Modern tram on the streets of Bordeaux, Gironde public transport network

Transport in Gironde

Navigate the department with ease — buses, trams, trains, airport shuttles, and bike-sharing across Bordeaux and beyond.

Getting Around

Your Complete Transport Directory

Public transport in the Gironde has three layers: regional coaches (the former TransGironde network, now run by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region as Cars Région) for towns across the department; TBM trams, buses and river shuttles inside Bordeaux Métropole; and TER trains from Bordeaux Saint-Jean to Arcachon, Libourne, Langon and the Médoc. Bordeaux Airport is on tram line A. Timetables and fares change, so always check the official sites before travelling.

Cars Région Gironde (formerly TransGironde) — Coach Network

The departmental coach network long known as TransGironde was run by the Conseil Départemental until responsibility for interurban transport passed to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (from 2017 under the NOTRe law). It now operates under the regional Cars Région brand (you may still see the old TransGironde name on older signs and timetables). It connects Bordeaux to every corner of the Gironde: the Atlantic coast (Arcachon, Lacanau, Hourtin), the Médoc peninsula, Saint-Émilion wine country, and rural communes across Entre-Deux-Mers and the southern forests.

Typical Routes

Line numbers, journey times and frequencies change regularly — confirm on the official regional timetable before travelling.

  • Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon Bay — coach links complement the much faster TER train
  • Bordeaux ↔ Lacanau-Océan — the main public transport link to Lacanau (no train), busiest in summer
  • Bordeaux ↔ Libourne area — right-bank towns (the train is usually quicker)
  • Bordeaux ↔ Médoc — coaches towards Castelnau-de-Médoc, Pauillac and the northern Médoc
  • South Gironde — coaches serving Langon, Bazas and rural communes

Practical Information

Tickets: Single fares from €2.00 (short distance) to €8.00 (full department crossing). Day passes and monthly subscriptions available. Purchase tickets on board (contactless accepted) or via the regional transport app.

Bikes: Some coaches carry bikes on racks, subject to space; check the line's conditions before relying on it.

Accessibility: Modern fleet with low-floor access and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Assistance available — contact the driver in advance for support.

Timetables & Real-Time Info: transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr (the old transgironde.fr address may redirect there) — timetables, line maps and the current customer-service contacts.

TBM — Bordeaux Métropole Transport

Transports Bordeaux Métropole operates an award-winning urban network across the 28 communes of Bordeaux Métropole. The centrepiece is the four-line tramway (A, B, C, D), which runs without overhead wires through the historic centre thanks to a ground-level power supply (APS) — the first modern tramway to use the system.

Tram Lines

  • Line A — Mérignac (branches to Le Haillan and Bordeaux Airport) ↔ right bank (Floirac / Lormont–Carbon-Blanc branches) via Hôtel de Ville and Pont de Pierre
  • Line B — Pessac ↔ Bassins à Flot / Berges de la Garonne via Talence campus, Place de la Victoire and Quinconces
  • Line C — Blanquefort / Parc des Expositions ↔ Bègles / Villenave-d'Ornon via Quinconces and Gare Saint-Jean
  • Line D — Eysines (Cantinolle) ↔ Bordeaux centre via Le Bouscat and Quinconces

Frequency: Trams run every 5–8 minutes during peak hours, every 10–15 minutes off-peak. Trams run from early morning until around 1 am, with later running on some weekend nights — check TBM for current hours.

Bus Network (Lianes & Local Lines)

80+ bus routes serve the Métropole, including high-frequency Lianes (express bus corridors) and Corol+ circular lines. Key routes:

  • Liane 1+ — Bordeaux Airport ↔ Bordeaux city centre (Gambetta) via Mérignac (30 min, every 10 min)
  • Liane 2 — Villenave d'Ornon ↔ Gradignan via Talence campus (university corridor)
  • Liane 10 — Bassins à Flot ↔ Lormont via Quinconces (river crossing)

BatCub (River Shuttle)

The BatCub crosses the Garonne between Stalingrad and Lormont-Buttinière, offering scenic river commutes. Operates Monday–Saturday, integrated with standard TBM tickets.

