Toulouse Blagnac Layover Guide (TLS)

What are you looking for in TLS?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Toulouse Airport (TLS) is an international airport located in Blagnac, Occitanie. It’s situated about 7 km (4.3 miles) from downtown Toulouse. The airport officially opened in 1939. Toulouse is the fourth-largest city in France and is known as a major hub for aerospace and technology. It’s also celebrated for its rich history, vibrant culture, and pleasant climate, making it an attractive destination to live, work, and explore.

Can you leave Toulouse Airport (TLS) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you can leave TLS during a layover if you have a valid entry visa or come from a visa-exempt country. Since TLS is in France (Schengen Area), you need a Schengen visa if required by your nationality. Ensure sufficient transit time and check airline restrictions. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Place du Capitole Admire the grand pink façade of Toulouse’s town hall and lively central square bustling with outdoor cafés, street performers, and local boutiques—perfect for soaking in Occitanie’s vibrant atmosphere. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Palais de Justice, then 5 min walk)
• Basilique Saint-Sernin Discover the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Sernin, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture housing medieval relics, ornate chapels, and a tranquil cloister—an inspiring spiritual and historical experience in the heart of the city. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Palais de Justice, then Metro A one stop to Jean Jaurès, then 8 min walk)
• Musée des Augustins Wander through Musée des Augustins’ restored Gothic convent, admiring an extensive collection of medieval to 19th-century sculptures and paintings set within serene cloistered gardens and vaulted galleries. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Palais de Justice, then 5 min walk)
• Cité de l’Espace Explore the Cité de l’Espace (cite-espace.com), an interactive space museum showcasing life-sized rockets, planetarium shows, and hands-on exhibits about the universe’s mysteries. (Time required: 2–3 hours / Airport to here: Bus L4 direct from Terminal B, 25 min)
• Canal du Midi Cruise Take a scenic 1-hour boat cruise along the UNESCO-listed Canal du Midi, drifting past lush towpaths, historic locks, and charming villages while learning about its 17th-century engineering marvel. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Arènes, then 15 min walk to Port de l’Embouchure)
• Jardin Japonais Relax amid the tranquil Jardin Japonais, featuring koi-filled ponds, ornamental bridges, and meticulously pruned maples and pines—a serene oasis contrasting Toulouse’s urban energy. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Compans Caffarelli stop)
• Garonne Riverbank Stroll Stroll along the Garonne’s banks at Pont Neuf, enjoying riverside promenades, panoramic views of terracotta rooftops, and scenic photo opportunities at sunset or midday reflections on the water. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Palais de Justice, then 5 min walk)
• Les Abattoirs Explore Les Abattoirs contemporary art museum occupying a transformed industrial slaughterhouse, showcasing rotating exhibitions of modern painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations in a striking architectural setting. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Tram T2 to Arènes, then bus 14 for 5 min to Les Abattoirs stop)

Things to Do in Toulouse Airport (TLS)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Toulouse–Blagnac Airport features two pay-per-use lounges offering comfortable seating, complimentary drinks, snacks and panoramic runway views. Business class travelers and loyalty members gain free access. Relaxation facilities include shower suites, quiet seating zones and workstations. Amenities include massage services and children’s play areas for all passengers seeking comfort before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There is a Hilton Garden Inn directly connected to the terminal offering soundproof rooms, 24-hour reception and in-house dining. Several nearby hotels provide airport shuttles, flexible check-in/out and meeting facilities. Budget and mid-range options can be found within five minutes’ drive, ideal for layovers or early morning flights, providing comfort. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Toulouse airport features designated rest zones with reclining chairs and dimmed lighting in both departure halls. Pay-per-use sleep pods offer privacy and complimentary charging ports. Quiet corners near gates are equipped with ample comfortable benches. All overnight passengers can access 24-hour seating areas but no traditional dormitory–style facilities are available.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout Toulouse airport with unlimited access. Passengers connect to the “Toulouse Blagnac Free” network and register via email or social media. High-speed internet supports browsing and basic streaming. Business areas offer dedicated wired connections and optional VPN. Connectivity is consistent in terminals, lounges and public zones.

SIM/eSIM Card: Traveller SIM cards and eSIMs can be purchased at kiosks and mobile shops in the arrivals hall. Providers offer prepaid voice, data and roaming bundles tailored for Europe or global use. Activation is quick via on-site assistance or self-service kiosks. Credit top-ups are available online or at airport retail outlets. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Toulouse Airport (TLS) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A taxi rank is located outside both terminal exits, operating 24/7 with flat-rate fares to central Toulouse. Drivers accept cash and credit cards. Estimated journey time is 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility is provided. Pre-booking services are available via phone or apps.

Train: There is no direct train link at TLS. Passengers take the airport shuttle bus to Toulouse-Matabiau station in about 20 minutes. From there, SNCF operates TGV, Intercités and frequent TER regional services across France. Tickets can be conveniently booked in advance online or at the station. more info

Bus: Toulouse airport is served by Tisséo’s Navette 120 shuttle bus offering departures every 20 minutes to Toulouse city centre. Vehicles are air-conditioned with Wi-Fi and luggage compartments. Single and return tickets are valid on Tisséo network for 2 hours. Purchase onboard or via the Tisséo mobile app. more info

Shuttle: Several private shuttle services operate between Toulouse airport and city hotels, as well as regional airports including Bordeaux and Carcassonne. Fixed-rate vans accommodate up to eight passengers with pre-booking recommended. Baggage assistance and door-to-door transfers available. Reservations can be made online or at the tourist information desk upon arrival.

Car rentals: All major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall with vehicles parked on-site. Options include economy, compact, SUVs and executive models. Airport rates may include insurance and unlimited mileage. Drivers require a valid licence and credit card deposit. Bookings can be modified online or at the rental counters. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Toulouse airport offers multiple parking options: short-term, long-term, covered and uncovered lots. Pre-booking online guarantees discounted rates and cancellations. All areas include CCTV surveillance, illuminated walkways and electric vehicle charging stations. Valet parking is available at dedicated locations. Free shuttle buses link long-stay lots with terminal entrances every five minutes.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left baggage counters are open daily from 6:00 to 22:00 in the arrivals hall. Bags are stored securely for a reasonable fee per day. No self-service lockers are available. Oversized luggage is accepted. Prepaid tickets can be purchased on-site; customers receive claim tags and pay by weight or item count. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Toulouse Airport (TLS) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks