⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic → International
70
minutes
International → Domestic
70
minutes
International → International
85
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the primary international aviation gateway to southwestern France and the world-renowned wine regions of the Gironde. Located approximately 12 kilometers west of Bordeaux, the airport serves as a major hub for both legacy carriers and low-cost airlines, facilitating millions of travelers annually. It plays a critical role in supporting the regional economy and tourism, providing extensive domestic connections across France and international links to major European and North African cities.
The airport's operation is uniquely divided across three passenger facilities: Hall A, Hall B, and the separate Billi Terminal. Hall A serves as the main international hub, handling the majority of non-Schengen flights and a wide range of international carriers. Hall B is primarily dedicated to Air France and its regional partners, managing a high volume of domestic and Schengen traffic. Both halls are housed within the same main building and are interconnected by a covered walkway. The Billi Terminal (Bordeaux Illico) is a dedicated low-cost facility located just a short walk from the main complex, specifically designed for the rapid turnaround of carriers like easyJet and Ryanair.
Dining and retail options are well-distributed across all three terminals, providing travelers with comprehensive amenities. Hall A and Hall B feature popular chains including Starbucks and La Brioche Dorée, while duty-free shops operate in Hall A and Terminal Billi, offering traditional French products, perfumes, and regional specialties. The terminals house approximately a dozen shops and eateries, though travelers should note that all retail establishments close overnight. Each terminal provides lounges for premium passengers, with facilities in both Terminal A and Terminal B offering spacious seating areas, complimentary Wi-Fi, workstations, and selections of hot and cold refreshments.
Bordeaux Airport has established itself as a leader in passenger service and sustainability, receiving the 'Best Airport in France' award from the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2023. The airport provides comprehensive digital services including free Wi-Fi throughout all terminals (limited to three hours per session via the 'HotSpot Aeroport de Bordeaux' network), ATMs, currency exchange bureaux, and extensive accessibility features. Information desks are strategically located in both arrival and departure areas, while specialized services for passengers with reduced mobility include dedicated parking spaces, elevators, ramps, and personalized assistance available with 48 hours advance notice.
Handling over 7.5 million passengers annually as of 2024, BOD has faced operational changes including Ryanair's departure from the airport in November 2024, which led to the termination of 40 routes. Despite these adjustments, the airport continues to serve as France's eighth busiest aviation facility, maintaining its position as a critical gateway for both business and leisure travel to southwestern France and the broader European network.
🔄 Connection Tips
Connecting at Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) is relatively efficient due to its compact layout, but requires awareness of its three distinct facilities: Hall A, Hall B, and the Billi Terminal. Hall A and Hall B are part of the main complex and are connected by a covered walkway, allowing for a short five-minute transition between them. Hall B is primarily the domain of Air France, while Hall A handles most other international and domestic legacy carriers. However, if you are connecting to a low-cost carrier like easyJet or Ryanair, you will likely need to use the Billi Terminal. This is a separate, basic building located a 5-to-10-minute walk from Hall B via a clearly marked outdoor pedestrian path.
For international travelers arriving from non-Schengen countries, you must clear EU passport control at Bordeaux before proceeding to your onward gate. If you are on separate tickets (a self-transfer), allow at least 2. 5 to 3 hours to collect your luggage, transition between halls, and re-clear security. Inside the terminal, a unique highlight is Ostrea in Hall B, a high-end seafood bar where Priority Pass members can often receive a significant credit toward fresh Arcachon Bay oysters and local wines.
Ground transportation is seamlessly integrated. Tram Line A stops right outside the arrivals area between Hall A and Hall B, providing a direct 40-minute link to the city center for just a few euros. For those needing to reach the main Gare Saint-Jean train station for TGV connections, the 30Direct shuttle departs from Hall B and offers a non-stop 30-minute journey. Note that the terminals typically close between midnight and 4:00 AM, so overnight stays inside the facility are not permitted. Always check your departure hall on your boarding pass before heading to security.
⏰ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic → International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
🏢 Terminal Information
Agen-La Garenne Airport (AGF) is a significant regional aviation facility located in Le Passage, just four kilometers southwest of Agen in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France. While the airport has a long history of serving as a commercial link between the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and major hubs like Paris-Orly, Lyon, and Bordeaux, it currently focuses on general aviation, business travel, and essential medical flights. The terminal building was recently renovated to offer a modern and professional environment for the business aviation community and private pilots visiting the Agen region.
The single, compact terminal is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing travelers to transition from the landside to the airside with minimal effort. Inside, the facility provides a clean and streamlined space that includes a check-in area and a comfortable waiting lounge. While the era of regular scheduled commercial service—most recently operated by Chalair—has concluded, the infrastructure remains fully operational and well-maintained. The layout is particularly convenient for corporate travelers, who can take advantage of the terminal's professional meeting spaces and the quick, uncomplicated security procedures that are characteristic of a high-quality regional airfield.
One of the standout features of the AGF terminal is its accessibility and the passenger-friendly amenities it provides. Directly in front of the terminal building, travelers have access to approximately 250 free parking spaces, a rare and highly valued benefit for frequent flyers. The airport also serves as a base for several flight schools and aero-clubs, contributing to a vibrant local aviation culture. Despite the lack of daily scheduled flights, the airport remains a vital logistical node for the region, supporting local industries and providing a quick gateway for those utilizing private aircraft to reach the nearby industrial and agricultural heartlands of Agen.
🔄 Connection Tips
Agen-La Garenne Airport should be treated as a business-aviation or local-access field rather than a scheduled-airline hub. Public airport references show the airport serving Agen and the surrounding Lot-et-Garonne area, but current passenger planning is mainly about how you connect onward by road or rail after arriving on a private, training, or charter movement. In practice, if your trip depends on airline frequency, Paris, Bordeaux, or Toulouse should be your anchor airports, not AGF.
That does not make Agen unhelpful. The airport can still be efficient for travelers whose real destination is Agen itself, the nearby agricultural and industrial areas, or the canal and river corridor around the city. Ground transfer is the key piece. The drive to central Agen is short, and the city railway station is the important onward node for many travelers because it sits on the main corridor linking Bordeaux, Toulouse, and services onward toward Paris. If you are planning to continue by train, book the ground leg from the airport in advance instead of assuming frequent curbside transport.
Because AGF is a small airport, the practical risks are limited staffing and limited fallback options rather than terminal complexity. If you are arriving late, on a charter, or on a special-mission flight, confirm handling and pickup before departure. If you are leaving the region, be realistic about how much buffer time you need to reach the station or a larger airport. AGF can save time for a local business itinerary, but it does not offer the dense recovery options of a major commercial field.
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