Lourdes, situated at the foot of the Pyrenees in south-west France, is a world-famous place of pilgrimage, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you're coming for religious reasons or simply to explore this beautiful town, there are many ways to get to Lourdes. This guide will help you plan your trip, covering the different transport options, entry points, and practical advice to make your stay easier.
By air
Lourdes does not have an international airport, but several nearby airports offer connections to the town:
Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport (LDE): This airport is the closest to Lourdes, located around 10km away. It offers national and seasonal flights to several destinations in Europe. Shuttle and taxi services are available to reach the centre of Lourdes.
Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF): Located around 45km from Lourdes, this airport offers domestic and international flights. Trains and buses connect Pau to Lourdes, with a journey time of around an hour.
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS): Around 170km from Lourdes, this airport is a popular choice for international travellers. From Toulouse, you can take a direct train to Lourdes (about 2 hours) or hire a car.
By train
Lourdes has a well-connected train station, with regular services from several major French cities:
From Paris: High-speed trains (TGV) connect Paris to Lourdes. The journey takes around 5 hours. It is advisable to book your tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
From Toulouse: The train journey from Toulouse to Lourdes takes around 2 hours. Regional trains regularly connect the two cities.
From Bordeaux: Trains also run from Bordeaux to Lourdes, with a journey time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Lourdes station is close to the town centre, making it easy to get to accommodation and tourist sites.
By car
Lourdes is accessible by road and is well connected to the main French motorways:
From Toulouse: Take the A64 towards Bayonne. Then follow the signs to Lourdes (exit 12).
From Bordeaux: Take the A62 to Toulouse, then the A64 towards Lourdes.
From Tarbes: Take the D935 towards Lourdes, which is around 20km away.
The drive offers flexibility, allowing you to discover the picturesque Pyrenean scenery along the way. Parking is available in Lourdes, but it's advisable to find out about parking options in advance, especially during busy periods.
By bus
Regular bus services connect Lourdes with other towns in France and Spain. Bus routes can be an economical option for reaching Lourdes, but journey times can be longer than by train or car. Companies such as FlixBus and Eurolines offer journeys to Lourdes from several major cities.
Getting around Lourdes
Once you arrive in Lourdes, it's easy to get around on foot, as most of the sights, including the Massabielle grotto, basilica and swimming pools, are located close to each other. Shuttle services and taxis are also available for visitors with mobility difficulties or those who prefer to avoid walking.
