If you’ve got a layover in Bourges, don’t let it go to waste sitting at BOU. The city, in France, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of BOU:
- Can you legally enter France? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting from BOU to Bourges
You have two main options for getting from Bourges Airport into town:
- Taxi: About 40 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 60 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Bag Storage Near BOU
Specific locker facilities at BOU aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Bourges itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Bourges:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
How to Spend Your Time in Bourges
Two recommendations for your time in Bourges:
Start with Cathédrale Saint-Ãtienne de Bourges. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Palais Jacques Coeur. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Bourges.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BOU, you can spend time at General Aviation Observation or try Aéro-Club du Cher Information. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
In Bourges
If you make it into town, Le Printemps de Bourges is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try L’Un des Sens.
Inside BOU
If you’re staying in the terminal, Aéro-Club du Cher Bar & Snacks is your main option. Airport Snack & Coffee Point works too if you want something quick.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BOU for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Bourges or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Taking a Break at BOU
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at BOU, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Bourges exploring the streets or relaxing at BOU, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.