Best Way to Get from Paris to Bordeaux

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The best way to travel from Paris to Bordeaux depends on your preference and scope. Whether you’re racing against time, savoring the scenic route, flying with the clouds, or hitting the road – there’s a perfect mode of transport for every kind of traveler.

From the high-speed and comfortable experience of TGV trains, and luxurious airplane flights to the scenic car drives, and the long nighttime journey by bus, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

In the following article, we will talk about some of the best way to get from Paris to Bordeaux to turn this journey into a memorable adventure.

Read on to find out!

Exploring the Best Way to Get to Bordeaux from Paris

Traveling from Paris to Bordeaux is an exciting journey with various options. From the scenic trains and buses to the thrilling flights, or the freedom of the open road in a rental car- each way is unique and a different experience.

Transports	Est. Travel Duration	Best For
Train	2 – 2.5 hours via TGV	Speed and Convenience, Scenic Routes
Airplane	1 hour (flight time)	Shortest Travel Time, Frequent Flyers
Car	5-6 hours	Road-trip Enthusiasts, Flexible Schedules
Bus	7-8 hours	Budget Travelers, Overnight Travel

Are you concerned about the safety? Don’t worry! France is quite safe for solo travelers and solo female travelers alike. But you’ll need to be aware of your belongings and surroundings as you would anywhere in the world.

Now in the next section, we’ll be comparing each of the ways. So, you can understand them and choose for yourself.

Traveling by High-Speed Train

If you’re all about speed and comfort, take a TGV high-speed train from Paris to Bordeaux, traveling at a soaring 199 mph (320 kph) speed. 

From Paris’s Gare Montparnasse station to Bordeaux’s Gare Saint-Jean, the LGV high-speed line offers a travel time of 2 hours and 10 minutes, covering the 310 miles (499 km) distance between the two cities. 

The timetable, frequency, and other details are – 

• Frequency – more than 20 trains per day, approximately every 30 Minutes
• Tickets – start from $27 (€25)
• Low-cost option – TGV OUIGO 
• High-cost option – TGV INOUI 
• Weekday Timetable – first train at 5:56 am | last at 8:32 pm
• Weekend Timetable – first train at 6:37 am | last at 8:01 pm

You can book tickets from the SNCF website online, or from the station. Upon reaching Bordeaux, grab a taxi, or an Uber, or hop on tram C or D to the city center. 

The stops at Place de la Bourse or Quinconces are your go-to for getting closest to the heart of the action.

Pros & Cons of Train Travel

It’s fast, convenient, and efficient with a touch of French elegance and you can enjoy the best weekend trip from Paris by train. Other advantages and amenities are –

Also, train travel is the most eco-friendly way, with 8 times less pollution than cars and 14 times less than airplanes.

Booking Train Tickets: Tips and Tricks

• Book your tickets in advance for the best deals and seat choices.
• Be open to adjusting travel dates for potential savings.
• Travel during off-peak hours/days for better prices and relaxation.
• SNCF Intercités de Nuit offers Budget-friendly Semi-Flex tickets. 
• Catch early morning trains for both savings and fewer crowd
• Make sure to pack other essential documents as needed.
• Seek out group discounts for extra savings.
• Check multiple platforms for the best deals and official websites, third-party sites, and agencies for travel information.
• There are reduced fares for kids of 4-11 and free for kids under 4.
• 60% discount for kids with seniors of 60+ on TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS.
• 30& discount under The Carte Avantage Senior TGV INOUI for seniors of 60+ in TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS.

Air Travel from Paris to Bordeaux: A Quick Overview

For a faster journey to Bordeaux from Paris, Air France flights are the only direct option. It takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Orly Airport (ORY) to Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport (BOD). 

Some important facts about the flights of the French flag carrier are – 

• Frequency – approximately 7-8 flights a day
• Tickets – start from as low as $105 (€97) varies by date and season
• Timetable – first flight leaves at 7:05 am | last one leaves at 9:35 pm

There are Economy and Business class options for travelers. So, with a touch of French Elegance, you’ll arrive in Bordeaux in no time, just like that.

In this regard, you can check out the flight schedule and price on Google Flight to get the best air travel experience.

Pros and Cons of Air Travel

It’s much faster than any other transportation option and more comfortable.

Apart from that, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of Air France’s flights. 

Booking Tips & Tricks for Air Travel

• Book well in advance for the best and cheapest deals. 
• Research the airline website, and other secondary and third-party flight booking sites for different dates to get the cheapest deal. 
• Arrive at the terminal well before departure time, ensuring the check-in and baggage claim time in hand.

Rent a Car or Go on a Shared Ride

If you’re a road-trip enthusiast and have enough time, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the scenic route between Paris and Bordeaux.

