Looking for the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Paris to Bordeaux? High-speed trains connect these cities in just over 2 hours, offering a scenic and hassle-free journey through France. Here’s what you need to know:
- Travel Time: TGV INOUI takes about 2h 9m, while OUIGO can be as fast as 2h 4m.
- Ticket Prices: Early-bird fares start at $27 (€25), while last-minute tickets may exceed $108 (€100).
- Operators: Choose between TGV INOUI (premium service with Wi-Fi and spacious seating) or OUIGO (budget-friendly with optional add-ons).
- Booking Options: Reserve tickets online, via the SNCF app, or at the station. Rail passes like Eurail and Interrail offer flexibility but require seat reservations.
- Extras: Both services have luggage allowances, but OUIGO has stricter baggage rules and fees for larger items.
Pro Tip: Book 3–4 months in advance for the best prices, and consider traveling during off-peak hours to save even more.
Whether you’re after speed, savings, or comfort, this guide will help you plan the perfect Paris–Bordeaux train trip.
Tickets and Booking
Available Ticket Classes
TGV INOUI offers two seating options for the Paris–Bordeaux route:
- Standard Class (2nd Class)
- Comfortable seats with power outlets
- Standard luggage allowance
- Access to the bar car
- Prices starting at $27 (around €25) if booked early [1]
- First Class (1st Class)
- Larger seats with extra legroom
- Quieter carriages
- Increased luggage allowance
- Prices typically begin at $54 (around €50) [1]
Rail Passes
If you prefer flexibility, rail passes can be a practical alternative to buying individual tickets.
- Eurail France Pass
- Interrail Pass
- For European residents
- Requires seat reservations on high-speed trains
- Includes special offers such as:
- Free travel for children under 4
- Free Child Pass (ages 4–11) with an Adult Pass
- Discounts for youth (ages 12–27) and seniors (60+) [4]
Booking Methods
Once you’ve chosen your class or pass, you can book your tickets through these convenient options:
- Online Platforms
- At the Station
- Visit ticket windows or self-service machines at Paris Gare Montparnasse
- Booking early is recommended for lower fares
- Last-minute tickets are available but often cost more
- Keep in mind that even with a rail pass, seat reservations are required.
Taking the 2nd Class TGV Train from Paris to Bordeaux
Train Companies and Services
Two main train operators connect Paris and Bordeaux: TGV INOUI and OUIGO.
TGV INOUI Services
TGV INOUI, operated by SNCF, offers a high-speed service with premium amenities:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seating | Comfortable seats with headrests and footrests |
| Power | Individual outlets at every seat |
| Wi-Fi | Free internet access and audio-visual entertainment options |
| Dining | A bar car serving meals, including vegetarian and organic choices |
| Luggage | Space for 2 large bags (approx. 28" x 35" x 20") and 1 carry-on (16" x 12" x 6") |
Business Première passengers benefit from larger seats and access to TGV INOUI Grand Voyageur Lounges [2].
OUIGO, on the other hand, provides a budget-friendly option for travelers.
OUIGO Budget Services
OUIGO offers an affordable high-speed connection between Paris and Bordeaux, with travel times ranging from about 2 hours 7 minutes to 3 hours 43 minutes [6].
Fare Options:
- OUIGO ESSENTIEL: Includes one carry-on (approx. 22" x 14" x 10") and a small personal item. Tickets start at $17 (€16) for adults and $9 (€8) for children [6]. Additional services can be purchased as needed.
- OUIGO Plus: For an extra $10 (€9) [6], this upgrade includes seat selection, allowance for extra/XL luggage, and access to enhanced entertainment like OUIFI (Wi-Fi) or OUIFUN.
OUIGO trains also stop at several stations along the route, providing more boarding and drop-off options.
Additional OUIGO Stops
Stops include the following stations:
- Paris Aéroport Roissy CDG 2
- Paris Marne-La-Vallée Chessy
- Paris Massy TGV
- Paris Montparnasse
All trains are equipped with accessibility features such as elevators, ramps, and barrier-free facilities [7].
Routes and Travel Times
The high-speed rail route connecting Paris and Bordeaux covers roughly 311 miles (500 km). Travelers can pick between direct trains and those with additional stops, depending on their preferences.
