Global Major Cities Guide

Location: The airport is located approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) west of Bordeaux city center, in the town of Mérignac.
Terminals:
- Hall A: Handles international flights (Schengen and non-Schengen).
- Hall B: Primarily for domestic flights within France.
- Billi Terminal: A low-cost terminal for budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.
Passenger Volume: The airport serves over 7 million passengers annually, making it one of the busiest regional airports in France.

Airlines Operating at BOD:
- Full-service carriers: Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, and Swiss.
- Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, and Vueling.
- Seasonal and charter airlines: TUI, Transavia, and others.
Destinations:
- Domestic: Paris (Orly and Charles de Gaulle), Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, and more.
- International: London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, Geneva, and seasonal destinations like Marrakech, Lisbon, and Rome.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Food and Drink: A variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars are available, including local French cuisine and international options.
Shopping: Duty-free shops, local wine boutiques, and stores selling regional specialties like Bordeaux wines and canelés (a local pastry).
Lounges:
- Business travelers can access lounges like the "Salon Lounge" in Hall A.
Other Services:
- ATMs and currency exchange counters.
- Car rental desks (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, etc.).
- Luggage storage and lost-and-found services.
- Baby-changing facilities and family-friendly areas.

Bus:
- Liane 1+ Bus: Operated by TBM (Bordeaux’s public transport network), this bus connects the airport to Bordeaux city center (Gare Saint-Jean train station) in about 45-60 minutes.
  - Cost: €1.70 for a single ticket (valid for 1 hour on all TBM services).
  - Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes.
- Tips: Tickets can be purchased at machines near the bus stop or via the TBM app.
Airport Shuttle (Navette 30’Direct):
- A direct shuttle service between the airport and Bordeaux’s main train station (Gare Saint-Jean).
  - Cost: €8 one-way or €14 round-trip.
  - Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
  - Frequency: Every 30 minutes.

Taxis: Available outside the arrivals area. A ride to the city center costs approximately €30-50, depending on traffic and time of day.
Ride-Sharing: Services like Uber and Bolt operate in Bordeaux, with fares slightly lower than taxis.

Major car rental companies are located at the airport. Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore the Bordeaux wine region or nearby towns like Saint-Émilion.

Bordeaux is a bike-friendly city, and there are bike rental services available in the city. However, cycling to/from the airport is not common due to the distance and lack of dedicated bike lanes.

Immigration and Customs:
- For international flights, non-Schengen passengers must go through passport control. EU/Schengen passengers can use the automated e-gates for faster processing.
- Customs checks are generally quick, but be aware of restrictions on bringing in alcohol, tobacco, and other goods.
Baggage Claim:
- Baggage claim is located on the ground floor of each terminal. Look for your flight number on the display screens.
Transportation:
- Follow signs for buses, taxis, or car rentals. The transportation area is well-marked and easy to navigate.

Check-In:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Self-service kiosks are available for many airlines, or you can check in at the airline counters.
Security:
- Standard security procedures apply. Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear plastic bag.
Boarding:
- Gates are clearly marked, but note that the Billi Terminal for low-cost flights has fewer amenities, so plan accordingly.

Domestic flights within France: €50-150 (one-way, depending on the airline and booking time).
International flights: €50-300 (one-way, depending on the destination and airline).
Low-cost carriers often offer cheaper fares but charge extra for luggage, seat selection, and other services.

Language:
- While English is spoken by most airport staff, learning a few basic French phrases (e.g., "Bonjour" for hello, "Merci" for thank you) is appreciated.
Wine Transport:
- Bordeaux is famous for its wine, and many travelers purchase bottles to take home. Check your airline’s baggage policy for carrying liquids, and consider buying wine at the airport’s duty-free shop to avoid issues.
Peak Travel Times:
- The airport can get busy during summer (June-August) and during major wine festivals. Arrive early to avoid delays.
Weather:
- Bordeaux has a mild climate, but flights can occasionally be delayed due to fog in winter. Check your flight status in advance.
Sustainable Travel:
- Bordeaux is committed to sustainability. Consider using public transport or shared shuttles to reduce your carbon footprint.

Bordeaux is known for its relaxed pace of life. Don’t be surprised if things move a bit slower than in larger cities like Paris.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so take time to explore its historic architecture and vibrant wine culture.
Tipping is not mandatory in France, but rounding up the fare for taxi drivers or leaving small change at restaurants is appreciated.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport and enjoy your time in Bordeaux. Bon voyage!

Bordeaux