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Arriving at Montpellier Airport
Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport (MPL) is the main international airport serving Montpellier and the surrounding Occitanie region. Located around 11 kilometres south-east of the city centre, it’s a relatively small and easy-to-navigate airport, making arrivals far less stressful than at many of France’s larger airports.
The airport welcomes flights from across France, the United Kingdom and several European destinations throughout the year, with passenger numbers increasing significantly during the summer holiday season. Despite this, the terminal remains compact, allowing most visitors to move from baggage reclaim to the exit in just a few minutes.
Outside the arrivals hall you’ll find clearly signposted airport shuttle buses, taxis, private transfer meeting points and the car hire centre. While Montpellier has one of France’s best tram systems, it’s important to know that the tram does not currently serve the airport terminal directly. Instead, passengers using public transport first travel by the dedicated airport shuttle before transferring onto the city’s tram network.
Whether you’re travelling into Montpellier city centre, heading to Montpellier Saint-Roch Station for an onward train, or making your way to nearby coastal resorts such as Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon, La Grande-Motte or Sète, there are transfer options to suit every budget.
In this guide we’ll compare every available airport transfer, explaining journey times, fares, ticket options, where to board, luggage information and which option is likely to work best for your trip.
| Transfer Option | Typical Journey Time | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle + Tram | 35 to 45 minutes | Budget travellers | Cheapest option. €2.00 single fare. Shuttle connects with Tram Line 1 at Place de l’Europe. |
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 25 minutes to Place de l’Europe | Public transport users | Designed specifically for airport passengers and connects directly with the tram network. |
| Taxi | 15 to 20 minutes | Families and heavy luggage | Door-to-door service with taxis waiting outside the terminal. |
| Uber | 15 to 20 minutes | App users | Upfront pricing and cashless payment through the Uber app. |
| Private Transfer | 15 to 20 minutes | Stress-free arrivals | Driver meets you in the arrivals hall and monitors your flight. |
| Car Hire | 15 to 20 minutes to the city | Exploring Occitanie | Ideal if you’re visiting places such as Sète, Nîmes, La Grande-Motte or the Camargue. |
Montpellier Airport by Public Transport
For most visitors, public transport offers the cheapest way to travel from Montpellier Airport into the city. Although many travellers search for a direct airport tram, there is currently no tram station at the airport terminal. Instead, the journey is completed using a combination of the dedicated airport shuttle and Montpellier’s excellent TaM tram network.
After leaving the terminal, passengers board the airport shuttle, which connects directly with Place de l’Europe, one of the city’s main tram interchanges. From there it’s a simple transfer onto Tram Line 1, with frequent services operating towards the city centre.
The overall journey to Place de la Comédie usually takes between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and your connection with the tram. Montpellier Saint-Roch Station is also easily reached by tram, making this an excellent option for passengers continuing their journey elsewhere in France.
Montpellier’s trams are modern, spacious and fully accessible, with level boarding, dedicated luggage areas and electronic passenger information throughout. The network is easy to understand, even for first-time visitors, and serves many of the city’s main hotels, shopping districts and attractions.
If you’re travelling with light luggage, staying close to a tram stop and looking to keep costs down, public transport is normally the best option.
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Check dealsMontpellier Airport Shuttle Bus
The dedicated Montpellier Airport Shuttle Bus forms the first part of the public transport journey into the city. Operated by Hérault Transport as line 620 on the Occitanie region’s liO network, the service has been designed specifically to connect arriving and departing flights with Montpellier’s tram network.
You’ll find the shuttle stop immediately outside the Arrivals exit, so there’s very little walking involved after collecting your luggage. Buses generally operate throughout the day, with departures scheduled around flight arrivals wherever possible. A single shuttle ticket currently costs €2.00, the standard liO Hérault Transport single-journey fare, and the same ticket also covers onward travel on the TaM tram network within its validity window.
The shuttle travels to Place de l’Europe, calling at Gare de Montpellier Sud de France on the way, with the journey normally taking around 25 minutes, although this may be slightly longer during the morning and evening rush hours. Once there, passengers simply transfer onto Tram Line 1 for the short onward journey into central Montpellier.
Shuttle tickets are sold on board or through the liO app, and a combined shuttle and tram ticket is available for a small premium over the shuttle-only fare. Current fares and timetables are published on Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport’s access page. If you intend to use Montpellier’s trams and buses regularly during your stay, it’s worth considering one of TaM’s day or multi-day passes, which often provide better value than purchasing individual journeys.
