Beauvais-Tille Airport

Airport Features and Advantages

The main highlight of Beauvais is its specialisation in budget flights. Major European low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, are based here, allowing tourists to find flights for the price of a lunch in a Parisian café. The airport is compact and consists of two small terminals located within walking distance of each other, so it is practically impossible to get lost here, and completing formalities takes minimal time.

For the convenience of passengers, a direct bus service to Paris has been organised: official shuttles run between the airport and the Porte Maillot station, adjusted to the flight schedule. It is important to remember a unique feature of Beauvais — the nighttime "curfew". The airport closes at night (usually from 23:30 to 06:00) to maintain silence in the surrounding area, so you cannot sleep inside the terminal, which should be taken into account when planning connections or early departures.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA). We recommend checking the official resources for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.aeroportparisbeauvais.com — here you will find the most current information about flights, services, and airport rules.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +33 3 44 11 41 41 (for calls from outside France). Please note that a different, premium rate number may be used for calls within France.
• Address: Route de l'Aéroport, 60000 Tillé, France.
• Email: A direct email address for general questions is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official pages on popular social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost your belongings within the airport, you should fill out a special form in the "Objets trouvés" (Found Objects) section on the official website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most general questions, you can contact the main inquiry service phone number or use the feedback form on the website.

Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) is located approximately 85 km north of Paris and is a hub for many budget airlines. Due to its significant distance from the city, it is important to carefully plan your route to reach the terminal on time. There are several ways to travel from the centre of Paris to Beauvais Airport.

Official Shuttle Bus (Aérobus)

This is the most popular and convenient way to get to Beauvais Airport. Special shuttle buses run between Paris and the airport, with their schedule coordinated with flight departure and arrival times.

• Departure Point: Pershing Bus Station, located near the metro and RER station Porte Maillot (Metro Line 1).
• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, however, always allow extra time for possible traffic jams, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to leave at least 3-4 hours before your flight.
• Cost: This is the most economical option. The ticket price when purchased online is usually lower than at the ticket counter on-site. Tickets can be purchased on the airport's official website.
• Features: Buses start running 3 hours before the first morning flight and finish operating after the arrival of the last evening flight.

Train and City Bus

This option is less convenient and takes more time, but is also possible. First, you need to take a TER train from Gare du Nord (North Station) in Paris to the city of Beauvais. The train journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. From the Beauvais train station to the airport, you can take a local bus (Line No. 6) or a taxi, which will take another 15-20 minutes. This method may be justified if you wish to see the city of Beauvais itself first.

Taxi and Transfer

Taking a taxi is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive method. Due to the long distance, the cost of a trip from the centre of Paris will be very high (estimated between 180 and 250 euros depending on the time of day and traffic). This may be a viable option for a large group of travellers. A more price-predictable option is to book a private transfer in advance through a specialised company.

Car Rental and Parking

If you are travelling by car, you can reach the airport via the A16 motorway. The journey will take about an hour and a half, excluding traffic. Note that some sections of the road are tolled. Renting a car in France gives freedom of movement, but may not be practical solely for a trip to the airport. Beauvais Airport has several official car parks (P1, P2, P4) where you can leave your car for both short and long periods. The cost depends on the duration of parking and its distance from the terminal.

It is worth noting that the capital's main international airports, Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport, are located significantly closer to the city and offer more public transport options.

Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) is distinguished by a compact and clear structure, which makes navigating it quite simple even for those visiting for the first time. The airport consists of two terminals — T1 and T2, which serve both Schengen and non-Schengen flights, primarily for budget airlines.

The terminals are two separate buildings located in immediate proximity to each other. Moving between them does not take much time — it is enough to walk a few minutes along a special covered pedestrian walkway. No shuttles or buses are required for this, which is very convenient for transfers or if you have mistakenly arrived at the wrong terminal. It is important to check your ticket in advance to see exactly which terminal — T1 or T2 — your flight departs from.

Terminal 1 (T1) is older and slightly larger in size. Terminal 2 (T2) is more modern, built to increase the airport's capacity. Both terminals have a similar, very simple layout: check-in counters and the arrival area are located on the ground floor, and after passing security control, passengers enter a small departure hall with shops and cafés. Despite their simplicity, the terminals are very functional and designed for rapid passenger processing.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. Upon arrival, you will quickly pass passport control (if necessary) and enter the baggage claim hall, from which there is a direct exit to the street towards bus stops and car parks. In the departure zone, all procedures are also organised sequentially: flight check-in, baggage drop, security control, and passport control.

Despite the small size of the airport, queues can form at check-in counters and security checks during peak hours, especially before the departure of popular flights. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5 hours before a flight within the Schengen zone and 3 hours before an international flight. This time is usually sufficient to calmly complete all formalities without unnecessary haste.

The history of Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) is a striking example of how a small regional airfield can transform into an important international hub thanks to a new business model. Its journey began in the 1930s, when a military airfield was built on this site. During World War II, it was used by the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), and after liberation, by Allied forces. These military roots laid the foundation for future aviation infrastructure.

After the war, the airfield was restored and opened for commercial civilian flights in 1956, receiving the official name Beauvais-Tillé Airport. For decades, it remained a modest regional airport, serving mainly domestic and charter flights. Its scale was incomparable to the giants Orly and, later, Charles de Gaulle.

