Nouvelle Aquitaine is France's largest region, stretching from the Atlantic coast and Pyrenees mountains in the south to the Loire Valley in the north. It encompasses world-renowned wine regions like Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, the surf capital of Biarritz, prehistoric wonders at Lascaux, and the dramatic Dune du Pilat. With diverse landscapes, rich gastronomy, and centuries of history, Nouvelle Aquitaine offers an unrivaled travel experience in southwestern France.
- Public
- Bordeaux has one of France's best tram networks; regional trains connect major cities; rural areas have limited public transport
- Taxi
- Available via apps (Uber, Bolt in Bordeaux) and radio taxis; reliable in cities
- Rental
- Essential for exploring vineyards, caves, and countryside—widely available at airports and stations
- Walking
- Bordeaux, Biarritz, and La Rochelle historic centers are very walkable
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- €30-40, 20-30 min to Bordeaux center
- Taxi Info
- Fixed rate from Bordeaux-Mérignac; taxis available 24/7 outside arrivals
- Shuttle
- €8, Jet'bus airport shuttle to Bordeaux city center
- Shuttle Info
- Runs every 30 min, journey time approximately 45 min
- Bus
- €1.70, Tram Line A to Bordeaux center
- Bus Info
- Tram serves the airport via Mérignac Soleil stop; purchase ticket at machine before boarding
- Private
- €50-80, pre-booked private transfer from Bordeaux airport
- Private Info
- Book online through airport or hotel concierge; ideal for families with luggage
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
TBM bus and tram network covers Bordeaux metropolitan area; single fare €1.70; day pass €5
Alternatives
Bordeaux V³ bike-share (subscription or day use); electric scooters; tram line to airport
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- €3.50 flagfall + €1.10/km (Bordeaux)
- Apps
- Uber, Bolt, G7 Taxi
- App Names
- Uber, Bolt, G7 Taxi
- Typical Fare
- €8-15 for a typical city ride in Bordeaux or Biarritz
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
FlixBus and regional coaches from €5 (Bordeaux-Bayonne, Bordeaux-La Rochelle)
Shared
BlaBlaCar carpooling popular for medium-distance travel
Flights
Domestic flights Bordeaux-Paris from €50 (Air France)
Private
Car hire from €30/day; fuel approximately €1.80/liter (diesel €1.65/liter)
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Nouvelle Aquitaine is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Bordeaux is the regional hub with a major international airport and TGV service from Paris in just over 2 hours. Biarritz, La Rochelle, Bergerac, and Périgueux also have regional airports. Within the region, car rental is the most practical option for exploring rural areas, vineyards, and prehistoric caves.
Airports
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport
La Rochelle-Île de Ré Airport
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
SNCF Connect
Official French train booking app for TGV and TER regional trains
Uber
Available in Bordeaux, Biarritz, and La Rochelle
Google Maps
Accurate tram and bus routing for Bordeaux and major cities
Ouigo
Budget TGV booking—best for Paris-Bordeaux at lowest prices
V3 (Bordeaux)
Official Bordeaux bike-share app for V³ bicycle stations
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book TGV tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance for best prices (Ouigo offers budget TGV from €10)
Bordeaux City Pass includes unlimited tram and bus travel plus museum discounts
La Rochelle is better explored by bike than car—the Yélo bike-share has e-bikes available
Car is essential for exploring Médoc wine country, Dordogne caves, and Pyrenees villages
Parking in Bordeaux historic center is expensive (€2-4/hour)—use park-and-ride (relais) on tram lines
The Vélodyssée long-distance cycle route follows the Atlantic coast through Nouvelle Aquitaine
Inter-Basque country: Luralbus regional buses connect Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye cheaply