Train service
Deutsche Bahn
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is Germany’s national railway company, operating long-distance, regional, and international train services across Europe.
Ouigo
Ouigo is SNCF’s low-cost train service offering affordable high-speed travel in France, Spain, and Belgium with simplified onboard amenities.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
SNCB
SNCB is Belgium’s national railway operator, offering domestic and international train services with flexible ticket options, including youth and senior discounts.
Train tickets
Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Rail pass validity
The Interrail Global Pass is not valid for a resident of France when traveling from Bordeaux to Paris, as it does not cover domestic travel within a resident's own country. The Interrail One Country Pass for France would be valid for this trip if the traveler is a resident of another European country but not for a French resident. The Eurail Pass would be valid for a non-EU resident traveling between Bordeaux and Paris.
Getting around
Arriving in Paris by train places you in a city with an efficient and comprehensive public transportation system. The Paris Métro is one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get around the city, with 16 lines that cover most areas of interest. Stations are conveniently located near key attractions and typically operate from around 5:30 AM to 12:30 AM on weekdays and until about 2:15 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or through the Navigo Easy pass, which offers unlimited travel for a set period. The RER trains supplement the Métro and are useful for reaching further destinations like Charles de Gaulle Airport or Disneyland Paris.
Trams in Paris are modern, efficient, and serve mostly the outer parts of the city, complementing the Métro system. There are several tram lines, and like the Métro, trams require the same type of ticket, making transfers between them seamless.
Buses also provide extensive coverage throughout the city and are ideal for reaching areas not accessible by the Métro. Night buses, known as Noctilien, operate when the Métro is closed, generally from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM.
Taxis are widely available and can be flagged down on the street or found at taxi ranks across the city, especially outside train stations. The minimum fare includes an initial charge, and additional costs apply per kilometer. Charges can increase for night rides or trips that cross certain zones.
Ridesharing services like Uber operate throughout Paris and can be easily hailed via their mobile app. They often provide a more convenient and sometimes less expensive alternative to traditional taxis, especially for longer distances or group travel.
Paris also has a dependable system of Vélib’ self-service bicycle rentals, which provide a healthy and environmentally friendly way to explore the city. The rental system is easy to use, and bikes can be picked up and dropped off at stations across the city.
Onward connections
Paris is a central hub in Europe’s vast rail network, offering numerous convenient connections both domestically and internationally via high-speed and conventional trains. Domestically, the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) lines provide rapid service to major French cities. The Paris to Lyon route is particularly popular, taking around two hours. The Paris to Marseille connection offers scenic views and reaches the Mediterranean coast in approximately 3.5 hours. Paris to Bordeaux connects the city in around two hours, heading towards France's renowned wine regions. For a northern adventure, the journey from Paris to Lille takes about one hour, providing access to the charming architecture of the Nord region.
Internationally, the Eurostar serves as a premier link from Paris to London, travelling through the Channel Tunnel in about two hours and fifteen minutes. The Thalys train connects Paris to Brussels in approximately one hour and twenty-two minutes, extending further to Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam, making the latter city reachable in about three hours and twenty minutes. The TGV Lyria line links Paris to Switzerland, with connections to Geneva, Lausanne, and Zurich, taking about three to four hours. The Renfe-SNCF cooperation facilitates travel from Paris to Barcelona in around six and a half hours, showcasing scenic views en route to Spain. Each of these routes provides efficient, comfortable travel, highlighting the ease and appeal of exploring Europe by train from the French capital.
Best time to visit
The best months to visit Paris are generally from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, allowing for enjoyable walks through the city's beautiful streets and parks. Spring (April to June) in Paris heralds blooming flowers and warming temperatures, while autumn (September to October) brings colorful foliage and the romantic ambiance that Paris is famous for. These shoulder seasons also often mean fewer tourists than the summer peak, offering a more relaxed experience while still providing a lively atmosphere.
Prices for accommodation and attractions tend to be lower compared to the high summer season, though it's wise to book in advance to secure good deals. Travel by train tends to be comfortably busy but not overcrowded during these months, providing a pleasant journey to the city. Furthermore, Paris hosts several festivals and events in these periods, such as the springtime Foire de Paris, which showcases crafts, gastronomy, and innovations, and the Journées du Patrimoine in September, where many historic buildings open their doors to the public for free. As winter gives way to spring and summer turns to autumn, Paris shines with unique activities like outdoor terraces and autumn art shows, ensuring that visiting during these months offers both cultural enrichment and delightful weather.
Frequently asked questions
What affects the cost of a train ticket from Bordeaux to Paris?
According to EveryRail, train ticket prices on the Bordeaux to Paris route are dynamic. Demand significantly affects prices. Higher demand can lead to higher prices. Booking time is crucial. Early bookings are often cheaper. Last-minute tickets tend to be more expensive. Travel class also impacts cost. First-class tickets are pricier than standard ones. The day of travel matters. Weekends and holidays usually see higher prices. Special promotions alter ticket costs. Rail operators may adjust prices based on competition. Time of day influences fares. Peak hours are more expensive. Off-peak times usually cost less.
What trains run from Bordeaux to Paris?
Trains operated by SNCF run from Bordeaux to Paris. Ouigo provides train services from Bordeaux to Paris. Flixbus offers bus services between Bordeaux and Paris. Deutsche Bahn does not operate trains on the Bordeaux to Paris route. Trenitalia does not operate trains on the Bordeaux to Paris route. Benerail does not operate trains on the Bordeaux to Paris route.
How long does the train from Bordeaux to Paris take?
According to EveryRail, the train from Bordeaux to Paris takes 2–3 hours.
When is the best time to travel from Bordeaux to Paris?
The best time to travel is during off-peak hours. Trains are less crowded during weekdays. Avoid early mornings and late afternoons. Prices tend to be lower outside of peak times. Weekends can be busier and more expensive. Consider traveling later in the evening. Check for holidays and events in both cities. These can influence crowd sizes and prices. Midweek often offers more availability. Early booking can secure better rates.
What’s the best route or train to take from Bordeaux to Paris?
SNCF runs direct train services from Bordeaux to Paris. Flixbus operates direct bus services on this route. These are the best direct options available.
What rail passes can I use to travel from Bordeaux to Paris?
According to EveryRail, the One Country Pass applies to the route from Bordeaux to Paris since both cities are within France. The Interrail Pass is valid for EU residents traveling this route. The Eurail Pass applies to non-EU residents for the same route.