Nantes Atlantique Airport

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is not merely an air hub, but a true gateway to the picturesque region of France, the famous Loire Valley, and historic Brittany. Located just a few kilometres from the city of Nantes, it welcomes and sees off millions of travellers annually, opening the way to ancient castles, endless vineyards, and the Atlantic coast. As the largest airport in the west of the country, it serves as a vital node for both domestic and international flights, offering modern service and convenient navigation.

For the convenience of travellers, key information about the airport is presented below.

Nantes Atlantique Airport is distinguished by its compactness and thoughtful organisation. It consists of a single L-shaped terminal divided into four halls, making movement within it simple and intuitive. Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the territory, Duty Free shops, various cafes and restaurants, as well as automatic terminals for tax refunds (Détaxe). For travellers with children, a mother and child room is provided, and medical assistance is available if needed. Getting to the city centre is easy: a special shuttle bus will take you to the main train station or the central square in approximately 20-30 minutes.

Below you will find the main contact information for Nantes Atlantique Airport, which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: For the most complete and up-to-date information, including flight schedules, services, and news, visit the official web resource: www.nantes.aeroport.fr.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +33 2 40 84 80 00.
• Airport Address: Aéroport Nantes Atlantique, 44346 Bouguenais, France.
• Email: A direct email address for general queries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the airport's official website for communication.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost items in the terminal or your luggage has not arrived, you will find all necessary information and contacts for the search service (Objets Trouvés / Lost & Found) in the corresponding section on the official website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The main phone number and the feedback form on the website are used for passenger support. Airlines also provide their own contacts for questions directly related to the flight.

Getting to Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) from the centre of Nantes is possible in several ways, allowing travellers to choose the most convenient option depending on budget and time. The airport is located approximately 10-12 kilometres southwest of the city, and the journey usually does not take much time.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical method. The direct shuttle "Navette Aéroport" is the fastest option. It runs between the airport, the city centre (Commerce stop), and the main railway station (Gare de Nantes). The trip takes about 20-25 minutes, and the ticket cost is approximately 9-10 Euros. This is an excellent balance between price and speed. For a more budget-friendly journey, you can use the regular city bus No. 38, which connects with tram line 3 at the "Pirmil" stop. This route will be cheaper but will take significantly more time due to numerous stops.

Taxis and Transfers offer maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or with family. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take about 20 minutes (depending on traffic conditions) and will cost approximately 30-40 Euros. Ride-hailing services such as Uber are also available in Nantes, which may offer competitive prices. Booking a private transfer in advance can be a good idea during peak hours.

If you plan to explore the picturesque Loire region by car, then car rental is your choice. Offices of all major international and local rental companies are present at Nantes Atlantique Airport. The road to the airport by car is simple — it is conveniently located near the city ring road (périphérique). For those arriving in their own vehicle, various parking options are provided on the airport territory: from express lots for quick passenger drop-off to long-term car parks at more favourable rates.

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) has a fairly simple and clear structure, making navigation easy even for those visiting for the first time. In fact, the airport consists of one main terminal, which is divided into four adjacent halls (designated as Hall 1, Hall 2, Hall 3, and Hall 4).

The airport layout represents a single elongated building. All halls are located on one level and are connected to each other before the security control zone, so you can move freely between them. The Arrivals zone is on the ground floor (Level 0), where car rental desks and exits to taxis and buses are also located. The Departures zone, check-in counters, and security checkpoints are on the first floor (Level 1).

Each hall serves specific airlines and destinations:

• Halls 1, 2, and 3 are the main ones and serve most flights, including Air France, flights within the Schengen zone, and some international destinations.
• Hall 4 is often used by budget airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair. It is located slightly to the side but is also within walking distance of the others.

Going through procedures at Nantes airport usually does not take much time, as it is not a giant international hub. Nevertheless, during peak seasons (summer, holidays), queues may arise. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before domestic or Schengen flights and 2.5-3 hours before international flights.

For convenient navigation, look carefully at your ticket or boarding pass — the Hall number from which your departure takes place is always indicated there. Signs in the terminal building are clear and intuitive. Since everything is in one building, you will not need shuttles or long transfers to change halls.

The history of the airport of Nantes, known today as Nantes Atlantique (NTE), begins in 1928, when a military airfield was created on the southern outskirts of the city, in the Château-Bougon area. Initially, it was intended for the needs of the army and the aviation industry, and its first runway was grass.

