Arriving in St-Emilion: St Emilion

Air Travel Details

Bordeaux Airport BOD

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) is the closest major international airport to St-Emilion, located approximately 50-60 kilometers (30-37 miles) west of the village.

Facts

Location: Approx. 50-60 km (30-37 miles) west of St-Emilion.
Main Hub: main air hub for the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Facilities: Car rental, shops (duty-free), restaurants, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi.

Flight Connections

Flights from North America typically involve a layover in a major European hub (e.g., Paris, London, Amsterdam).

Routes & Airlines

North America: Connect via Paris, Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Madrid, or Lisbon.
Airlines: Air France, Delta, United, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Iberia, Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, Volotea.
Seasonal Pricing: Highest in peak summer (June-August) and holidays. Shoulder seasons offer better rates.

Airport Shuttle

The "Navette Bordeaux Airport" shuttle connects BOD directly to Bordeaux Saint-Jean train station (30-45 min).

Direct Taxi

Taxis are available outside the airport terminal. Cost approx. €80-€120 to St-Emilion.

Car Rental

Major car rental companies have desks at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport for flexible exploration.

Transfer Options

Convenient Transfers

From Bordeaux Saint-Jean, regional trains reach St-Emilion.
Taxi provides a direct, convenient option, especially for groups or heavy luggage.
Pre-book private car services for a direct, comfortable transfer.
This option is often preferred for convenience, especially if arriving late.

Connecting Routes

The train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station offers a popular and efficient way to reach the village.
The St-Emilion train station is on the main rail line connecting Bordeaux to Sarlat.
All major car rental companies have desks at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport.
You can pre-book private car services for arrival.

Getting to St-Emilion

From Paris

Travel to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), then take a train or taxi to St-Emilion.

From London

Direct flights to BOD by low-cost carriers (e.g., Ryanair, EasyJet) are common.

From Major Hubs

All journeys from major global hubs outside Europe will have at least one stop in a major European city before connecting to Bordeaux.

Land Travel Choices

Train Access

St-Emilion is a regional train station, Gare de Saint-Émilion. This station sits on the main rail line connecting Bordeaux to Sarlat.

Train Journey

Direct trains run regularly from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station.
Journey: Approx. 30-45 minutes, a popular and efficient way.
Tickets: Purchase online via SNCF Connect app/website or at stations.

Self-Driving

St-Emilion remains easily accessible by car via a network of well-maintained departmental roads (D-roads) from Bordeaux.

Driving Info

Requirements: Valid national driving license; International Driving Permit (IDP) if non-EU/EEA.
Parking: Paid lots outside the village walls. Restricted inside the medieval village.
Roads: Generally excellent; vineyard roads can be narrow and winding.

Long-Distance Buses

Direct long-distance bus options to St-Emilion are limited. Most intercity bus services connect to Bordeaux's main bus station.

Bus Travel

Most services connect to Bordeaux's main bus station (adjacent to train station).
From Bordeaux, take a regional train or local bus to St-Emilion.
Consult local bus company websites for specific routes from Bordeaux.

Driving Rules

France drives on the right side of the road. Speed limits are enforced.

Rules

Drive on the right side of the road.
Speed limits are strictly enforced (e.g., 50 km/h urban, 130 km/h motorways).
Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
Alcohol limits are strict. Hands-free phone use only.

Road Safety Points

Roads in Gironde are generally in excellent condition.
Vineyard roads can be narrow and winding.
Drive with caution on rural roads.

Be aware of cyclists, especially during harvest season.
Drive defensively and adhere to posted speed limits.
Always prioritize road safety.

Waterway Journeys

River Cruises to the Region

Several river cruises operate on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, often including excursions to St-Emilion.

Cruise Details

Excursions typically involve a bus transfer from a docking point.
Docking points include Libourne (on the Dordogne) or Cadillac (on the Garonne).
This option provides a scenic and relaxed way to visit as part of a larger itinerary.

Ferry & Cruise Ports

Direct ferry services or cruise ports for St-Emilion do not exist, as the village is inland.

Port Info

Bordeaux is a cruise port on the Garonne River.
Larger ocean cruises may dock at Le Verdon-sur-Mer.
Connections from Bordeaux cruise port to train station via local tram or taxi.

Departure Logistics

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically paid separately at French airports or train stations.

Timing Recommendations

For international flights from BOD, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. For train departures, arrive 15-20 minutes before.

Station Facilities

BOD offers cafes, shops, lounges. St-Emilion train station is small with basic facilities.

Getting Around Guide

Navigating Your Trip

St-Emilion offers various transportation options, from air to land, catering to different travel styles.

Arriving in St-Emilion