Getting around Bordeaux TBM
Bordeaux offers a comprehensive public transport network with TBM (formerly TBC). Trams, buses, Bat³ river shuttles and self-service bikes allow travelers to explore the city easily, conveniently, economically and in an environmentally friendly way.
ℹ️ Important: Independent article, not affiliated with the official TBM Bordeaux website. Official information available at infotbm.com .
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux attracts visitors with its architecture, wines, and lifestyle. The TBM (formerly TBC) network is the ideal way to visit its monuments and neighborhoods. It comprises four tram lines, an extensive bus network, Bat³ river shuttles on the Garonne, and a V³ self-service bicycle service. Economical, eco-friendly, and convenient, TBM makes it easy for both residents and tourists to get around. Whether you arrive at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport or Saint-Jean Train Station, this guide will help you plan your trips.
📌 Essential information about TBM (formerly TBC) transport in Bordeaux
- 🚋 TBM Bordeaux tram: 4 lines connecting the city center, train station, and tourist areas.
- 🚌 TBM bus: regular, express, and night services.
- ⛴️ Bat³ Bordeaux: river shuttles crossing the Garonne.
- 🚲 V³: self-service bikes available 24 hours a day.
- 🎫 CityPass Bordeaux: unlimited transport + museum access.
- ✈️ Convenient access: Saint-Jean train station (TGV) and Bordeaux-Mérignac airport.
The TBM Bordeaux (formerly TBC) network is the backbone of public transport in the metropolitan area. Accessible, economical, and sustainable, it allows residents and visitors alike to get around the city easily. Since its name change in 2016, TBM (Transports Bordeaux Métropole) has modernized its services to meet the growing needs of a dynamic city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The network was originally known as TBC (Tram et Bus de la CUB), in reference to the Bordeaux Urban Community. In 2016, it became TBM – Transports Bordeaux Métropole, a clearer name that reflects its central role in urban mobility.
This change was accompanied by a desire to:
The TBM network now covers the entire metropolitan area with a range of complementary modes of transport:
👉 Thanks to this combination, visitors can explore Bordeaux without a car, while reducing their carbon footprint.
The TBM offers a range of solutions tailored to travelers' needs:
⚠️ For fares and updates, always check the official website infotbm.com.
For easy travel in Bordeaux, the TBM (formerly TBC) network is the ideal solution for travelers. Trams, buses, shuttles, and bikes allow you to quickly reach historic districts, museums, quays, and green spaces. With affordable fares and frequent service, visiting Bordeaux by public transportation is convenient, economical, and environmentally friendly.
Many iconic locations are directly served by TBM lines, making the network essential for exploring the city:
👉 With a single ticket or day pass, it is possible to organize a complete tour without a car.
For tourists, the Bordeaux CityPass is a must-have. It combines unlimited access to TBM transportation and free or reduced admission to many museums.
Advantages of the CityPass:
Exploring Bordeaux without a car is easy thanks to the TBM. Here are a few practical tips:
✅ With the TBM Bordeaux (formerly TBC) network, travelers enjoy a smooth experience: all the iconic sites are accessible by public transport, making the visit more enjoyable and environmentally friendly.
Bordeaux is a perfectly connected city, whether by train, plane, or regional bus. From the Saint-Jean train station, Bordeaux-Mérignac airport, or bus connections, visitors have a variety of options for reaching the city and exploring the surrounding area. This accessibility makes Bordeaux an ideal destination for a tourist stay or a starting point for exploring Aquitaine.
Located south of the city center, Saint-Jean train station is the major rail gateway. It connects Bordeaux to major French and European cities:
👉 For travelers, the Saint-Jean station allows them to reach Bordeaux without a car and to continue their journey easily with the TBM network.
Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport welcomes many international and low-cost flights. There are several options for reaching the city center by public transport:
👉 Thanks to the tram and TBM buses, it is now easy to reach Bordeaux from the airport without a car.
Bordeaux is also the ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area thanks to regional coaches:
👉 These connections allow travelers to combine a city break in Bordeaux with trips to the countryside, beach, or vineyards.
✅ In short, whether you arrive by train, plane, or regional bus, Bordeaux offers excellent connectivity. The TBM network complements these connections by facilitating travel within the city.
In addition to the TBM network (formerly TBC), the city offers many transport alternatives in Bordeaux. These practical and eco-friendly solutions facilitate urban mobility and meet the needs of both residents and tourists.
The V³ Bordeaux system provides self-service bicycles throughout the city. With several hundred stations, it allows you to move quickly between neighborhoods and take advantage of bike paths.
👉 It's an economical and flexible solution for visiting Bordeaux in a different way.
Self-service electric scooters complete the mobility offering. They allow you to quickly travel around the city center and the quays. Bordeaux is also investing in soft mobility: expanded pedestrian areas, bike paths, and safe facilities.
For shared journeys, Bordeaux is focusing on carpooling and car sharing. Several platforms allow travelers to reduce their costs while lowering their carbon footprint.
👉 These solutions enhance the appeal of a city that is committed to sustainable and accessible mobility.
To plan your trips on public transport, it is important to consult the official sources of the TBM Bordeaux (formerly TBC) network. This article provides a practical guide for travelers, but ⚠️ it is not the official TBM website. For up-to-date information on schedules, fares, or disruptions, please refer directly to the official channels.
The official TBM Bordeaux website is available at www.infotbm.com. There you will find:
👉 This website remains the go-to resource for hassle-free travel in Bordeaux.
The TBM Bordeaux app (iOS and Android) makes life easier for users:
For assistance, TBM customer service is available:
✅ In summary: for reliable information, always consult the TBM Bordeaux website (infotbm.com) or the mobile app. This article is an independent guide intended to inform travelers and has no official connection with the TBM operator.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
TBM Bordeaux (formerly TBC) tickets can be purchased directly from ticket machines located in tram stations, from authorized points of sale, or via the TBM mobile app. You can also buy tickets at certain partner tobacco shops and newsagents. A ticket is valid on the tram, bus, and Bat³ for one hour. For tourist stays, purchasing a CityPass Bordeaux is often more advantageous as it combines unlimited public transport and museums.
The TBM Bordeaux tram runs every day with high frequency during the day. On weekdays, trams run approximately every 5 to 10 minutes depending on the line, with extended hours in the morning and evening. On weekends, the frequency is slightly reduced, but the major attractions remain accessible. For up-to-date information on Bordeaux tram schedules, visit the official website infotbm.com or use the TBM app, which provides real-time data on traffic and any disruptions.
Yes, the CityPass Bordeaux includes unlimited access to the TBM (formerly TBC) network, i.e., trams, buses, and Bat³ river shuttles, for 24, 48, or 72 hours. In addition to transportation, it provides access to many museums and monuments such as the Cité du Vin, the CAPC, the Musée d'Aquitaine, and the Bassins de Lumières. For travelers, it is an economical and practical solution that combines cultural visits and public transportation. Tickets are available at tourist offices or online.
Yes, it is entirely possible to visit Bordeaux using only public transportation thanks to the TBM Bordeaux network. The tram serves the historic center, the Saint-Jean train station, and the Cité du Vin. Buses complete the offer by connecting the outlying districts, while the Bat³ river shuttles allow you to cross the Garonne. V³ self-service bicycles offer a practical alternative for short journeys. Thanks to the CityPass Bordeaux, travelers can combine unlimited travel with access to museums, making it unnecessary to use a car.