The shortest route from Paris to Bordeaux is approximately 363 miles (584 km) via the A10 highway – taking about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic and stops you make.

Other routes include –

• Via A20 highway – 369 miles (593 km) | 6.5-7.5 hours
• Via A71 & A81 highway – 478 miles (770 km) | 7.5-8.5 hours

For easy car rental options, Auto Europe, Gemut, and RentalCars.com are reliable providers with different models & sizes of cars according to your needs.

From mini cars, and economy size to SUVs, vans, and luxurious convertibles, you’ll get what you’re looking for.

For ride-sharing services, there are options on platforms like BlaBlaCar, SHARE NOW, or BusBud. They also provide convenient, flexible, and cost-effective ride-sharing services.

So, how long will it take to drive around France’s scenic routes from Paris to Bordeaux is up to you and the traffic you face.

However, keep in mind the tolls along the route, which can total over 50 euros one way for bridges and tunnels. Note that the cost of gas in France may be higher than what you’re accustomed to.

The Scenic Route Along the Way

Now, along the Paris-Bordeaux route, you’ll get to witness amazing and beautiful countryside and vineyards. Let’s see what you’re up for in this road trip –

• Enchanting châteaux in the fairytale-like region of Loire Valley.
• Stop for coffee at Poitiers, with its historical backdrop of the Baptistère Saint-Jean and Church of Saint-Hilaire-le-Grand.
• Take a detour to Cognac, which is surrounded by vineyards.
• Visit Europe’s tallest sand dune in Dune du Pilat for breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean before reaching Bordeaux.
• Finally, enjoy the heart of the wine country of Bordeaux, stopping at a vineyard to savor local wines (ensure the driver abstains).

Essential Tips on Car Hiring and Driving 

Now, driving in France as a tourist has its perks as well as some things to be aware of. So, first, let’s see what you need to consider when hiring a car for the road trip –

• Hire reputable providers for a smoother experience during and after. 
• Consider passenger numbers, luggage space, and fuel efficiency before hiring.
• Make sure the car you’re hiring has no damages before you get in. 
• Don’t skimp on insurance; check coverage options with the rental company.

Now, follow the tips for driving on French routes, especially if you’re a first-timer in the area –

• Fuel up before leaving and monitor fuel levels, especially in rural areas.
• GPS or a reliable navigation app, is your co-pilot to guide you through the charming French countryside.
• Familiarize yourself with local road rules and emergency numbers. 
• Know where to turn in case of any roadside rendezvous.
• Plan parking in advance, especially in cities.
• Remove personal belongings and check for damages before returning the car.

The Bus Journey from Paris to Bordeaux

A bus journey is the cheapest way to go to the city of wine and also the longest.

Here, the tickets start from as low as $16 (€15) depending on the dates and season. So let’s see what are the bus services that operate between Paris and Bordeaux –

• FlixBus – operates around 10-12 trips a day between 1:50 am and 11:15 pm. The journey takes about 7-10 hours depending on the schedule. 
• BlaBlaBus – operates around 12-15 trips a day between 7:20 am and 11:55 pm. The journey takes about 7-9 hours, based on the schedule.

Pros & Cons of Bus Journey

So, let’s see what bus travel from Paris to Bordeaux offers – 

How to Get the Best Deals on Bus Tickets?

If you want to get the best deals on Bus tickets, make sure to follow the below-mentioned tips as follows –

• Certain days can have cheaper fares, such as Sunday being the cheapest day while Saturday is the most expensive day
• To locate the best deals, check out a variety of websites and official bus company websites.
• To get exclusive offers and discounts, sign up for loyalty programs or newsletters.
• Look for package offers that combine bus tickets with other travel-related services.

What to Explore in Bordeaux After Arrival?

After you arrive in the wine region of Bordeaux, you’re in for a treat of your lifetime.

Here’s a list of the following sights and activities that are a must in Bordeaux –

• Place de la Bourse: Iconic square with the Water Mirror.
• Garonne River: Stroll along for a blend of classical and modern architecture.
• Cité du Vin Wine Museum: Interactive exhibits and tasting sessions.
• Saint-Émilion: Charming medieval village surrounded by world-famous vineyards.
• Darwin Ecosystem: Former military barracks turned into a hub for artists and entrepreneurs.
• Capucins Market: Lively food market offering fresh produce and treats.
• Pey-Berland Tower: Climb for incredible views of the city and Bordeaux Cathedral.

The list can go on and on, but no pressure! Explore at your own pace and liking.

Final Thoughts

As you plan your escape from the bustling streets of Paris to the vineyard-covered hills of Bordeaux, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Whether you opt for the high-speed thrill of the train or the flexible exploration of the open road, each of the above-mentioned best ways to get from Paris to Bordeaux promises its own set of adventures.

So, are you ready to write your own travel story? Bon voyage!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)