Rodez Airport Arrivals (RDZ)

Rodez is one of the smaller airports found in southern France, handling approximately 140,000 passengers per annum, but is considered to be a growing airport, with great potential for an increase in traffic over the next few years. It is also known as the Rodez-Marcillac Airport, or simply as the Marcillac Airport, and is recognised by its official airport code of RDZ. Passengers will find the arrival area to be well equipped to meet their needs, and that services at the airport are friendly and efficient. Unfortunately, transport options into the city are limited for arriving passengers.

The airline companies with flights to and from Rodez are Air France, operated by Brit Air, Ryanair and Hex’Air. Passengers can fly to Rodez from the London-Stansted Airport in the United Kingdom and from Dublin on Ryanair Flights, and from the Paris-Orly Airport, Castres and Lyon on flights managed by the other two airline companies mentioned. Ryanair has significantly increased passenger traffic since 2003, as this popular airline company has done at many other French and European airports. Ryanair is the largest provider of low-cost flights in the European Union, and has become a favourite airline company around the world. Air France offers scheduled flights to Rodez, and is one of the largest airline carriers in the world.

Arriving passengers will find Rodez conveniently located within driving distance of the sea and mountains, and just 12km, or 7 miles from the city of Rodez. The airport is also particularly nearby the areas of Olemps, Druelle and Onet-le-Château, and it lies in the commune of Salles-la-Source. It is just ten kilometres from the town of Marcillac, hence its popular name of the Marcillac Airport. Areas a little further from Rodez include Sébazac-Concourès, Rodelle and Entraygues-sur-Truyère to the north, Luc-la-Primaube and Calmont to the south, Laissac and Bertholène to the east and Colombiès to the west. Larger cities within driving distance of the airport are Toulouse, Carcassonne, Narbonne, Beziers and Nimes in the south and south-west, and Clermont-Ferrand and Brive-la-Gaillarde to the north.

Just east of Rodez is the Cévennes National Park, and Millau is in the vicinity of this area. The truly spectacular Viaduct du Millau is less than an hour’s drive from Rodez, and is a ‘must-see’ if you are visiting the area. Millau is reached on the A75. Nearby this area is also the Roquefort Caves, where the famous blue cheese is made. Although Aveyron is one of the least densely populated departments of the country, it is becoming increasingly more popular amongst tourists, and arriving at Rodez Airport is an excellent place to begin an intriguing holiday. The city of Rodez itself boasts a number of interesting historical and religious sights, and the centre is easily explored on foot, as it is mainly for pedestrians only.

Unfortunately, arriving passengers have no access to the city’s local bus services, and will need to take a taxi into town. The taxi rank is right outside of the arrival area, and there are generally always taxis waiting at the time of arrival flights. A taxi to the city centre will cost approximately fifteen to twenty Euro, depending on the destination. There is also no train station on the airport grounds, but a nice station is nearby, in the city of Rodez. It is known as the Gare de Rodez, and has all type of trains, including the high-speed TGV services, to all parts of the country.

Another form of transport popular amongst passengers arriving at the airport is a rented car, from one of the Rodez Airport car hire companies. A private vehicle to travel the area is often considered far more convenient than the local buses, and an ideal way to reach all the attractions nearby. The car hire companies are found in the airport arrival area, and include the services of Hertz, Avis, Europcar, National, Alamo, Easycar and Auto Europa. Although only a small airport, be sure to book your hire car in advance, in order to receive the lowest rental rates, and to ensure its availability.

The airport consists of a single terminal building, which was recently expanded in 2009 to include a new boarding area. The arrival hall is located on one end of the concourse and the departure area is found on the other. A nice restaurant with views of the airport activities is available on the first floor, and a café is located on the ground floor. Additional facilities include a cash machine, public payphones, tourist and general information services and a conference venue. The following telephone number can be dialled for further details regarding the meeting room available, and for reservations: 33 (0)5 65 76 02 09. Rodez Airport welcomes passengers with reduced mobility challenges, as its terminal building is accessible to those in a wheelchair or for persons with any other type of disability. There are adapted toilet facilities, clear walkways, pavement ramps, elevators and reserved parking areas. Assistance is also available for disembarkation from the aircraft. To arrange assistance, contact your airline company in advance of your flight.

Live Rodez arrival schedules are available on various online websites, or the airport can be contacted for further information. Their telephone details are as follows: 33 (0)5 65 76 02 01.