Biarritz Airport (BIQ) BIQ: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Biarritz Airport

When arriving to Biarritz Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Biarritz Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Travel from Biarritz to Biarritz Airport

Biarritz is one of the most famous upscale resorts in the world. Located on the Bay of Biscay in south-western France, the town has  hosted royalty and movie stars for centuries, and continues to attract hordes of visitors with its broad, sandy beach, casinos and array of excellent eateries. Biarritz Airport (also known as Biarritz Pays Basque) is a small, but convenient facility, which serves many low cost regional airlines. It doesn't just serve as an aviation hub for the resort, but also offers services for the Basque region as a whole, including Spanish destinations like Irun and Pamplona.

What is the best way to get to the airport from Biarritz city center?

Travelers will have a few different options when heading to Biarritz Airport, and it's always important to choose the fastest, most comfortable method. Number 36 buses run from Floquet in center Ville (the city center), and travel to Parme, around 100 meters from the airport entrance. The same bus also runs from the Aquarium and the Vieux Port, which is a popular spot for accommodation seekers, and it also serves Grande Plage - the resort's famous seafront. Alternatively, all parts of the city are well served by local taxi companies, which offer faster connections and may be preferable for those with mobility problems, or those who simply aren't located close to the bus stops. For instance, southern Biarritz is not close to the 36 bus route, and taxis will often be the best transfer option when you travel to the airport from Biarritz city center.

How far is it from the city center to Biarritz Airport?

Biarritz Airport is located three miles (four kilometers) south-east of the city center, four miles (around six kilometers) from the Vieux Port, and four to five miles from the city beach (approximately seven kilometers). Buses from center Ville will reach the airport in 10-12 minutes, those from the Vieux Port will take about 13-14 minutes, while buses from the beach will usually take 15-16 minutes. However, bus journey durations can fluctuate depending on traffic, so allow five extra minute at least when planning arrivals at the airport terminal. Taxis from the center of town should be much quicker, and generally take around five minutes from almost all parts of town.

What facilities are there are Biarritz Airport?

Biarritz does not have a large international airport. Instead, there is a single terminal, and relatively few shopping opportunities. However, there are plenty of facilities at the airport. Travelers will find a newsstand, apparel outlets to buy practical clothing, and three different cafes and restaurants (including an al fresco restaurant outside the terminal). The airport also possesses a "business center", with meeting spaces for two to 50 people, while all passengers can connect to WiFi internet for a small supplementary fee. Moreover, the airport has a publicly accessible lounge space that can be used by any travelers, again with a small fee attached.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Wheelchair users or those who have other mobility issues should find it easy to reach Biarritz Airport. However, the local bus network in the city is not widespread, and the 36 route only runs through the city center, the old town, and the seafront. This leaves out several popular neighborhoods, such as Cote des Basques, and travelers staying in those locations may prefer taxis. It also stops 100 meters from the terminal doors, meaning that taxis may be a  suitable alternative. The airport itself offers special assistance for those with limited mobility, dedicated disabled parking spaces, and short walking distances to entry gates and other facilities.

Local tips: how to travel to Biarritz airport like a local

When they travel to Biarritz Airport from Biarritz city center, local people will often use the 36 bus route if they live or work near the stops. It's quick, fast, and affordable, so many locals avoid the extra expense of taxis. However, connections with the broader region aren't extensive, so private vehicles and taxis are often preferred by those who live further away. The 36 bus is a great option for general tourists, following a seafront route for much of its journey, passing by the lighthouse and the Museum of the Sea, and generally providing some great views of the resort.