Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) sits around 10 km west of the city centre, and since the tram network was extended directly to the terminal, the transfer here is about as straightforward as they come — no bus-to-tram change required, just a single ride on TBM's tram Line A all the way to Pey-Berland.
The standard way: tram Line A to the airport
TBM's tram Line A now runs directly to a stop at the airport terminal, part of an extension that finally closed the gap between Mérignac and the rest of the tram network. Trams run roughly every 10 minutes, and the ride into the city centre, ending near Pey-Berland in the heart of Bordeaux, takes around 35 minutes. Because trams run on their own dedicated track for most of the route, journey time stays consistent regardless of traffic on the surrounding ring road.
Tickets are bought from machines at the tram stop or via the TBM app, and validated on boarding — no reservation is needed, simply board the next tram heading into the city.
The 30'Direct express bus
For travellers heading specifically to Gare Saint-Jean, the main railway station, or who'd rather skip the tram's intermediate stops, the 30'Direct express bus runs non-stop from the airport into central Bordeaux, generally in a comparable or slightly shorter time than the tram depending on traffic. It costs more than a standard tram ticket but avoids the multiple stops the tram makes along its route, useful if you're catching an onward train and want to minimise the walk between transport modes.
Taxis and rideshare
An official taxi rank operates outside arrivals, with fares to the centre taking around 20–30 minutes depending on traffic on the ring road — similar to or a little faster than the tram, at a considerably higher price. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Bordeaux — see our guide to ride-hailing apps around the world for which service works locally. For late-night arrivals, groups with heavy luggage, or a hotel away from the tram line, a taxi remains the most convenient door-to-door option.
Car hire at the airport
Several car hire desks operate at BOD, genuinely useful if you're planning to explore the wine country beyond the city — the Médoc, Saint-Émilion and the wider Gironde countryside are all realistic day trips or overnight stays by car. Driving into and parking within central Bordeaux itself is less convenient than the tram, given the cost of city parking and how well the tram network now covers the centre. See our guide to driving in France for tolls and the rules of the road.
Where the tram actually goes
Line A doesn't stop at the airport — it continues east right across the city and out to the suburbs beyond the Garonne, calling at central interchanges including Quinconces, a useful hub if your accommodation sits along one of the other three tram lines rather than directly on Line A. Checking your specific stop against TBM's map before you land can save a change of plan once you're on the platform. For the full picture of how the network fits together, including tickets, the Vcub bikeshare and getting to the wine country by train, see our guide to Bordeaux trams and transport.
Connecting onward to the wine country
Because Line A also passes close to Gare Saint-Jean, travellers whose real destination is the vineyards rather than Bordeaux itself can ride the tram from the airport, change to a regional train at the station, and be in Saint-Émilion or the Médoc within the same afternoon, without ever needing a rental car for the journey in. This makes the airport tram a genuinely useful first leg even for visitors who plan to spend most of their trip outside the city, rather than just a way of reaching a Bordeaux hotel.
Luggage, timing and first-timer tips
BOD is a compact airport, and the tram stop is a short, well-signposted walk from the terminal. Ticket machines accept cards as well as cash, so there's no need to arrive with local currency purely for the transfer. If you're arriving very late at night, check current tram operating hours before you fly, since Line A doesn't run right through the night — taxis remain available around the clock as the dependable fallback.
Which option should you choose?
For most visitors heading into central Bordeaux, the tram Line A is now the simplest and most reliable option, having removed the need for a bus-to-tram change entirely. The 30'Direct bus suits anyone heading straight for Gare Saint-Jean who wants to skip intermediate stops. Taxis or rideshare are the better call for late arrivals or heavy luggage.
If you're continuing your trip, see our guides to Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux to Toulouse, or Paris to Bordeaux by TGV. For the national rail picture, see France by train. If you're passing through on a layover, see our guide to leaving the airport during a layover.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Bordeaux Airport to the city centre?
Tram Line A now runs directly from the airport terminal to central Bordeaux (Pey-Berland) in around 35 minutes. The 30'Direct express bus and taxis are also available.
Is there a direct tram from Bordeaux Airport?
Yes — Line A was extended directly to the airport terminal, removing the earlier need to take a bus to a tram interchange further into the city.
Do I need a special ticket for the airport tram?
No, it uses the standard TBM fare system that covers Bordeaux's trams and buses — buy from a machine at the stop or through the TBM app.
Is the 30'Direct bus faster than the tram from the airport?
It can be, particularly if you're heading straight to Gare Saint-Jean, since it runs non-stop, while the tram calls at several stops along the way — though the tram's dedicated track makes it more predictable at rush hour.
Sources and further reading:
- Airport transport information: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport official site.
- Tram and bus routes and fares: TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole).