Airport to Bordeaux City Center — Transfer Options & Prices
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-10
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Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD) Airport to City Center: Your No-Nonsense Guide
Getting from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) to the city center is easy. It’s just 6-7 km away, and you’ve got real, affordable options. No fancy jargon—just the facts you need. Here’s how to choose.
1. Tram B (The Budget & Efficient Pick)
- What it is: The Tram B line connects BOD directly to the city center (stop: Saint-Jean). It’s the fastest public transport option.
- Price: €2.10 single ticket (buy at the machine inside the airport terminal). You can also get a carnet (10 tickets for €18.50) for future trips.
- Journey Time: 20 minutes. Runs every 10-15 minutes, 5:30 AM–1:00 AM.
- Pros: Super cheap, reliable, covers the whole distance, and it’s air-conditioned. No traffic worries.
- Cons: Luggage can be tricky (small trams, tight spaces). Not ideal for heavy suitcases or strollers. You’ll need to carry bags yourself.
- Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, and those with minimal luggage. Families with one small suitcase can manage, but it’s not the easiest.
2. TBM Bus Line 5 (The Simple, Slightly Slower Option)
- What it is: A regular bus (Line 5) runs from the airport bus stop (outside terminal exit) to the city center (stop: Gare Saint-Jean).
- Price: €2.10 single ticket (same as the tram). Machines inside the bus take cash or card.
- Journey Time: 30-40 minutes. Depends on traffic. Runs every 15-30 minutes, 5:30 AM–12:30 AM.
- Pros: Cheaper than taxi, covers the distance, runs late. You can sit and relax.
- Cons: Slower than the tram, gets crowded during rush hour. Less direct than the tram—takes a slightly longer route through neighborhoods.
- Best For: Budget travelers who don’t mind a bit more time. Families with kids might prefer this over the tram for easier stroller access (though still not ideal).
3. Taxi (The Straightforward, All-You-Can-Handle Option)
- What it is: Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport taxi stand (outside arrivals).
- Price: Fixed fare: €25-30 for the trip to city center. No meter (standard for Bordeaux airports). You pay at the counter when you get in.
- Journey Time: 15-25 minutes. Traffic can slow it down, especially in the evening rush.
- Pros: Door-to-door, no luggage hassle, works for any group size. You can sit back and relax. Perfect for late-night arrivals.
- Cons: Most expensive option. Not budget-friendly if you’re saving cash.
- Best For: Business travelers needing speed, families with heavy luggage or strollers, and anyone tired after a flight.
4. Private Transfer (The Premium, Hassle-Free Choice)
- What it is: Pre-booked car service (e.g., Welcome Pickups, MyBordeauxTransfer) with a driver waiting for you.
- Price: Starts at €50 for a sedan (up to 3 people). Higher for minivans or luxury cars. Prices vary by company and time of day.
- Journey Time: 15-25 minutes (same as taxi). Driver picks you up right at arrivals.
- Pros: No stress—driver meets you, handles luggage, and speaks English. Great for groups or business travelers who want to work on the ride. You don’t have to tram or bus.
- Cons: Costs 2x more than a taxi. Not worth it for solo travelers or tight budgets.
- Best For: Business travelers with a tight schedule, families with lots of bags, or travelers who want a start to their trip.
Which Option Wins? A Quick Breakdown
| Traveler Type |
Best Choice |
Why |
| Budget Traveler |
Tram B |
€2.10 for a 20-minute ride. It’s the cheapest, and you’re not wasting cash. |
| Family with Kids/Luggage |
Taxi or Private Transfer |
Tram and bus are hard with strollers. Taxi avoids the hassle; private transfer is even smoother. |
| Business Traveler |
Private Transfer or Taxi |
Time is money. Both get you to your hotel or meeting fast without waiting or carrying bags. |
Key Tips to Avoid Headaches
- Tram/Buses: Buy your €2.10 ticket before you board (machines in the terminal). Don’t try to pay on the tram—it’s not allowed.
- Taxi: Confirm the fixed fare is €25-30 before you get in. It’s standard, but good to know.
- Private Transfer: Book online in advance (3-5 days before your trip). Show up at arrivals, and your driver will hold a sign with your name.
- Always: Check your flight arrival terminal (BOD has one terminal). All transport options are at the main arrivals level.
Why You Won’t Need Anything Else
Bordeaux-Mérignac is small. You won’t need a shuttle bus (they don’t run from BOD to city center). No metro connects to the airport (Bordeaux only has a tram network). The tram is the smartest choice for most people—cheap, fast, and reliable. If you’ve got cash or luggage, taxi or private transfer is worth the splurge. And if you’re saving every euro, the bus is fine, but the tram is better. No matter what, you’ll be in the city center in under 30 minutes. Just pick your vibe and go.
Plan Your Trip
🚕 GetTransfer — fixed price airport transfer
🚕 Kiwitaxi — compare transfer prices
🚕 Welcome Pickups — meet & greet service
🚕 intui.travel — budget transfers
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🚗 Rent a Car
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