I find that understanding the nuances of each airport can transform what might be a stressful experience into a smooth, even enjoyable part of your trip. Today, I want to share my detailed experience and insider tips for navigating Nantes Atlantique Airport (IATA: NTE), one of western France’s key air travel hubs.
My Personal Flight Experience: Rennes to Nantes on Volotea Flight V7 1234
Recently, I flew from Rennes to Nantes—a short domestic hop that allowed me to truly appreciate the convenience and efficiency of regional flights in France. I booked Volotea flight V7 1234, a 45-minute journey departing from Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS) and landing at Nantes Atlantique Airport.
Booking and Ticket Details
I booked my one-way economy class ticket through the official Volotea website. The price was €45, quite reasonable for a last-minute booking about two weeks before departure. Volotea often runs seasonal promotions, and I managed to snag a 10% discount using a promotional code on the platform.
For a return ticket, prices typically double—averaging around €80 to €90 depending on how far ahead you book. Booking round-trip often unlocks slight savings compared to two separate one-ways. I highly recommend using either Volotea’s website directly or a flight aggregator like Skyscanner or Kayak to compare prices.
Economy Class Experience
Volotea’s economy cabin on this route was surprisingly comfortable for a short flight. The seats had decent legroom and were clean and well-maintained. Although no meals were served on this short hop, I appreciated the option to purchase snacks and beverages onboard. The boarding process was smooth, with clear instructions and efficient handling by the cabin crew.
The flight itself was timely, departing and arriving as scheduled. From my window seat, I enjoyed beautiful views of the Loire Valley during descent into Nantes—a nice bonus that made the short flight memorable.
Personal Takeaway
For me, flying between Rennes and Nantes was a practical choice to save time compared to a two-hour train or road journey. I would recommend this flight to anyone seeking speed and convenience. The airport experiences at both ends were seamless, and Volotea provided good value for a no-frills, short-haul flight.
Overview of Nantes Atlantique Airport
Nantes Atlantique Airport is located approximately 8 kilometers southwest of Nantes city center, in the town of Bouguenais. It is a modern, medium-sized airport serving around 7 million passengers annually, offering both domestic and international flights.
Arrival and Departure Facilities
The airport has one main terminal building divided into two halls: Domestic and International. The layout is user-friendly, with clear signage in French and English, making it easy for travelers to navigate. Check-in counters are well organized, and there are plenty of kiosks for self-service check-in.
Upon arrival, baggage claim is quick, with multiple carousels depending on your flight. Customs and immigration lines tend to be short except during peak holiday seasons.
Services and Amenities
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Registration is simple and offers good speeds.
- Lounges: Nantes Atlantique has one main lounge, the Salon Atlantique, accessible to business class passengers, frequent flyers, or via paid entry. The lounge provides comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and charging stations.
- Shops & Dining: Numerous boutiques, duty-free shops, cafés, and restaurants are available, including local specialties like Breton pastries.
- Accessibility: The airport is fully accessible for travelers with reduced mobility, including ramps, elevators, and dedicated assistance.
Transportation Options to and from Nantes Airport
Getting to the city center or beyond is straightforward with multiple options:
1. Tramway Line 1
The airport is directly served by Nantes’ efficient tram system. Line 1 connects the airport to the city center in approximately 30 minutes. The tram stop is just outside the terminal, marked clearly. Trams run every 10-15 minutes from early morning until late evening.
Tickets cost around €1.70 one-way, available from machines at the tram stop. You can also purchase day passes or multi-ride tickets for savings.
2. Buses
Several bus lines connect the airport to surrounding towns and Nantes suburbs. The TAN (Transports de l’Agglomération Nantaise) network operates these services, offering economical transportation.
3. Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available outside the arrivals hall. A typical taxi ride to downtown Nantes costs about €20-25 and takes 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Ride-sharing apps like Uber operate here as well, often at slightly lower rates.
4. Car Rentals
Most major car rental companies have desks in the terminal, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore the Loire Valley or Brittany countryside.
Recommended Flights from Rennes to Nantes and Beyond
Aside from my Volotea flight, here are four other airlines and routes to consider:
1. Air France (Flight AF123)
Air France operates daily flights between Rennes and Nantes, often connecting through Paris. This route is ideal if you prefer full-service carriers. Economy fares start around €60 one-way, with business class options for about €120.
2. EasyJet (Flight U2134)
EasyJet offers low-cost flights on select days, focusing mostly on international routes but with occasional domestic services. Prices are competitive, around €40-50, but services are minimal.
3. Chalair Aviation
A regional airline offering flexible schedules and occasional charter flights. While smaller and less frequent, they provide reliable service for niche routes within western France.
4. TUI Fly France
Primarily focused on holiday destinations, TUI Fly occasionally offers seasonal routes connecting Nantes to other French cities and Europe, useful for those combining Nantes travel with leisure.
Nearby Airports and Alternatives: Expanding Your Travel Options Around Nantes
While Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is the primary gateway for most travelers visiting the Nantes metropolitan area, there are several nearby airports and alternative transportation hubs that can offer additional flexibility, potentially better flight options, or even cost savings. Depending on your itinerary, timing, and budget, exploring these alternatives might be worthwhile.