The turning point in Beauvais' history was the late 1990s, specifically 1997, when the Irish budget airline Ryanair chose it as its base for flights to Paris. This decision radically changed the fate of the airport. The focus on low-cost carriers led to explosive growth in passenger traffic. Following Ryanair, other budget carriers such as Wizz Air arrived, turning Beauvais into a main hub for thrifty travellers heading to the capital of France.

To cope with growing popularity, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation. The most significant event was the opening of the second terminal in 2010. This reconstruction allowed for a significant increase in capacity and improved the quality of passenger service. Today, the airport continues to develop, adapting to the needs of budget airlines and their clients.

One of the most interesting facts about Beauvais-Tillé Airport is its marketing positioning. Despite being located approximately 85 kilometres from the centre of Paris, thanks to low-cost carriers, it is firmly associated with the capital. Its history is not so much about records of height or speed, but an achievement in logistics and business: it proved that even a remote airfield can become a gateway to one of the world's most visited cities for millions of tourists.

Beauvais-Tillé Airport, despite its compactness and focus on budget airlines, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable journey. In the terminals, you will find several cafés, snack bars, and fast-food restaurants where you can have a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee. For those wishing to shop, there are stores, including a classic Duty Free with a selection of perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery.

Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected. Also, there are power outlets and USB ports in the waiting halls for charging gadgets. ATMs and currency exchange points are provided for financial matters. It is worth noting that there are no specialised VIP halls or business lounges at Beauvais Airport; waiting areas are common for all categories of passengers.

For travellers with small children, baby care rooms are equipped where you can change and feed your baby in a quiet environment. Comprehensive support is provided for passengers with reduced mobility. This service must be booked in advance through the airline (at least 48 hours before departure), and upon arrival at the airport, special staff will assist with check-in, passing controls, and boarding. A first aid station also operates on the airport premises.

If you need accommodation, there are several hotels located near the airport, reachable on foot or by shuttle. However, for business travellers, it is worth noting that Beauvais-Tillé Airport does not have conference rooms or business centres, as it is primarily oriented towards serving tourist traffic.

Despite its compact size, Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal. The majority of dining establishments are focused on quick service, which is convenient for travellers using budget airlines.

In both terminals, T1 and T2, you will find cafés and dining outlets both in the public area (before security control) and in the departure zone (airside). These are mainly grab-and-go format establishments offering sandwiches, salads, pastries, and beverages. For example, in Terminal 1, the Deli&Cia café and Trib's bar operate, while Terminal 2 has similar food points where you can quickly refresh yourself.

If you want to try something from the local cuisine, pay attention to fresh French pastries: croissants, brioches, or pain au chocolat. A classic sandwich on a crispy baguette is also an excellent choice. For a more substantial lunch, you can find spots offering pizza or hot snacks. Options for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free) may be limited, but usually, the assortment includes ready-made salads, fruit slices, and yoghurts.

Prices in Beauvais Airport establishments correspond to the average European level for airports. A cup of coffee and a pastry will cost approximately 8-12 euros, and a sandwich or salad — 10-15 euros. Most cafés and restaurants open early in the morning, with the first flights, and work until the departure of the last aircraft, so you will always have time to eat before your flight.

Recommendations:

• For a quick snack, coffee with fresh pastries in one of the cafés in the public area is ideal.
• If you have time before departure, you can have a leisurely lunch in the departure zone by choosing a hot sandwich or pizza. Note that after passing security control, the selection may be slightly smaller than in the general area.

Planning a trip through Beauvais-Tillé Airport requires a special approach, as it primarily serves budget airlines and is located at a significant distance from Paris. To avoid stress and unnecessary expenses, use these tips to help make your journey smoother.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Despite its modest size, the airport can be very busy, especially before the departure of popular flights. It is recommended to arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially if you need to check in luggage. To save time, always check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your phone or print it out in advance. Queues at check-in counters and baggage drops can be long.

Hand Luggage and Security Control: Airlines flying from Beauvais (e.g., Ryanair, Wizz Air) are known for their strict rules regarding hand luggage. Carefully check the allowable dimensions and weight on your carrier's website and weigh your bag at home. Exceeding the limit can lead to large fines at the boarding gate. Standard security rules prohibit carrying liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, and other prohibited items. Pack all liquids in a transparent bag to speed up the inspection.

Passengers with Transfers: This is a critically important point! Beauvais-Tillé Airport is not a transit hub. If you have a transfer planned, you will most likely have to pass passport control (if arriving from outside the Schengen zone), collect your luggage, exit the arrival zone, and go through the entire check-in and security control procedure again for the next flight. Allow at least 4-5 hours for such a self-transfer.

Saving Time and Money: The most effective way to save is to book a transfer to Paris in advance. The official shuttle bus is the most balanced option in terms of price and convenience. By buying tickets online, you will avoid queues at the ticket office. Prices for food and drinks in the airport are quite high, so bring a snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control.

Flight Delays and Customs: In case of a delay, be prepared for the fact that there are few amenities in the airport, especially at night when it may close. Have a portable charger, a book, or downloaded films with you. Study your rights as a passenger (EU261 regulation applies in the EU) to know what compensation or assistance from the airline you can count on. When passing customs control upon arrival in France from outside the EU, be ready to present your passport and answer standard questions about the purpose of your trip.