After Paris, which is the largest airport in France, Toulouse airport (TLS) ranks number 4 in size and capacity, following on from Nice airport, Lyon airport and Marseille airport.Toulouse airport handles over five and a half million passengers per year, although the terminal has been designed with a capacity of 6.2 million passengers per year, and is the second largest freight airport after Paris. This makes Toulouse airport arrivals the busiest of all the airports that serve the Languedoc area of South west France.

The airport terminal building covers a massive 61,000 sqm and the airport itself sits on a plot of almost 780 hectares.Toulouse airport departures are handled by 68 check in desks and 28 departure gates, rather more than you'll find at other airports that serve the Languedoc.Toulouse Airport Taxis.You will find the taxis just in front of the terminal building.

As you walk out of the airport terminal building you'll see the taxis lined up in front of you. All taxis in France are metered so don't worry about the driver making up a price out of thin air. The journey from the airport to the very centre of town is around 8km and should only take about 10 minutes or so.If you'd rather pre-book, then you might like to consider a private transfer and you can book through companies such as Holiday Taxis.co.

uk.Toulouse Airport Buses.Buses from Toulouse airport depart from Door C on the ground floor level, which is the arrivals hall level. Buses from the airport to the town centre run every day starting at 07:35 hrs Mon - Sat, and 09:15 hrs Sundays and Public holidays. Buses leave every 20 mins so don't worry if you miss one.You can buy a bus ticket on board or from the bus ticket office in the airport.

Ticket prices are as follows;.Single fare: 3.90?.Return fare: 5.

90? (Valid 2 months).Single fare for parties of ten or more: 2.40?.Student fare: 3.

00?.Student return fare: 4.50? (Valid 2 months).

Toulouse Airport Parking.Toulouse airport parking has spaces for nearly 7,000 cars, including almost 80 spaces for disabled drivers.There are two short stay car parks; P0 and P1, as well as three longer term car parks, P2, P3 and P5. It's worth knowing that P0 and P1 give you the first 30 mins free.Car parks P2 and P5 have a free shuttle bus to take you between the car park and the terminal building.

There are seven hire car companies with desks at Toulouse airport. These companies combined have more than 2500 vehicles at their disposal from Toulouse airport.Toulouse Airport Shopping and Eating.Two restaurants serve the airport, both situated on the second floor of the terminal building. They are "L'Horizon" and "Le Pre Carre".In addition to this there are seven other bars and cafes:.

Bye Bye Café - International departure lounge in Hall C. Ciel Mon Café - Departure lounge in Hall C. L'Escale - Shopping mall on the departure level in Hall C. Sand Show - Shopping mall in the public area on the departure level in Hall B. Ségafrédo Hall B - Departure lounge in Hall B. Ségafrédo Hall C - Departure lounge in Hall C.

Terminal - Departure lounge in Hall C.Toulouse airport shops are divided into two areas. Those in the public area and those in the departure lounge.In the Public area you'll find;.

"Art Espace" an art gallery with sculptures, paintings and glasswork."Ducs de Gascogne" with a full range of regional and delicatessen products such as pates and fois gras."Marionnaud" awell known perfume chain. "Relay" stocking books, magazines and gifts for all the family.In the boarding area you'll find;."Aeroboutique" a duty free shop with a selection of cosmetics, wines, perfumes and travel items.

"Relay" stocking books, magazines and gifts for all the family.The Address For Toulouse Airport is:.Toulouse Airport, Blagnac,.BP 90103,.31703.

Blagnac Cedex.Telephone : (00 33) 5 61.42.44.00.

Gary Ingram runs Spanish Airport Guide and has recently added a whole section on Languedoc Airports to Languedoc Holiday Guide. You can now find in depth information on all seven airports that cover the Languedoc Area including: Toulouse Airport and Carcassonne Airport.

By: Gary Ingram