A Traveller’s Guide to Bordeaux-Mérignac AirportSEO terms: Bordeaux airport, Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, Bordeaux airport transportation, Bordeaux airport delays, Bordeaux airport dining, Bordeaux airport retail, Bordeaux airport facilities, Bordeaux airport connections, Bordeaux airport layout, Bordeaux airport on-time performanceBordeaux-Mérignac Airport, located 12 kilometres west of Bordeaux’s city centre in the Gironde department, serves as a key hub in south-western France, handling over 6.5 million passengers annually.
With flights to 86 destinations across Europe, Northern Africa, and Canada, it acts as a base for easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea. The airport features three terminals: Hall A for international flights, Hall B primarily for Air France’s domestic routes, and the Billi terminal for low-cost carriers.
The L-shaped main terminal, connecting Halls A and B via a covered walkway, offers a clear layout with check-in and security on the ground floor and departures upstairs. The Billi terminal, a short walk away, is smaller and uses tarmac boarding for its six aircraft stands. Clear signage in English and French aids navigation, though peak summer periods can make the terminals feel congested.
Accessing the airport is efficient with multiple transport options. The 30’Direct shuttle bus connects to Bordeaux Saint-Jean railway station in 30 minutes for €8, with discounted fares of €7 for those under 26 or over 60. Line A of the Bordeaux tramway, operational since April 2023, links to the city centre in about 30 minutes for €1.70, while bus Line 1. offers similar access.
Taxis to central Bordeaux cost €30-€45, taking 25 minutes, and the A630 motorway (exits 11a or 11b) ensures easy road access, with 5,100 parking spaces across four lots, including short-term P0 and long-term P4 with a free shuttle every 20 minutes. Car rentals from Avis, Hertz, and Sixt are available in the arrivals area.
Dining and retail options cater to a range of preferences. In Hall A, Le Barista serves coffee and snacks, while Brasserie Le Grand Comptoir offers regional dishes. The Billi terminal has a Cakes & Bakes café for light bites.
Duty-free shops in Hall A and Billi provide local wines and international brands, complemented by Relay stores and Gastronomie et Cie for souvenirs. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, ATMs, and currency exchange in the connecting wing of Halls A and B.
The Hall A Lounge, open daily from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM, offers snacks and Wi-Fi for €30, while baby-changing facilities and a children’s playground in Hall B cater to families. Accessibility features include lifts, disabled toilets, and reserved parking, with assistance available if pre-booked through airlines.
On-time performance faces challenges, particularly in the Billi terminal, with customer reviews citing delays due to long security queues, sometimes lasting up to 90 minutes during July and August peaks. Weather disruptions and staffing shortages can further impact schedules, so arriving three hours early for international flights is advised.
Connections are efficient, with minimum times of 25 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 35 minutes for international transfers within the main terminal. The short walk to the Billi terminal adds minimal time, but passengers with separate tickets may need to reclaim luggage and recheck, adding up to an hour.
Potential delays to watch for include congestion at security and check-in, especially in the Billi terminal, where limited facilities and staff have drawn complaints. Baggage handling can take up to 45 minutes during busy periods, and ongoing construction, set to expand the airport by 2026, may cause disruptions. The lack of air conditioning in parts of the Billi terminal and limited seating post-passport control can add discomfort.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates from Terminal A at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport for flights to Dublin. Check-in desks are typically in the Check-in Area A (desks 1–15 range), but assignments vary daily. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available up to 4.5 hours prior.
Departures are usually from Gates A1–A10 in the Schengen area. Check airport screens for real-time gate assignments. Bordeaux is a seasonal route (expanded in 2025), so verify flight schedules.