1. Rennes Bretagne Airport (RNS)
Located about 100 kilometers east of Nantes, Rennes Bretagne Airport is the closest major alternative. Rennes airport serves as the air travel hub for the Brittany region and offers a wide range of domestic flights, as well as some international connections mainly across Europe.
- Distance & Access: The drive from Rennes to Nantes takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car via the A84 and A81 highways. Public transportation options, including trains and buses, connect the two cities efficiently.
- Flight Options: Rennes is served by airlines such as Air France, Ryanair, and Volotea. It offers flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports, London Stansted, Dublin, and other key European cities.
- Advantages: If Nantes flights are fully booked or expensive, Rennes can be a great alternative, especially if you plan to explore Brittany before or after your stay in Nantes. Additionally, Rennes airport is smaller and often less crowded, which can make for a more relaxed travel experience.
- Drawbacks: Since it is about 100 km away, you will need to factor in extra travel time and costs to reach Nantes. However, high-speed train options and well-maintained roads make this manageable.
2. La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport (LRH)
Situated approximately 120 kilometers south of Nantes, La Rochelle – Île de Ré Airport serves the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region and is another useful alternative, particularly for travelers visiting the Atlantic coast.
- Distance & Access: By car, the airport is roughly a 1 hour 30 minute drive from Nantes via the A83 and A10 motorways. Public transport options are more limited but can be arranged with some planning.
- Flight Options: La Rochelle Airport handles seasonal flights and is popular with low-cost carriers, especially Ryanair. You can often find good deals to UK cities, Spain, and other parts of France.
- Advantages: La Rochelle’s airport is convenient for those combining a trip to Nantes with visits to the nearby beaches and islands like Île de Ré. It is smaller and less busy, which might reduce stress during travel.
- Drawbacks: Limited flight schedules and fewer direct connections compared to Nantes Atlantique mean this airport is best suited for specific itineraries or seasonal travelers.
3. Brest Bretagne Airport (BES)
Located further northwest in Brittany, Brest Bretagne Airport is a larger regional airport serving the Finistère department. It is around 250 kilometers from Nantes, making it less convenient but still relevant depending on your travel plans.
- Distance & Access: Driving from Brest to Nantes takes about 3 hours. Train services connect the cities but require transfers and longer travel times.
- Flight Options: Brest offers flights to Paris, London, and a few other destinations, mainly served by Air France and easyJet.
- Advantages: Brest airport can be an option if you’re exploring northern Brittany or western France more broadly and want to incorporate Nantes into a multi-city trip.
- Drawbacks: The distance from Nantes means it’s not ideal for quick arrivals or departures focused solely on Nantes.
4. Nantes Train Station (Gare de Nantes)
While not an airport, Nantes Train Station is a crucial transportation hub offering an excellent alternative to flying, especially within France and neighboring countries.
- High-Speed Rail Connections: The Gare de Nantes is served by the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), connecting Nantes to Paris in approximately 2 hours. Regular regional trains link Nantes to Brittany, the Loire Valley, and beyond.
- Advantages: Train travel is often faster door-to-door when factoring in airport transfers and security checks. It’s also more environmentally friendly and can be more economical if booked early.
- Convenience: The train station is located in the city center, making it easy to combine arrival or departure with your accommodation.
- Drawbacks: International flights require airport access, so train travel works best for domestic or nearby European destinations.
Bonus: Additional Nearby Airports Worth Mentioning
- Angers Loire Airport (ANE): Approximately 90 kilometers northeast of Nantes, Angers serves some regional flights and charter services. It’s smaller and less connected but could be an option in certain cases.
- La Rochelle Train Station: If considering a combined train and flight itinerary, La Rochelle train station connects well to the airport and coastal regions.
By considering these airports and alternatives, travelers can craft flexible itineraries, discover new regions, and potentially save on airfare or travel time. Each option has its unique advantages and trade-offs, so it’s important to weigh what fits best with your personal travel goals.
Useful Tips for Travelers Using Nantes Airport
- Arrive Early: Although it’s a medium-sized airport, check-in and security can take longer during holidays or weekends.
- Use the Tram: It’s cost-effective and reliable. Avoid taxis if you’re on a budget.
- Book Early: Flight prices vary widely, so book at least a month in advance for the best fares.
- Check Baggage Policies: Low-cost carriers have strict baggage allowances—read the fine print to avoid fees.
- Lounge Access: If you want a quiet place to relax, consider purchasing a lounge pass in advance online.
- Currency Exchange: The airport offers exchange counters but with less favorable rates; better to exchange before arrival or withdraw local currency from ATMs.
Navigating Nantes Atlantique Airport is straightforward, well-organized, and traveler-friendly. My flight from Rennes with Volotea was smooth and comfortable, and the airport’s excellent transportation links make it easy to reach the city or explore the beautiful Loire-Atlantique region.
Whether you are flying for business, leisure, or connecting onward, I recommend giving yourself plenty of time, checking flight options carefully, and using public transport for the best experience.
Nantes itself is a fantastic gateway to Western France, rich in culture, cuisine, and history. Flying in and out of Nantes Atlantique Airport adds to the overall ease and enjoyment of discovering this vibrant city.
