All the ways to explore the stunning city of Bordeaux

Getting around Bordeaux – a charming city rich in diverse architectural styles – is truly a visual delight.

This city is, in fact, the world’s largest urban World Heritage Site, spanning approximately 18 sq km (seven sq miles), or half of the city itself. For centuries, boats of all kinds have gracefully sailed the muddy Garonne River that meanders through this port city, reaching the Garonne Estuary and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.

For centuries, pedestrians have wandered through Bordeaux’s medieval core, while neighborhoods are well-connected by what may be France’s most efficient public transportation system. Best of all, the city’s cycling enthusiasts champion eco-friendly travel methods.

Here’s a roundup of the best ways to navigate their beloved city.

Travel from Bordeaux airport to the city by tram

Without any overhead wires disrupting the city’s architectural beauty, Bordeaux’s modern tramway is a stunning sight. Board at Bordeaux airport, located 10km (six miles) west in Mérignac. Tramline A runs every six to ten minutes from 5am to midnight, departing from the stop in front of Terminal A; disembark at the Hôtel de Ville stop in the city center (40 minutes), right by the cathedral. Tramline B continues north along the river to Chartrons and La Cité du Vin, making a stop at the shaded Esplanade des Quinconces, the hub of public transport company TBM. To reach Bordeaux train station from the airport (one hour), take line A to Porte de Bourgogne, then switch to tramline C for four additional stops to Gare St-Jean.

At the airport, when purchasing your ticket from the machine by the tram stop, think about how many times you'll use public transport that day and during your stay. A two-/10-journey ticket (€3.20/14.50) or a 24-/48-/72-hour ticket (€5/9/12) could offer better value than a single ride (€1.80, valid for one hour). These tickets are also valid on TBM buses and boats.

Planning tip: To reduce paper waste and avoid lines at ticket machines, download the TBM app (available for iOS and Android) for ticket purchases. Once on board, just scan your phone at the ticket validators.

Enjoy a leisurely and scenic journey to La Cité du Vin: by boat

As the proud locals affectionately call their city Port de la Lune (Port of the Moon), it’s fitting to see Bordeaux from the water during your visit. Scenic Bat3 riverboats – more affordable than any formal river cruise – stop at five locations along the Garonne, including Stalingrad on the right bank (great for exploring La Bastide) and, on the left bank, Quinconces, Les Hangars (the “shoppers’ stop,” directly in front of the Bord’eau Village shopping center), and La Cité du Vin (with the jetty located in a small garden behind the curvy building). You can use a regular tram/bus ticket, or opt for a €3/4 ticket valid for one/two trips on the boat. Bicycles are welcome on board.

Planning tip: Bat3 boats operate from 7am to 7:30pm (starting at 9am on weekends). Departures are about every two hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.

Immerse yourself in Bordeaux’s vibrant street art scene by walking through the city

Honor the literary greats like Balzac and Baudelaire – just stroll. Bordeaux is designed for leisurely wandering, making it the ideal way to appreciate the graceful symmetry of iconic Place de la Bourse, observe the expressive mascarons on golden-stone facades, and soak up the city's lively cosmopolitan atmosphere by wandering from A to B to Z on foot.

The historic wine-trading area of Chartrons, with its tangled alleys and hidden squares adorned with striking street art from artists like French aerosol master Alber and local talent Monkey Birds Crew, is perfect for an adventurous walk.

Planning tip: The tourist office in Bordeaux provides details on guided urban walks focused on street art. Additionally, from March to October, the street art center Galerie Magnetic offers tours (€20 for 2.5 hours) on foot, rollerblades, or bikes.

Embrace the local vibe and discover the city by bicycle

Bordeaux boasts an exhilarating combination of bike lanes, shared bus-and-bike routes, and bike-exclusive streets, making it a haven for cyclists. The TBM public bike-sharing program, V3, is affordable (€1.70 to sign up, 30 minutes free, then €2 per hour) and effective, featuring around 2,000 bikes—half of which are electric—across 186 docking stations. Use the TBM app to find stations and available bikes. Alternatively, Cool Bike is among several independent rental shops run by passionate cyclists eager to share their favorite routes and local insights.

Be aware that pedestrians may find themselves exasperated by the sheer number of bicycles in Bordeaux at some point. Navigating the pedestrian promenade along the river, where various cyclists speed by—ranging from push bikes to e-bikes, cargo bikes to scooters—can lead to some near-misses. (Cyclists, take heed: on pedestrian and car-free zones, the speed limit is 20 kph/12.5 mph, and pedestrians always have the right of way.)

Tip for cycling through vineyards: The Bordeaux tourist office provides seasonal guided bike tours around the city and into nearby vineyards, as does Bordeaux Bike Experience. For electric bike adventures, consider teaming up with Rustic Vines.

Hop on an e-scooter to zip along the riverside with skaters

To ensure everyone can join in on the riverside excitement, free-floating electric trotinettes (stand-up scooters) from Pony and Dott are readily available. Again, download the app to find, pay for, and unlock them. Officially, users must be at least 18 years old and ride solo on each scooter.

Rent a car for an unforgettable road trip through vineyards and châteaux

Honestly, having a car in Bordeaux is often unnecessary. With heavy traffic, scarce parking, and efficient public transport or cycling options, getting around can be quicker without a vehicle. However, having your own car unlocks the possibility of enchanting road trips through the picturesque vineyards of Médoc wine country. Car rental services are conveniently located at Bordeaux airport.

A network of 25 park-and-ride car parks (parc relais) surrounds the city center, encouraging drivers to park and hop on a bus or tram for the final stretch into Bordeaux. If you do choose to drive, expect metered street parking to cost between €1.80 and €2.50 per hour (free from 7pm to 7am, all day Sunday, and on public holidays). Be sure to download the Easy Park or Flowbird app beforehand to pay via your smartphone.

Planning tip: Metpark offers 31 covered and open-air parking facilities in downtown Bordeaux (€0.80/15 minutes or €20/day). Many of these parks also feature complimentary charging stations for electric vehicles.

Transportation options for accessibility in Bordeaux

Navigating the cobbled and stone-paved paths of medieval St-Pierre and St-Paul can be tough for travelers with disabilities. However, all four tram lines and city buses are equipped with wheelchair access, featuring ramps, designated priority spaces, and audio-visual announcements for stops during the journey. For detailed information on accessible travel, visit Dinogo Planet’s Accessible Travel Online Resources page.

Public transport passes

The budget-friendly Bordeaux City Pass (available for 24/48/72 hours at €34/44/50) can be purchased online or at the Bordeaux tourist office. This pass offers unlimited public transport access, a complimentary guided tour, and admission to major museums.