Limoges Airport to City: Your Transport Guide

When arriving at Limoges Airport (LIG), often referred to as Bellegarde, your journey to the city centre, and specifically to the impressive Limoges-Bénédictins train station, is a key consideration for many travellers. While the airport is a modest international hub, primarily serving budget airlines like Ryanair and Flybe, along with Air France, its connection to the city's main transport artery, the railway station, is crucial for onward travel. This article will detail the distance, available transport options, and provide essential information for a smooth transition from the airport to the magnificent Limoges-Bénédictins station.

The distance between Limoges Airport (LIG) and Limoges-Bénédictins station is approximately 6km from the city centre, with the direct journey to the station being around 11km by road. For those opting for public transport, a bus service is available, although its frequency and availability can be seasonal. The journey time by bus is typically around 15 minutes. However, for a more direct and often more convenient route, particularly if you have luggage or are travelling at off-peak hours, a taxi is a highly recommended option.

Limoges Airport itself is a single-terminal building, facilitating both arrivals and departures. Upon exiting the terminal, you will find a dedicated taxi rank. This is the most straightforward place to secure a taxi for your onward journey. The airport authorities have established a beneficial agreement with a local taxi company, 'Allo Artisans Taxis', in conjunction with the French Railway Company SNCF. This collaboration ensures a fixed taxi fare for passengers travelling directly between the airport and the Limoges-Bénédictins train station. This fixed rate offers predictability and can be a significant advantage, especially when compared to potentially variable metered fares.

The agreed-upon fixed fares are as follows:

These fares are inclusive, meaning they apply regardless of the number of passengers or the amount of luggage you are carrying. Furthermore, the agreement guarantees that at least one taxi will be available for every flight arriving at Limoges Airport, ensuring that you are unlikely to face long waits.

The Limoges-Bénédictins train station, officially known as Gare SNCF de Bénédictins, is not just a transport hub but also a significant landmark in Limoges. Located north-east of the city centre, about 1,200 metres from the Town Hall, its physical address is 4 place Maison Dieu, 87036 Limoges. This architectural gem dates back to 1929 and is renowned for its stunning design, including a large, multi-layered dome and a 67-metre tall bell tower. Its beauty has earned it accolades, with 'Newsweek' magazine once listing it as the fifth most beautiful station in the world. The station's history is rich, with the first iteration operational by 1856, eventually being replaced by the current, more grand structure.

The Benedictine Station is well-equipped to handle its substantial daily traffic, estimated between 7,500 and 9,000 passengers. It offers a range of facilities for travellers, including shops, a bar-restaurant named 'Buffet Limoges', and a ticket office for purchasing train tickets. For those interested in its history and architecture, guided tours of the building are available.

The station serves as a vital connection point for numerous regional and national rail routes. From Limoges-Bénédictins, you can access approximately 21 destinations on the TER network. Popular routes include frequent services to Brive (six trains daily), Saint-Yrieix (eight trains daily), Perigueux (ten trains daily), and Bordeaux-Saint-Jean (five trains daily). Additionally, there are ten trains daily to Poitiers, and connections to many other towns and cities such as Saint-Junien, Pompadour, Eymoutiers, Ussel, Clermont-Ferrand, Gueret, and Chateauroux. Long-distance travel is also well-catered for, with ten daily round-trips to Paris, four to Toulouse, and one daily service to Lyon. Seasonal services also extend to Carcassonne, Narbonne, and Perpignan.

Looking ahead, the Benedictine Train Station is part of future development plans, including potential new high-speed TGV lines to Poitiers, and is involved in the POLT project, which aims to enhance the tilting train service between Paris and Toulouse, with intermediate stops in Orleans and Limoges. This ongoing development underscores the strategic importance of the station.

While Limoges Airport does not have its own train station, the direct taxi service to the Limoges-Bénédictins station provides an excellent, albeit indirect, connection. For those preferring the bus, service departs from 'Terminal Cars' and arrives at 'Le Breuil', operated by Région Nouvelle Aquitaine - Département de la Haute-Vienne. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules, especially if your flight arrives outside of summer months.

In summary, whether you choose the convenience of a fixed-fare taxi or the more economical bus service, reaching the iconic Limoges-Bénédictins station from Limoges Airport is a manageable and well-supported journey. The fixed taxi fare offers peace of mind, while the bus provides a budget-friendly alternative, ensuring all travellers can connect smoothly to the wider rail network.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How far is Limoges Airport (LIG) from Limoges-Bénédictins station?
A: The distance is approximately 11 km by road from the station to the airport, and the airport itself is about 6 km from the city centre.

Q2: What are the taxi options from Limoges Airport to the train station?
A: Taxis are readily available at a dedicated rank outside the airport terminal. There is an agreement for fixed fares to the Limoges-Bénédictins station.

Q3: What is the fixed taxi fare between Limoges Airport and Limoges-Bénédictins station?
A: The fixed fare is €22.00 from Monday to Saturday during daytime hours, and €30.00 on Sundays and during late evening/early morning weekday hours. This fare is per vehicle, regardless of the number of passengers or luggage.

Q4: Is there a bus service between Limoges Airport and the train station?
A: Yes, a bus service is available, taking approximately 15 minutes. Buses depart from 'Terminal Cars' and arrive at 'Le Breuil'. However, availability can be seasonal, and it's advisable to check current schedules.

Q5: What facilities are available at Limoges-Bénédictins station?
A: The station offers shops, a bar-restaurant, a ticket office, and guided tours of the building. It is a major transport hub with extensive rail connections.

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