Tickets & Passes

Single ticket: €1.80 (valid 1 hour on all TBM modes). Day pass: €5.00. Weekly pass: €16.50. Monthly pass: €48.00. Purchase at tram/bus stops, via the TBM app, or in shops displaying the TBM logo.

Youth & Students: Discounted monthly passes from €24.00 for under-26s and students.

Official website: www.infotbm.com — Real-time tram/bus arrivals, route planner, and service alerts. Customer service: 05 57 57 03 88

SNCF TER — Regional Trains

SNCF's TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine network radiates from Bordeaux Saint-Jean station, connecting the Gironde to the Atlantic coast, wine country, and onward TGV services to Paris (2 hours), Lyon, Toulouse, and beyond.

Key Regional Routes (2026)

  • Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon — around 50 minutes, frequent service. Stops include Facture-Biganos and La Teste-de-Buch. Direct access to Arcachon Bay and the Dune du Pilat.
  • Bordeaux ↔ Libourne / Saint-Émilion — about 30–40 minutes to Libourne. A few trains a day on the Bergerac/Sarlat line also stop at Saint-Émilion station, roughly 2 km below the village; otherwise take a taxi or bus from Libourne.
  • Bordeaux ↔ Langon — 45 minutes via Cadaujac, Beautiran, Podensac. Gateway to southern Graves vineyards and the Sauternes region.
  • Bordeaux ↔ Pauillac ↔ Le Verdon-sur-Mer — the Médoc line via Margaux and Pauillac; roughly 1 hour to Pauillac and around 2 hours to Le Verdon/Pointe de Grave. Runs year-round but services are limited.
  • Bordeaux ↔ Paris Montparnasse (TGV) — 2 hours, multiple daily departures. Book via SNCF Connect for best fares.

Tickets & Pricing

Regional TER tickets: €6.50–€15.00 depending on distance (Bordeaux–Arcachon: €11.40). Youth discount: 50% off for under-27s with TER Jeunes card.

TGV tickets: Paris–Bordeaux from €25.00 (advance booking) to €120.00 (last-minute). Book early for the best prices.

Bikes on trains: TER trains have dedicated bike spaces (free, no reservation required). TGVs require bike reservations (€10.00) or use dismantled/folding bikes.

Official website: www.ter.sncf.com/nouvelle-aquitaine — Book tickets, check timetables, and live delays. National SNCF app: SNCF Connect

Bordeaux Airport (BOD) — Bordeaux-Mérignac

Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (code: BOD) is France's 6th busiest airport, serving 80+ destinations across Europe, North Africa, and seasonal long-haul routes. Located about 12 km west of Bordeaux city centre.

Airport Connections

Tram line A — Since 2023 a branch of tram line A runs to the airport (stop "Aéroport"), giving a direct, standard-fare TBM tram link to Mérignac and central Bordeaux (allow roughly 35–45 minutes to the centre). Note that line A does not serve Gare Saint-Jean; change to line C in the centre for the station.

TBM buses — TBM bus routes (including Liane 1) also serve the airport on a standard TBM ticket. Check the TBM journey planner for current routes and frequencies.

Taxi: Taxis to Bordeaux centre take roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic; ask for the fare before setting off. Taxi rank outside Terminal B arrivals. Pre-book via G7 Taxis or use Uber/Bolt apps.

Car Rental: Major providers (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in Terminal B. Book in advance for better rates. Direct motorway access to Bordeaux (A630), the Atlantic coast, and wine regions.

Destinations

Routes change seasonally; check the airport website for the current list.

Domestic: Paris (CDG, Orly), Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Nantes, Lille.

European: London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Lisbon, Geneva, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Oslo, Prague.

