Getting around Bordeaux

The best way to get around Bordeaux is by tram and there are several types of tickets available. For a group, the 10-trip block is very good value at € 13.70. You can use the tickets for anyone in your group. A 1-day ticket (24 hours) costs € 5.00 and a 7-day ticket is just € 14.20. These tickets are personal. A single trip costs € 1.70.

All tickets are valid for 1 hour. Make sure you validate your ticket inside the tram. You can change trams any number of times during the hour, but you must revalidate your ticket each time you change.

Buy your tickets from the machine at any tram stop. Alternatively, you can visit the TBM Ticket Office at Quinconces or Place Gambetta. TBM stands for Transports Bordeaux Métropole, by the way.

Personally, I use the very handy "Witick" application to buy tickets online and validate them using my smartphone. You can buy the following tickets: 1 journey, 2 journeys, 10 journeys, 1 day (24 hours) and 7 days. To validate your ticket, hold your smartphone against the "pingers" inside the tram, just by the door. You'll need an Internet connection and Bluetooth enabled when you travel. The app is very easy to use! Don't speak French? Don't worry: if your smartphone is configured in English, all the instructions will appear in English.

The TBM application is very helpful too because it gives you access to timetables, maps and itineraries.

Our Bordeaux apartment is on the B line, at "Les Hangars", and there's a tram into town every few minutes during the day. The trip takes about 5 minutes (get off at Quinconces, Grand Théâtre, Gambetta or Hôtel de Ville).

Download a map of the TBM tram network here to help you get around in Bordeaux.

Tip: your tram ticket is also valid on the Bordeaux river shuttle, a great way to enjoy excellent views of the city from the water. Please see my short article on How to Use the Bordeaux River Shuttle.

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