Getting Around Bordeaux

Getting Your Bearings

Bordeaux is a relatively compact city (49 km²). In broad terms, the ring road around the city marks the limits of the urban area, while the boulevards define the city proper. Additionally, Bordeaux has largely developed on the left bank of the Garonne, and the river effectively acts as another boundary. In short, the area of interest for visitors is quite contained, and getting your bearings isn’t too difficult.

Public Transport

The Bordeaux metropolitan area has an efficient bus and tram network (TBC) that covers the entire region well. A ticket costs 1.50 € (12.70 € for a pack of 10) and can be bought from automatic machines at tram stations or from the driver on buses. Once purchased, you can travel freely across the entire bus and tram network for one hour. Various passes and special rates—including tourist options—are also available.

Other Transport Options

Car

As in many cities, driving isn’t the best way to get around central Bordeaux, if only because of frequent traffic jams and parking difficulties. It’s better to use other modes of transport or, at most, leave your car in a parking lot (or in the "Park-and-Ride" facilities) near tram stops on the outskirts and then take the tram.

If you do need to rent a car, there’s no shortage of options, whether at the airport or near the train station. It’s also worth noting that, like the "Vélib’" bike-sharing system, there’s an "Autolib’" car-sharing scheme for urban use.

Taxis

Two Wheels

For cycling in Bordeaux, the city and its surroundings have 200 km of bike lanes. For residents, the city offers a free bike-loan system, and for everyone else, there’s a pay-as-you-go bike-sharing network (VCub). If you’re interested, bike-taxis are also available in Bordeaux.

Finally, you can take your bike on trams for free outside peak hours.

On Foot

The tourist centre is relatively small, and the sights are close to one another, so walking is a great way to explore the city. What’s more, part of the city centre, including Rue Sainte-Catherine, is pedestrianised.