Getting to and from La Rochelle Airport (LRH)

La Rochelle Airport handles approximately 200,000 passengers per annum, and is therefore one of the smaller airports in the country of France. It is commonly referred to as the Laleu Airport, or even as the Ile de Ré La Rochelle, as it serves the island of Ile de Ré to the west of La Rochelle city as well. The airport’s official IATA code is LRH. Although a small airport, it is well equipped with the facilities required by the majority of its passengers, and there are a few transport options available. The airport directions are simple to follow, as one main road leads past the airport. Around La Rochelle city, there are a few other roads of importance as well.

The airport of La Rochelle is located approximately 2.5km northwest the city of La Rochelle, and on the western coastline of France. La Rochelle is at the coast, on the Bay of Biscay, and is a commune of the Charente-Maritime department. It is a city well known for its attractive ‘Old Harbour’ area, and charming atmosphere. Other areas which are particularly nearby the airport include Lagord, Les Portes Océanes, L’Houmeau and Nieul-sur-Mer, all to the north or north-east, as La Rochelle is directly south of the airport and the sea is to the west. On a much larger scale, La Rochelle Airport is considered to be to the south of Angers, Nantes and La Roche-sur-Yon, and to the north of Bordeaux. Larger cities to the east/north-east include Niort, Poitiers and Limoges. However, most of these cities mentioned have their own airports.

The main access road of the airport is the N237, which is also known as the La Rochelle ring road, as it passes along the outskirts of the city, and it is connected to other major roads leading inland.

Directions from Ile de Ré

The drive from La Flotte, Sainte-Marie-de-Ré or Rivedoux-Plage on the island of Ile de Ré to the airport will only take a few minutes, and motorists will need to cross the bridge along the D735. The D735 leads directly to the N237, and to the airport. From all directions there are signposts which help to lead the way, and they may read as the ‘Aéroport de La Rochelle’.

Directions from La Rochelle

The quickest route to the airport is along the N237, and this highway is accessible from a couple of main roads in the city, for example, Rue de Béthencourt (which is the closest), the N537, Av. du 11 Novembre 1918 and Bd André Sautel. Depending on from where in the city you will be driving, the journey to the airport will be between ten and twenty-five minutes. Always make sure that you leave in good time for your departure flight, with time to spare for unexpected traffic delays, especially during the rush hours.

Directions from Nantes, La Roche-sur-Yon and Niort

From Nantes, La Rochelle is approximately 113km to the south, and the road to follow is the A83, which passes La Roche-sur-Yon as well. Past Bournezeau, the A83 turns to the east, and heads towards Niort, therefore, the E3 (D137) south can be taken for perhaps a shorter route to La Rochelle Airport. Niort is approximately 58km from La Rochelle, and the road to follow is the N11, which leads directly to La Rochelle.

Poitiers is about 123km from La Rochelle, and to Niort, the A10 can be taken from this city. From Niort, the N11 takes motorists to La Rochelle, connecting to the N237 and to the airport.

Directions from Bordeaux

From Bordeaux, the major Autoroute leading north is the A10. Just past Saintes motorists can turn off onto the A837 towards Rochefort, and continue on the E602 to La Rochelle.

Once at the airport, there are parking spaces directly in front of the terminal building, and all passengers/visitors will find the airport facilities easy to navigate. There is just a single terminal building, for all arrival and departure proceedings. Facilities at the airport include the ‘L ‘Escal ‘Express’, a restaurant and the ‘Aelia’, which is a duty-free store. There are also tourist and general information desks, cash machines, a mail box and public telephones. All parts of the terminal can be accessed by disabled passengers. Anyone in need of further assistance should contact their airline company at least forty-eight hours prior to their departure flight.

Further details for La Rochelle directions can be found online, at http://maps.google.com. Passengers can contact the airport information desk at +33 5 46 42 86 70 as well.