Nantes Atlantique Airport, known as NTE, serves as the primary gateway to western France, located 8 kilometres southwest of Nantes city centre in Bouguenais. Handling over 7.2 million passengers in 2019, this mid-sized airport connects to more than 90 destinations across Europe and North Africa with airlines like easyJet, Volotea, and Air France. Its single L-shaped terminal, modern amenities, and efficient transport links offer a practical experience for travellers exploring the Loire Valley or connecting to other destinations.
The passenger experience at NTE is generally smooth, thanks to its compact design, though some travellers report challenges during peak times. The terminal is divided into four halls, with Halls 1 to 3 in a two-story building handling check-in and baggage claim on the ground floor and departure lounges upstairs, while Hall 4, a single-story extension, serves additional flights. Check-in and security typically take 20 to 30 minutes, but summer peaks can lead to longer queues, especially for non-Schengen flights requiring passport control. Passengers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international to account for potential congestion. Bus transfers to planes are common, which can be inconvenient in poor weather. Accessibility is well-supported with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance, though pre-booking with airlines is recommended. Recent reviews mention understaffing at security and occasional broken lifts, so checking flight status via the airport’s website is wise.
Access to the airport is straightforward, with multiple transport options. The TAN airport shuttle bus runs every 20 to 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to midnight, connecting to Nantes railway station and Hôtel Dieu in the city centre in about 20 minutes for £7.50, with tickets available at the Relay shop in Hall 2 or via the Naolib app.
Taxis, located outside Hall 1, cost £30 to £35 to downtown, taking 17 to 25 minutes via the Périphérique ring motorway, though traffic can add delays. Car rental agencies, including Avis and Hertz, are just outside the terminal, ideal for exploring the Loire region. Over 2,000 parking spaces, including P1 for short-term and P4 for long-term, start at £5 per day, with the first 10 minutes free in the drop-off zone. The nearest tram stop, Neustrie, is 8 kilometres away, requiring a bus or taxi transfer.
The airport’s layout is compact, with Halls 1 to 3 forming the main structure and Hall 4 connected by a lobby. Check-in desks D to J and baggage claim are on the ground floor, while security and gates are upstairs. The small size ensures short walks, but limited seating and congestion at security or passport control can occur during busy periods. Passengers recommend using the Aena app for real-time gate updates, as gate assignments may change. The terminal operates from 4:00 AM to 11:59 PM in summer and 5:00 AM to 10:59 PM in winter, closing overnight.
Dining and retail options are limited but functional. Airside, a duty-free shop in Halls 2 and 3 offers perfumes, wines, and local souvenirs, while landside features a Relay shop for snacks and magazines. Eateries include a sandwich bar and a café serving light meals, open 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, though travellers suggest dining in Nantes for more variety and better value. Free Wi-Fi, via the “AIRPORT FREE WIFI AENA” network, is reliable, and charging points are available throughout.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Baggage storage in Hall 1 costs £10 to £15 per item, and a lost and found desk operates via Aena’s online portal. A nursery in Hall 3 and two in the boarding area support families, equipped with microwaves. A first aid station is in Hall 3, and a currency exchange, ICE, operates in the public area. The VIP Lounge Atlantique offers snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi for £25, open 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Smoking is restricted to outdoor areas landside. Nearby hotels, like Escale Oceania and B&B, are a 5-minute walk, with rates from £80 per night.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with real-time updates available via the Nantes airport website or Flightradar24. Delays, averaging 15 to 30 minutes, can occur due to summer passenger volumes, weather, or understaffing, as noted in reviews. Baggage delivery, particularly for Royal Air Maroc flights, can take up to 40 minutes. EU regulations allow up to €600 compensation for delays over three hours if airline-related.Connections are limited, as NTE focuses on point-to-point routes to cities like London, Lisbon, and Marrakech. Minimum connection times are 45 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights, though non-Schengen passengers face passport checks, adding up to 30 minutes. The single terminal simplifies transfers, but passengers must re-clear security, so checking airline schedules is key to avoid delays.