Seasonal: Marrakech, Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis, Montreal (summer only).

Official website: www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr — Flight status, terminal maps, and live departure/arrival boards.

V3 — Bordeaux Bike-Share System

V3 ("V Cube") is Bordeaux's public bike-sharing network operated by TBM. With 2,200+ bikes across 200+ stations, it's one of France's most successful bike-share schemes — ideal for short urban trips, commuting, and exploring the city's 220 km of cycle lanes.

How V3 Works

Bike Types: Mechanical bikes (blue V3 bikes) and electric-assist e-bikes (V3+ bikes) at select stations. E-bikes make it easy to tackle Bordeaux's gentle hills and riverside routes.

Subscription Options:

  • Day pass: €1.80 (24 hours unlimited trips, first 30 min free per trip)
  • Weekly pass: €7.00 (7 days unlimited trips, first 30 min free per trip)
  • Annual pass: €35.00 (365 days, first 30 min free per trip, best value for residents)
  • TBM subscribers: V3 included free with monthly/annual TBM passes

After the first 30 minutes, usage is charged at €1.00/hour (mechanical) or €2.00/hour (e-bikes).

Using V3

1. Register: Download the TBM app or register at a V3 station kiosk with a credit card.
2. Unlock a bike: Scan the QR code on the bike or enter the bike number in the app.
3. Ride: Navigate Bordeaux's dedicated cycle lanes (pistes cyclables) — routes marked in green on the TBM app.
4. Return: Dock the bike at any V3 station. Wait for the green light confirmation and lock beep.

Top Cycling Routes

  • Quais de Bordeaux — Flat riverside route along the Garonne (10 km north–south). Pass the Miroir d'Eau, Cité du Vin, and Bassins à Flot.
  • Roger Lapébie Cycle Path — 57 km greenway from Bordeaux to Sauveterre-de-Guyenne via Entre-Deux-Mers. Take a V3 bike to Latresne (station at the trailhead).
  • Bordeaux ↔ Arcachon Bay — a long-distance cycle path of roughly 60–70 km to the bay, where it meets La Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1) (full-day trip, bring your own bike or rent from specialist shops).

Official website: www.infotbm.com/fr/le-velo — Station map, bike availability, and app download. V3 app available on iOS and Android.

Accessibility & Reduced Mobility

Gironde's transport networks are committed to universal accessibility. All new trams, trains, and buses feature low-floor boarding, wheelchair spaces, audio/visual announcements, and tactile guide paths at major stations.

Accessible Services

TBM Trams: 100% wheelchair accessible. Designated spaces in each tram car. Priority seating near doors.

TBM Buses: All Lianes and most local buses have low-floor access and ramps. Check the TBM app for real-time accessibility status per route.

SNCF Trains: All TER and TGV trains offer wheelchair-accessible carriages. Book "PMR" (Personne à Mobilité Réduite) tickets in advance via SNCF Connect for guaranteed accessible seating and assistance at stations.

Cars Région (ex-TransGironde): Many coaches have wheelchair access; check accessibility for your line and book assistance in advance via the regional transport website.

Mobibus (Reduced Mobility Service)

TBM operates Mobibus, a door-to-door transport service for people with disabilities who cannot use standard public transport. Book trips in advance: 05 57 57 10 88 or infotbm.com — Mobibus

Quick Reference

Transport at a Glance

Service Coverage Typical Fare Website
Cars Région Gironde (ex-TransGironde) Entire Gironde department (535 communes) €2.00–€8.00 transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr
TBM Tram Bordeaux Métropole (4 lines, 28 communes) €1.80 single, €5.00 day infotbm.com
TBM Bus Bordeaux Métropole (80+ routes) €1.80 single, €5.00 day infotbm.com
SNCF TER Regional routes (Arcachon, Libourne, Langon) €6.50–€15.00 ter.sncf.com
Airport (Tram A / TBM bus) Bordeaux Airport ↔ Mérignac & city centre €1.80 (TBM ticket) bordeaux.aeroport.fr
V3 Bike Share Bordeaux Métropole (200+ stations) €1.80 day, €35/year infotbm.com/le-velo
Practical Advice

Transport Tips for 2026

Multi-Modal Journey Planning

Use TBM's journey planner for urban trips within Bordeaux Métropole, and SNCF Connect for regional and long-distance routes. Google Maps integrates all Gironde transport networks (tram, bus, train) for seamless multi-modal planning.

