Useful tips for getting around Bordeaux
Bordeaux, the capital of the French region of Aquitaine, is a city full of life and activities. With a rich history and culture, it is a perfect place to explore on foot or by bike. However, it also has a good public transportation system that will take you anywhere in the city.
Here are some useful tips for getting around Bordeaux.
How to get from the airport to the center of Bordeaux
Bordeaux airport is located about 12 kilometers west of the city center. There are several options to get to the center:
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Streetcar: The Liane 1 streetcar line connects the airport to the city center. A single ticket costs €1.70 and travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
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Bus: Bus line 1+ of the Jet'Bus company also connects the airport with the center of Bordeaux. The ticket costs €8 and the travel time is about 45 minutes.
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Cab: Taxis are available at the cab rank located in front of the terminal. The fare to the city center is usually around €35.
Getting around Bordeaux on foot
The old town of Bordeaux is compact and easy to get around on foot. Most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. It is also a pleasant way to enjoy the architecture and atmosphere of the city.
There are several tourist maps available at the Bordeaux Tourist Office that can help you plan your route.
Getting around Bordeaux by bicycle
Bordeaux is a very bicycle-friendly city. It has more than 200 kilometers of bike lanes, making it easy to get around the city by bike.
The bike rental company V3 offers public bicycles that can be rented for a very reasonable price. There are also several bike rental stores in the city, such as "La Maison du Vélo", where you can rent a bike for about 15€ per day.
Getting around Bordeaux by public transport:
Bordeaux has an extensive public transportation network including streetcars, buses and trains. The public transport company in Bordeaux is TBM (Transport Bordeaux Métropole). The city also has a public bicycle system called VCub, which is managed by the same transport company. Public transport tickets can be purchased at streetcar stations, at newsstands and on the TBM mobile app.Streetcars and buses are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city. A single ticket costs around €1.70, while a full-day ticket costs around €4.60. Ten-ride tickets can also be purchased for around €13.70. Bordeaux public transport tickets are also valid on regional trains connecting the city with nearby towns.
Public transport costs in Bordeaux:
Public transport fares in Bordeaux are quite reasonable compared to other European cities. Below are the prices of some of the public transport tickets in Bordeaux:- Single streetcar or bus ticket: €1.70.
- Full-day ticket: 4.60 euros
- Ten-trip ticket : 13,70 euros
- Monthly pass: 32 euros
The VCub system of public bicycles is very popular in Bordeaux, especially during the summer months. The first half hour is free and then a €1 is charged for each additional hour. Monthly passes are also available for around €7 per month.
It is important to note that rates can change over time, so it is always advisable to check the latest prices on the TBM website or mobile app.
Getting around Bordeaux by car
Getting around Bordeaux by car can be a good option if you plan to travel outside the city and explore the Aquitaine region. There are several car rental companies in Bordeaux, and you can choose from a wide range of vehicles depending on your needs. Among the car rental companies in Bordeaux are the major international companies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt, as well as some local companies such as Ada and Rent a Car.Car rental prices may vary depending on the season, the duration of the rental and the type of vehicle you need. As a reference, the average price for a small car for a day is around 30-40 euros, while a high-end car can cost more than 100 euros per day.
It is important to keep in mind that traffic in the center of Bordeaux can be complicated and parking lots are scarce, especially in tourist areas. It is therefore advisable to park your car in a public parking lot and move around on foot or by public transport to explore the city center. In addition, you can also consider the option of renting an electric car in Bordeaux. The city has several charging points and exclusive parking for electric vehicles, and you can find electric car rental companies such as Wattmobile or Citiz.
Renting an electric car may be more expensive than a combustion car, but it will allow you to move around the city in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
In general, renting a car in Bordeaux can be a good option if you plan to explore the region and the rural areas of Aquitaine. However, if you only plan to move around the city center, it is advisable to use public transportation or move around on foot or by bicycle to avoid traffic and parking problems.
