# How to get around Bordeaux without a car?

> Plan your trips in Bordeaux without a car: walking, public transport, bike-sharing, arriving by train or plane, and preparing your return.

Source: https://www.roote.ai/en/guides/getting-around-bordeaux-without-a-car/
Language: en
Author: ROOTE

To get around Bordeaux without a car, combine walking with public transport and, if it suits your trip, a bike-share. Choose your mode based on the addresses to reach, your luggage and the time of travel. Also prepare your arrival and return.

## Choosing between walking, transport and bike

For visits close together in the city centre, first compare the route on foot. This avoids waiting and rental steps. For longer distances or with luggage, check the lines and stops near both addresses.

Bordeaux Tourism presents public transport, cycling and river transport options. Check current lines and schedules with the network, because a tourist guide can keep outdated information.[Bordeaux Tourism — Transport](https://www.bordeaux-tourisme.com/transports/commun).

A bike can complete a trip, but check access and return options. Our[guide to bike-sharing in Bordeaux](https://www.roote.ai/en/guides/bike-sharing-in-bordeaux/)explains the process.

## Preparing your arrival at the station or airport

From Saint-Jean station, find the exact address of your accommodation and access to nearby stops. Compare total travel time rather than just the number of stations. With a suitcase, the walk to the hotel and connections can influence the choice.

For the airport, check service from your departure point, connections and stops on the date of travel. Allow extra time to reach your terminal.

Do not pick a first or last departure based on an old seasonal timetable. Use same-day information and add a margin to reach the terminal or rail platform.

## Match the mode to the trip

| Need | Option to consider |
| --- | --- |
| Several nearby visits in the centre | Walking and occasional public transport |
| Accommodation far from a visit site | Line serving both areas |
| Travel with luggage | Transport with suitable access and connections |
| Cycling route | Availability, route and return station |
| Late outing | Last services and return option |

For a day between the Chartrons, the centre and the station, first place the three addresses on a map. Group nearby stops, then compare transport for longer segments. This preparation avoids choosing a line before knowing the geography of visits.

## Buying and using your ticket

Compare ticket types according to the number of journeys and the length of your stay. Check validation, transfer rules and required support with the relevant service. Prices may change; consult those displayed at the time of purchase.

A transport ticket and bike access are not necessarily interchangeable. Check what is included in your package and any activation steps.

## Locate useful services during the day

Add toilets, luggage storage locations and accessibility needs to your planning. Check opening hours and conditions of each place before arranging a detour.

For toilets, our guide[finding free public toilets](https://www.roote.ai/en/guides/find-free-public-toilets-near-you/)explains how to distinguish location, free access and opening times.

## Preparing the return

Check the last useful service and the time to reach the stop. A nearby result on the map does not guarantee late service. Our guide to[identify the right stop](https://www.roote.ai/en/guides/find-the-right-bus-stop-and-direction/)helps verify the return direction.

You can explore local information available on[ROOTE](https://roote.ai/), then confirm schedules, tickets and alerts with the relevant services.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a car necessary to visit the centre?

Walking and public transport offer options to consider. Choose according to your addresses, mobility and constraints.

### Can I reach the airport by public transport?

Check the lines serving the airport, connections and stops for your departure point and schedule.

### Can I use a bike without an annual subscription?

Check occasional access options to the bike-share, the conditions and the rates before hiring.