When I tell people that I once booked a short-hop flight from Bordeaux to Toulouse, I usually get raised eyebrows. After all, it’s a mere 250 kilometers between the two cities—a train ride that takes barely two hours. But as a seasoned traveler who’s spent over a decade in the tourism industry, I’ve learned that sometimes, flying isn’t just about distance. For me, it was about experimenting with budget travel hacks, comparing options, and—most importantly—testing how to make even the shortest flight feel like a mini-adventure.
This post is my detailed account of that journey, written in the hope that fellow travelers can avoid common pitfalls, discover money-saving secrets, and enjoy a stress-free flight into Toulouse.
✈️ My Flight Experience: Bordeaux to Toulouse on Air France Hop!
The flight I eventually booked was with Air France Hop!, the regional wing of Air France. The specific flight was AF7491, departing from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD) and landing at Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS) in just under 55 minutes.
I chose economy class, partly because the price difference between economy and business on such a short leg was not justifiable, and partly because I wanted to test out what the barebones, budget experience felt like compared to the more luxurious options.
🎟️ Ticket Price & Booking Process
• One-way ticket (economy): €69 when booked two months in advance.
• Return ticket: I later discovered I could have saved money by booking a return fare at €120, instead of purchasing two one-way tickets.
• Booking platform: I used Air France’s official website for transparency and reliability, but I later checked Skyscanner and saw the same flight listed €10 cheaper on third-party agents.
My tip? Always check aggregator sites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak before you book directly. Even if you ultimately choose to book with the airline, you’ll get a realistic benchmark of the price.
🪑 Seat & Comfort
In economy, I had a standard seat with 29-inch pitch and about 17 inches width. Honestly, for such a short flight, the size was sufficient, though my knees brushed lightly against the seat in front of me.
• Pros: Seats were clean, upholstery fresh, and legroom acceptable.
• Cons: No USB charging port in economy, which meant I had to ration my phone battery carefully.
Compared to the train, it was tighter on space, but faster in terms of actual time in the air.
✨ Service & Experience
The flight attendants were friendly but brisk, clearly used to this being a shuttle flight for business travelers. They offered a complimentary coffee and a small biscuit, which was a nice touch given that many budget airlines nowadays charge for everything.
For me, sipping that coffee while looking out at the Garonne winding below was worth the fare alone. The view of the Pyrenees in the distance as we approached Toulouse was breathtaking—something you’d never get by train.
💶 Breaking Down Ticket Options: One-Way vs Return
Here’s what I learned while experimenting with bookings:
• One-way fares: Average around €65–€80 when booked early, but spike to over €120 if booked last minute.
• Return fares: Typically €110–€140, and almost always better value than two separate one-way tickets.
• Business class: Around €220–€280 return, which includes lounge access at Bordeaux–Mérignac and priority boarding. Unless you’re connecting internationally, I don’t think it’s worth it for this short sector.
Pro tip: If you’re flying into Toulouse as part of a larger European itinerary, look for multi-city tickets on booking platforms like Expedia or Opodo—sometimes the Bordeaux–Toulouse leg gets bundled almost free when you add it onto a Paris–Bordeaux ticket.
🛫 Four Flights I Recommend from Bordeaux to Toulouse
Although I personally flew Air France Hop! AF7491, I researched other available routes for comparison:
- Air France Hop! AF7493
o Departure: 14:10 from BOD → Arrival: 15:05 at TLS.
o Perfect for those who want to avoid morning stress and travel after lunch.
o Price: Around €75 economy if booked in advance. - Air France Hop! AF7495
o Departure: 18:50 from BOD → Arrival: 19:45 at TLS.
o Great option for business travelers finishing meetings in Bordeaux.
o Price: €82 economy. - Volotea V7251 (occasional seasonal flight)
o Departure: 09:25 from BOD → Arrival: 10:20 at TLS.
o Budget-friendly with fares as low as €49.
o Downsides: Strict baggage rules and no free snacks. - Twin Jet T7 612
o Departure: 07:15 from BOD → Arrival: 08:15 at TLS.
o A smaller airline with 19-seater planes. Very intimate, but the turbulence can be more noticeable.
o Price: Around €95.
