10/11/2015
Limoges Airport, though smaller with fewer than 400,000 passengers annually, serves as a crucial gateway to the picturesque Limousin region of France. Established in 1972, this international airport boasts several flights to the United Kingdom, making it a popular destination for British travellers. Situated approximately 6km from Limoges city centre and about 20km from Saint-Junien, it offers a starting point for exploring the Haute-Vienne department. However, unlike many other French airports, direct public transport options from Limoges Airport are notably scarce, especially outside the peak summer months. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of your transport choices, helping you navigate your journey efficiently.
- Getting to Limoges City Centre: Your Primary Options
- Comparing Your Airport Transfer Options
- Beyond the Airport: Exploring the Limousin Region by Bus
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there a direct bus from Limoges Airport to the city centre all year round?
- How much does a taxi from Limoges Airport to Limoges city centre cost?
- Can I walk from the public bus Line 16 stop to Limoges Airport?
- Are there any train connections at Limoges Airport?
- How can I buy bus tickets for regional travel from Limoges?
- Conclusion
Getting to Limoges City Centre: Your Primary Options
When arriving at Limoges Airport, passengers primarily face two main choices for reaching the city centre: a seasonal bus service or a taxi. Each option presents distinct advantages and disadvantages regarding cost, convenience, and availability, which are crucial to consider based on your arrival time and budget.
The Limited Bus Service from Limoges Airport
For those arriving during the busier summer period, specifically from 15 June to 30 September, a direct bus service operates from the airport to the bus station in Limoges. This service is the most cost-efficient way to travel into the city, with fares costing only a few Euros at most. The bus departs conveniently from directly outside the arrivals area, near the terminal building's exit. While this option is highly appealing due to its low cost, its seasonal nature means it's unavailable for a significant portion of the year. The official airport website doesn't prominently feature these bus services, suggesting they are a supplementary operation rather than a core part of the airport's regular transport offerings.
Taxis: A Direct but Pricier Alternative
For many, particularly outside the summer months or for those prioritising convenience, taxis are the most straightforward way to get from Limoges Airport to the city. Allo Artisans Limoges Taxis are the main operators found at the airport. A journey to Limoges city centre typically costs between 20 and 25 Euros. While this provides a direct and hassle-free transfer, many passengers consider it quite an expensive fee for what is a relatively short journey. It's also important to note that additional charges may apply for luggage, extra passengers, and airport surcharges, which can further increase the total fare. Despite the higher cost, taxis offer the flexibility of on-demand service and door-to-door convenience, making them a popular choice for those with significant luggage or specific time constraints.
During the non-summer months, when the direct airport bus service is unavailable, the public bus service No.16 presents an alternative, albeit with significant caveats. This bus route runs nearby the airport, providing a connection from Limoges city centre. To utilise this service, you would need to take the bus from Place de Winston Churchill in Limoges and travel to the stop named 'Eglise', which is located just opposite a church and cemetery. This part of the journey takes approximately twenty minutes. However, the main drawback is that the 'Eglise' stop is still about 3 miles (approximately 4.8 km) from the airport itself. Passengers will then need to walk the remaining distance, which can take about an hour on foot. While this walk is often described as pleasant, passing through quiet country areas with little traffic, it is certainly not ideal for those with heavy luggage or mobility issues. The last stretch to the airport is on a main road, but wide concrete verges ensure pedestrian safety. The Line 16 bus runs approximately every 90 minutes throughout the week. If travelling in the alternative direction from the airport, another bus would be required in the city centre to reach Gare Benedictins, Limoges' main railway station. It's also worth noting that there are no direct rail connections at Limoges Airport itself, making bus and taxi the only viable options.