A key and dramatic period in the airport's history was the years of the Second World War. After the occupation of France, it was used as a base for the German air force. In 1943, the airfield was subjected to massive Allied bombing, resulting in the infrastructure being almost completely destroyed. Post-war reconstruction became a new starting point, and in 1951, the first civil terminal was opened, marking the beginning of the era of commercial transport.

With the development of jet aviation, the airport was actively modernised. In the 1960s, the runway was lengthened to accommodate Caravelle-type aircraft, and later larger liners. A real breakthrough occurred in the late 1980s: in 1988, the airport received its modern name "Nantes Atlantique", emphasising its growing importance as an international transport hub. In parallel, the construction of a new, more spacious terminal was carried out, which forms the basis of the complex today.

In the 2000s, with the arrival of budget airlines on the market, passenger traffic began to grow rapidly. This required further expansion: new departure and arrival halls were built, infrastructure was upgraded, and the number of parking spaces was increased. Today, Nantes Atlantique Airport is one of the largest in western France, serving millions of passengers annually and constantly working to improve service quality while preserving the memory of its long and rich history.

Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. Whether you are travelling for business, with family, or going on holiday, you will find everything you need here. The terminal houses various cafes and restaurants where you can have a quick snack with a sandwich or a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, shops are open, including Duty Free, where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs from France.

For those who value comfort and privacy, a VIP lounge operates at the airport. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, read the latest press, or work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected. For business travellers, equipped work zones or meeting rooms may be available.

In the airport of Nantes, all essential services are provided for passenger convenience. There are ATMs and currency exchange points, which is particularly convenient for international tourists. A medical point operates in case of illness or the need for first aid. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available, and in some zones, there are play areas to help occupy little ones before departure.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided for moving around the terminal, boarding, and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance about the need for such services. If you have an early flight or a long layover, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, where you can rest comfortably.

At Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE), you will find sufficient options for a snack or a full meal to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight. Dining establishments are located both in the public zone before security control and in the secure departure zone, offering menus to suit any taste and budget.

In the main public zone of the airport (landside), coffee shops and bakeries such as Brioche Dorée are usually located, where you can quickly have a coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or have arrived at the airport early. Bars offering beverages and light snacks can also be found here.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice becomes wider. For those in a hurry, fast food outlets and "to go" coffee shops are available. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, pay attention to brasserie-style restaurants, for example, Le Grand Comptoir. Here you can order French cuisine and try local culinary specialties, for example, a glass of Muscadet wine from the Loire Valley. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of travel without leaving the terminal.

Most establishments offer vegetarian options; however, choices for vegans or those requiring gluten-free or Halal meals may be limited. It is recommended to study the menu carefully or ask staff for clarification. The price range varies from budget cafes to mid-range restaurants, but it is worth remembering that prices at the airport are typically higher than in the city. Opening hours of most cafes and restaurants are tied to the flight schedule, although some may close earlier in the evening.

To ensure your journey through Nantes Airport goes smoothly, use these tips. They will help save time, reduce stress, and even save money, making the start or end of your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival time at the airport: For domestic flights within France and flights within the Schengen zone, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure. If you have an international flight outside Schengen, it is better to allow 2.5-3 hours. This time is sufficient to check in without rushing, drop off luggage, and pass all controls. If you are travelling light and have checked in online, you can arrive slightly later.

Check-in and Security Control: The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on your airline's website. This way, you can proceed directly to baggage drop (if you have any) or to security. Before passing security control, prepare your boarding pass in advance, remove all metal objects from your pockets, and take out your laptop and other large gadgets, as well as your bag of liquids, from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: Do you want to admire the clouds and views during takeoff and landing? Choose a window seat. Do you prefer the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs without disturbing neighbours? Your choice is an aisle seat. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but airlines may charge an additional fee for them and have specific requirements for passengers.

Hand Luggage Rules: Standard international rules apply here. All liquids (gels, creams, aerosols) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent zip-lock bag. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, or flammable substances in the cabin. Check the allowed weight and dimensions of hand luggage on your airline's website — they may differ.

Passengers with Connections: If you have a connecting flight in Nantes, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be automatically transferred to the next flight or if you need to collect it and check it in again. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one (or vice versa), you will have to pass passport control.

Customs Control: Upon arrival from a country outside the EU, you will need to pass through customs. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods the quantity or value of which exceeds established limits (for example, large quantities of alcohol or tobacco), you must go through the "Red Channel" and declare them.

Saving Time and Money: To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security control. Food and beverages at the airport are always more expensive, so you can bring a light snack with you. If you are driving, it is more economical to book parking online in advance.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, under EU rules, you may be entitled to beverages, meals, and for long waits, hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses and do not forget the rights provided by your travel insurance.