The buses are fully air-conditioned and have space for standard holiday luggage, making them suitable for most travellers arriving with suitcases. Because the shuttle is designed for airport passengers, it remains the most practical public transport link between the terminal and the city.
For visitors staying in central Montpellier, the airport shuttle offers an inexpensive, reliable and straightforward way to begin your journey.
Taxi from Montpellier Airport
If convenience is your priority, a taxi is the quickest way to reach your accommodation from Montpellier Airport. Official taxis wait immediately outside the terminal building whenever flights are arriving, so there’s normally no need to pre-book unless you’re travelling during particularly busy holiday periods.
The journey to Place de la Comédie, Montpellier Saint-Roch Station or most hotels in the city centre usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Unlike public transport, there’s no need to change vehicles, making taxis particularly attractive if you’re travelling with young children, heavy luggage, arriving late at night or simply want a door-to-door service.
Fares are metered and vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions and your exact destination. Additional charges may apply for journeys during the night, on public holidays or when carrying unusually large items of luggage. Most taxis accept credit cards and contactless payments, although carrying a small amount of cash is always sensible.
If you’re travelling as a family or small group, the cost per person can be surprisingly reasonable when shared between several passengers. For many visitors, especially those staying outside the tram network or heading directly to nearby coastal resorts, a taxi offers the easiest and most comfortable start to their holiday.
Uber, Bolt and Ride-Hailing Apps
For many travellers, Uber and Bolt offer a convenient alternative to taking a traditional taxi from Montpellier Airport. Both ride-hailing apps operate throughout Montpellier and are widely used by both residents and visitors, often providing slightly lower fares than standard taxis, although prices vary depending on demand.
After collecting your luggage, book your journey through the Uber app and you’ll be directed to the designated pick-up area outside the terminal. During quieter periods, drivers usually arrive within a few minutes, while waiting times may be slightly longer following the arrival of several flights or during major events in the city.
The journey into Montpellier city centre normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, with direct drop-offs available at hotels, apartments and private accommodation. Uber is also a popular choice for passengers travelling to nearby destinations such as Carnon, Palavas-les-Flots, La Grande-Motte, Sète and other resorts along the Mediterranean coast.
One of Uber’s biggest advantages is knowing the estimated fare before confirming your booking. Payment is made automatically through the app, removing the need for cash and making the service particularly convenient for international visitors.
If you already use Uber at home, it’s one of the simplest ways to continue your journey after arriving in Montpellier.
Private Airport Transfers
If you’d rather avoid queues, changing onto public transport or searching for a taxi after landing, a private airport transfer is the most comfortable way to travel from Montpellier Airport.
After making your booking in advance, your driver will monitor your flight and adjust the collection time if your aircraft arrives early or late. Once you’ve collected your luggage, you’ll normally be met inside the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name before being escorted directly to your waiting vehicle.
Private transfers provide a door-to-door service, taking you directly to your hotel, apartment, holiday villa or business address without any intermediate stops. This makes them particularly popular with families travelling with children, visitors carrying heavy luggage, groups sharing the cost, business travellers and anyone arriving after a long flight.
Vehicles range from standard saloons to larger people carriers capable of accommodating families or groups with multiple suitcases. Child seats can usually be requested during the booking process if required.
Although private transfers generally cost more than public transport, many visitors consider the additional convenience worthwhile, particularly when arriving late in the evening, travelling with lots of luggage or staying outside Montpellier’s tram network.
Start Your Montpellier Trip with Welcome Pickups
Take care of your first journey in Montpellier before you leave home by arranging a private airport pickup with Welcome Pickups.
It is a useful option when carrying luggage, arriving outside normal transport hours, or simply wanting to travel directly from the terminal to where you are staying.
See how other Montpellier transfer providers compare. You can also check another transfer provider before booking.
Car Hire at Montpellier Airport
If you’re planning to explore Occitanie, the Camargue, Provence or the Mediterranean coastline, hiring a car at Montpellier Airport gives you the greatest flexibility.
The airport is served by several well-known international and local car hire companies, with rental desks located close to the terminal building. Collecting your vehicle is usually quick and straightforward, allowing you to leave the airport shortly after landing and begin your journey immediately.
