Car Hire Limoges Airport

Car Hire

Travellers flying directly to the Limousin region of France, known for its enamels and porcelain products, will most likely land at the small yet modern Limoges-Bellegarde Airport. Public transport is limited to taxis here, so hiring a car to explore Limoges with its beautiful railway station and surrounding areas is recommended. Drivers can take route D20 from the airport to Limoges, a journey of just a few minutes.

Who to Book With
There are a total of four car hire suppliers at Limoges-Bellegarde Airport. They are Avis, Europcar, Hertz and National/Citer. Their offices are located outside the terminal building in a dedicated area for car rental companies. The area can be reached by exiting the terminal building and walking to the parking lot.

Need to Know Essentials
The renter will need to present the following items:

- Valid national driver's license (held for at least a year)
- Passport or national ID (for EU renters)
- Credit card used for the booking (with sufficient credit to cover all charges)

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Traffic regulations are strictly enforced in France and on-the-spot fines can be issued for offences. When visibility is low, dipped headlights must be used. Speed limits must be strictly observed. In built-up areas, the limit is 31mph. On motorways, it is 80mph. Parking in areas designated as blue zones requires the driver to have a parking disc, easily obtained from tourist offices and police stations. Petrol stations in France accept credit cards. Snow chains, a reflective jacket and a warning triangle must be carried in the car.

See our guide to driving in France for more information.

Transport

Private transport to and from the airport is limited to taxis and car rental. The airport is connected to route D20. Driving south leads to Angoulême and Bordeaux, while north leads to Paris. Both routes can be used to access Limoges, which is located southeast of the airport.

Trains
There is no dedicated train station at Limoges-Bellegarde Airport. There is, however, a renowned train station in the city center, Gare Bénédictins, or Limoges-Benedictine Station, which is a well-known historical landmark in the city. From this station, travellers can reach Paris, Lyon and Toulouse among other French destinations via TGV, Intercites or TER Limousin services.

Taxis
Taxis are the only form of private transport available at the airport year round, aside from car hire. The taxi queue can be found outside the doorways of the ground floor of the main terminal building. The main provider is Allô Artisans Limoges Taxis. Fares use night-time rates from 19:00 to 08:00.

Taxi prices:
Limoges-Bellegarde Airport to Gare Bénédictins (city proper) is about £20

Buses
Bus services are scarce throughout most months of the year. Only in the summer months of June, July, August and September do some buses ply routes between Limoges-Bellegarde Airport and the city, with cheap fares.

Facilities

Terminals
Though Limoges-Bellegarde Airport is a small airport, the facilities here are complete and modern. There is only one main terminal building. The ground floor is where most facilities are located, including the main entrance and exits, and the Arrivals lounge. The first floor has VIP lounges and a restaurant. The lower runway level is the Departures area. The airport receives flights from Lyon via Air France, from Southampton via Flybe, from Marseilles, Nice and Paris-Orly via Twin Jet, and from East Midlands, Liverpool and London-Stansted via Ryanair.

Parking
Car park P1, located right outside the terminal, is for short-term parking, while P2 is a few meters south, behind Lez Alizes Hotel Limoges. It is for long-term parking. Credit cards can be used at the ticket machines inside and outside the terminal building. The first 20 minutes of parking is free. One to three hours costs less than £2.50.

Wi-Fi
The main terminal building has Wi-Fi internet.

Information Services
An information desk is located on the ground floor, right by the doorways.

Useful Numbers
Information Desk: +33 5 55 43 30 30

Accessibility
Lifts and toilets are equipped with provisions for persons with reduced mobility (PRM). There are six parking slots reserved for PRMs at car park P1. There is also a drop-off area for PRMs right by the taxi rank.

Restaurants and Bars
Les Hélices Restaurant is located on the first floor and is accessible via stairs and a lift from inside the terminal building as well as via stairs from outside. A bar/tobacconist/newsagent is located in the public area on the ground floor.

VIP Lounges

First Floor:
Maryse Bastié Lounge

Runway Level:
General Valin Lounge

Money and ATMs
A Caisse d'Epargne ATM can be found right by the Baggage Claim area, behind the Flybe and Ryanair ticket desks on the ground floor.

Shopping
Shopping at the airport is limited to items promoted and sponsored by the airport. These items are sold at the information desk on the ground floor. Items include Sanfourche bags, Sky Golf umbrellas, shirts, caps and towels.