Getting There & Away: Arcachon

Air Travel

Airports & Flights

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) serves as the main international airport for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) northeast of Arcachon. BOD is the most convenient airport for Arcachon travel due to its comprehensive flight connections and transfer options. Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC), about 120 km east, mainly serves UK and some European routes, less direct for Arcachon.

BOD Airlines & Routes

Major carriers: Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways (connections via their hubs).
Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Volotea (numerous European routes).
Typical routes: Connects to major European capitals (Paris, London, Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome, Dublin, Barcelona, Brussels, Lisbon).

Transfers & Airport Info

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) offers a range of facilities for travelers. Finding ground transport is straightforward.

Transfer Options from BOD to Arcachon

Taxi: Direct, 45-60 min. Cost: €100-€150.
Shuttle Bus + Train: Airport shuttle (Lianes 1+ or Navette Directe) to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station (€1.70-€8, 30-45 min). Then TER train to Arcachon (€10-€15, 50 min). Total 1.5-2 hours.
Car Rental: Most flexibility for exploring. Major companies at airport. Drive via A63 and A660.

Flight Pricing

Flight prices fluctuate by season. High season (July-Aug) sees peak prices and demand. Shoulder seasons (May-June, Sept-Oct) offer competitive rates. Low season (Nov-April) has reduced frequency and lower prices.

Flight Resources

Discover affordable flights with Dollar Flight Club and search for best airfare deals on Skyscanner.

Global Connections

BOD typically lacks direct flights from outside Europe. Connect through major European hubs: Paris (CDG/ORY), Amsterdam (AMS), London (LHR/LGW), Madrid (MAD).

Airport Facilities BOD

Ground Transport & Services

Car Rental Desks: Major international companies in arrivals.
Taxi Stands: Readily available outside terminals; fares to Arcachon can be high.
Bus Services: Public buses connect to Bordeaux city center and main train station.
Wi-Fi: Free access throughout the airport.

Passenger Amenities

Shops & Restaurants: Selection of duty-free shops and various dining options (pre- and post-security).
Cafes: Several locations for coffee and snacks.
Lounges: Available for comfortable waiting.
Retail: Options for last-minute purchases.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

SNCF (France's national railway company) connects Arcachon. TER regional trains run frequently between Arcachon and Bordeaux Saint-Jean (50 min). TGV high-speed trains connect Paris Montparnasse directly to Bordeaux Saint-Jean (2h 10min), making Arcachon accessible from Paris in under 3 hours (with TER connection).

Long-Distance Buses

Direct long-distance bus services to Arcachon are limited. Major companies like BlaBlaCar Bus mainly serve larger cities like Bordeaux. From Bordeaux, local TransGironde buses connect to parts of Bassin d'Arcachon, but the train is more efficient for Arcachon itself.

Self-Driving

Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the broader Arcachon Bay. Drive on the right. Speed limits: 130 km/h (motorways), 110 km/h (dual carriageways), 80 km/h (national roads), 50 km/h (urban). Motorways often have tolls. Carry a warning triangle and reflective vest (rental cars usually supply).

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Port Information

The Bassin d'Arcachon does not function as a major international port for ferries or large cruise ships for direct arrival.

International Maritime Travel

No major international ferry services directly serve Arcachon.
No dedicated cruise ports for long-distance travel in Arcachon.
Bordeaux (Port de la Lune) serves as a popular port for river cruises exploring the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and wine regions.

River Transportation Options

Local boat services operate within the Bassin d'Arcachon for tourism and inter-basin travel. These are short-distance excursions or shuttle services.

Local Water Services

Local ferries connect Arcachon to Cap Ferret across the bay.
These services are for local excursions, not long-distance arrival.
The bay supports various scenic tours and shuttles.

Car Rental Comparisons

Booking rental cars in advance, especially during high season, secures better rates and vehicle availability. Compare major companies:

Rental Brands

Hertz: Wide vehicle selection, global presence, reliable. Can be pricier, especially last-minute.
Europcar: Extensive European network, competitive rates. Fleet age may vary.
Sixt: Modern and premium fleet options. Generally higher prices for upscale cars.

Additional Rental Options

Consider other vehicle types based on your itinerary and license. Car rental comparison at DiscoverCars.com

Motorcycles & Scooters

Less common than car or bike rentals in Arcachon.
Specific driving license category needed (A1, A2, A for motorcycles; B for scooters up to 125cc).
A few specialized shops may offer them.

Driving Regulations & Parking

Road Conditions: Roads in and around Arcachon are generally excellent.
Tolls (Péages): French motorways often have tolls. Pay with cash or credit card at booths.
Required Items: Warning triangle and reflective safety vest. Typically supplied with rental cars.

Parking: Can be challenging and expensive in Arcachon's town center, especially during peak season.
Payment: Paid parking garages and street parking are available. Meters often have time limits.
Free Parking: Areas exist further from the center, often needing a short walk or bus ride.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your airport or train station arrival with sufficient buffer time to account for check-in, security, and potential delays.

Timing Recommendations

BOD (Schengen): Arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure.
BOD (Non-Schengen/International): Arrive at least 3 hours prior for check-in, security, passport control.
Arcachon Train Station (TER to Bordeaux): Arrive 15-20 minutes before departure.

Station & Airport Facilities

Both Bordeaux Saint-Jean Train Station and Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport have amenities for departing travelers.

Amenities Available

Bordeaux Saint-Jean: Shops, newsstands, restaurants, cafes, luggage storage.
BOD: Check-in, security, passport control (non-Schengen), duty-free, dining, lounges.
Reconfirm departure times 24-48 hours before departure for updates.

Exit Fees

France does not impose specific exit fees or taxes collected upon departure beyond what your airline ticket or train fare covers.

Travel Time to Airport

Factor in travel time from Arcachon to BOD (45-60 minutes by car/taxi, or 1.5-2 hours by bus/train combination), with extra buffer for traffic or public transport delays.

Ticket Coverage

The price paid for your ticket typically covers all applicable taxes, so no additional fees are usually collected on site.

Final Checks

For TGV connections from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, allow at least 30 minutes, ideally 45-60 minutes, between your TER arrival and TGV departure to account for delays and station navigation.

Getting There & Away