The Tarbes Ossun Lourdes Airport (LDE) is a small regional facility located near Lourdes city, nine kilometres (5.5 miles) south-southwest of Tarbes. The airport’s only regularly-scheduled service connects Lourdes with Paris. There are numerous charter flights servicing the airport, however, comprising more than 70 per cent of the total annual traffic. Passengers arrive on charters operated by a number of European carriers, often making the journey as a pilgrimage of faith.

The airport boasts a bar and restaurant and a large and well-stocked duty free shop. Transfers to and from Lourdes centre are possible by coach, taxi or hired car. Passengers will find car hire company representatives in the Arrivals area of the terminal building.

Lourdes features several streets that are designated for pedestrian use only, making it easy to get around the compact centre on foot. As Lourdes is accustomed to visitors with disabilities, assistance is readily available. Hiring a car can be a good way to see the sights and visit the area outside Lourdes. You’ll find a number of car parks on the outskirts of the city, making it unnecessary to drive in the centre. Walking to the grotto is easy from these car parks.

Other means for getting around the city include the Citybus, which is the main public transport option in Lourdes. A tourist shuttle called ‘Le Petit Train’ runs through the streets of the centre, linking the majority of the tourist attractions and providing a commentary of each attraction in French just before each stop. This can be a good way to explore Lourdes and to visit some of the non-religious highlights. Taxis are also readily available, with many found at the central rail station.