Non-Stop Trains
Direct trains run between Paris Gare Montparnasse and Bordeaux Gare Saint-Jean. TGV INOUI completes the journey in about 2 hours and 9 minutes, while OUIGO is slightly quicker at 2 hours and 4 minutes. These options are perfect for those looking to save time.
| Service Type | Journey Duration |
|---|---|
| TGV INOUI Direct | 2h 9m |
| OUIGO Direct | 2h 4m |
Routes with Stops
For those who prefer flexibility or want to explore more along the way, trains with stops are a good choice. These routes pause at key stations, offering glimpses into different regions:
| Station | Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tours | Centre-Val de Loire | Historic landmarks |
| Poitiers | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Medieval architecture |
| Angoulême | Nouvelle-Aquitaine | Known for comic culture |
Trains with stops provide more departure times and fare options, while showcasing the journey from Paris’s bustling cityscape to Bordeaux’s scenic wine country.
Prices and Savings
Ticket Price List
OUIGO tickets start at about $44, average around $65, and can reach up to $90. TGV tickets begin at roughly $47, with an average cost of $84, and can go as high as $128.
(Prices are converted from EUR to USD based on current exchange rates.)
Booking Timeline
For the best prices, book your tickets 3–4 months in advance. Booking 1–2 months ahead usually offers moderate pricing, but fares tend to spike if you wait until the last two weeks – especially during busy travel periods. If you’re planning a summer trip or holiday travel, early bookings can sometimes score promotional fares as low as $25 [1].
Available Discounts
SNCF offers several ticket options to suit different needs:
- Prem’s: Non-refundable tickets at the lowest prices.
- Loisir: Semi-flexible tickets with moderate rates.
- Pro: Fully flexible tickets at premium prices.
These options cater to a range of travelers and lead into the train timetables discussed in the next section.
Train Timetables
Daily Train Count
The Paris–Bordeaux route runs about 23 trains daily, with departures spread across different times of the day [8]. Here’s how the schedule breaks down:
| Time Period | Number of Trains | Departure Window |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 9 trains | 6:01 AM – 11:05 AM |
| Afternoon | 7 trains | 1:57 PM – 5:40 PM |
| Evening | 6 trains | 6:03 PM – 8:35 PM |
| Night | 1 train | 9:41 PM |
Morning sees the highest number of departures, while the afternoon and evening maintain steady availability. Late-night travelers have a single option.
Journey Length
Travel times on this route depend on when you depart:
| Time of Day | Fastest Trip | Longest Trip |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 2h 8m | 3h 45m |
| Afternoon | 2h 8m | 3h 33m |
| Evening | 2h 8m | 3h 24m |
| Night | 8h 47m | – |
Morning, afternoon, and evening trips are relatively quick, while the night train takes significantly longer. Plan accordingly to match your schedule.
Extra Costs and Rules
Ticket Changes
Train operators have different policies for ticket changes. Here’s a breakdown of exchange windows, fees, and cancellation terms:
| Train Service | Exchange Window | Exchange Fee | Cancellation Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| TGV INOUI | Up to 7 days before | Free | Free up to 7 days before departure |
| TGV INOUI | Within 7 days | $20.50 | $20.50 deduction from refund |
| INTERCITÉS | Up to 7 days before | Free | Free up to 7 days before departure |
| INTERCITÉS | Within 7 days | 40% of ticket (max $16.25) | 40% of ticket price (max $16.25) |
| OUIGO | Up to 30 minutes before | $20.50 | Cancellations not allowed |
| TER | Not allowed | – | Full refund available until the day before |
Important: Ticket modifications must be made before the train departs. Once the train leaves the station, changes are typically not allowed [9]. Be sure to also check baggage policies to avoid any surprises.
Baggage Rules
Knowing baggage policies can help you avoid extra fees and ensure a hassle-free trip.
- TGV INOUI: No strict size or weight limits. Just make sure you can handle your luggage and label it with your contact details.
- OUIGO: The basic fare includes one small carry-on and one handbag. If you need to bring a large suitcase, it costs $5.40 per item and must be pre-booked. Size restrictions apply.
For safety, it’s recommended to label all your luggage with your contact information, regardless of the service [10].
Trip Planning Steps
Here’s how to plan your Paris–Bordeaux train trip with ease:
- Pick Your Train
The TGV INOUI is the quickest option, taking just about 2 hours and 9 minutes from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean station [3]. - Choose Your Travel Time
Traveling during off-peak hours – like mid-day, late evening, or mid-week – can help you find cheaper tickets [1]. - Book Early
The earlier you book, the better your chances of grabbing the lowest fares [1]. - Check Route Options
Direct routes save time, but if you’re okay with a longer trip, routes with stops might offer lower ticket prices. - Know the Baggage Rules
Check baggage policies before booking to avoid surprises, as rules and fees can differ.
