Coming/Getting to the Gironde

Access by plane, train, and cruise ship

Getting to Bordeaux and the Gironde region by plane

The main gateway to the Southwest is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. Ideally located about twelve kilometers west of Bordeaux, it serves more than 80 direct destinations across France, Europe and North Africa.

• Address: Avenue René Cassin, 33700 Mérignac.
• How to get there? The most convenient option is now to take tram line A, which connects the airport directly to Bordeaux city centre. From Saint-Jean train station, there is also the 30-minute direct airport shuttle.
• Key destinations: daily connections to major cities (Paris, Lyon, London, Madrid, Amsterdam) as well as popular summer destinations such as the Greek islands, North Africa or European capitals.

The airport is structured around three main zones:

1. Hall A is the main terminal dedicated to international flights and major national airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, etc.). You will find many services, shops and restaurants there.
2. Hall B is mainly used by Air France for flights to Paris and some European routes.
3. The Billi Terminal : fully renovated in 2025-2026, this terminal is dedicated to low-cost carriers (EasyJet, Volotea). More modern and spacious, it offers a simplified process for passengers with cabin baggage.

Coming to Gironde by train

The train is undoubtedly the fastest and most environmentally friendly way to reach our region. A true link to the Southwest, Bordeaux Saint-Jean station welcomes millions of travelers each year in a majestic architectural setting, blending cut stone and a vast historic glass roof.

• Address: rue Charles Domercq, 33800 Bordeaux.
• Key destinations: thanks to the high-speed rail line (LGV), Bordeaux is now only 2 hours from Paris. Daily direct connections also link the city to Lille, Strasbourg, Lyon and Marseille.

As soon as you leave the station, you are connected to the entire metropolitan area:

• Trams C and D: they drop you off right in the city centre (Place des Quinconces or Place de la Bourse) in less than 10 minutes.
• Buses and Lianes: numerous lines (1, 9, 20, 31) serve the outlying districts and university areas.

Other ways to get to Gironde

• By long-distance bus

Numerous long-distance bus routes pass through Bordeaux. FlixBus boasts the largest long-distance bus network in Europe. Tickets start at €5, and onboard amenities include Wi-Fi and power outlets. Bus travel is a popular alternative for many. With FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus, you can travel from Paris or Lyon to Bordeaux from just €19!

• By boat

For recreational boaters, several leading ports dot the coastline and shores, offering quality infrastructure for stopovers.

• The Arcachon Basin is a major stop with its main marina equipped with 2,600 places, including 250 dedicated to visiting boats spread over 28 pontoons, allowing you to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town.
• Still on the Bassin, the port of La Vigne in Lège-Cap-Ferret offers a more intimate stopover on the peninsula.
• At the tip of the Médoc, Port-Médoc is strategically located between the Atlantic and the entrance to the Gironde estuary with its 800 berths.

Getting around Bordeaux and its metropolitan area

• The tram is the preferred mode of transport for discovering Bordeaux and its surroundings in complete serenity. With its silent trams and ground-level power supply which preserves the aesthetics of historic facades, the TBM network now extends over six major lines (A, B, C, D, E and F), connecting tourist attractions, business parks and surrounding towns.
• Line A crosses the metropolis from east to west, linking the hills of the right bank to the northwestern municipalities. It is ideal for reaching modern districts or strolling along the parks on the outskirts.
• Line B is the line for culture and students: it connects the Bassins à Flot (Bassins des Lumières) and the Cité du Vin to the university campus, passing along the quays and through the city center. It's the perfect option for a stroll along the Garonne River.
• Lines C and D form the strategic north-south axis. They serve major facilities such as the Exhibition Center and the Atlantic Stadium, pass near the Public Garden, and connect to the southern municipalities of the metropolitan area. They also provide direct access to residential neighborhoods and shopping areas.

Since the end of 2025, the network has been enhanced with two new cross-country lines which greatly simplify journeys without transfers.

• Line E creates a direct link between the right bank and the northwest of the metropolis, facilitating exchanges between booming neighborhoods and historic areas.
• As for Line F, it offers a direct and fast connection between Mérignac Airport, the Town Hall and Bègles Station, thus becoming a major axis for travelers and workers in the airport area.

All the lines intersect in the city center, notably at Place des Quinconces and Porte de Bourgogne. With regular service (every 3 to 5 minutes during the day) and operating hours from 5:00 am to midnight (or even later on weekends), the tram remains your best ally for exploring urban Gironde without the constraints of a car.

• Bikes for your short, spontaneous trips. From now on, it's no longer called VCUB, but simply "Le Vélo" (The Bike). Completely revamped, the service now offers more than 2,000 bikes (half of them electric) distributed across nearly 190 stations throughout the metropolitan area. Accessible 24/7 via the TBM app or directly at a station, all you need is your bank card or transit pass to rent a bike.