Languedoc Roussillon, France
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL): This is the main airport. It sits about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) southeast of the city center, providing convenience for direct access. Nîmes-Garons Airport (FNI): A smaller airport, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Montpellier. Ryanair mainly serves this airport, with budget flight options to various European cities. Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): A larger international airport located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east. It offers more flight options, including direct train connections to Montpellier, making it a viable alternative for wider international connections.
MPL: Air France operates flights to Paris, providing connections to its global network. Ryanair and EasyJet offer routes to various European cities, including London, Dublin, and Rome. Volotea serves domestic routes and some European destinations. Transavia connects to the Netherlands and Portugal. MRS: Major international carriers and low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling provide extensive connections across Europe and some intercontinental flights.
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport offers shops, restaurants, duty-free, information desk, currency exchange, ATMs, VIP lounge, and free Wi-Fi.
Navette (shuttle bus) Line 620 connects the airport directly to the Place de l'Europe tram station (Line 1). From there, the tram goes to the city center.
Taxis are available outside the terminal (€20-€30). Uber operates. All major car rental companies maintain desks at the airport.
Routine border checks are generally absent when traveling by land from another Schengen country into France. Always carry identity documents.
Montpellier is a major rail hub with two main stations: Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch (central) and Gare de Montpellier Sud de France (newer, TGV-focused).
Long-distance buses from FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus offer a cheaper alternative, operating from Gare Routière next to Saint-Roch.
You need a valid driving license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended, and legally required for some nationalities. France has an excellent network of well-maintained motorways (autoroutes) and secondary roads. Motorways usually have tolls, payable by cash or card. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Traffic can be heavy in and around Montpellier during peak hours.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. Use underground parking garages (e.g., Parking Comédie, Parking Corum, Parking Foch). Park-and-ride (P+Tram) facilities are available on the outskirts of the city, allowing you to park and take the tram into the center. This is a convenient option. Montpellier operates a Zone à Faibles Émissions (ZFE) or Low Emission Zone in parts of the city center. Vehicles must display a Crit'Air vignette (emission sticker).
Major international companies have branches at Montpellier Airport and in the city center. These include Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred vehicle and potentially better rates. Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rental comparisons.
Montpellier does not serve as a major ferry or cruise port. The nearest major port is Sète, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest. Sète has ferry connections to North Africa, like Nador and Tangier, and serves as a stop for some smaller cruise lines. River transportation is not a common mode of intercity travel to Montpellier.
Montpellier is a major rail hub in Southern France, served by high-speed (TGV) and regional (TER) trains. Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch is central. Gare de Montpellier Sud de France is newer, located outside the city, mainly for TGV trains on the new high-speed line. SNCF operates all train services. Direct TGV trains connect to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, and Barcelona. TER regional trains connect to Nîmes, Sète, Béziers, Carcassonne, and Avignon.
Long-distance buses offer a cheaper, though slower, alternative to trains. FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus are main operators connecting Montpellier to other French and European cities. The main bus station (Gare Routière) is next to Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roch. Buses offer connections to cities like Barcelona, Marseille, Lyon, and Toulouse, providing budget-friendly travel.
The Ecusson (Historic Center) is largely pedestrianized and excellent for walking. Place de la Comédie and Promenade du Peyrou offer scenic strolls.
Montpellier has an expanding network of cycle lanes. Dedicated lanes make cycling safer in newer parts of the city.
Generally, no strictly "no-go" areas exist for pedestrians and cyclists. Exercise caution in quiet or dimly lit streets late at night.
Plan your departure from Montpellier as carefully as your arrival to ensure a stress-free end to your trip. Allow sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and passport control at the airport.
