Situated in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Bordeaux is famous for its calm vibe, stunning architecture and proximity to the ocean. A mere 2 hours by train from Paris, it has become one of the most popular destinations in France. So if you are planning to head to Bordeaux, here are our tips to make sure you have a trip of a lifetime!
Choose your train ticket to Bordeaux
Connections and Bordeaux railway station
The capital of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is a transport hub with numerous connections and access to the region as a whole. With Paris around a 2-hr train journey away (quickest route), Bordeaux has become a practical city for anyone in the southwest after efficient, fast and cheap transport.
If you opt for a OUIGO train from Bordeaux Saint-Jean, you can get to:
The north of the region
Poitiers, Tours and Angoulême, three stations that are on the Bordeaux – Paris line.
The south of the region
Agen, Montauban and Toulouse, on the Bordeaux – Toulouse line.
The Bordeaux-Saint-Jean railway station runs TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine regional network services. It is the terminus for several lines: Poitiers – Bordeaux, La Rochelle – Bordeaux, Bordeaux – Limoges, Bordeaux – Bayonne…
You can also travel north from Bordeaux to Paris, Amiens and even Lille.
Buy a low-cost train ticket to Bordeaux
You've decided to head to Bordeaux? Fantastic idea! Here are some tips to consider if you plan to buy train tickets to the city.
When choosing your ticket, why not opt for the OUIGO PLUS option and enjoy additional benefits? For only €9 more, you can choose your seat (single, double, near a plug for your devices…), access OUIFI and be able to travel with more luggage.
NB: You can select a specific OUIGO PLUS service for an extra benefit without paying for the €9 package.
Finally, if you subscribe to the Newsletter you will be able to keep up with all OUIGO news and offers! You'll be able to snap up early-bird and last-minute deals for OUIGO trains!
If you want to take advantage of OUIGO's best offers, just keep an eye on your inbox!
Discover Bordeaux with OUIGO: a great stopover before heading to the seaside!
What to do in Bordeaux?
When you leave Saint-Jean station, you can hop on Tram D line to get to the quayside, or Bus 1 to reach the city centre. If you opt for a tram to the quays, you can admire the Garonne River and enjoy a stroll around the Saint-Michel district. You can visit the amazing Saint-Michel Basilica, which was completed in the 16th century.
You can also take a bike ride along the quays and criss-cross between the northern and southern banks. Stop off at the Cité du Vin and then continue on to Place de la Bourse. You can always park your bike and head off on foot to the Grand Théâtre followed by a walk along Rue Sainte-Catherine, the largest pedestrian street in Europe.
Bordeaux has it all and its famous cuisine is a real highlight! Dig into the famous canelés, the local rum-based cakes, taste the Grands Crus wines or opt for a heartier meat-based dish. Bordeaux will delight you and there is something for every taste (literally)!
Public transportation in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has a very well-developed public transport network. With over 60 bus lines and 4 tram lines, you can easily get round and about. It costs €1.70 for a ticket that's valid for 1 hour, and €5 for a ticket valid for 24 hours.
And if you want to head to the seaside, there are plenty of regional coaches. There are nigh-on 25 regional coach lines that cross Nouvelle-Aquitaine via Bordeaux.
To get to the beaches, just take bus numbers 601, 701, 702 or 710 which will drop you off respectively in Lège – Cap-Ferret, Le Porge, Lacanau and Carcans.
The city is perfect for cyclists thanks to its numerous bike lanes. The short distance between the city centre and tourist attractions makes sightseeing even more enjoyable. The V 'cub (V3) self-service bike rental is available from €1.70 for 24 hours (the first 30 minutes are free, it then costs 2€/hour)
Services offered on your journey :
OUIGO PLUS
For just an extra €9, enjoy a range of options : OUIGO PLUS. Because OUIGO knows how to get to the essentials... but also how to go the extra mile!
OUIGO SWAP
To swap your tickets if your plans change, or book a ticket on a train that’s already full.
Quite convenient in case of emergencies!
OUIFI + OUIFUN
1 Service, 2 options: - A Wifi connection on all High Speed trains :
- An on-demand entertainment platform
On your marks, get set, connect!
SEAT CHOICE
Travel as a Duo, with family or friends... or enjoy a Solo seat!
You can book seats in upper carriages, lower carriages, with or without an electric outlet, Duo, Solo, for 3 or for 4 passengers... Take your pick!
EXTRA LUGGAGE
OUIGO limits the number of luggage per traveller, to save space and allow you to pay less for your weekends and vacations... but that doesn't mean you can’t bring what you need along with you! Simply tick the extra/XL luggage option.
TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
OUIGO offers an option for all pets who may want to travel with you! Whatever the size of your four-legged friend, the fee is €10 for your pet to travel with you. No more pet-sitters: bring them along!
TRAVEL WITH YOUR BIKE
You don't have to leave your bike stored in the garage! Bicycle lovers are welcome in our
High Speed (TGV) or Classical train: just tick the Bike option and cycle away, right off the train!
LOW FARES FOR KIDS
On our OUIGO High Speed trains, children's tickets cost €8, top. And infants under 3 travel on your lap for free. Finally, a family vacation that won’t have you go bankrupt
OUIGOFLEX : UNLIMITED TICKET EXCHANGE
Simply tick the OUIGOFLEX option when booking your ticket. It’s free for anyone under 12 and just €9 per adult... and you can now change your train tickets as many times as you need! Last-minute changes, family emergencies, or just a change of heart.
Paris - Bordeaux