Toulouse, the heart of southwestern France, is a stunning destination for both its rich history and modern flair, combining historical landmarks with cutting-edge aerospace innovation. Whether you’re traveling for leisure or business, getting to Toulouse from another city in France is easy, and today I’m sharing my experience of flying from Montpellier to Toulouse. I’ll provide insights on everything from airline options, ticket costs, and booking platforms to detailed flight experiences, plus some helpful travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Choosing Your Airline and Route: My Experience Flying from Montpellier to Toulouse
The Flight: Montpellier to Toulouse
For this journey, I chose a short-haul flight with Air France, departing from Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport (MPL) and arriving at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). The flight distance between these two cities is roughly 150 kilometers (about 93 miles), which makes it an ideal short trip for anyone traveling within France. Though the route is short, I still wanted to ensure the journey was comfortable, relaxing, and free of stress.
I had opted for economy class with Air France, as it was a quick flight and didn’t warrant the need for extra legroom or a more luxurious experience, but I’ll detail my thoughts on the experience of flying in economy on this route. Air France offers daily flights on this route, and the flight time is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, which is great for a swift journey with minimal fuss.
Booking the Flight: Prices and Platforms
I booked my flight through Air France’s official website. The pricing for this route varies depending on the time of booking, season, and how flexible you want your ticket to be. When booking in advance, you can expect round-trip tickets to be priced around €120–€160 in economy class. If you’re looking for more flexible tickets or premium seating, the prices can climb higher, especially if booked closer to the departure date.
Here’s how I booked:
• Round-Trip Economy Ticket: €135 (bought 6 weeks in advance)
• Booking Platform: Air France Website and Google Flights for price comparison.
One helpful tip for getting the best rates: Book at least 3 weeks in advance, as last-minute tickets can cost much more, especially during the peak travel season. Air France and its partners offer competitive rates for domestic flights, but be mindful of hidden fees (like baggage charges or seat selection) that can increase the total cost.
Flight Experience: My Air France Journey from Montpellier to Toulouse
Pre-Flight Experience:
I arrived at Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport around an hour before the scheduled departure. The airport is small but efficient, and I was able to check in at the Air France counter without a hitch. If you’re in a rush or want to save time, there’s also an option to check-in online and use the self-check-in kiosks at the airport.
Boarding:
Since this was a short-haul flight, the boarding process was quite straightforward. The flight wasn’t full, so I was able to board quickly. There were no long lines, and the flight attendants were friendly, making sure everything was in order as we made our way through the security procedures.
The Economy Cabin Experience:
In the economy class cabin, the seats were quite standard for a short flight. The legroom was comfortable enough for the 1-hour journey, but I wouldn’t expect anything more than the basics on such a short flight. The seating configuration was 3-3, and the seats were upholstered in the typical Air France style — clean, comfortable, and practical.
Entertainment and Amenities:
Although the flight was short, there was a small selection of free snacks and beverages offered during the flight. The choice was modest, but a complimentary coffee, water, and a small biscuit were just enough to make the journey pleasant. Given the short duration, there were no in-flight entertainment options, which was fine for me, as I was content to enjoy the scenic views of the French countryside from the window.
Service:
The flight attendants were welcoming and polite, providing excellent service for such a short trip. They were happy to answer questions and ensure the comfort of passengers throughout the journey. For such a brief flight, I was impressed by their attentiveness.
Arrival at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport:
We landed at Toulouse-Blagnac Airport ahead of schedule. The airport is well-organized and easily accessible, with clear signs leading passengers to customs, baggage claim, and transportation options. It’s a small yet efficient airport, and I found it easy to navigate.
Other Airlines and Routes from Montpellier to Toulouse
While I flew with Air France, there are other options available for this route. Here are four airlines that operate domestic flights from Montpellier to Toulouse, each with their own unique benefits:
- EasyJet
• Route: Montpellier to Toulouse (Direct)
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Price Range: Economy tickets starting at €50, often with promotions.
• Booking Platform: EasyJet website and Skyscanner
Why Choose EasyJet?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, EasyJet is a solid choice. While the service and amenities are more basic than Air France, their direct flights are often cheaper, and they offer frequent schedules. - Ryanair
• Route: Montpellier to Toulouse (Direct)
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Price Range: Economy tickets starting at €40.
• Booking Platform: Ryanair website and Google Flights
Why Choose Ryanair?
Ryanair typically offers the cheapest tickets for short routes within Europe. The downside is that their flight schedules may be less flexible, and extra charges for baggage or seat selection can add up quickly. But for budget-conscious travelers, Ryanair can be a great option. - Volotea
• Route: Montpellier to Toulouse (Direct)
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Price Range: Economy tickets starting at €45.
• Booking Platform: Volotea website
Why Choose Volotea?
Volotea is known for its affordable, no-frills service, and it offers a good balance of comfort and price. If you’re flying on a budget but still want a relatively stress-free experience, Volotea is a solid option. - Air Corsica
• Route: Montpellier to Toulouse (Direct)
• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Price Range: Economy tickets starting at €80.
• Booking Platform: Air Corsica website
Why Choose Air Corsica?
Air Corsica offers fewer flights per week but often has promotions for those seeking a calm, less crowded flight. If you’re looking for a regional airline with a more relaxed atmosphere, Air Corsica may be your best bet.
Additional Tips for Booking Flights to Toulouse
• Check for Promotions: Airlines like Air France, EasyJet, and Ryanair often offer promotions, especially if you book a few weeks in advance. Sign up for airline newsletters or use Skyscanner or Google Flights to keep an eye on ticket prices.
• Consider the Baggage Fees: Always check for baggage fees, especially with budget airlines like EasyJet or Ryanair, where checked baggage isn’t included in the ticket price. Many low-cost airlines have reasonable prices for baggage, but you need to factor this into the total cost.
• Book Directly with Airlines: Whenever possible, book directly with the airline. This may give you more flexibility for cancellations or rescheduling if needed, and some airlines offer special deals that aren’t available through third-party booking sites.
Toulouse Airport (TLS): Getting to and from the Airport
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is well connected to the city center and various surrounding areas. Here’s how you can get to and from the airport:
• Airport Shuttle: The Airport Shuttle bus connects Toulouse-Blagnac Airport to the city center, with stops at Jean-Jaurès and Compans-Caffarelli. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and tickets cost around €8 for a one-way trip.
• Taxis: A taxi ride from the airport to the city center typically costs between €20 and €30, depending on your exact destination.
• Car Hire: If you prefer more flexibility, consider renting a car. There are several car rental agencies located at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
My Experience Flying to Toulouse
Flying from Montpellier to Toulouse was an overall pleasant and comfortable experience. Air France provided reliable and efficient service for a short-haul flight, offering a smooth journey and a helpful crew. The route is short enough to be relatively inexpensive, yet it offers enough comfort to ensure a pleasant experience for both leisure and business travelers.
If you’re planning a trip from Montpellier to Toulouse, I highly recommend booking early to take advantage of the best prices, and consider both full-service and budget airlines depending on your preferences. Whether you’re flying for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Toulouse offers plenty to explore, from its rich culture to its delicious cuisine and beautiful architecture.
Happy travels, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Toulouse!
