How to travel in the Bordeaux area

written by INSIDR Team October 10, 2022

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So, you’ll soon be heading to Bordeaux and the famed wine region of France? Lucky you, it’s definitely one of our favorite places in France! The land of canelés, medieval cities and of course, wine!

During your trip planning, you’ve probably come across multiple transportation options. In fact, the region has so many options that it’s sometimes hard to decide what to pick.

High-speed trains, regional trains, car rental, local bus networks and private coaches…there are countless transportation options to choose from. Comfort, flexibility and cost vary greatly depending on what you end up deciding on.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our recommended transportation options based on your budget, trip flexibility and overall type of travel you prefer. Let us handle the logistics, you handle the relaxing!

What are the best transportation options in the Bordeaux area

Car

Our number one choice of transportation during your time in Bordeaux and the surrounding area is definitely by car. Though the region has excellent public / private transportation, you can’t beat the flexibility of having your own vehicle. Hit the road to discover lovely panoramic views of the vineyards and medieval towns of the Medoc. Or drive to the coast and enjoy a lazy afternoon on the beach.

Train

If you’re not able to get your hands on a car, taking the train is a great second option. You can take the high-speed TGV down from Paris. From there, you can grab one of the many regional trains, the “TER”, to explore the area’s smaller cities and towns. Prices for local trains tend to be very reasonable so it’s a good option if you’re on a tight travel budget.

Bus

The Aquitaine region has numerous local bus networks that provide extensive coverage of the area. You can access some of the smaller towns and villages with this method of transportation. Though it has become much more dynamic in recent years, parts of the region are still a bit quiet, so make sure you check the timetables as some buses only run a few times a day.

Driving in the Bordeaux area

Driving from Paris to the Bordeaux area

Driving down to Bordeaux from Paris is a great option if you want to explore some of the French countryside. The quickest route will take approximately 6 hours, depending on traffic. Get on the A10 freeway from Paris and head south. You’ll pass through the towns of Orleans, Tours and Poitiers on the way before finally hitting Bordeaux. You can also choose to take some of the local roads after Poitiers, if you are looking for a more scenic ride. This option will however add a couple of hours to your travel time.

Traveling by car in the the Bordeaux area region

Driving in Bordeaux and the surrounding Aquitaine region is pretty simple. We do have a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly! First of all, brush up on French traffic laws. Passing on the right and turning right when the light is red are not allowed in France. We also recommend getting an International Driver’s License, or at the very least translating your license into French. As is the case with most cities, driving in the center of Bordeaux can be a bit stressful. A GPS can definitely come in handy to help you navigate the city streets.