Contactless Payment

TBM trams and buses accept contactless bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) for single fares — simply tap on the validator. No ticket purchase required. For regional coaches and SNCF, mobile apps offer paperless e-tickets.

Night Services

TBM operates Noctambus (night buses) on Friday and Saturday nights from 00:30 to 04:00, covering major routes when trams stop. Check infotbm.com for Noctambus routes.

Tourist Passes

The Bordeaux Métropole City Pass includes unlimited TBM transport plus entry to museums and attractions. Available for 24h (€31), 48h (€41), or 72h (€51). Purchase online or at tourist offices. Ideal for short visits.

Climate & Seasonal Notes

Summer (June–September) sees increased frequencies on coastal routes (the Lacanau coach line, TER to Arcachon) due to beach tourism. Book ahead for weekend trips. Winter (November–March) sees reduced frequencies on rural coach routes — always check timetables in advance.

Luggage & Large Items

TBM trams have generous luggage space (ideal for airport connections). Regional coaches generally have underfloor luggage holds. SNCF trains allow full-size luggage free of charge — no restrictions on TER regional services.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What happened to TransGironde?

TransGironde was the Gironde's departmental coach network. Responsibility for interurban coaches passed to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region from 2017, and the network now runs under the regional Cars Région brand (Cars Région Gironde). Timetables and line maps are on transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr; the old TransGironde name still appears in places.

What is "transport départemental" in the Gironde today?

There is no longer a separate departmental coach operator: interurban coaches in the Gironde are organised by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (Cars Région), while Bordeaux Métropole runs the TBM tram, bus and river shuttle network and the TER regional trains are run by SNCF for the region.

Are there trams in the Gironde outside Bordeaux?

The Gironde's only tram network is TBM's four lines (A, B, C, D) in Bordeaux Métropole. They reach suburbs such as Mérignac, Pessac, Bègles, Blanquefort, Eysines and Lormont, but not towns further afield. For the coast and wine country use TER trains or Cars Région coaches.

How do I get from Bordeaux Airport to the city by public transport?

Take tram line A from the Aéroport stop, opened in 2023, on a standard TBM ticket; it runs through Mérignac to central Bordeaux. TBM buses also serve the airport. For Gare Saint-Jean, change to tram line C in the centre.

Where can I find a transport map of the Gironde?

Use the official network maps: TBM (infotbm.com) for the Bordeaux tram and bus network, transports.nouvelle-aquitaine.fr for Cars Région coach lines across the Gironde, and the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine site for the regional rail map. Google Maps also includes most of these services for journey planning.

Can I reach the Gironde coast without a car?

Yes, partly. TER trains run frequently from Bordeaux to Arcachon, and a Médoc line runs to Pauillac and Le Verdon. Lacanau, Hourtin and Cap Ferret are reached by coach (Cars Région) or, for Cap Ferret, by ferry from Arcachon in season. Services are thinner outside summer.

More Resources

Cycling Routes

Vélodyssée, Roger Lapébie path, and local cycle lanes across the Gironde.

Weather & Tides

Atlantic tide tables, surf forecasts, and climate information for the coast.

Administration

Departmental contacts, town halls, and public services across the Gironde.

Explore the Gironde by Public Transport

From Bordeaux's wine bars to Atlantic surf breaks — discover it all without a car.

Tourism & Heritage Nature & Coast
Last reviewed on 2 October 2026.