Brest Bretagne Airport, located 10.2 kilometres northeast of Brest in the commune of Guipavas, serves as Brittany’s busiest airport, handling over 1 million passengers annually. Operating as a hub for Air France, Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea, it connects to destinations like Paris, London, Marseille, and seasonal holiday spots across Europe and North Africa.
The airport’s single terminal, renovated in 2007, spans 20,000 square metres across two levels, with check-in desks and arrivals on the ground floor and security and departures upstairs. Clear signage in English and French ensures easy navigation, though the compact layout can feel busy during peak summer months. Passengers board via tarmac walks or short bus transfers, keeping the process straightforward.
Accessing the airport is convenient with multiple transport options. The Bibus Line 20 shuttle connects to the Porte de Gouesnou tram stop (Line A) in 10 minutes for €1.60, with tickets valid for an hour across the Bibus network, including trams and city buses. The tram reaches Brest’s railway station in about 25 minutes, totalling a 34-36 minute journey to the city centre.
Taxis, available outside the terminal, cost €20-€30 for a 15-20 minute ride to central Brest, while pre-booked private transfers average €47. Car rentals from Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt are located opposite the baggage claim area, and the Route Nationale 12 provides direct road access, with 2,000 parking spaces, including 430 indoor spots and 1,000 free for the first hour. Regional buses to Quimper take about three hours for €6, with connections in Pouillot.
Dining and retail options are modest but sufficient, with three eateries airside, including a Cakes & Bakes café for coffee and pastries and a restaurant serving light meals. A duty-free shop in the departures lounge offers perfumes, alcohol, and local Breton souvenirs, while a landside clothing and convenience store caters to last-minute needs.
Facilities include free, unlimited Wi-Fi via the “WiFi by CCIBREST” network, ATMs near the Air France desk and ground level, and a key or helmet storage point near the parking information desk. A children’s play area is located in the departure hall, and accessibility features include lifts, adapted toilets, and assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, bookable 48 hours in advance. The airport lacks a dedicated lounge, but seating areas provide a place to relax.
On-time performance is generally reliable, supported by efficient operations from low-cost carriers, but peak July and August periods see delays due to high traffic.
Security queues can take 20-30 minutes, and customer reviews note occasional staff shortages slowing check-in. Weather, particularly fog or rain in Brittany, may disrupt schedules, so arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three for international is advised.
Connections are limited, as the airport primarily serves point-to-point routes, but transfers within the single terminal are quick, with domestic-to-domestic taking 30 minutes and international up to 90 minutes due to passport control. 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 during peak hours, with baggage handling sometimes taking 45 minutes. The shuttle bus to the tram stop runs infrequently at night, potentially leaving passengers waiting up to an hour, and taxi availability can be limited during late hours. The terminal’s small size and lack of extensive seating may cause discomfort during delays.
Brest Bretagne Airport’s modern facilities, affordable transport links, and compact design make it a practical gateway to Brittany’s coastal towns and cultural attractions.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus operates seasonal flights to Dublin from Brest Bretagne Airport under Aer Lingus Regional (operated by Emerald Airlines). Check-in desks are typically in the Main Terminal (desks 1–5 range) due to the airport’s small size. Check-in opens 2 hours before departure and closes 45 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available 48 hours to 2 hours prior.
Brest has a small terminal with 1–5 gates, and specific assignments are announced at the airport after security. Brest is a seasonal route (summer months), so confirm flight schedules and arrive 90 minutes before departure.
