Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Brest. Brest Bretagne Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 70 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Before You Step Outside BES
Before heading into Brest, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for France vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Brest is roughly 70 minutes from BES via Bus line 20 + Tram Line A. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Brest from the Airport
From BES, the Bus line 20 + Tram Line A gets you to Brest in around 70 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 90 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Bus line 20 + Tram Line A offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
How Much Money You’ll Need
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Brest:
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.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at BES may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Brest’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Brest, here are two things worth checking out:
Château de Brest / Musée national de la Marine is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Cours Dajot Promenade is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. It’s the kind of area you can wander through at your own pace.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside BES, you can spend time at Relay Shop (Brest Bretagne Airport) or try Relax in the Terminal. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near BES
- In the city: Crêperie du Château and Le Crabe Marteau are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Brest.
- At the airport: Le Comptoir de Bretagne and Le Bar à l’Etage (Airport Restaurant) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Resting at the Airport
Long overnight layover? Your options at BES include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in France also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at BES for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Brest 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.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Brest count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave BES. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.