Located along the Garonne River, Bordeaux is a dynamic and vibrant city with excellent connections to the rest of France and Europe through its extensive rail network and airport. The city has established a diverse transportation system utilizing the river for efficient passenger transport, including tramways, buses, and river shuttles.
Transportation in Bordeaux
Transports Bordeaux Métropole (TBM), Bordeaux's transport network is striking for its impressive diversity:
- four tramway lines: A, B, C, and D, powered 100% by green energy;
- over 70 bus lines;
- eight night bus lines;
- V³, the self-service bicycle system: 186 stations, over 2,000 bikes, including 1,000 electric bikes;
- river shuttles (Bat³).
In addition to these transport options, Bordeaux residents have access to 25 parking facilities managed by various operators, providing nearly 25,000 parking spaces in total. Some of these facilities offer specific season ticket options, and residents can also benefit from MetPark's special subscription.
The tramway in Bordeaux
Bordeaux's tramway lines cover a large part of the city:
Line A – running west to east, crossing the Garonne River
Departure: Le Haillan Rostand
Arrival: La Gardette Bassens Carbon Blanc / Floirac Dravemont
Service: 5 am to midnight (00.55 am Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
Line B – runs from the southwest to the northeast of Bordeaux, parallel to the Garonne River.
Departure: Berges de la Garonne / Bassins à Flot
Arrival: Pessac Centre / France Alouette
Service: 5 am to 0.40 am (00.55 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Line C – running north–south
Departure: Bordeaux Parc des Expositions / Krakow
Arrival: Gare de Bègles / Lycée Václav Havel
Service: 5 am to midnight (00.55 am Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
Line D – crossing Bordeaux, Le Bouscat and Eysines
The latest line of Bordeaux's tramway system (streetcar), due to enter service in December 2019, uses part of the infrastructure of line C. It also shares a stop with line B and another with line A. Since its partial opening in 2019, line D has been fully deployed.
Departure: Bordeaux Carle Vernet
Arrival: Eysines Cantinolle
Service: 5 am to midnight (1 am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday).
For more information on stops and timetables, visit the TBM website.
Buses in Bordeaux
The bus network in Bordeaux operates over 70 routes that connect the city center with the entire urban area.
There are "Lianes" (high-service lines), "Principales", "Directes", and "Locales". All buses are wheelchair accessible. Bordeaux has also developed Mobibus, an on-demand bus service that is reserved for people with reduced mobility.
Lianes (buses 1–5, 7–9, 15–16, 31, 35, 39) run at high frequency. They serve several communes and offer numerous connections with tramways and other bus lines.
The Principales (buses 20–29) reinforce the Lianes and streetcars.
Directes (buses 55–57) are the practical solution for quickly reaching the main stations. They only serve the main stops.
Locales (buses 30, 32–34, 35–38, 60–61, 64, 65–67, 69, 70–87, 89, 90) replace Corol and Spécifiques buses. They serve the districts of the Bordeaux metropolitan area.
Good to know:
Another network exists, Flexago, a made-to-measure transport solution (by reservation).
Water cabs in Bordeaux
A distinctive feature of Bordeaux's transportation system is the highly convenient river boat known as Bat³. The shuttles operate between Lormont Bas, Stalingrad, Quinconces Jean-Jaurès, and Hangars Médoc. They run Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7:30 pm (and from 8:45 am to 8 pm on weekends and public holidays).
Cycling in Bordeaux
V³ are self-service bicycles available 24/7 in parks throughout the region.
Transport tickets in Bordeaux
You can choose between several options:
- The 24-hour ticket: The 24-hour ticket costs 5 euros and covers travel on streetcars, buses, and river shuttles, as well as access to parking lots near the streetcar network;
- Ticket Voyage: Streetcar and bus tickets allow travel for one hour after the first validation. There are various options available: 1.70 euros for a single trip, 3.20 euros for two trips, and 14.50 euros for 10 trips;
- The 7-day Ticket: to use all modes of transport in Bordeaux. The 7-day ticket costs 14.20 euros;
- The monthly Senior Pass: This is for those aged 60 and over. It allows you to use all modes of transport in Bordeaux at a preferential rate (39.30 euros);
- Reduced 10-trip ticket: This service is reserved for large families, children and students, military personnel, and those benefiting from social tariffs. It entitles the holder to reduced fares (8.30 euros for 10 tickets) on the entire Bordeaux transport network;
- Ticket Parc-Relais: This ticket is for those wishing to park their car in a parking lot to use the tramway. The ticket costs 5 euros (for 1 to 5 people). You'll also benefit from a discount at selected park-and-ride facilities: 3.5 euros for 1 to 7 people;
- Ticket Pass Soirée: The Ticket Pass Soirée costs 3 euros and allows unlimited use of all available city transport from 7 pm to 7 am the following day;
- V3: bicycle rental system for people aged 14 and over. A 24-hour ticket costs 1.70 euros, compared with 7.70 euros for a weekly ticket. The first 30 minutes are free, but once the ticket expires, you'll have to pay 2 euros per hour.
Useful link:
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