Driving into Montpellier city centre normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes, while nearby destinations such as Palavas-les-Flots, Carnon, La Grande-Motte, Sète, Nîmes, Arles, Avignon and the Pont du Gard are all within comfortable driving distance. A hire car also makes it much easier to explore the vineyards of Languedoc, picturesque hill villages and many of the region’s lesser-known beaches that are difficult to reach using public transport.
If you only intend to spend your time within Montpellier itself, hiring a car isn’t usually necessary. The city has an excellent tram network, and parking in the historic centre can be both limited and expensive. However, if your itinerary includes exploring the wider region, collecting a vehicle directly from the airport is often the most practical choice.
As with most French airports, booking your hire car well in advance generally secures the best prices and the widest choice of vehicles, especially during the busy summer holiday season.
Explore Montpellier with a Hire Car
Hiring a car can open up more of Montpellier and its surrounding region, giving you the freedom to travel beyond the main public transport routes.
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Travelling to Montpellier Saint-Roch Station
If you’re continuing your journey by train, Montpellier Saint-Roch Station is the city’s principal railway station and the main departure point for TGV high-speed trains, regional TER services and many long-distance routes across France.
Using public transport, take the Airport Shuttle Bus to Place de l’Europe, then transfer onto Tram Line 1, which serves Saint-Roch Station directly. The complete journey normally takes around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on your connection.
Travelling by taxi, Uber or private transfer is considerably quicker, with most journeys taking 15 to 20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. This can be the better option if you’re carrying heavy luggage or need to catch a specific train.
From Montpellier Saint-Roch, direct services operate to destinations including Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Avignon, Nîmes, Toulouse, Perpignan, Barcelona and many other French and European cities, making it an important transport hub for visitors exploring southern France.
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Check transfersTravelling to Montpellier Sud de France Station
While Montpellier Saint-Roch remains the city’s principal railway station, some TGV high-speed services now use Montpellier Sud de France Station, located on the eastern outskirts of the city. If you’re travelling onwards to destinations such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Barcelona or Spain, it’s worth checking carefully which station your train departs from before leaving the airport.
Getting there is easier than many visitors expect, because the Airport Shuttle Bus calls at Gare de Montpellier Sud de France on its way into the city, so no change of vehicle is needed. The one exception is Sunday, when the shuttle does not serve the station and you will need a taxi, Uber or private transfer instead.
If you’re carrying luggage or have a tight connection, a taxi, Uber or private airport transfer is usually the easier option. The journey by road normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and provides a direct door-to-door service without the need to change transport.
Because many visitors accidentally arrive at the wrong railway station, it’s always worth checking your ticket carefully before travelling. Montpellier Saint-Roch and Montpellier Sud de France serve different services, and travelling to the incorrect station could result in missing your train.
If you’re connecting with a TGV, allowing plenty of extra time is sensible, particularly during the busy summer months when both road traffic and public transport can be busier than usual.
Getting to Popular Resorts from Montpellier Airport
Montpellier Airport is perfectly positioned for exploring some of the most popular destinations along the Occitanie coastline. Whether you’re heading for a beach holiday, a city break or a tour of southern France, several well-known resorts are within easy reach.
The nearest destination is Carnon, located only a few kilometres from the airport. A taxi, Uber or private transfer normally takes around 10 minutes, making it one of the quickest journeys available.
Just beyond Carnon lies Palavas-les-Flots, one of the region’s best-loved seaside resorts. By road, the journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, while visitors using public transport should expect a longer journey involving the airport shuttle and local buses.
Further east, La Grande-Motte can normally be reached in approximately 20 minutes by taxi or hire car. Known for its distinctive modern architecture, marina and long sandy beaches, it’s one of the most popular holiday destinations on this stretch of coastline.
Visitors travelling to Sète should allow around 35 to 45 minutes by road, while the historic Roman city of Nîmes is approximately 45 minutes away by car. If you’re continuing further into Provence, destinations including Arles and Avignon are also comfortably reached within around one to one and a half hours, depending on traffic.
If you’re planning to explore several towns during your holiday, car hire usually offers the greatest flexibility. However, for visitors staying in a single resort, a private transfer can often provide a more relaxing start to your trip.
Which Montpellier Airport Transfer is Best?
The right transfer depends entirely on your budget, where you’re staying and how much luggage you’re carrying.
