mornings or late evenings ideal for pick-up or drop-off. ## Dining & shopping highlights The dining scene, while limited, has its gems. La Terrasse in Terminal 1 delivers a local brasserie experience, serving a weekly changing menu far from your standard airport fare. Other options in the terminal include Relay Trib's, Bread’n Co, and Brioche Dorée. Those seeking a quick snack before security can rely on the Relay, Trib’s, and Bread’n Co outlets in departures, known for fresh-prepared sandwiches and salads. For shopping, the Baltona Duty Free and Relay outlets offer a range of goods, but expect selection constraints reflective of MPL's regional size. ## Lounges MPL’s sole lounge, the Salon by FDI, is a hidden gem for those seeking reprieve from the crowds in public seating areas. This pay-in or eligible-access lounge is quieter than its counterparts at larger airports. Amenities include Wi-Fi, refreshment options, and ample workspaces, making it an appealing choice for business and leisure travelers alike, especially during peak operational hours of the terminal. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** For a sit-down meal that feels more like dining out than airport grub, head to La Terrasse in the arrivals hall, where you can enjoy Languedoc wine. - **Time:** The airport shuttles and line 621 buses have limited frequency. Check schedules ahead to avoid a long wait or needing a more expensive taxi. - **Quiet:** The Salon by FDI lounge offers a serene escape. It’s often less crowded and a good place for Wi-Fi and peace. - **Local:** Consider dining at Les Cabanes brasserie in the Ibis complex or Brioche Dorée just outside the airport — they offer more authentic meals. - **Avoid:** Renting a car? Avoid peak hours. Congestion can add stress, so consider off-peak times for pickup and return. - **Insider:** If you have a layover, explore local dining like O’Buffet near Pérols rather than settling for terminal snacks. - **Money:** Budget travelers often stay at nearby hotels and use free shuttles or short, economical taxi rides instead of airport parking. ## Terminals (2) - **Terminal 1 (Arrivals)** — Air France, easyJet, Ryanair - **Terminal 2 (Departures)** — 2 gates · Transavia France, Volotea ## Dining (6) - **Aéroport Hôtel Restaurant** - **Bread'n Co** - **Brioche Dorée** — T1 - **La Terrasse** - **Les Cabanes** - **Relay Trib's** — $$ ## Lounges (1) - **Salon by FDI** — Terminal, departures lounge ## Shops (4) - **Baltona Duty Free** - **Bread'n Co** - **Relay** - **Trib's** ## Parking (3) - **P1** — Official short-term parking - **P2** — Official long-term parking - **P3** — Official economy parking ## Ground transport (8) - **Hérault Transport Ligne 621** — Bus · 20-30 min (Palavas to Montpellier, depending on stops) · €1.60-2.00 (regional fare range reported by riders) · Roughly every 30 min in summer; less frequent off‑season - **Hotel shuttles Aéroport Hôtel** — Hotel shuttle · 5-10 min (hotel to MPL, reported) · €0 (commonly mentioned as complimentary in reviews) · By reservation, typically aligned with flight peaks; not 24/7 - **Hotel shuttles Ibis** — Hotel shuttle · 5-10 min (Ibis hotel to/from MPL, as reported) · €0 (several guests describe it as a free hotel service) · On‑demand/booking‑based; clustered around check‑in/check‑out times - **Local car rental shuttles** — Shuttle · 3-10 min (terminal to rental lot, depending on agency) · €0 (shuttle included with car rental, according to reviewers) · Roughly every 10-20 min during opening hours; on‑demand late in the day - **Navette Aéroport Montpellier** — Shuttle · Approx. 25 minutes · €2 (free for children under 5) · Every 30 minutes Shuttle + tramway ticket: €3 - **Hérault Transport Line 621** — Bus · 15-20 min (airport area to Palavas‑les‑Flots) · €1.60-2.00 (typical regional bus fare, reported by users) · Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 7:10 PM Service aimed at airport employees and students. - **Airport Taxi Service** — Taxi · 15-20 min (airport to central Montpellier, typical traffic) · €20-30 (airport to central Montpellier, reported) · Taxis available on demand when flights arrive; no fixed timetable Taxi rank is located in front of the arrivals hall. - **Rideshare services** — Car · 5 min · On‑demand; availability varies with number of drivers near MPL ## Insider tips - _Insider_: For a sit-down meal that feels more like dining out than airport grub, head to La Terrasse in the arrivals hall, where you can enjoy Languedoc wine. - _Time_: The airport shuttles and line 621 buses have limited frequency. Check schedules ahead to avoid a long wait or needing a more expensive taxi. - _Quiet_: The Salon by FDI lounge offers a serene escape. It’s often less crowded and a good place for Wi-Fi and peace. - _Local_: Consider dining at Les Cabanes brasserie in the Ibis complex or Brioche Dorée just outside the airport — they offer more authentic meals. - _Avoid_: Renting a car? Avoid peak hours. Congestion can add stress, so consider off-peak times for pickup and return. - _Insider_: If you have a layover, explore local dining like O’Buffet near Pérols rather than settling for terminal snacks. - _Money_: Budget travelers often stay at nearby hotels and use free shuttles or short, economical taxi rides instead of airport parking.