Comparing Your Airport Transfer Options
To help you make an informed decision, here's a quick comparison of the primary transport methods from Limoges Airport to the city centre:
| Feature | Airport Bus (Seasonal) | Taxi (Allo Artisans) | Public Bus Line 16 (Off-Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | 15 June - 30 September only | Year-round, on-demand | Year-round, approx. every 90 mins |
| Cost | Very inexpensive (a few Euros) | 20-25 Euros (plus surcharges) | Inexpensive (standard bus fare) |
| Convenience | Direct from arrivals, drops at city bus station | Door-to-door, direct, no transfers | Requires a 3-mile walk to/from airport |
| Journey Time | Short bus ride | Short direct drive | 20 min bus + 1 hour walk |
| Luggage Friendly | Yes | Yes | Not ideal due to long walk |
Beyond the Airport: Exploring the Limousin Region by Bus
While direct airport connections are limited, Limoges boasts a more extensive bus network for inter-city and regional travel once you're in the city centre. This is particularly useful for exploring the wider Haute-Vienne department and surrounding areas.
RDTHV Bus Company
The RDTHV Bus Company provides an extensive inter-city bus service within the department of Haute-Vienne. Operating from Place de Charentes in Limoges, their network consists of 28 departmental lines, utilising 171 buses and four coaches (with capacities ranging from 36 to 63 people). This robust network allows travel to numerous destinations. Tickets can be conveniently purchased from the bus driver, their store in Haute-Vienne, or at certain merchant stores throughout the city. Some of the destinations served by RDTHV include Aixe-sur-Vienna (Line 23), Jourgnac (Line 26), Maisons-sur-Tardoire (Line 03), Cussac (Line 02), Full-Neuvic (Line 09), Dournazac (Line 15), and Saint-Junien (Line 1160).
Other Regional Bus Operators
Several other companies offer regular bus services connecting Limoges to various regional towns, providing additional travel flexibility:
- Voyages Villessot: This company operates regular services between Limoges and St-Yrieix-la-Perche and Les Cars, as well as between Limoges and Ladignac-le-Long.
- Transports Moreau: They provide regular services connecting Magnac and Limoges, and between Limoges and Bellac.
- Voyages Lavalade: This operator offers bus routes between Bellac and St-Junien, Limoges and Le Dorat, St-Jouvent and Bellac, and Le Dorat and Bellac.
These regional services are invaluable for travellers looking to venture beyond Limoges city centre and explore the diverse landscapes and towns of the Limousin region, making bus travel a viable option for broader exploration once initial airport transfer is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a direct bus from Limoges Airport to the city centre all year round?
No, a direct bus service from Limoges Airport to the city centre is only available during the peak summer months, specifically from 15 June to 30 September. Outside of these dates, direct bus options are not available.
How much does a taxi from Limoges Airport to Limoges city centre cost?
A taxi from Limoges Airport to Limoges city centre typically costs between 20 and 25 Euros. Be aware that additional charges for luggage, extra passengers, and airport surcharges may apply.
Can I walk from the public bus Line 16 stop to Limoges Airport?
Yes, you can walk from the 'Eglise' stop of public bus Line 16 to Limoges Airport. However, it is approximately a 3-mile (4.8 km) walk, which takes about an hour. It's generally not recommended if you have heavy luggage.
Are there any train connections at Limoges Airport?
No, Limoges Airport does not have any direct rail connections. The main railway station, Gare Benedictins, is located in Limoges city centre and requires a bus or taxi transfer.
How can I buy bus tickets for regional travel from Limoges?
For regional bus services like those offered by RDTHV, tickets can usually be purchased directly from the bus driver, from their official store in Haute-Vienne, or at certain authorised merchant stores within Limoges city.
Conclusion
While Limoges Airport offers a convenient international gateway to the Limousin region, understanding the nuances of its ground transport is essential for a smooth journey. Direct public transport from the airport is scarce outside of the summer months, making taxis a primary, albeit pricier, year-round option. For budget-conscious travellers, the seasonal airport bus offers excellent value during its operational period, while the Line 16 public bus presents a challenging, yet viable, alternative for the determined traveller during the off-season. Once in Limoges, an extensive network of regional bus services opens up the wider Haute-Vienne department for exploration. Many passengers hope for more comprehensive bus services in the future, potentially connecting Limoges Airport to other key regional cities such as Poitiers, Brive-la-Gaillarde, and Guéret, which would undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for all.
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