Arriving — Bordeaux–Mérignac airport (www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr; tel. 05-56-34-50-50 for flight information) is 15km (9.25 miles) west of the city in Mérignac, and is one of easyJet’s French hubs, increasing the number of flights to here from around Europe. A shuttle bus (Jet’Bus) runs from the airport to the train station every 30 min. (trip time: 55 min.). The one-way trip is 8€ adults, 7€ for passengers 25 and under, free for children under 5. A taxi (tel. 05-56-96-00-34) from the airport to the train station costs about 45€.

Some 15 to 30 high-speed TGV trains arrive from Paris each day; the trip takes 2 hr., 5 min. with the new high-speed link and a one-way fare is 77€ to 94€, although cheaper fares exist if you are booking in advance. Other rail connections include Toulouse, Avignon, Biarritz, and destinations in Spain. For train information, visit www.oui.sncf or call tel. 36-35 (.40€/min.). 

While Bordeaux is easy to reach by car (about a 6-hr. drive on the A10 autoroute from Paris; 2 hr. via the A62 from Toulouse; 15 min. on the A63 from the Spanish border), you won’t use it much once you get here as most of the historic center is closed to motorized traffic. 

Visitor Information — The Office de Tourisme is at 12 cours du 30-Juillet (www.bordeaux-tourisme.com; tel. 05-56-00-66-00), with a branch office in the Gare St-Jean (tel. 05-56-91-64-70).

City Layout — Bordeaux lies almost entirely on the western bank of the Garonne River, though the small up-and-coming neighborhood La Bastide is on the eastern bank, which can be accessed by the Pont de Pierre or the ferry. The historic center is rather compact and clusters near the river. Most hotels offer city maps to guests; you can also pick up a map at the tourist office. 

Getting Around

On Foot — With a good pair of comfortable shoes, you should be able to visit most sites on foot. If you want to explore more far-flung neighborhoods, or are just plain tired, you can easily get around town on the sleek new tram system.

By Public Transportation — The new tram (streetcar) makes it a snap to get around the city. The three lines (A, B, and C) crisscross the town; line D is due to open in 2019. The tram runs daily from 5am to 1am. Tickets (called “Tickarte”) are good on the tram, the city bus, and the ferry that crosses the river, and cost 1.60€, transfers included during a 1-hr. period. You can get a 5-ticket card for 6.70€, a 10-ticket card for 12.90€, as well as a 1-day pass for 4.60€ and a 7-day pass for 13.40€. You can buy tickets at the tram stops or at the Transport Bordeaux Métropole (TBM) outlets at place Quinconces, Gare St. Jean or place Gambetta, or online at www.infotbm.com. Weekly passes are sold in numerous tabacs across the city. Don’t forget to validate your ticket once you are on board; failure to do so can result in a fine. For information, maps, and a phone app, visit www.infotbc.com or call tel. 05-57-57-88-88. Bicycles for hire by the hour or day are available for pick up from 174 stations around the city (www.infotbm.com/en/bicycles-vcub).

By Taxi — As mentioned above, parts of the city center are car-free, so taxis are only practical for longer distances. You must hail a taxi from a taxi stand, which can be found at the place Gambetta, the Grand Théâtre, the Hôtel de Ville, and the place de la Victoire. Or call Taxi-Tele at tel. 05-56-96-00-34. Uber is also an option and, since traditional taxis are relatively expensive, can save a lot of money. 

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.