If you’re nervous about flying, avoid Twin Jet—it’s a different experience altogether.
🏢 Airport Information
Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD)
• Distance from city center: About 12 km.
• Transport options:
o Airport shuttle bus (€8, 30 minutes).
o Taxi (~€25–30).
o Tram A extension (newly opened), very convenient and just €1.80 per ride.
• Facilities:
o Compact but functional, with a small shopping area, Starbucks, and regional wine boutique.
o Security lines can be long during peak hours—arrive at least 90 minutes early, even for a short flight.
Toulouse–Blagnac Airport (TLS)
• Distance from city center: Just 8 km.
• Transport options:
o Tram Line T2 connects directly to the city (20 minutes, €1.80).
o Taxi to Capitole Square costs around €25.
o Airport shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes for €9.
• Facilities:
o Larger than BOD, with more restaurants and duty-free options.
o Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
o A dedicated Airbus shop—perfect for aviation enthusiasts.
📝 Small Suggestions & Travel Tips
- Book Early – Two months in advance gives the best fares.
- Consider Train Alternatives – The train Bordeaux–Toulouse costs about €25–40 and takes 2 hours, which may be a better deal unless you value the flight experience.
- Check Baggage Rules – Budget airlines like Volotea can lure you with €49 fares but then charge €30 for a carry-on.
- Pack Light – For such a short hop, just take a backpack to avoid delays at baggage claim.
- Seat Selection – Window seats on the left side of the plane give the best views of the Pyrenees on approach to Toulouse.
🌍 Booking Platforms I Trust
• Skyscanner – Best for comparing multiple airlines and dates.
• Google Flights – Clean, fast, and great for spotting trends in fare drops.
• Air France Official Website – Ideal if you want reliability, frequent flyer miles, and customer service.
• Expedia & Opodo – Useful for bundling flights with hotels at discounted rates.
Flying from Bordeaux to Toulouse may not be the obvious choice for most travelers—it’s short, it’s easily replaceable by train, and it may even seem indulgent. But for me, it was an opportunity to test budget-friendly booking strategies and experience flying into Toulouse’s wonderfully accessible Blagnac Airport.
What struck me most wasn’t just the efficiency of the flight, but the small details: the smile of the crew, the tiny biscuit with my coffee, and that magical view of the sunlit Garonne winding its way into Toulouse.
If you’re traveling on a budget, my advice is simple:
• Book early, compare platforms, and always check return fares.
• Decide if flying or train suits your trip better, but don’t underestimate the value of a short flight—it can be part of the adventure itself.
• And most importantly, allow yourself to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.
🌟 My Personal Reflection
As I stepped off the plane at Toulouse–Blagnac, I realized that sometimes even the shortest flights can feel transformative. There’s something about leaving one city and arriving in another so quickly that makes the world feel smaller, more connected. It reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be long or exotic to be meaningful.
For me, this experience was also a reminder that budget travel is not about deprivation—it’s about being smart. By researching, comparing, and booking strategically, I saved money without sacrificing comfort. That extra €20 saved? I used it later in Toulouse for a glass of chilled rosé and a plate of duck confit by the river. And honestly, that’s where the real joy of budget-conscious travel lies: in redirecting your savings toward authentic local experiences.
💡 Why I’d Do It Again
Would I fly from Bordeaux to Toulouse again? Surprisingly—yes. Not every time, of course; sometimes the train is simply more practical. But on days when I crave that elevated feeling of being in the sky, of watching the landscape unfold beneath me, I would absolutely choose the flight again. And with the right booking hacks, I’d do so without blowing my budget.
In the end, this trip reminded me that every journey has the potential to surprise us. Whether it’s a long-haul adventure or a short domestic hop, there’s always something to learn, a new perspective to gain, and a story worth telling. And that, to me, is what makes travel endlessly rewarding.
So next time you find yourself planning a trip through southern France, don’t rule out the skies. With the right tools and a little flexibility, flying into Toulouse can be just as stress-free—and memorable—as sipping wine in Bordeaux’s vineyards or strolling through Toulouse’s pink-brick streets.
Because in the end, it’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about the moments in between—and those are worth every euro spent.