Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo Airport (DNR/LFRD): Essential Guide to Your Gateway to Brittany’s Emerald Coast
Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo Airport (Aéroport de Dinard Bretagne) is a strategically important yet small, primarily seasonal airport nestled in the heart of the Brittany region of France. Situated in the commune of Pleurtuit, it provides fast and convenient access to one of the most picturesque stretches of the French coast, often referred to as the Emerald Coast (Côte d’Émeraude). The airport is located just 5 km from the chic seaside resort town of Dinard and approximately 8 km from the historic walled city of Saint-Malo (Coordinates: 48°35′16″N, 2°5′0″W). Catering mostly to international leisure travelers, the airport handled approximately 30,000 passengers in 2024, solidifying its role as a vital connection point between the UK and Northern France.
Terminal Amenities and Passenger Services
The airport operates with a single, highly compact terminal, designed for efficiency and quick processing, particularly during the peak summer season. Despite its size, it provides all essential services needed for a comfortable and smooth international travel experience:
- Connectivity: Travelers benefit from complimentary, free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal building.
- Refreshments and Retail: A dedicated café and snack bar offers hot and cold drinks, light meals, and regional specialties. While shopping is limited, a small selection of duty-free items is typically available for non-Schengen flights.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with provisions for disabled access (PRM), ensuring ease of movement for all passengers.
- Information and Assistance: A clearly marked information desk is available to assist with flight inquiries, local transport details, and tourist information for the Dinard/Saint-Malo area.
- Accommodation: Several highly-rated hotels, such as the Hôtel de la Baie and the luxurious Grand Hôtel Dinard, are located nearby, perfect for early departures or late arrivals.
Airlines, Routes, and Seasonal Destinations (Current 2024/2025 Overview)
Dinard Airport’s flight schedule is focused primarily on serving key routes to the British Isles, reflecting the strong tourism ties between Brittany and the UK/Channel Islands. Operations are heavily seasonal, with increased frequency during the spring and summer months.
- Main Carriers: The principal airlines operating out of DNR are Ryanair and Aurigny Air Services.
- Key Destinations:
- London (Stansted) – STN (Ryanair): This is the main scheduled international route, often operating year-round but with reduced frequency in winter.
- Guernsey (GCI) – (Aurigny Air Services): A crucial seasonal route connecting Dinard with the Channel Islands.
Future Outlook: Ryanair is often known for announcing new routes for the upcoming summer season (typically starting in 2025), focusing on expanding its European network from Dinard, which travelers should monitor through the official airport website.
Ground Transportation Options
Getting to and from Dinard–Pleurtuit–Saint-Malo Airport is straightforward, with several quick and affordable options connecting travelers to Dinard, Saint-Malo, and the wider Breton area.
- To Dinard City Center:
- Bus: A cost-effective public bus service connects the airport to Dinard center, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes and a ticket price around 1.50 EUR.
- Taxi/Transfer: A taxi ride is quick, taking only about 10 minutes, with the fare typically ranging between 10 and 15 EUR.
- To Saint-Malo:
- Taxi/Private Transfer: Saint-Malo’s historic center and train station (Gare de Saint-Malo) are easily accessible by road. A taxi ride takes around 14 minutes (approx. 8 miles) and costs between $30 and $40 EUR, making it the fastest and most direct option, especially for travelers connecting to the high-speed TGV train network.
- Shuttle Services: Pre-booked private transfers and minibus services offer fixed rates and comfortable, direct travel to Saint-Malo and other nearby towns like Cancale.
- Car Rental and Parking: Travelers intending to explore Brittany’s beautiful coastline can rent a vehicle on-site from international agencies, including Hertz and Avis. Paid parking is available immediately outside the terminal for both short and long stays.
Discovering the Emerald Coast: Nearby Attractions
The airport’s strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the key attractions of the Emerald Coast, famous for its dramatic tides, fortified cities, and stunning natural landscapes.
- Saint-Malo: The imposing, walled city (Intra-Muros) is a must-see. Visitors can walk the ramparts, explore the cobbled streets, and learn about the city’s rich history as a corsair stronghold.
- Dinard: Known for its Victorian villas, beautiful beaches (like Plage de l’Écluse), and the Promenade du Clair de Lune, offering spectacular views across the Rance estuary.
- Cap Fréhel and Fort la Latte: Easily accessible by rental car, these sites offer breathtaking coastal cliffs and the picturesque, medieval Fort la Latte, one of Brittany’s most famous castles.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries regarding flight schedules, lost property, or general airport operations, please use the following contact details:
- Address: Pleurtuit, FRANCE
- IATA Code / ICAO Code: DNR / LFRD
- Phone: +33 2 99461846
- Official Website: www.dinard.aeroport.fr