If you’ve got a layover in Pau, don’t let it go to waste sitting at PUF. The city, in France, is within easy reach — roughly 70 minutes by Bus Line 3 (IDELIS). Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave PUF:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for France. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Pau takes about 70 minutes by Bus Line 3 (IDELIS). Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is EUR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some EUR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From PUF, the Bus Line 3 (IDELIS) gets you to Pau 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 3 (IDELIS) offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Exploring Pau on a Layover
Two recommendations for your time in Pau:
Start with Château de Pau. Worth checking out if your schedule allows. Then, if time allows, make your way to Boulevard des Pyrénées. It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Pau.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at PUF, check out L’Envol Bar & Restaurant Area or Relay Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: L’Ambroisie and Au Fin Gourmet are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Pau.
- At the airport: L’Envol (Full Service Dining) and L’Envol (Café & Bar Service) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
What to Budget for Your Pau Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Pau, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Bag Storage Near PUF
Luggage storage options at PUF can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Pau for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at PUF, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Pau itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for France that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at PUF.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Pau count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave PUF. 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.