Beauvais Airport, located 85 kilometres north of Paris, serves as a key hub for budget-conscious travellers flying with low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. The airport offers a straightforward experience tailored to those prioritising affordability over luxury.
Passengers can expect a compact and functional setup, with two small terminals designed for efficiency. Terminal 1, the older of the pair, houses a modest selection of shops and snack outlets in the public area, alongside a small duty-free shop and a few eateries airside. Terminal 2, larger and more modern, provides similar amenities but with slightly more space to navigate. The layout is simple, making it easy to move from check-in to security and boarding gates, though seating can be limited, and travellers may find themselves waiting on the floor during peak times.
Getting to and from the airport is convenient, with the Paris-Beauvais shuttle bus offering a direct, non-stop service to Porte Maillot in Paris, taking around 75 to 90 minutes for approximately €18 one-way. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport bus station, and the service runs frequently, aligning with flight schedules. For those preferring rail, a regional TER train from Paris Gare du Nord to Beauvais station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride, takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes in total.
Taxis directly from Paris are pricier, costing €150-€210 depending on the time of day, but provide door-to-door convenience. Public transport connections at Porte Maillot, including metro line 1 and RER line C, make onward travel to central Paris smooth.
The airport’s facilities cater to basic needs. Free Wi-Fi is available for 30 minutes, and charging stations are present in landside areas, though airside options are limited to ChargeBox lockers in boarding zones. Toilets, baby-changing rooms, and a lost and found service are accessible, while passengers with reduced mobility can request assistance through the airport’s dedicated service. Dining options include Pizzeria Tony, Paul bakery, and Monop’Daily for quick bites, alongside Illy Café for coffee lovers. Retail is minimal, with a small duty-free shop and a few convenience stores offering essentials. Those seeking more extensive shopping or dining may find the selection limited compared to larger airports.
On-time performance at Beauvais is generally reliable, particularly for budget airlines with tight schedules, but delays can occur. Common causes include passenger tardiness at gates, which can hold up departures, and occasional long queues at security, especially during peak travel periods. Staff inefficiencies have been reported, with some travellers noting slow processing at check-in or passport control, potentially adding up to 90 minutes to the journey. Weather disruptions or air traffic control issues may also affect schedules, as with any airport. Arriving two to three hours before departure is advisable to account for these variables.
For those with connecting flights, the airport’s compact size makes transfers quick, often taking just 20-60 minutes depending on whether luggage needs to be reclaimed. Passengers with pre-checked bags and boarding passes can head straight to their next gate, while others may need to pass through arrivals and check-in again. The absence of airport lounges means there’s no premium space to relax during layovers, but the straightforward layout ensures minimal hassle for connections.
Ryanair operates daily flights to Dublin from Beauvais Terminal 1, with check-in desks typically in the main check-in area (desks 1–15). Passengers should verify desk numbers on airport screens. Bag drop is available 2 hours to 40 minutes before departure.
Flights to Ireland (e.g., Dublin) depart from gates in Terminal 1 (e.g., gates 1–10). Specific gates are announced on departure boards. Overall, Paris-Beauvais Airport delivers a no-frills experience that suits its role as a budget travel hub. While it may lack the extensive amenities of larger airports, its ease of navigation, affordable transport links, and functional facilities make it a practical choice for those looking to explore Paris or nearby regions like Normandy on a budget.
