Poitiers Airport (PIS) Taxis

Poitiers Airport is one of the smaller of the French airports, but is nonetheless an important gateway, serving a range of towns in the Vienne department of the country. It is only 2.4km from Poitiers city centre, and is particularly nearby Biard. The airport is therefore officially known as the Poitiers-Biard Airport, and is distinguished from other airports by its official code of PIS. There is no train station at the airport, but there are bus services which travel to the Gare de Poitiers, and by taxi is another popular form of transport from the airport. Poitiers Airport taxis are operated by several companies, and their prices can be considered as reasonable for this type of service.

The airport of Poitiers handles around 115,000 passengers per annum, and has a single terminal building which is quite well equipped for both arriving and departing passengers. The majority of the flights to and from the airport are operated by the airline carriers of Ryanair and Airlinair, and to French and UK destinations. Ryanair is one of the most popular low-cost airline companies in the world, and Airlinair is a partner of Air France, offering year-round flights to Lyon from Poitiers Airport. The terminal building of Poitiers Airport is easy to navigate, with all facilities within easy walking distance of one another, and from outside of the arrival area, there are several forms of transport available. The bus stop is here, as well as the taxi rank, from where taxis take passengers to all areas in the nearby vicinity. Simply collect your belongings from the baggage reclaim hall, and make your way out of the airport building. There are usually taxis waiting for passengers after each arrival flight.

Although there are usually plenty of taxis at the airport, especially when arrival flights are due, there could be times when a taxi is not available. It is then best to go to the information desk, and ask an airport staff member to call one for you. They will know which company is authorised to provide their services from the airport. Taxis could also be reserved in advance of your arrival. Two of the Poitiers Airport taxi companies are Radio taxi de Poitiers (contact details - +33 (0)5 49 88 12 34) and Independent Taxis (contact details – 05 49 88 01 02). Passengers are recommended to only take a taxi from the taxi rank at the airport, and to not accept services which are offered by other individuals in the arrival hall. Poitiers Airport is very small, and therefore passengers should not encounter too many illegitimate offers, but it is best to be aware that it does happen. The only persons who could meet you in the arrival area are from private transfer companies, and their services will need to be reserved in advance.

A private transfer is an alternative transport option to a taxi, and could be similarly priced, depending on the number of passengers travelling. There are usually several companies offering their services from airport locations, and they travel to many of the areas which are popular for tourists nearby. They provide minivans which can transport a larger group of people than a conventional taxi, and offer child seats for those travelling with small children.

Taxis from Poitiers Airport are metered, which means that they have a device which records the number of kilometres travelled on the journey. The taxi fare will cost a certain amount per kilometre, depending on the time of day, and the day of the week. In general, taxis are less expensive on weekdays between 07:00 and 19:00, and on Saturdays between the same hours. A higher rate per kilometre is charged for travel at night, during early morning hours, and on Sundays and public holidays. There could also be additional charges over and above the metered rate. Fees could be involved for luggage loaded, more than four passengers in the vehicle and animals travelling in the vehicle. The meter could start at a minimum fare as well, and there could be surcharges for transport commencing at an airport location.

It is best to find out the average price that will be charged by one of the Poitiers Airport taxi companies before approaching the driver. There are often prices listed at the information desk of the airports, or staff there will be able to provide assistance. Passengers should, however, confirm all prices with their taxi driver before leaving the airport, and avoid any nasty surprises when its time for payment. It helps as well to know a few words in French, to keep the lines of communication open with your driver. Some drivers do speak English and French.

A taxi ride to the Poitiers Train Station, or the Gare de Poitiers, will take about ten to fifteen minutes, and will cost around ten Euro during daytime hours. This is a popular journey as there is no train station at Poitiers Airport. To Châtellerault, a town forty kilometres from the airport, a taxi will cost around 65 Euro, and to Bioussac, about seventy-five kilometres from the airport, a taxi will cost around 120 Euro. Some passengers travel to Futuroscope as well, an amusement park nearby Poitiers, and this journey by taxi will cost about 25 Euro during the day and 35 Euro at night.

Further details regarding the Poitiers Airport taxis can be obtained directly from the taxi companies, or from the airport information desk, at +33 (0)5 49 30 04 40.