If you’re staying in Montpellier city centre close to a tram stop, the combination of the Airport Shuttle Bus and Tram Line 1 is normally the best-value option. Although it involves one simple change, it’s inexpensive, reliable and connects directly with many of the city’s main hotels and attractions.
For visitors arriving late at night, travelling with young children or carrying heavy luggage, a taxi, Uber or private transfer is usually the better choice. The journey is considerably quicker than public transport and takes you directly to your accommodation without changing vehicles.
If your holiday includes exploring destinations such as Palavas-les-Flots, La Grande-Motte, Sète, Nîmes, the Camargue or the surrounding vineyards, car hire provides by far the greatest flexibility. Collecting your vehicle at the airport also saves returning to the city centre before beginning your road trip.
Whichever option you choose, Montpellier Airport is small, well organised and easy to navigate, making onward travel straightforward for both first-time visitors and experienced travellers alike.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Montpellier Airport is one of the easiest airports in southern France to use, but choosing the right transfer can make your arrival even smoother.
- Use the Airport Shuttle if you’re staying in the city: It connects directly with Tram Line 1, giving you an inexpensive way to reach most central hotels.
- Travelling onwards by train? Double-check whether your ticket departs from Montpellier Saint-Roch or Montpellier Sud de France. Many visitors accidentally travel to the wrong station.
- Compare rail tickets with Omio: If you’re continuing to destinations such as Nîmes, Avignon, Marseille, Lyon, Paris or Barcelona, booking your train through Omio makes it easy to compare operators, prices and departure times in one place.
- Hiring a car? Collecting it at the airport is usually easier than returning to the city centre later, especially if you’re planning to explore the beaches, vineyards and villages of Occitanie.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Montpellier Airport from the city centre?
Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport is located approximately 11 kilometres (7 miles) south-east of the city centre. The journey typically takes 15 to 20 minutes by taxi or Uber, or around 35 to 45 minutes using the Airport Shuttle Bus and Tram Line 1.
Is there a tram from Montpellier Airport?
No. There is currently no tram station at Montpellier Airport. Passengers first travel on the dedicated Airport Shuttle Bus to Place de l’Europe, where they transfer to Tram Line 1 for onward journeys into Montpellier.
How much is a taxi from Montpellier Airport to the city centre?
Taxi fares vary depending on the time of day, traffic conditions and your exact destination. The journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, with official taxis available directly outside the arrivals terminal.
Does Uber operate at Montpellier Airport?
Yes. Both Uber and Bolt operate from Montpellier Airport and can be booked using their apps after you collect your luggage. Pick-up takes place from the designated collection area outside the terminal.
Should I hire a car at Montpellier Airport?
If you’re planning to explore Occitanie, the Camargue, Nîmes, Sète, La Grande-Motte or the surrounding coastline, hiring a car is an excellent choice. However, if you’re staying solely in Montpellier city centre, the city’s excellent public transport network usually makes a hire car unnecessary.
How do I get from Montpellier Airport to Saint-Roch Station?
Take the Airport Shuttle Bus to Place de l’Europe, then transfer onto Tram Line 1 for Montpellier Saint-Roch Station. Alternatively, a taxi, Uber or private transfer provides a direct journey in around 15 to 20 minutes.
What’s the difference between Montpellier Saint-Roch and Montpellier Sud de France stations?
Montpellier Saint-Roch is the city’s main central railway station and is within walking distance of the historic centre. Montpellier Sud de France is located outside the city and is used by some TGV high-speed services. Always check your ticket carefully before travelling to ensure you’re heading to the correct station.
What’s the best way to get from Montpellier Airport to the city?
For most visitors, the Airport Shuttle Bus followed by Tram Line 1 offers the best balance of price, convenience and reliability. If you’re travelling with heavy luggage, arriving late at night or staying outside the tram network, a taxi, Uber or private transfer may be the more convenient option.
Further Reading
Continue planning your trip with our guides to Things to Do in Montpellier and Day Trips from Montpellier, where you’ll find everything you need to explore the city and make the most of the wider Occitanie region. If you’re continuing your trip around the region, our guides to Things to Do in Béziers and Things to Do in Narbonne are well worth a look.
If you’re arriving by train or planning further rail travel around France, our Interrail France Pass Guide and Carte Avantage France guide explain how to save money on TGV and TER journeys, while our Eurostar Guide covers everything you need to know if you’re travelling from the UK.
